Auburn defensive tackle Dontavius Russell is expected to see a bigger role in 2017 following the departure of Montavius Adams. Russell enters his junior season as a two-year starter and is coming off a season in which he recorded 29 tackles with six quarterback hurries.
The defensive tackle is gaining some serious buzz as a top NFL draft prospect. One anonymous scout told WalterFootball.com that he sees Russell as potential first-rounder.
“Off the top of my head, guys that I think will get first-round love come draft time include: Derwin James (FSU), Trent Thomspson (UGA), Dontavius Russell (Auburn), Malik Jefferson (UT), Sam Hubbard (OSU), Adonis Alexander (VT), Vita Vea (UW), Christian Wilkins (Clemson), Iman Mashall (USC), Kevin Toliver (LSU), Dre’Mont Jones (OSU), Tavares McFaddden (FSU), Josh Sweat (FSU), Andrew Brown (UVA) ….