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Clinton's Draft Preview: Defensive Line

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Former Redskins running back Clinton Portis provides four names along the defensive line that Washington could select during the 2018 NFL Draft that will take place later this month.

The Washington Redskins will look to the 2018 NFL Draft to add a few playmakers along the defensive line to pair with the likes of Jonathan Allen and Anthony Lanier II among others.

As he continues his position previews for the 2018 NFL Draft, here's four defensive linemen former Redskins running back Clinton Portis believes could fit in well with Washington.


Vita Vea
No player has been linked more to the Redskins in mock drafts over the last few months than Washington defensive lineman Vita Vea.

An expected first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, Vea appeared in 40 games with the Huskies, recording 100 tackles (15 for loss), along with 9.5 sacks, six passes defensed and two fumbles forced.

During the 2017 season, Vea recorded career highs in total tackles (44), solo tackles (31), passes defensed (four) and sacks (3.5) en route to being named a second-team All-American selection while also being named to the All-Pac-12 first-team.

"He's a man-eater," Portis said. "First and second down, he dominates the middle of the pack, third down he probably gives you an opportunity to rush the quarterback. You're talking about a guy that's 350 pounds chasing after a quarterback on third down. If this guy gets into the system, he can create some havoc along with some of our other defensive linemen."  

B.J. HillDespite weighing in at 315 pounds at the NFL Combine, North Carolina State's B.J. Hill posted a sub-five-second 40-yard dash time to go along with 35 bench press reps.

"He's a tough, athletic guy," Portis said. "At the point of contact, his leg drive is excellent. He could fit into this system, he could be a guy that we could use. High-energy guy, great athleticism. Only thing about him, he needs to get stronger in the weight room, but with a couple more years under his belt and a couple more meals at the training table, that's going to be easy to do."  

In four seasons with the Wolfpack, Hill recorded 183 tackles (23.5 for loss) along with nine passes defensed, eight sacks, two fumbles forced, two fumbles recovered and an interception.

Tim Settle
Could Tim Settle join Jonathan Allen as local kids returning home?

Before his two active seasons at Virginia Tech, Settle played his high school ball at Stonewall Jackson in Manassas, Va.

In 27 career games for the Hokies, Settle recorded 53 tackles (19.5 for loss) along with four sacks and two blocked kicks.

"He's drawing rave comparisons to a guy that I played with in Vince Wilfork, who turned out to be an All-Pro with the New England Patriots," Portis said. "This guy's a stocking stuffer and probably the only guy that needs to stay away from the training table. As it's said, the only worry about him is him maintaining his size."

Maurice Hurst
While Maurice Hurst was unable to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Combine due to a medical situation that has since been cleared, he was one of college football's best defensive linemen in 2017.

Name a consensus All-American, Hurst recorded 61 tackles (14.5 for loss) along with five sacks, two passes defensed and one fumble forced.

"This guy has all the intangibles," Portis said. "Probably one of the best players in the draft, but he had a heart condition that caused him to slip a little bit. If healthy, this guy will be a terror on the defensive line."

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