Defenders nationwide put on a show in some big-time games and pushed themselves into the national spotlight. Here are some players who are Week 13’s defensive NFL Draft risers because of their performances this week.
High-Flying Linebackers Lead Week 13’s Defensive NFL Draft Risers
EDGE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
Louisville’s star pass rusher hasn’t seen the same production as in recent years, but he looked like his 2023 self this weekend. Gillotte sacked the Pittsburgh quarterbacks twice in the Cardinals’ 37-9 blowout win. He put up his best statistical performance of the season and was hounding the Panthers’ offense all game. The Shrine Bowl Breakout Player of the Week also tacked on three tackles-for-loss in a game-changing performance.
Gillotte’s draft stock has wavered a bit but his athletic traits are still very much there. He plays best from a pure EDGE position. His ability to force linemen into uncomfortable situations and take advantage of them was on full display. He could sneak into Day 2 but is likely to get picked in the front half of Day 3 as a developmental project.
Potential Team Fit: San Francisco 49ers
LB Shaun Dolac, Buffalo
The best tackler in the nation showed a lot more than just tackling skills in Buffalo’s win over Eastern Michigan. While his nine tackles were the lowest single-game total of his senior campaign, he tacked on a sack and two interceptions, running one back for six. Dolac, as usual, was flying sideline to sideline and showcased some impressive movement abilities on his INT return.
His projection to the NFL remains wide open, as there are some legitimate questions about how his play style translates. If he can continue to play as well and as completely as he is right now, some of those concerns could be dispelled. Dolac works extremely firmly in the middle of the field and could be a commodity to LB-needy teams in April.
Potential Team Fit: Arizona Falcons
LB Cody Simon, Ohio State
Next to fellow star linebacker Sonny Styles, Cody Simon has consistently played at a high level for the Buckeyes in 2024. He’s been slowly improving his draft stock and this week he made a massive statement against Indiana. He picked up 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2.5 TFLs, and a forced fumble in a dominant showing. His presence was felt all game and he finished with Big-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Simon often gets grouped into the late Day 3 range but has recently skyrocketed up boards. He can navigate defensive schemes with above-average athleticism and noticeable all-around instincts. His reliability for OSU this season has been invaluable, and if he continues to excel, he could wind up as a Top-100 selection.
Potential Team Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
Despite the Hokies’ 31-28 loss to Duke, Dorian Strong has his side of the field thoroughly locked down. He allowed a 0.0 passer rating, picked off Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy twice, and forced an incompletion. His interceptions came on back-to-back drives and he was in the zone for all 60 minutes. He squared up against multiple solid wideouts and didn’t give any of them an inch.
Strong has already seen himself hovering on draft boards around the 4th round range and is pushing for Day 2. His performance this year has been as steady as anyone’s and smothers experienced wide receivers every week. He continues to prove that he can match up with just about anyone and is making a name for himself as a legitimate prospect.
Potential Team Fit: Miami Dolphins
Main Image: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
