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Analysis by position: Defensive linemen
Position-by-position: DL · LB · CB · S · TE · ST
By Gil Brandt
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(April 16, 2007) -- How important are defensive linemen? Over the past 10 years (1997-2006), we have had 20 selected in the top 10 picks of the draft. In comparison, over this same time period, 15 quarterback, 12 offensive linemen and 11 running backs have been selected in the top 10 picks. Since 1967 (40 drafts), 12 defensive linemen have been selected first overall; only the quarterback position with 15 has had more No. 1 overall picks.
SIZE AND SPEEDThe average weight of the 50 defensive linemen at the Scouting Combine was 283 pounds with an average of 20.4 percent body fat. The lowest body fat was 10.9 percent and the highest was 31.5 percent. The heaviest defensive lineman was Paul Soliai of Utah at 344 pounds. The lightest was Abraham Wright of Colorado at 242 pounds. Jarvis Moss of Florida was the tallest at 6-foot-6½ and Keith Jackson of Arkansas was the shortest at 6-0¼.
In the 2003 NFL Draft, 11 defensive linemen were selected in the first round -- the most ever. Of the 11, nine remain with the team they were selected by. In the 2005 NFL Draft, 20 defensive linemen were taken in the first three rounds; that compares to 19 offensive linemen that were picked in Rounds 1-3.
The six teams that have played in the last three Super Bowls have had very good defensive lines with lots of sacks. Only one team, the 2006 Colts, had fewer than 40 sacks in the regular season, and the average of the six Super Bowl teams was 42.3 sacks. To win games, teams must be able to stop the run and pressure the passer, which helps defensive backs play well. Defensive ends that can apply pressure from the quarterback's blind side are a real asset.
For defensive ends, size is needed on the strong side, while speed is the key trait on the weak side. For defensive tackles, a key trait is to be able to play the run.
More and more, NFL teams are looking for linemen who can thrive in a 3-4 defense. In 2001, only one team played a 3-4. In 2007, most likely 10-plus teams will play the 3-4 as one of their defenses. Three of the past four Super Bowl champions have employed the 3-4 scheme.
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson (6-4¾, 258, 4.67)
Adams had a complete workout at the Combine except for lifting. He ran his two 40s in 4.64 and 4.69. He also recorded a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-11 long jump, 4.36 short shuttle and 7.17 three-cone drill. He did 21 bench presses at Clemson's Pro Day on March 13. Adams played eight-man football in high school, playing wide receiver, where he posted 158 catches and 65 touchdowns, and defensive back. His team won the South Carolina state championship in 2000. He also played one year at Fork Union Prep before he entered Clemson in 2002. Adams started at Clemson the past two seasons. In 25 starts, he had 22 sacks and 15 tipped passes. He was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Adams is an outstanding athlete who is just learning the game. He has outstanding quickness and speed to rush the passer, plays with leverage and effort, and has toughness and plays physically. He does not play the run as well as you would like, but he is getting better. He needs to get stronger, and he will. He is an older player; he will be 24 years old in June. He has traits you look for in pass-rushing ability, and has long arms (34 1/8 inches.)
Alan Branch has the size and strength that is ideal for a defensive tackle.2. Alan Branch, Michigan (6-5¾, 324, 5.08)
Branch worked out at the Combine but did not do shuttles. He ran his two 40s in 5.07 and 5.08 and also recorded a 27½-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-11 long jump and 33 bench presses. At Michigan's Pro Day, he had a 4.79 short shuttle and 7.56 three-cone drill. Branch played high school football in New Mexico, playing both running back and defensive line. He was the high school Player of the Year in New Mexico and played in the 2004 Army All-America game. He also started on the basketball team. Branch played as a true freshman at Michigan in 2004 and started 10 games in 2005 and 13 in 2006. Branch has great size and strength for the defensive tackle position and has very good movement in the short area. He does not play hard on every down and needs to play lower. He will rise up sometimes, which may happen when he gets tired as he did not play in a rotation as most NFL teams use. This type of defensive lineman has decent but not great athletic ability. His numbers give him a chance to be a top-flight player.
3. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas (6-5 3/8, 283, 4.79)
Anderson did not work out at the Combine due to a hamstring problem, but he did everything at Arkansas' Pro Day on March 13. He ran his two 40s in 4.78 and 4.79 and also recorded a 32½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-8 long jump, 4.15 short shuttle, 6.87 three-cone drill and 22 bench presses. Anderson played defensive end and wide receiver in high school and also was an outstanding basketball player. He played as a true freshman in 2004 and started five games as a sophomore in 2005. He was a full-time starter in 2006 and had 13 sacks in 14 games. Anderson has good explosion on his first step and plays with energy and emotion. He is very young, just turning 21 years old on Feb. 6, but is very alert as a player. He is big and will get bigger, has good production, and plays hard all the time. He has to improve against the run and needs to improve his use of his hands. He should have a long career at a high level as his best football is ahead of him.
4. Adam Carriker, Nebraska (6-6, 296, 4.91)
Carriker had a complete workout at the Combine, running his two 40s in 4.90 and 4.91. He also recorded a 31½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-2 long jump, 4.16 short shuttle, 7.08 three-cone drill and 33 bench presses. At Nebraska's Pro Day, he ran 4.71 and 4.74 in the 40-yard dash when his weight was 291 pounds. Carriker played quarterback and defensive end in high school. He was a three-year starter at quarterback and also played baseball. Carriker redshirted in 2002 at Nebraska and played nine games in 2003. He started the past three years and had 20½ sacks, and he was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2006. Carriker has outstanding strength, gives very good effort, and is a hard worker. He can change direction and is a student of the game. He can play inside at defensive tackle or outside as an end. He is not a great pass rusher as he does not consistently rid himself of blockers. He is a very good, solid player who will play many years but not in a lot of Pro Bowls.
