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Draft Watch: Defensive ends
By Dan Pompei
An analytical look at the top defensive ends in the 2006 draft:
1. Mario Williams, N.C. State, 6-6, 292. Is a huge, explosive pass rusher who can be physically dominating. Is a beast with rare athleticism for his size. Overwhelms blockers. Can shed and make plays versus the run. Has a good feel for where the quarterback is. Can slide inside on passing downs. Similar to Julius Peppers. Doesn't always play hard. Wears down in some games. Junior; might need to mature. Doesn't always read the play correctly. Must develop counter moves and an inside rush. Technique needs work. Doesn't know how to split a double team. Lacks ideal foot quickness. Has straight-line speed.
2. Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 256. Is a short and light, but a football player. Has a thick lower body, and can generate the strength to drive a tackle backwards. Very good run defender; finds the ball, disengages well and is a sure-handed tackler. Has good instincts. Uses hands well. Plays with good leverage. Deploys a variety of pass rush moves. Works his way across the line to make plays. When near the quarterback is like a shark that smells blood. Goes for the ball. Plays hard consistently. Is in the Hugh Douglas mold. Productive.
3. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State, 6-4, 248. Is undersized but has everything else teams seek. Is explosive, athletic and fights. Creates space by colliding and bursting. Can power rush, and has some outside speed. Knows how to cut back inside. Can change directions. Is light on his feet. Isn't a great run player, but isn't bad. Also could be considered at outside linebacker in a 3-4.
4. Tamba Hali, Penn State, 6-3, 263. Is a crafty, determined pass rusher who relies on quickness and ability to redirect. Plays with strength and leverage. Intensity may be his best trait. Uses his hands well. Is not a speed rusher. Instincts are questionable. Gets hung up on blocks at times, and can be overpowered. Sometimes gets pushed around against the run. Maximizes his ability. Disappears in some games. Did not have a great workout.
5. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College, 6-6, 261. Has an ideal build for pass rushing. Wingspan is huge. Has a slithery style befitting of a basketball player, which he used to be. Is athletic and can run. Has some burst. Can use his hands some. Plays upright. Lacks instincts. Doesn't get good leverage and struggles against the run. Probably isn't sudden enough to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Lacks ideal foot quickness. Needs technique work. Gets locked on to blockers. Body control and agility are just OK. Can develop.
6. Elvis Dumervil, Louisville, 5-11, 257. Is a little guy who makes big plays. Long arms help offset lack of height. Has a great feel for rushing the passer. Is a sack artist. Gets around blockers by getting beneath their pads. Has a good counter move inside. Uses his hands to free himself. Dogged competitor. Twists and turns his body to get through the cracks. Has a burst to finish the play. Is strong for his size. Gets engulfed versus run at times. Was very productive, but tailed off late in the season. Has been compared with Dwight Freeney, but lacks Freeney's explosiveness, and Freeney doesn't have Dumervil's craftiness. Didn't help himself at the Combine. Is a boom or bust guy.
7. Manny Lawson, North Carolina State, 6-5, 238. Is a long-limbed speed rusher who is a finesse player. Has a burst. Can cut back inside. Uses an array of moves. Hand use is pretty good. Gets surprising leverage given his build. Is a bit gangly and struggles to redirect. Takes some plays off. Can get bulled against the run. Is also considered as an outside linebacker prospect and situational rusher.
8. Parys Haralson, Tennessee, 6-1, 248. Is an undersized pass rusher with nice burst. Can vary up his pass rush. Sticks his nose in there against the run, and is a decent run player for his size. Is competitive and physical. Some consider him an outside linebacker prospect, but his ability to drop is in question. Might be a situational player.
9. Mark Anderson, Alabama, 6-4, 255. Is a solid pass rusher who can get to the quarterback a number of ways. Is quick off the snap. Can be explosive. Has some outside speed. Uses a good swim move. Shows good hand use. Can cut back inside. Makes some plays on want-to. Isn't big or stout, and gets knocked around against the run.
10. Rob Ninkovich, Purdue, 6-3, 255. Is a pass rusher who can get bend and get the edge. Has an array of moves -- club, rip and spin. Hustler; wins with effort. Isn't explosive. Doesn't play the run well. Didn't help himself at the Combine. Is a 'tweener; might be too small for end and not athletic enough for linebacker. Can be a situational pass rusher.
11. Frostee Rucker, Southern Cal, 6-3, 261. Is a penetrator with a nice burst. Rushes with urgency. Uses hands well. Has a feel for getting to the quarterback. Is fairly strong. Tackles well. Plays high at times. Is average athletically. Doesn't have great speed. Gets pushed around a bit in the running game. Can improve by getting strong. Has potential.
