The Kansas City Chiefs struggle to generate pressure from the interior of their defensive line when Chris Jones isn’t on the field. The team should select a defensive tackle in the 2025 NFL draft to add depth and pass rush potential.
Toledo Rockets standout Darius Alexander might be Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins in disguise. The two possess similar elite physical traits and rare movement skills for their size. Collins is a little taller and longer than Alexander, but the Toledo product still stands out as a freak athlete among this year’s defensive tackles.
Alexander is a tall, thick 6’4″, 310 lb. defensive tackle with long arms. He gets off the line and exchanges gaps quickly for a large lineman. This gives him value shooting gaps and penetrating the backfield with his athletic traits.
Alexander’s pass rush plan includes club-swims, long-arms, push-pulls, spins and swims. His hands display flashes of pop that displace offensive linemen. Alexander uses his length to pry up the guard’s pad level and gradually walk him back into the pocket. His hands are hyperactive but often lack a refined purpose, and he doesn’t have instant-win pass rush moves.
— James Foster (@JamesFosterNFL) October 30, 2024
Alexander doesn’t anchor against the run at an elite level. He resets the line of scrimmage by knocking offensive linemen backward but times his anchor poorly. He fails to maximize his length, which leads to missed opportunities to shed blocks. Double teams easily displace Alexander because of his high pad level.
Alexander posts some dominant one-on-one wins in run defense but needs to become more consistent in that area of his game.
Toledo qualified for a bowl game. Even if Alexander opts out to prepare for the draft, there’s still another chance for fans to see him in uniform. He committed to attending the Senior Bowl alongside teammate Maxen Hook. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s premier all-star event, drawing top prospects from across the country.
