Daniel Kelly First to Put Top 10 Grade on Darius Alexander

I didn’t believe it until I watched Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander play in 2023 and 2024.

He looked like a man amongst boys out there.

As the tape was playing, thoughts of the No. 1 pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Eric Swann started going through my mind. Alexander and his dominant alpha vibe began reminding me of Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

Wowzer.

Dick Haley, God rest his soul, was the Director of Player Personnel during my time in pro scouting with the Jets. He was revered in the league and the architect of the Steelers’ dynasty of the 70s. Mr. Haley was kind to me and he would give me scouting insights from time to time. He shared with me that ‘smaller school guys,’ have to look dominant on their tape to have a chance.

That describes Alexander, who’s been gaining respect in the NFL Draft community over the past few weeks, and after studying his film, I see why.

At will

Alexander takes over games WHENEVER HE FEELS LIKE IT.

The only other defensive tackle I’ve seen be able to do this in the past four drafts is Eagles’ Jalen Carter when he was coming out of Georgia (No. 9 pick 2023).

This is the kind of prospect I live for as an evaluator.

Raw unadulterated brute power.

I found myself enjoying watching Alexander’s game film ⎯and that’s a good sign within itself.

He’s pretty to look at in his stance pre-snap and he’s even prettier coming off the ball. I caught reps against Illinois, Buffalo, Pitt, and Western Kentucky when he rag-dolled offensive guards. I mean he flexed them boys right back into the quarterback’s face. My kind of guy. He has enough to him to ‘will’ things to happen.

The more I watched, the more I fell in love.

Biggest negative

He doesn’t do that often enough.

Alexander had no business ever getting stalemated by any blocks at the level of competition he was playing at. I watched it happen. When he flipped the switch, it was over.

Grown man stuff.

My conclusion ⎯I don’t believe in my heart it’s an inconsistent effort thing with Alexander. I think he’s unpolished. Scary thought. His signature swim move was like watching poetry in motion going over the top of offensive linemen before squeezing the life out of the gaps and blowing up the pocket.

I’m telling you, when everything was done right, he destroyed the man in front of him.

Dominance waiting to happen

I’m the first person in the draft community to value Alexander in the top 10 (as of 3/10/25).

My immediate goal is to become a college area scout on an NFL team and my long-term goal is to become an NFL GM. My work is my signature on my football resume.

I don’t put my name on these evaluations lightly.

Grab some popcorn 🍿

#9 Darius Alexander 6-foot-4, 310 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2025 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 5.2% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of March 10, 2025 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2023 game film evaluated: Illinois, Buffalo, Miami-Ohio, Wyoming, Texas Southern, Central Michigan, and Northern Illinois (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2024 game film evaluated: Akron, Bowling Green, Pitt, and Western Kentucky

2025 Senior Bowl: Day 1 and Day 2

Pro Football Focus: 4 sacks and 25 hurries (2024), 7 sacks and 30 hurries (2023)

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Harsh three-down defensive tackle with imposing equally distributed explosive strength. Plays with his head up. Violent controlled disposition. Athletic build. Long arms. Big bubble. Thick thighs. Powerfully built long legs. Agile. Fluid. Flashed spin and rip pass rush moves. Inconsistent first step. Quick and violent hands. Sudden. Can lock out and jolt at the point of attack. Tremendous force. Loses mojo once initial efforts are neutralized. I charted 42 pass play and 34 run play double team blocks. Sometimes can split double teams. Good short area acceleration. Smooth movements. Flashed burst. Run defense is important to him. Inconsistent shed. Questionable instincts on run plays.

Final words

Alexander is a culture changer.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.