12. Victor Adeyanju, Indiana, 6-4, 274. Is a big man who doesn't have great athleticism or speed, but has some pass rush ability. Productive; started 43 games in college. Uses long arms well. Has a good burst off the line. Lacks body control. Has a thick build. Could be best suited as a 3-4 defensive end. Stock has dropped. Is a work in progress whose best football could be ahead of him.
13. Julian Jenkins, Stanford, 6-4, 275. Isn't a top athlete, but has a good football body. Plays hard. Uses his hands well. Can be explosive. Will anchor effectively against the run. Could be a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 end on first and second downs who slides to tackle on nickel downs.
14. Ray Edwards, Purdue, 6-5, 274. Has a nice combination of size and athleticism. Is one of the better speed rushers in the draft. Has the body control to work the edge. Had a really good workout. Doesn't always find the ball. Must add some moves. Is not stout against the run. Didn't get along with his coaches. Scouts wonder if he's competitive enough.
15. Chris Gocong, Cal Poly State, 6-2, 263. Is explosive, intense, determined and disruptive. Gets off snap quickly. Isn't flashy, but works hard. Was productive, but hasn't played against top competition. Is small for defensive end, but could be a 3-4 outside linebacker. Had an excellent Combine workout to improve his standing.
16. Jason Hatcher, Grambling State, 6-6, 284. Is big, athletic; could be disruptive. Has burst to close. Has experience playing inside. Can add weight and strength and really develop as a player. Must refine technique. Is a work in progress.
17. James Wyche, Syracuse, 6-5, 262. Is a tall edge rusher with straight-line speed. Has long arms and uses a variety of pass rush moves. Uses hands well. Doesn't change directions well and isn't very athletic. Battler; never quits. Tends to play too high. Wasn't very productive. Isn't real physical.
18. Jeremy Mincey, Florida, 6-3, 259. Is intense but isn't a great athlete. Has some straight-line speed. Is good in pursuit. Gets good leverage. Can shoot gaps. Could add bulk. Run defense is not his strong suit. Doesn't bend well.
19. Charles Bennett, Clemson, 6-4, 258. Is a lean edge rusher with good speed and long arms. Finesse rusher. Finds the ball. Takes good angles. Puts himself in position to make plays. Isn't a natural pass rusher. Lacks ideal strength against the run.
20. Mike Kudla, Ohio State, 6-2, 265. Is a quick, run-around player who lacks height. Is good in pursuit. Is scrappy and a hustler. Must be in an up-the-field scheme. Could be a defensive tackle in the right system. Maximizes his ability, but is limited physically and athletically. Has excellent weight-room strength, and shows it with in-line pop.
21. Eric Henderson, Georgia Tech, 6-2, 261. Is a speed rusher who can turn the corner. Runs well. Gives good effort. Isn't real explosive. Lacks strength against the run. Isn't physical. Doesn't get off blocks well.
22. Stanley McClover, Auburn, 6-2, 258. Comes off the snap hard and plays with explosiveness. Has some straight-line speed. Isn't a natural pass rusher. Isn't strong against the run. Scouts question his competitiveness. Junior; could have benefited from another year in school.
23. Charlton Keith, Kansas, 6-4, 236. Is a thin, athletic pass rusher. Has the speed and quickness to beat blockers on the edge, or cut back inside. Had an impressive workout. Lacks bulk and strength for the running game. Could be a linebacker. Might have to be a situational pass rusher.
24. Ryan LaCasse, Syracuse, 6-2, 257. Is an undersized pass rusher who can run. Has straight-line speed. Shows toughness, but lacks the strength to hold up against the run. Is stiff athletically. Works out better than he plays.
25. Devan Long, Oregon, 6-3, 267. Is an athletic player with a knack for rushing the passer. Uses different moves. Can power rush. Isn't quick or strong. Has been productive. Has durability issues.
26. Matthew Rice, Penn State, 6-4, 270. Is a decent athlete with size and some quickness. Plays hard. Isn't a flashy pass rusher. Tends to allow blockers to lock on, and then gets driven. Doesn't always play to his size. Helped himself at the Combine. Also is a long snapper.
27. Jason Hall, Tennessee, 6-2, 253. Is a try-hard end who lacks ideal size. Is stiff athletically. Makes plays. Has a feel for pass rushing and finding the ball.
