College Eye for the NFL Guy: DeMarcus 'Tank' Tyler

NFL scouts think they know him, but they're wrong...

DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler, senior defensive tackle, NC State

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

An explosive, agile big man who can take over games has many scouts salivating. But there are enough cringeworthy "cons" on his evaluation sheet to hurt Tyler's draft status. First he's probably got the most unfortunate nickname of any draftee. "Tank" just gets people thinking of the troubled (but talented) "Tank" Johnson. Given the NFL's new focus on behavior, being associated with Johnson will give teams pause. Tyler didn't help his rep out with his actions. He was arrested for assaulting a police officer, suspended for spitting on an official, is known for his inconsistent effort and bombed the wonderlic.

On the field, scouts love his explosiveness, ability to occupy multiple defenders and NC State recent success in grooming defensive lineman.

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED...

Late on the first day. Regardless of the character issues, Tyler still offers too much upside in a league where every advantage is needed. Some team will probably take a chance on him in the late second round.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM ~~FOR FOUR YEARS~~ OCCASIONALLY FOR TWO SEASONS

You know how some guys you hate going against but would secretly love to have on your team? Tyler is not one of them. I hated facing him because he can and did change games. But seeing his behavior made me think he was more trouble than he's worth.

Now NFL GMs are not puritans. Even with all the PacMan Jones issues swirling around the League, what you can do on the field still trumps problems you might cause in the strip club or locker room. Who cares if he mouths off or yo-yos on his diet? The guy can play. Defensive Coordinators keep dreaming up new ways to generate pressure, so a guy like Tyler, who can cause all sorts of havoc on the interior, is invaluable. I wouldn't take a chance on him, but someone surely will.