5. Amobi Okoye, Louisville (6-2, 306, 5.07)
Okoye worked out at the Combine but only ran one 40-yard dash, posting a time of 5.07, and didn't do the short shuttle. He did do 29 bench presses and worked out again at Louisville's Pro Day, running under 5.00 in the 40 and recording a 4.44 short shuttle. Okoye was born in Nigeria and moved to Huntsville, Ala., as a 12-year-old. He was tested and entered into the ninth grade, where he started playing football for the first time. He started 13 games as a defensive lineman at 13 years of age. Okoye started for two years at Louisville (2005 and 2006) and had eight sacks as a senior in 2006. He played in 13 games in 2003 as a 16-year-old. Okoye has a big, thick body with a big chest. He has good use of hands, can control blockers and has quickness, agility and balance. He needs to play hard all the time. He worked and played better at the Senior Bowl than he did during the season at Louisville. He needs to watch his weight.
6. Justin Harrell, Tennessee (6-4 3/8, 300, 5.06)
Harrell had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his two 40s in 5.04 and 5.07 and also recorded a 30½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.79 short shuttle, 7.63 three-cone drill and 24 bench presses. He worked out again on March 21 at Tennessee's Pro Day when his weight was 314 pounds and he posted 31 bench presses. Harrell played tight end and defensive end in high school, where he was a three-year starter. He also played basketball, averaging 17 points a game as a senior. Harrell redshirted at Tennessee in 2002 and played the final eight games of 2003 after breaking his ankle before the season. He tore his bicep in September 2006 and tried to play with one arm. He would have been a three-year starter if not for injuries that forced him to miss starts. Harrell is a very athletic player who can be a difference-maker if healthy. He has long arms with good strength and can play nose tackle. He needs to learn to rush the passer better, but is a very solid player if healthy.
INSIDE THE SCOUTSWhat scouts look for when grading defensive linemen:
Critical factors
1. Character
2. Ability to learn football
3. Competitiveness and toughness
4. Work habits
5. Athletic ability
Position specifics
1. Lateral quickness
2. Reactions
3. Strength at point
4. Explosion
5. Use of hands
6. Stays on feet
7. Pass rush
8. Tackling ability
9. Ability to drop into coverage
7. Jarvis Moss, Florida (6-6½, 250, 4.75)
Moss worked out at the Combine but didn't do shuttle drills. He ran his 40s in 4.70 and 4.80 and also recorded a 30½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot long jump and 16 bench presses. He worked out again at Florida's Pro Day on March 7 when he weighed 258 pounds and ran 4.76 and 4.78 in the 40-yard dash. He also had a 4.41 short shuttle and 7.22 three-cone drill. He also did linebacker drills at the Combine. Moss was rated the No. 1 defensive player coming out of high school in Texas in 2003. His team won the Class 4A state championship his final two years in school. He had 49 sacks in three years despite missing seven games due to a hip injury as a senior. Moss became the second true freshman lineman to play at Florida since 2000 when he played in the 2003 season. He did not play in 2004 because of medical problems in his first two years at Florida, which are said to be the result of a cortisone shot he received his senior year in high school. Moss makes plays in big games. He blocked kicks to win against South Carolina, had three sacks against LSU in 2005 and had two sacks and forced a fumble in the BCS title game against Ohio State. He plays hard with a good burst off the edge and had a 1.59 in the 10-yard dash at the Combine. He lacks strength and gets knocked around and is not great against the run. He was suspended for one game last year for violating team rules. He didn't have a great Combine workout.
8. Anthony Spencer, Purdue (6-2 7/8, 281, 4.73)
Spencer had a complete workout at the Combine, running his 40s in 4.70 and 4.73. He also recorded a 32½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-4 long jump, 4.43 short shuttle, 7.14 three-cone drill and 30 bench presses. He ran at Purdue's Pro Day on March 9, posting times of 4.71 and 4.69 in the 40, but he weighed 265 pounds, down 16 pounds from the Combine. Spencer played nose tackle and fullback in high school, scoring 13 touchdowns. He also played basketball. Spencer redshirted at Purdue in 2002 and played but did not start in 2003. He started 37 games over the past three years. He has outstanding athletic ability for the position and showed a lot of improvement in 2006, posting 10½ sacks after recording only three sacks in 2005. He has quickness and strength for the position but needs to play the run better. He does not use his hands as well as he should to get off blockers. He is a good, solid player with some pass-rush ability and also worked out as a 3-4 linebacker at the Combine.
9. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame (6-4¼, 267, 4.84)
Abiamiri ran his 40s at the Combine in 4.82 and 4.85 and did 25 bench presses. He did not jump or run the cone drill because of a hamstring injury. He worked out at Notre Dame's Pro Day on March 22 and had a 34-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-4 long jump, 4.39 short shuttle and 7.54 three-cone drill. Abiamiri played defensive line in high school and also played basketball and made all-conference in track and field. He played in 12 games, starting five, as a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2003. He started 25 games over the past two years and was the team captain. Abiamiri has the ability, size and strength to be a good player. He is a hard worker, very smart and a good character person. He had a great game vs. USC going against Winston Justice in 2005. He needs to improve as a pass rusher and his best position may be left end.