28. Roderkus Wright, Grossmont Junior College, 6-4, 275. Has some nice measurable skills. Is a lean, linear player who can run. Has outstanding energy and tenacity. Transfered from Oregon; was very productive. Is raw, and must make a major transition to reach the NFL. Might be an outside linebacker. Has baggage.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at pompei@sportingnews.com
By Dan Pompei
An analytical look at the top defensive ends in the 2006 draft:
1. Mario Williams, N.C. State, 6-6, 292. Is a huge, explosive pass rusher who can be physically dominating. Is a beast with rare athleticism for his size. Overwhelms blockers. Can shed and make plays versus the run. Has a good feel for where the quarterback is. Can slide inside on passing downs. Similar to Julius Peppers. Doesn't always play hard. Wears down in some games. Junior; might need to mature. Doesn't always read the play correctly. Must develop counter moves and an inside rush. Technique needs work. Doesn't know how to split a double team. Lacks ideal foot quickness. Has straight-line speed.
2. Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 256. Is a short and light, but a football player. Has a thick lower body, and can generate the strength to drive a tackle backwards. Very good run defender; finds the ball, disengages well and is a sure-handed tackler. Has good instincts. Uses hands well. Plays with good leverage. Deploys a variety of pass rush moves. Works his way across the line to make plays. When near the quarterback is like a shark that smells blood. Goes for the ball. Plays hard consistently. Is in the Hugh Douglas mold. Productive.
3. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State, 6-4, 248. Is undersized but has everything else teams seek. Is explosive, athletic and fights. Creates space by colliding and bursting. Can power rush, and has some outside speed. Knows how to cut back inside. Can change directions. Is light on his feet. Isn't a great run player, but isn't bad. Also could be considered at outside linebacker in a 3-4.
4. Tamba Hali, Penn State, 6-3, 263. Is a crafty, determined pass rusher who relies on quickness and ability to redirect. Plays with strength and leverage. Intensity may be his best trait. Uses his hands well. Is not a speed rusher. Instincts are questionable. Gets hung up on blocks at times, and can be overpowered. Sometimes gets pushed around against the run. Maximizes his ability. Disappears in some games. Did not have a great workout.
5. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College, 6-6, 261. Has an ideal build for pass rushing. Wingspan is huge. Has a slithery style befitting of a basketball player, which he used to be. Is athletic and can run. Has some burst. Can use his hands some. Plays upright. Lacks instincts. Doesn't get good leverage and struggles against the run. Probably isn't sudden enough to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Lacks ideal foot quickness. Needs technique work. Gets locked on to blockers. Body control and agility are just OK. Can develop.
6. Elvis Dumervil, Louisville, 5-11, 257. Is a little guy who makes big plays. Long arms help offset lack of height. Has a great feel for rushing the passer. Is a sack artist. Gets around blockers by getting beneath their pads. Has a good counter move inside. Uses his hands to free himself. Dogged competitor. Twists and turns his body to get through the cracks. Has a burst to finish the play. Is strong for his size. Gets engulfed versus run at times. Was very productive, but tailed off late in the season. Has been compared with Dwight Freeney, but lacks Freeney's explosiveness, and Freeney doesn't have Dumervil's craftiness. Didn't help himself at the Combine. Is a boom or bust guy.
7. Manny Lawson, North Carolina State, 6-5, 238. Is a long-limbed speed rusher who is a finesse player. Has a burst. Can cut back inside. Uses an array of moves. Hand use is pretty good. Gets surprising leverage given his build. Is a bit gangly and struggles to redirect. Takes some plays off. Can get bulled against the run. Is also considered as an outside linebacker prospect and situational rusher.
8. Parys Haralson, Tennessee, 6-1, 248. Is an undersized pass rusher with nice burst. Can vary up his pass rush. Sticks his nose in there against the run, and is a decent run player for his size. Is competitive and physical. Some consider him an outside linebacker prospect, but his ability to drop is in question. Might be a situational player.
9. Mark Anderson, Alabama, 6-4, 255. Is a solid pass rusher who can get to the quarterback a number of ways. Is quick off the snap. Can be explosive. Has some outside speed. Uses a good swim move. Shows good hand use. Can cut back inside. Makes some plays on want-to. Isn't big or stout, and gets knocked around against the run.
10. Rob Ninkovich, Purdue, 6-3, 255. Is a pass rusher who can get bend and get the edge. Has an array of moves -- club, rip and spin. Hustler; wins with effort. Isn't explosive. Doesn't play the run well. Didn't help himself at the Combine. Is a 'tweener; might be too small for end and not athletic enough for linebacker. Can be a situational pass rusher.
11. Frostee Rucker, Southern Cal, 6-3, 261. Is a penetrator with a nice burst. Rushes with urgency. Uses hands well. Has a feel for getting to the quarterback. Is fairly strong. Tackles well. Plays high at times. Is average athletically. Doesn't have great speed. Gets pushed around a bit in the running game. Can improve by getting strong. Has potential.
