DT Fletcher Cox Likely On Broncos Mind

Mississipi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox was a sprinter in high school. At 240 pounds, Cox was either second or the anchor in the 4 x 100. Imagine an elephant running down a bowling lane.

Now standing 6’4″ an weighing 295 pounds, Cox’s days on the oval are over, but he’s hoping that his years on the NFL turf are just beginning.

The third year junior out of Mississippi State spent the month of December talking to his family about whether he should leave school early for the NFL.

He was a first-team all-SEC selection with 14 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks. He played defensive tackle in the three technique and defensive end in the five technique. One thing that stands out about Cox is that his motor never stops running. ‘Quit’ doesn’t exist in his mind. That’s what makes him so attractive to scouts.

“I played in the SEC and feel like it is the next step to the NFL.”

Many analysts consider Cox the second best tackle in the draft, only behind Penn State’s Devon Still.

As far as talent goes at defensive tackle, it doesn’t run deep in the 2012 NFL draft. The prime picks at the position will come from the first couple of rounds, and that’s why the Denver Broncos will likely use their 25th overall pick on a defensive tackle.

Cox could be a real possibility for the Broncos because of his versatility. There are plenty of upsides to Cox, but he still has a lot of work ahead of him.

“I think I could get a whole lot better at pass rushing, better with my hands off the edge,” Cox admitted to the media at the combine.

Cox spent his Friday night talking to the Dallas Cowboys. He seems to know what teams want from the interview process.

“I have good character,” Cox said. “I’m a good guy off the field, but on the field, I do whatever the coach tells me to.”

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