DJ Dale 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Selected to Nagurski Watch List (2021)
• Has contributed in more than 30 games 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Multiple fronts 
• 2022 projected role:  Starting NT in odd fronts 

Pros: DJ Dale’s plus traits come from his natural athleticism and high motor. Dale is a stoutly-built defensive lineman that has a thick lower half that helps him carry his weight around effectively. When Dale is asked to stunt and twist, you see his athleticism and how he can get the edges of offensive tackles with ease. Dale’s athleticism also shows when he is in pursuit. Dale does a good job of locating the ball carrier and then pursuing him down the field. Dale is a high-effort player. Although he doesn’t seem like the biggest guy on this defense and there may be other guys who are naturally bigger, he wins the starting job because of his relentless effort. 

Cons: Alabama runs a base odd front defense and DJ Dale plays the nose tackle position. At this position, Dale is asked to take on double teams and hold the line of scrimmage so his linebackers can flow freely on the second level. Dale gives max effort to execute, but there are times when it is evident that he doesn’t have the natural body mass to consistently do this for an entire game. Dale usually starts the game off well, but later into the game, you can tell that fatigue starts to play a part. It appears that Dale would be much more effective in an even front where he can use his natural movement skills to get penetration instead of being asked to just maintain the line of scrimmage.

DJ Dale NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez