Kawann Short, DT

04/25/2013 - ROB RANG'S FINAL 2013 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: 43. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Snap-to-snap consistency has been an issue with Short throughout much of his career, but he has also proven to be a natural playmaker, averaging 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and three blocked kicks during the past three years. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

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Short is a disruptive playmaker who leaves Purdue with 48 tackles for loss as a four-year starter. It has been a steady development for the former three-star recruit out of the Chicago area who redshirted in 2008.

He enjoyed his best statistical season as a junior with 54 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Short was the focus of every team's offensive gameplan in 2012, but still managed 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks despite battling an ankle injury for several games.

Short squats more than 600 pounds and bench presses in the 400s.

STRENGTHS: Large human being with a huge wingspan, using his long arms to bat down passes and make plays on special teams. Showed determination and team-first attitude in playing through ankle injury in 2012. Can be an immovable object in the middle of the field when he plays disciplined and generates power from his lower body.

WEAKNESSES: Too often gives streaky effort and doesn't consistently play with leverage. Saw a lot of double-teams, but scouts want to see more of a mean streak and less passiveness. While Short will be an attractive pro prospect because of his natural size and tools, he needs to prove he can be consistently more than just a plugging space-eater.

COMPARES TO: Domata Peko, DT, Bengals - Like Peko, Short has a stout, wide frame to consistently stuff the run, but also shows the foot quickness to penetrate and makes plays away from the line of scrimmage. Although there are questions about Short's consistency, he has potential to be a consistent starter like Peko.

--Rob Rang