Ray McDonald was an All-SEC player his senior season at Florida.10. Ray McDonald, Florida (6-3 3/8, 282, 4.90)
McDonald did not work out at the Combine due to an illness. He had a complete workout at Florida's Pro Day on March 7, running his 40s in 4.90 and 4.89. He also recorded a 29-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-6 long jump, 5.07 short shuttle, 7.48 three-cone drill and 28 bench presses. McDonald played defensive line in high school and was on a team that won the state championship his junior year. He was an elite high school player. McDonald redshirted at Florida in 2002. He became the fourth freshman to start a season opener in Florida history in 2003, starting 12 games that season. He played both end and tackle at Florida. McDonald has good athletic ability, so it's hard to explain his 5.07 time in the short shuttle. He plays very hard every play and has very good quickness for a big man. He has good use of his hands and is rarely knocked off his feet. He has had a history of injuries, including a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament, and lacks speed off the edge to play on the right side. He should be able to play well at left end or defensive tackle.
11. Lamarr Woodley, Michigan (6-1½, 266, 4.78)
Woodley did not work out at the Combine but did everything at Michigan's Pro Day on March 16. He ran his 40s in 4.80 and 4.95 and also recorded a 38½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-9 long jump, 4.47 short shuttle and 29 bench presses. Woodley was a top-ranked high school player (USA Today first-team All-American), playing defensive end and linebacker. He was also a good basketball player and threw the shot put. Woodley played as a true freshman at Michigan in 2003, appearing in 13 games and making two starts. He started 31 games over the next three years, playing both rush linebacker and defensive right end. Woodley is a great competitor who plays hard on every down and is a strong leader. He has everything you look for in a player; the question is where do you play him? Is he a 3-4 linebacker or a defensive end? He is not a great athlete but makes up for it with a never-stop attitude. He will play for a team some place and do a good job.
12. Tim Crowder, Texas (6-3 5/8, 272, 4.70)
Crowder had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his two 40s in 4.69 and 4.71. He also recorded a 30½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-3 long jump, 4.32 short shuttle, 7.25 three-cone drill and 32 bench presses. Crowder played defensive end and was a baseball player in high school. He played as a true freshman at Texas in 2002, starting nine games. He started 38 more games over the next three seasons. Crowder has very good work habits, moves well and has good strength and good awareness. He looked very good at the Combine but did not play as well on Saturdays as he looked working out. He's an up-and-down type that needs to play hard on every down and I'm not sure that he does. He's a very good person with no character issues and has great parents.
13. Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii (6-5 1/8, 276, 4.88)
Alama-Francis was injured and did not work out at the Combine. He worked out at Hawaii's Pro Day on March 29, running his two 40s in 4.85 and 4.91. He also recorded a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-5 long jump, 4.68 short shuttle and 7.29 three-cone drill. He did not do any strength lifts as he is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. Alama-Francis did not play high school football and instead was a big-time basketball and volleyball player and also played baseball. He went to Hawaii in 2002 as a basketball player. Alama-Francis started playing football in 2003 as a backup, playing in six games with no starts. He started one game in 2004 and made 25 starts over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He tore his pectoral muscle in the Hula Bowl, preventing him from working out at the Combine, and he still wasn't 100 percent at his recent workout. Alama-Francis has talent but is very inexperienced and was not really productive at Hawaii. He is the type of player that can be a big hit or a big miss. He worked out as a tight end and looked great catching the ball in drills.
14. Tank Tyler, N.C. State (6-2¼, 306, 5.24)
Tyler pulled a hamstring on his first run attempt at the Combine, but did have a 28½ vertical jump and 42 bench presses before getting hurt. He worked out on March 20 at North Carolina State's Pro Day, running his two 40s in 5.24 and 5.24. He also recorded an 8-foot long jump, 4.76 short shuttle and 7.47 three-cone drill. Tyler played offensive tackle and defensive tackle in high school. He graduated early from high school and entered N.C. State in January of 2003. He played but did not start in 2003, and went on to start 28 games over the next three seasons. He played offensive tackle in 2004 spring practice. Tyler has very good strength, is very good against the run and has some initial quickness. He needs to be better conditioned because he lacks stamina. He is not good as a pass rusher and takes plays off, which may be as a result of the lack of conditioning and being top heavy. If he gets in shape it might help him play better.
Wild Card
Marcus Thomas, Florida (6-2¾, 314, 5.25)
Thomas did not work out at the Combine, citing a pulled right quad, but did do 27 bench presses. He worked out March 29 in Jacksonville and ran his two 40s in 5.23 and 5.27. He also recorded a 26½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-5 long jump, 4.81 short shuttle and 8.03 three-cone drill. He looked good in drills and it's doubtful he was 100 percent. Thomas played defensive line and running back in high school and had 30 sacks as a senior. He became the first true freshman to start a game for Florida since 1992, playing 358 snaps, the third most among defensive tackles. He started 24 games over the next two years but was suspended early in the 2006 season for five games and was subsequently dismissed for not complying with the guidelines for reinstatement. Thomas has outstanding ability but has character issues and needs to stay in shape. He is a first-round talent who someone might take a chance on in the third round or later.
The following players are listed in alphabetical order. Every defensive lineman listed is a possible first-day pick.
