Defensive Line Notes: Tennesee Tech

Looks like Iowa made good on their rotation plan up front. Saw a lot of bodies coming in and out of there during this one. I'd expect this to continue and really it's probably a good thing for both depth and the overall effectiveness of the unit. Be interesting to see what kind of minutes Davis gets coming off his injury and how he effective he is. Iowa really needs a big anchor type DT when teams try to take control of the LOS and Davis has the size to fill that role.

Lots of stunts again to start the year for the front four, especially in passing situations. Probably more than we saw last year from Iowa, but this is a different line tools wise. With 3 NFL caliber guys up front they could play straight up and win, but that luxury is gone this year. They were consistently able to get pressure and cause issues for Tenn Tech. Didn't always finish the play, but they definitely disrupted timing consistently. As a unit they need to keep the disruption and the penetration while finishing a few more plays.

The shotgun running plays for Tenn Tech were effective through-out this one and DL had issues finding the ball. This unit will need to tighten up the run defense and improve their ability to shed blocks, find the ball,  and control their gaps in the run game. Pass rush wise the rotation will keep fresh legs out there and most of the guys have some pass rushing tools. Daniels is going to be constant pass rush threat and Binns is capable, but Iowa needs more guys to emerge as pass rushing threats.

Binns
Really liked what I saw from Binns out there this game. He looks a bit bigger than he did last year and still has the same good get-off and long arms. He will need to be a threat off the edge and help make QB's nervous in the pocket. He needs to work on his array of pass rush moves and confuse OT's a little more than he has in the past. Would like to see him set up a spin move back inside after pushing the edge repeatedly as it will keep OT's honest. He should still be very effective at getting into passing lanes and batting down balls, as he just seems to have a knack for it.

Daniels
Daniels looks to be just as disruptive as he was last year and still shows that relentless motor, above average get-off, and very good power. Looked very powerful and quick off the snap and pretty much did as he liked against the interior guys for Tenn Tech. Did play a little high a couple of times and flew by the undersized Tenn Tech QB who had some good elusiveness to him. Would like to have seen him finish a few more plays after he penetrated the back-field, but the sloppy conditions probably didn't help with that. Looks like he's gonna be a handful for opposing interior lines again this year.

Alvis
Iowa just keeps finding undersized DT's who can fit that high motor, high activity mold. Alvis showed some flashes but isn't a guy who can play every down and come out on top. He's about 20lbs lighter than you'd like to see, but he's still young and has time to add size. Looks good in stunts and can give interior guys problems with quickness.  He needs to add some size and strength but he's showing some flashes that remind you of Klug, Kroul and King.

Daniel
Showed sound technique and held the edge fairly well most of the time. Did miss a chance for a sack but at least closed down his side of the field by playing it outside in. Not a guy that's going to take over games but can definitely bend the corner at times. Should be able to make QB's nervous on 3rd downs and as he plays more he should develop as a pass rusher. Wasn't able to shed blocks as quickly as you'd like to see in the run game and he'll need to improve there as the year goes on.

Nardo
Iowa got a nice little surprise from Nardo,  who subbed for Alvis quite a bit, in this one as he looked effective and got into the backfield when he got on the field. Got in on a lot of tackles and showed he can be effective. Not a guy who's going to play every snap for you, but if you can get 10 quality snaps a game that can make a big difference.

Forgy, Gaglione, Bigach
Didn't really see enough of these guys to make much of a call. They should continue to see some snaps and if they can be effective they should continue to get snaps.