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NFL.com's Gil Brandt explains it very well in this article from the AJC:

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-bl ... ead-coach/

[quote]“Nick Saban told me that the (lowest) weight they could get him down to was 356 pounds,” Brandt said. “I think the guy tires. I’ll tell you what, you are going to have a hard time. . . these players that once they leave college and lead a more settled life when they get into the NFL, historically they gain weight.”

Cody tipped the scales at 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl.

“If you were assured you were going to be able to keep (his weight) down. . .he’d be alright,” Brandt said.[/quote0

Well, Grady Jackson had similar weight issues. But unless Jerry isn't coming back, DT isn't the biggest need on our DL. If Jerry is coming back, then I'd look for DT depth later in the draft.

But Jackson's issues didn't arise until he was 10 years in the league. It's one thing when you enter the league as a 290-pounder, and then 5 years later you're 330 pounds, but have already established yourself as a capable NFL starter (as Jackson had done to date).

It's another thing when you enter the league out of shape, because as Brandt says, guys tend to add weight in the league.

If you don't have the discipline in college, then you're unlikely to develop that discipline once you get to the pros and have millions of dollars and are out on your own and not in a structured environment that college can be.