Baraka Atkins, Miami, Fla. (6-4½, 271, 4.70)
Atkins recorded a 4.70 40-yard dash, 33-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-3 long jump, 4.63 short shuttle, 7.02 three-cone drill and 22 bench presses. He worked out well at the Combine. He has ability, but the numbers need to be more consistent. He had five sacks in 2006 and started 33 games the past three seasons.
Antwan Barnes, Florida International (6-0 5/8, 240, 4.44)
Barnes recorded times of 4.40 and 4.48 in the 40-yard dash and also had a 35-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-2 long jump, 4.32 short shuttle, 7.29 three-cone drill and 31 bench presses. He played linebacker in high school and started 12 games as a true freshman at linebacker in 2003 at Florida International. He moved to defensive end after the third game of the 2005 season. He is very fast and his best chance is as an up-field pass rusher. He is somewhat like Robert Mathis of the Colts but more of a straight-line player. A player has never been drafted from FIU, which started football in 2002.
Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan (6-2 7/8, 266, 4.78)
Bazuin recorded a 4.78 40-yard dash, 30-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-1 long jump, 4.76 short shuttle, 7.08 three-cone drill and 25 bench presses. He plays with great effort and was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. He played well against good teams (like Michigan) and had 26 sacks over the past two years. DID YOU KNOW?Ray McDonald's father, Ray, played wide receiver for the Florida Gators and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in October of 1985 when the Gators were ranked No. 1 in the polls for the first time in school history.
Keith Jackson's father, Keith, was a first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 and played in six Pro Bowls as a tight end.
Marcus Thomas had 30 sacks as a senior in high school, two shy of the Florida high school record.
Gaines Adams played eight-man football in high school and caught 158 passes for 4,394 yards and 65 touchdowns. He also had 10 interceptions and 33 sacks.
Amobi Okoye, born June 10, 1987, will be the youngest player ever selected in the NFL draft. The previous youngest was Jean Fugett of Amherst in 1972 by the Dallas Cowboys in the 13th round. Fugett was 20 years and 48 days old.
Ikaika Alama-Francis' father, Joe, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and was the first Hawaiian-born quarterback to play in the NFL.
Kareem Brown, Miami, Fla. (6-4, 290, 5.39)
Brown recorded a 5.39 40-yard dash, 27-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-5 long jump, 4.70 short shuttle and 7.49 three-cone drill. He didn't start until his senior year when he recorded 11 sacks. He does not play as well as he looks.
Charles Johnson, Georgia (6-2¼, 270, 4.84)
Johnson recorded a 4.84 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-10 long jump, 7.60 three-cone drill and 33 bench presses. He plays hard and has some pass-rush skills but has a hard time with bigger opponents. His senior year was his best season with 9½ sacks and 10 tipped passes. He left school one year early.
Ryan McBean, Oklahoma State (6-4 3/8, 286, 5.04)
McBean recorded a 5.04 40-yard dash, 28-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.46 short shuttle, 7.47 three-cone drill and 27 bench presses. He is a native of Jamaica and came to Oklahoma State after two years at a junior college. He started for two seasons for the Cowboys. He has some upside and has some good traits but is raw and needs a lot of work. He had 4½ sacks in 2006.
Turk McBride, Tennessee (6-2 3/8, 277, 4.83)
McBride recorded a 4.83 40-yard dash, 31-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.12 short shuttle, 7.10 three-cone drill and 27 bench presses. He played wide receiver in high school and is a very good athlete, posting a great short shuttle time. He played both defensive tackle and end for Tennessee. His lack of bulk hurts, but he has great work habits and effort. He could be a steal if drafted by the right team. He has 33-inch arms.
Brandon McBane, California (6-1 1/8, 309, 5.19)
McBane recorded a 5.19 40-yard dash, 24-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-10 long jump, 4.65 short shuttle, 7.94 three-cone drill and 24 bench presses. He was a three-year starter in a good program and is a very good competitor. He did well in Senior Bowl drill but needs to improve as a pass rusher. He lacks good quickness.
Jay Moore, Nebraska (6-4¾, 274, 4.98)
Moore recorded a 4.98 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-10 long jump, 4.35 short shuttle, 7.19 three-cone drill and 26 bench presses. At Nebraska's Pro Day, he ran his 40s in 4.75 and 4.83. He had three sacks and two forced fumbles in the Senior Bowl. If his Pro Day speed holds up, he could be a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He's a competitive player who works hard.
Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State (6-2½, 299, 4.95)
Pitcock recorded a 4.95 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-4 long jump and 23 bench presses. He didn't do any shuttles or the three-cone drill and looks shorter than his measured height. He had a hard time at the Senior Bowl. He is a give-everything-you-have type. He may change positions.
Brian Robinson, Texas (6-3 1/8, 259, 4.72)
Robinson recorded a 4.72 40-yard dash, 40½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-1 long jump, 4.26 short shuttle, 6.91 three-cone drill and 27 bench presses. He came to Texas as a linebacker and started three games at the position in 2003. He moved to defensive end in 2004 and went on to start 33 games there. He is a very good athlete with good strength but needs to work on his pass rush. He was the Big 12 champion in the discus and shot put in 2006. Paul Soliai, Utah (6-4, 344, 5.12)
Soliai recorded a 5.12 40-yard dash, 29ݫ-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-7 long jump, 4.69 short shuttle and 7.49 three-cone drill. He didn't do any strength lifts because of a right elbow sprain. He played offensive tackle until the 2005 season. He has very good physical ability but is not consistent. He had a good week at the East-West game. He is a hit-or-miss prospect but is too big and too athletic not to take a chance on.
