Tamba Hali DE 6'2 275 Penn St.
By: Robert Davis

Tamba Hali has made the move very few make, moving from defensive tackle to defensive end at Penn St. He started his career as a tackle, and as a sophomore starter, he finished the season with 53 tackles, six for loss, with one sack despite playing hurt for most of the year. As a junior he moved outside to end, and was named All Big 10 after notching 51 tackles, 12 for loss, with six sacks. He turned into a true dominating force, as he had career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, finishing with 62, 17, and 11 on the year.

Hali brings a very good combination of athleticism and strength to the football field. He has the athleticism to beat the tackle and get into the backfield, or to break down and tackle the ball carrier in space. Playing DT also allows him to be a force against the run as well. Hali plays with a great deal of passion and intensity on the field. He won't be outworked and he is coming full force on every down.

Despite his athleticism, Hali has limited pass rush moves. He makes more plays based on his ability to overpower college tackles and with his hustle. Hali also lacks the pure size to be a prime draft pick. When facing NFL sized tackles, he has shown the ability to be neutralized and taken out of plays.

Tamba Hali is a very solid prospect, and could hear his name called in the first round of the draft. He is not the stud playmaker other ends are, and he lacks the true standout gifts to be an elite draft pick. His versatility and toughness will endear him to teams, and he could be the second defensive end off the board.