D.J. Fluker Evaluation
Evaluation - D.J. Fluker
They do not make them much bigger than Fluker. This is a mountain of man and likely still growing. Despite his freakish measurables he is a good football player, that carries his size well, and has a bunch of potential. You could have a debate over where he will play in college.
He has been a high school defensive tackle and you could see him as a Ted Washington type at the college level. You could also make an argument that he would make a good offensive tackle with some work. On defense he can be a space eater. Would be a nice fit in a 3-4 defense at the nose where he can take up blocks and fill space. He displays the ability to come off the ball with good pad level and does a good job of bringing his hands.
When he keeps his pads down he can control a blocker and easily hold his ground. He does need to watch his pad level as he is leverage disadvantaged. When he plays high he can struggle some to get off blocks. Will flash a good get-off at times and can barrel his way into the backfield.
As a pass rusher he can get push and collapse the pocket. He will flash the ability to try and work to half-a-man and rip through. His frame presents a tough obstacle for quarterbacks to throw around.
In the right scheme Fluker can be an asset as a defensive tackle. He does need to watch his weight and try and keep some of the mobility he has shown flashes of. It could be argued that the ideal for this kid may be to learn the offensive tackle position. He will likely line up as a left tackle in high school his senior year and that may be the springboard to a possible long career at that position.
When you see him push blockers around on defense you believe that he can keep that big frame low and just blow defenders off the ball in the run game. His use of hands on defense make you believe he can get good hand placement and control an opponent. He will need to grow as a pass blocker, but he is a big target to get around. He has the power to be able to punch and knock a rusher off stride.
His wing span can allow him to push a rusher past the pocket and if he can get his hands on he can lock a rusher down. He flashes the feet to handle athletic rushing ends, but naturally there will be a learning curve and this remains the biggest question.
There is little doubt that he can be a bulldozing run blocker, but how can he adapt to pass blocking? Fluker is a good prospect as he is huge and gives you good options. What position he plays will likely have to do with where he goes and their needs.