Analysis by position: Defensive linemen
Position-by-position: DL · LB · CB · S · TE · ST
By Gil Brandt
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(April 16, 2007) -- How important are defensive linemen? Over the past 10 years (1997-2006), we have had 20 selected in the top 10 picks of the draft. In comparison, over this same time period, 15 quarterback, 12 offensive linemen and 11 running backs have been selected in the top 10 picks. Since 1967 (40 drafts), 12 defensive linemen have been selected first overall; only the quarterback position with 15 has had more No. 1 overall picks.
SIZE AND SPEEDThe average weight of the 50 defensive linemen at the Scouting Combine was 283 pounds with an average of 20.4 percent body fat. The lowest body fat was 10.9 percent and the highest was 31.5 percent. The heaviest defensive lineman was Paul Soliai of Utah at 344 pounds. The lightest was Abraham Wright of Colorado at 242 pounds. Jarvis Moss of Florida was the tallest at 6-foot-6½ and Keith Jackson of Arkansas was the shortest at 6-0¼.
In the 2003 NFL Draft, 11 defensive linemen were selected in the first round -- the most ever. Of the 11, nine remain with the team they were selected by. In the 2005 NFL Draft, 20 defensive linemen were taken in the first three rounds; that compares to 19 offensive linemen that were picked in Rounds 1-3.
The six teams that have played in the last three Super Bowls have had very good defensive lines with lots of sacks. Only one team, the 2006 Colts, had fewer than 40 sacks in the regular season, and the average of the six Super Bowl teams was 42.3 sacks. To win games, teams must be able to stop the run and pressure the passer, which helps defensive backs play well. Defensive ends that can apply pressure from the quarterback's blind side are a real asset.
For defensive ends, size is needed on the strong side, while speed is the key trait on the weak side. For defensive tackles, a key trait is to be able to play the run.
More and more, NFL teams are looking for linemen who can thrive in a 3-4 defense. In 2001, only one team played a 3-4. In 2007, most likely 10-plus teams will play the 3-4 as one of their defenses. Three of the past four Super Bowl champions have employed the 3-4 scheme.
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson (6-4¾, 258, 4.67)
Adams had a complete workout at the Combine except for lifting. He ran his two 40s in 4.64 and 4.69. He also recorded a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-11 long jump, 4.36 short shuttle and 7.17 three-cone drill. He did 21 bench presses at Clemson's Pro Day on March 13. Adams played eight-man football in high school, playing wide receiver, where he posted 158 catches and 65 touchdowns, and defensive back. His team won the South Carolina state championship in 2000. He also played one year at Fork Union Prep before he entered Clemson in 2002. Adams started at Clemson the past two seasons. In 25 starts, he had 22 sacks and 15 tipped passes. He was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Adams is an outstanding athlete who is just learning the game. He has outstanding quickness and speed to rush the passer, plays with leverage and effort, and has toughness and plays physically. He does not play the run as well as you would like, but he is getting better. He needs to get stronger, and he will. He is an older player; he will be 24 years old in June. He has traits you look for in pass-rushing ability, and has long arms (34 1/8 inches.)
Branch worked out at the Combine but did not do shuttles. He ran his two 40s in 5.07 and 5.08 and also recorded a 27½-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-11 long jump and 33 bench presses. At Michigan's Pro Day, he had a 4.79 short shuttle and 7.56 three-cone drill. Branch played high school football in New Mexico, playing both running back and defensive line. He was the high school Player of the Year in New Mexico and played in the 2004 Army All-America game. He also started on the basketball team. Branch played as a true freshman at Michigan in 2004 and started 10 games in 2005 and 13 in 2006. Branch has great size and strength for the defensive tackle position and has very good movement in the short area. He does not play hard on every down and needs to play lower. He will rise up sometimes, which may happen when he gets tired as he did not play in a rotation as most NFL teams use. This type of defensive lineman has decent but not great athletic ability. His numbers give him a chance to be a top-flight player.
3. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas (6-5 3/8, 283, 4.79)
Anderson did not work out at the Combine due to a hamstring problem, but he did everything at Arkansas' Pro Day on March 13. He ran his two 40s in 4.78 and 4.79 and also recorded a 32½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-8 long jump, 4.15 short shuttle, 6.87 three-cone drill and 22 bench presses. Anderson played defensive end and wide receiver in high school and also was an outstanding basketball player. He played as a true freshman in 2004 and started five games as a sophomore in 2005. He was a full-time starter in 2006 and had 13 sacks in 14 games. Anderson has good explosion on his first step and plays with energy and emotion. He is very young, just turning 21 years old on Feb. 6, but is very alert as a player. He is big and will get bigger, has good production, and plays hard all the time. He has to improve against the run and needs to improve his use of his hands. He should have a long career at a high level as his best football is ahead of him.
4. Adam Carriker, Nebraska (6-6, 296, 4.91)
Carriker had a complete workout at the Combine, running his two 40s in 4.90 and 4.91. He also recorded a 31½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-2 long jump, 4.16 short shuttle, 7.08 three-cone drill and 33 bench presses. At Nebraska's Pro Day, he ran 4.71 and 4.74 in the 40-yard dash when his weight was 291 pounds. Carriker played quarterback and defensive end in high school. He was a three-year starter at quarterback and also played baseball. Carriker redshirted in 2002 at Nebraska and played nine games in 2003. He started the past three years and had 20½ sacks, and he was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2006. Carriker has outstanding strength, gives very good effort, and is a hard worker. He can change direction and is a student of the game. He can play inside at defensive tackle or outside as an end. He is not a great pass rusher as he does not consistently rid himself of blockers. He is a very good, solid player who will play many years but not in a lot of Pro Bowls.