12. Victor Adeyanju, Indiana, 6-4, 274. Is a big man who doesn't have great athleticism or speed, but has some pass rush ability. Productive; started 43 games in college. Uses long arms well. Has a good burst off the line. Lacks body control. Has a thick build. Could be best suited as a 3-4 defensive end. Stock has dropped. Is a work in progress whose best football could be ahead of him.
13. Julian Jenkins, Stanford, 6-4, 275. Isn't a top athlete, but has a good football body. Plays hard. Uses his hands well. Can be explosive. Will anchor effectively against the run. Could be a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 end on first and second downs who slides to tackle on nickel downs.
14. Ray Edwards, Purdue, 6-5, 274. Has a nice combination of size and athleticism. Is one of the better speed rushers in the draft. Has the body control to work the edge. Had a really good workout. Doesn't always find the ball. Must add some moves. Is not stout against the run. Didn't get along with his coaches. Scouts wonder if he's competitive enough.
15. Chris Gocong, Cal Poly State, 6-2, 263. Is explosive, intense, determined and disruptive. Gets off snap quickly. Isn't flashy, but works hard. Was productive, but hasn't played against top competition. Is small for defensive end, but could be a 3-4 outside linebacker. Had an excellent Combine workout to improve his standing.
16. Jason Hatcher, Grambling State, 6-6, 284. Is big, athletic; could be disruptive. Has burst to close. Has experience playing inside. Can add weight and strength and really develop as a player. Must refine technique. Is a work in progress.
17. James Wyche, Syracuse, 6-5, 262. Is a tall edge rusher with straight-line speed. Has long arms and uses a variety of pass rush moves. Uses hands well. Doesn't change directions well and isn't very athletic. Battler; never quits. Tends to play too high. Wasn't very productive. Isn't real physical.
18. Jeremy Mincey, Florida, 6-3, 259. Is intense but isn't a great athlete. Has some straight-line speed. Is good in pursuit. Gets good leverage. Can shoot gaps. Could add bulk. Run defense is not his strong suit. Doesn't bend well.
19. Charles Bennett, Clemson, 6-4, 258. Is a lean edge rusher with good speed and long arms. Finesse rusher. Finds the ball. Takes good angles. Puts himself in position to make plays. Isn't a natural pass rusher. Lacks ideal strength against the run.
20. Mike Kudla, Ohio State, 6-2, 265. Is a quick, run-around player who lacks height. Is good in pursuit. Is scrappy and a hustler. Must be in an up-the-field scheme. Could be a defensive tackle in the right system. Maximizes his ability, but is limited physically and athletically. Has excellent weight-room strength, and shows it with in-line pop.
21. Eric Henderson, Georgia Tech, 6-2, 261. Is a speed rusher who can turn the corner. Runs well. Gives good effort. Isn't real explosive. Lacks strength against the run. Isn't physical. Doesn't get off blocks well.
22. Stanley McClover, Auburn, 6-2, 258. Comes off the snap hard and plays with explosiveness. Has some straight-line speed. Isn't a natural pass rusher. Isn't strong against the run. Scouts question his competitiveness. Junior; could have benefited from another year in school.
23. Charlton Keith, Kansas, 6-4, 236. Is a thin, athletic pass rusher. Has the speed and quickness to beat blockers on the edge, or cut back inside. Had an impressive workout. Lacks bulk and strength for the running game. Could be a linebacker. Might have to be a situational pass rusher.
24. Ryan LaCasse, Syracuse, 6-2, 257. Is an undersized pass rusher who can run. Has straight-line speed. Shows toughness, but lacks the strength to hold up against the run. Is stiff athletically. Works out better than he plays.
25. Devan Long, Oregon, 6-3, 267. Is an athletic player with a knack for rushing the passer. Uses different moves. Can power rush. Isn't quick or strong. Has been productive. Has durability issues.
26. Matthew Rice, Penn State, 6-4, 270. Is a decent athlete with size and some quickness. Plays hard. Isn't a flashy pass rusher. Tends to allow blockers to lock on, and then gets driven. Doesn't always play to his size. Helped himself at the Combine. Also is a long snapper.
27. Jason Hall, Tennessee, 6-2, 253. Is a try-hard end who lacks ideal size. Is stiff athletically. Makes plays. Has a feel for pass rushing and finding the ball.
28. Roderkus Wright, Grossmont Junior College, 6-4, 275. Has some nice measurable skills. Is a lean, linear player who can run. Has outstanding energy and tenacity. Transfered from Oregon; was very productive. Is raw, and must make a major transition to reach the NFL. Might be an outside linebacker. Has baggage.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at pompei@sportingnews.com