Caleb Brantley, DL
School: Florida | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 300 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late 1st or early 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Gerald McCoy
College Statistics
Player Overview
I’m really not sure how Caleb Brantley is not in the first conversation yet. Brantley is one of the best defensive tackles in all of college football and played at a level much better than his statistics indicate. If I had to put money on it I would bet Brantley works his way squarely into the middle to back half of the first round conversation in the coming months which in theory should make him a prime Redskins target at pick #17. Brantley has power, quickness, active hands, and a relentless motor. What makes him particularly exciting though is his ability to shed blocks and keep working to cause pressure. The junior will be in play for a lot of teams as he’s scheme versatile and can play as a prototypical 3-tech DT in an even front or a 5-tech DE in an odd front.
Strengths
- Impressive get off and burst, uncanny ability to shoot the gap for a defensive lineman.
- Relentless motor and play style. Brantley also has an excellent attitude and A+ confidence he loves football.
- Well put together frame with impressive play strength he can bullrush lineman or swat them aside to get after the ball.
- A devastating array of pass rush moves including a great punch, rip and swim move that quite frankly leaves a lot of offensive linemen embarrassed.
Weaknesses
- Somewhat stiff hipped when doesn't let him bend or change direction as effectively as he needs to consistently finish a play.
- Occasionally plays with too high a pad level which neutralizes his power.
- Is always trying to jump the snap count and called for encroachment and offsides penalties more than what’s going to be acceptable.
Let’s see his work:
Best 3-technique in this draft? Depends on who you see there. Either Demarcus Walker or Caleb Brantley IMO
— Daniel Parlegreco (@DTPDraftScout) January 28, 2017
Idk if it's a compliment or an insult when people think I'm 275 I'm 300 pounds !!
— Caleb Brantley (@RichYungg57) February 9, 2017
Caleb Brantley is a dangerous 3T/DT... Combo to win w/ quickness off ball, use leverage/penetration/power, & skill/craft to play off blocks
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 8, 2017
DL Caleb Brantley (Florida, 6'2", 297lbs) will be a problem for NFL OL. Burst, violent hands, power, nasty swim move, secondary spin move. pic.twitter.com/WqtrZqJ6C7
— My Colts Account (@MyColtsAccount) January 27, 2017
DL Caleb Brantley (Florida, 6'2", 297lbs). Incredible strength @ POA to fight off blockers. Often able to disrupt backfield. Too many MTs. pic.twitter.com/OkgX9YXdRD
— My Colts Account (@MyColtsAccount) January 27, 2017
I'm a fan of Caleb Brantley. The production doesn't match the ability. Quick-twitch, tough guy to block, relentless. 3-Tech DT.
— Dan Turner (@dtsturner) January 18, 2017
Caleb Brantley
— fge fan acct (@DeathToDurant) January 17, 2017
Monster pic.twitter.com/pt0frKtN0u
#Florida DL Caleb Brantley: Disruptive, Explosive, Quick first step, great hands, Good motor. Needs to finish more but lot to like
— Paul Conner (@P_ConnerJr) January 17, 2017
Caleb Brantley DT Florida is a solid 2nd round caliber player. Can play the 1-3-5 tech etc. Great hands to dislodge from OL. Disruptive.
— Kevin Turner (@ktfuntweets) January 13, 2017
If @GatorsFB DL Caleb Brantley brings some of this to the #NFL...All is good! #NFLdraft #GoGators @outbackbowl #outbackbowl pic.twitter.com/6w2IcCuaBs
— Big County Preps NL (@BCPnextlevel) January 8, 2017
Caleb Brantley is just too quick. pic.twitter.com/QPpwPGS9w6
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) December 16, 2016
Look at Caleb Brantley's hands. So powerful. Kid is one of my pet cats. He's ridiculous. 1st rounder #Gators pic.twitter.com/poKpnoAnpw
— Daniel Parlegreco (@DTPDraftScout) November 16, 2016
Caleb Brantley with an impressive 3 shed blocks in a single play: pic.twitter.com/QSCeVF8oCo
— Kyle Crabbs (@NDTScouting) June 18, 2016
rewatching the florida - lsu game to get a look at davon godchaux and caleb brantley pic.twitter.com/HrmnldUpsH
— charles of 300 (@FourVerts) January 7, 2017
How He Would Fit On The Redskins
If the draft were today and Caleb Brantley was on the board at #17 and I had to make the call I would be half way to the phone by now to make the pick. Barring some outrageous unforeseen circumstance I think Brantley works his way into the first round. His talent as a run defender and as a pass rusher is just too good for him to slide very far. Brantley would be an immediate starter for the Redskins as a DE and even could slide inside on passing downs or when the defense shifts to an even front. The power and initial quickness Brantley would bring to the Redskins defensive line which is in desperate need of youth and talent shouldn't be overlooked.