5. Amobi Okoye, Louisville (6-2, 306, 5.07)
Okoye worked out at the Combine but only ran one 40-yard dash, posting a time of 5.07, and didn't do the short shuttle. He did do 29 bench presses and worked out again at Louisville's Pro Day, running under 5.00 in the 40 and recording a 4.44 short shuttle. Okoye was born in Nigeria and moved to Huntsville, Ala., as a 12-year-old. He was tested and entered into the ninth grade, where he started playing football for the first time. He started 13 games as a defensive lineman at 13 years of age. Okoye started for two years at Louisville (2005 and 2006) and had eight sacks as a senior in 2006. He played in 13 games in 2003 as a 16-year-old. Okoye has a big, thick body with a big chest. He has good use of hands, can control blockers and has quickness, agility and balance. He needs to play hard all the time. He worked and played better at the Senior Bowl than he did during the season at Louisville. He needs to watch his weight.
6. Justin Harrell, Tennessee (6-4 3/8, 300, 5.06)
Harrell had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his two 40s in 5.04 and 5.07 and also recorded a 30½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.79 short shuttle, 7.63 three-cone drill and 24 bench presses. He worked out again on March 21 at Tennessee's Pro Day when his weight was 314 pounds and he posted 31 bench presses. Harrell played tight end and defensive end in high school, where he was a three-year starter. He also played basketball, averaging 17 points a game as a senior. Harrell redshirted at Tennessee in 2002 and played the final eight games of 2003 after breaking his ankle before the season. He tore his bicep in September 2006 and tried to play with one arm. He would have been a three-year starter if not for injuries that forced him to miss starts. Harrell is a very athletic player who can be a difference-maker if healthy. He has long arms with good strength and can play nose tackle. He needs to learn to rush the passer better, but is a very solid player if healthy.
INSIDE THE SCOUTSWhat scouts look for when grading defensive linemen:
Critical factors
1. Character
2. Ability to learn football
3. Competitiveness and toughness
4. Work habits
5. Athletic ability
Position specifics
1. Lateral quickness
2. Reactions
3. Strength at point
4. Explosion
5. Use of hands
6. Stays on feet
7. Pass rush
8. Tackling ability
9. Ability to drop into coverage
7. Jarvis Moss, Florida (6-6½, 250, 4.75)
Moss worked out at the Combine but didn't do shuttle drills. He ran his 40s in 4.70 and 4.80 and also recorded a 30½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot long jump and 16 bench presses. He worked out again at Florida's Pro Day on March 7 when he weighed 258 pounds and ran 4.76 and 4.78 in the 40-yard dash. He also had a 4.41 short shuttle and 7.22 three-cone drill. He also did linebacker drills at the Combine. Moss was rated the No. 1 defensive player coming out of high school in Texas in 2003. His team won the Class 4A state championship his final two years in school. He had 49 sacks in three years despite missing seven games due to a hip injury as a senior. Moss became the second true freshman lineman to play at Florida since 2000 when he played in the 2003 season. He did not play in 2004 because of medical problems in his first two years at Florida, which are said to be the result of a cortisone shot he received his senior year in high school. Moss makes plays in big games. He blocked kicks to win against South Carolina, had three sacks against LSU in 2005 and had two sacks and forced a fumble in the BCS title game against Ohio State. He plays hard with a good burst off the edge and had a 1.59 in the 10-yard dash at the Combine. He lacks strength and gets knocked around and is not great against the run. He was suspended for one game last year for violating team rules. He didn't have a great Combine workout.
8. Anthony Spencer, Purdue (6-2 7/8, 281, 4.73)
Spencer had a complete workout at the Combine, running his 40s in 4.70 and 4.73. He also recorded a 32½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-4 long jump, 4.43 short shuttle, 7.14 three-cone drill and 30 bench presses. He ran at Purdue's Pro Day on March 9, posting times of 4.71 and 4.69 in the 40, but he weighed 265 pounds, down 16 pounds from the Combine. Spencer played nose tackle and fullback in high school, scoring 13 touchdowns. He also played basketball. Spencer redshirted at Purdue in 2002 and played but did not start in 2003. He started 37 games over the past three years. He has outstanding athletic ability for the position and showed a lot of improvement in 2006, posting 10½ sacks after recording only three sacks in 2005. He has quickness and strength for the position but needs to play the run better. He does not use his hands as well as he should to get off blockers. He is a good, solid player with some pass-rush ability and also worked out as a 3-4 linebacker at the Combine.
9. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame (6-4¼, 267, 4.84)
Abiamiri ran his 40s at the Combine in 4.82 and 4.85 and did 25 bench presses. He did not jump or run the cone drill because of a hamstring injury. He worked out at Notre Dame's Pro Day on March 22 and had a 34-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-4 long jump, 4.39 short shuttle and 7.54 three-cone drill. Abiamiri played defensive line in high school and also played basketball and made all-conference in track and field. He played in 12 games, starting five, as a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2003. He started 25 games over the past two years and was the team captain. Abiamiri has the ability, size and strength to be a good player. He is a hard worker, very smart and a good character person. He had a great game vs. USC going against Winston Justice in 2005. He needs to improve as a pass rusher and his best position may be left end.
