A mammoth defensive tackle, Vernon Butler became the first player from Louisiana Tech to go in the opening round of the NFL draft in 18 years. He was selected with the #31 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.
Butler is a multi-dimensional defensive tackle that can play the role of the block absorbing or he can push the pocket almost at will. He is wildly athletic for his size, showing a rare ability of someone his size to move across the line of scrimmage.
He has impressive durability, playing just as strong in the fourth quarter as in the first.