McDonald did not work out at the Combine due to an illness. He had a complete workout at Florida's Pro Day on March 7, running his 40s in 4.90 and 4.89. He also recorded a 29-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-6 long jump, 5.07 short shuttle, 7.48 three-cone drill and 28 bench presses. McDonald played defensive line in high school and was on a team that won the state championship his junior year. He was an elite high school player. McDonald redshirted at Florida in 2002. He became the fourth freshman to start a season opener in Florida history in 2003, starting 12 games that season. He played both end and tackle at Florida. McDonald has good athletic ability, so it's hard to explain his 5.07 time in the short shuttle. He plays very hard every play and has very good quickness for a big man. He has good use of his hands and is rarely knocked off his feet. He has had a history of injuries, including a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament, and lacks speed off the edge to play on the right side. He should be able to play well at left end or defensive tackle.
11. Lamarr Woodley, Michigan (6-1½, 266, 4.78)
Woodley did not work out at the Combine but did everything at Michigan's Pro Day on March 16. He ran his 40s in 4.80 and 4.95 and also recorded a 38½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-9 long jump, 4.47 short shuttle and 29 bench presses. Woodley was a top-ranked high school player (USA Today first-team All-American), playing defensive end and linebacker. He was also a good basketball player and threw the shot put. Woodley played as a true freshman at Michigan in 2003, appearing in 13 games and making two starts. He started 31 games over the next three years, playing both rush linebacker and defensive right end. Woodley is a great competitor who plays hard on every down and is a strong leader. He has everything you look for in a player; the question is where do you play him? Is he a 3-4 linebacker or a defensive end? He is not a great athlete but makes up for it with a never-stop attitude. He will play for a team some place and do a good job.
12. Tim Crowder, Texas (6-3 5/8, 272, 4.70)
Crowder had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his two 40s in 4.69 and 4.71. He also recorded a 30½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-3 long jump, 4.32 short shuttle, 7.25 three-cone drill and 32 bench presses. Crowder played defensive end and was a baseball player in high school. He played as a true freshman at Texas in 2002, starting nine games. He started 38 more games over the next three seasons. Crowder has very good work habits, moves well and has good strength and good awareness. He looked very good at the Combine but did not play as well on Saturdays as he looked working out. He's an up-and-down type that needs to play hard on every down and I'm not sure that he does. He's a very good person with no character issues and has great parents.
13. Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii (6-5 1/8, 276, 4.88)
Alama-Francis was injured and did not work out at the Combine. He worked out at Hawaii's Pro Day on March 29, running his two 40s in 4.85 and 4.91. He also recorded a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-5 long jump, 4.68 short shuttle and 7.29 three-cone drill. He did not do any strength lifts as he is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. Alama-Francis did not play high school football and instead was a big-time basketball and volleyball player and also played baseball. He went to Hawaii in 2002 as a basketball player. Alama-Francis started playing football in 2003 as a backup, playing in six games with no starts. He started one game in 2004 and made 25 starts over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He tore his pectoral muscle in the Hula Bowl, preventing him from working out at the Combine, and he still wasn't 100 percent at his recent workout. Alama-Francis has talent but is very inexperienced and was not really productive at Hawaii. He is the type of player that can be a big hit or a big miss. He worked out as a tight end and looked great catching the ball in drills.
14. Tank Tyler, N.C. State (6-2¼, 306, 5.24)
Tyler pulled a hamstring on his first run attempt at the Combine, but did have a 28½ vertical jump and 42 bench presses before getting hurt. He worked out on March 20 at North Carolina State's Pro Day, running his two 40s in 5.24 and 5.24. He also recorded an 8-foot long jump, 4.76 short shuttle and 7.47 three-cone drill. Tyler played offensive tackle and defensive tackle in high school. He graduated early from high school and entered N.C. State in January of 2003. He played but did not start in 2003, and went on to start 28 games over the next three seasons. He played offensive tackle in 2004 spring practice. Tyler has very good strength, is very good against the run and has some initial quickness. He needs to be better conditioned because he lacks stamina. He is not good as a pass rusher and takes plays off, which may be as a result of the lack of conditioning and being top heavy. If he gets in shape it might help him play better.
Wild Card
Marcus Thomas, Florida (6-2¾, 314, 5.25)
Thomas did not work out at the Combine, citing a pulled right quad, but did do 27 bench presses. He worked out March 29 in Jacksonville and ran his two 40s in 5.23 and 5.27. He also recorded a 26½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-5 long jump, 4.81 short shuttle and 8.03 three-cone drill. He looked good in drills and it's doubtful he was 100 percent. Thomas played defensive line and running back in high school and had 30 sacks as a senior. He became the first true freshman to start a game for Florida since 1992, playing 358 snaps, the third most among defensive tackles. He started 24 games over the next two years but was suspended early in the 2006 season for five games and was subsequently dismissed for not complying with the guidelines for reinstatement. Thomas has outstanding ability but has character issues and needs to stay in shape. He is a first-round talent who someone might take a chance on in the third round or later.
The following players are listed in alphabetical order. Every defensive lineman listed is a possible first-day pick.
Baraka Atkins, Miami, Fla. (6-4½, 271, 4.70)
Atkins recorded a 4.70 40-yard dash, 33-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-3 long jump, 4.63 short shuttle, 7.02 three-cone drill and 22 bench presses. He worked out well at the Combine. He has ability, but the numbers need to be more consistent. He had five sacks in 2006 and started 33 games the past three seasons.
Antwan Barnes, Florida International (6-0 5/8, 240, 4.44)
Barnes recorded times of 4.40 and 4.48 in the 40-yard dash and also had a 35-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-2 long jump, 4.32 short shuttle, 7.29 three-cone drill and 31 bench presses. He played linebacker in high school and started 12 games as a true freshman at linebacker in 2003 at Florida International. He moved to defensive end after the third game of the 2005 season. He is very fast and his best chance is as an up-field pass rusher. He is somewhat like Robert Mathis of the Colts but more of a straight-line player. A player has never been drafted from FIU, which started football in 2002.
Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan (6-2 7/8, 266, 4.78)
Bazuin recorded a 4.78 40-yard dash, 30-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-1 long jump, 4.76 short shuttle, 7.08 three-cone drill and 25 bench presses. He plays with great effort and was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. He played well against good teams (like Michigan) and had 26 sacks over the past two years. DID YOU KNOW?Ray McDonald's father, Ray, played wide receiver for the Florida Gators and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in October of 1985 when the Gators were ranked No. 1 in the polls for the first time in school history.
Keith Jackson's father, Keith, was a first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 and played in six Pro Bowls as a tight end.
Marcus Thomas had 30 sacks as a senior in high school, two shy of the Florida high school record.
Gaines Adams played eight-man football in high school and caught 158 passes for 4,394 yards and 65 touchdowns. He also had 10 interceptions and 33 sacks.
Amobi Okoye, born June 10, 1987, will be the youngest player ever selected in the NFL draft. The previous youngest was Jean Fugett of Amherst in 1972 by the Dallas Cowboys in the 13th round. Fugett was 20 years and 48 days old.
Ikaika Alama-Francis' father, Joe, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and was the first Hawaiian-born quarterback to play in the NFL.
Kareem Brown, Miami, Fla. (6-4, 290, 5.39)
Brown recorded a 5.39 40-yard dash, 27-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-5 long jump, 4.70 short shuttle and 7.49 three-cone drill. He didn't start until his senior year when he recorded 11 sacks. He does not play as well as he looks.
Charles Johnson, Georgia (6-2¼, 270, 4.84)
Johnson recorded a 4.84 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-10 long jump, 7.60 three-cone drill and 33 bench presses. He plays hard and has some pass-rush skills but has a hard time with bigger opponents. His senior year was his best season with 9½ sacks and 10 tipped passes. He left school one year early.
Ryan McBean, Oklahoma State (6-4 3/8, 286, 5.04)
McBean recorded a 5.04 40-yard dash, 28-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.46 short shuttle, 7.47 three-cone drill and 27 bench presses. He is a native of Jamaica and came to Oklahoma State after two years at a junior college. He started for two seasons for the Cowboys. He has some upside and has some good traits but is raw and needs a lot of work. He had 4½ sacks in 2006.
Turk McBride, Tennessee (6-2 3/8, 277, 4.83)
McBride recorded a 4.83 40-yard dash, 31-inch vertical jump, 9-foot long jump, 4.12 short shuttle, 7.10 three-cone drill and 27 bench presses. He played wide receiver in high school and is a very good athlete, posting a great short shuttle time. He played both defensive tackle and end for Tennessee. His lack of bulk hurts, but he has great work habits and effort. He could be a steal if drafted by the right team. He has 33-inch arms.
Brandon McBane, California (6-1 1/8, 309, 5.19)
McBane recorded a 5.19 40-yard dash, 24-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-10 long jump, 4.65 short shuttle, 7.94 three-cone drill and 24 bench presses. He was a three-year starter in a good program and is a very good competitor. He did well in Senior Bowl drill but needs to improve as a pass rusher. He lacks good quickness.
Jay Moore, Nebraska (6-4¾, 274, 4.98)
Moore recorded a 4.98 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-10 long jump, 4.35 short shuttle, 7.19 three-cone drill and 26 bench presses. At Nebraska's Pro Day, he ran his 40s in 4.75 and 4.83. He had three sacks and two forced fumbles in the Senior Bowl. If his Pro Day speed holds up, he could be a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He's a competitive player who works hard.
Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State (6-2½, 299, 4.95)
Pitcock recorded a 4.95 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-4 long jump and 23 bench presses. He didn't do any shuttles or the three-cone drill and looks shorter than his measured height. He had a hard time at the Senior Bowl. He is a give-everything-you-have type. He may change positions.
Brian Robinson, Texas (6-3 1/8, 259, 4.72)
Robinson recorded a 4.72 40-yard dash, 40½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-1 long jump, 4.26 short shuttle, 6.91 three-cone drill and 27 bench presses. He came to Texas as a linebacker and started three games at the position in 2003. He moved to defensive end in 2004 and went on to start 33 games there. He is a very good athlete with good strength but needs to work on his pass rush. He was the Big 12 champion in the discus and shot put in 2006. Paul Soliai, Utah (6-4, 344, 5.12)
Soliai recorded a 5.12 40-yard dash, 29ݫ-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-7 long jump, 4.69 short shuttle and 7.49 three-cone drill. He didn't do any strength lifts because of a right elbow sprain. He played offensive tackle until the 2005 season. He has very good physical ability but is not consistent. He had a good week at the East-West game. He is a hit-or-miss prospect but is too big and too athletic not to take a chance on.
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