Risen Star
Likes Collector
- Messages
- 89,457
- Reaction score
- 212,392
http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nfl-draft/post?id=3787
4-3 right defensive ends
Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
What he brings: Clowney possesses a rare combination of size, strength and speed, and he's equally as effective with his speed rush as with his bull rush.
How he fits: He's talented enough to play multiple roles in multiple defensive fronts, including the ability to rush the passer from the interior defensive line and hold up in underneath coverage on occasion, but his ideal fit is as a 4-3 right defensive end who can get after the QB using his elite pass-rushing skills. Even though right DEs aren't typically as strong against the run, Clowney holds up very well with his combo of size, strength and acceleration.
Where he fits: If the Texans decide Clowney is their guy at No. 1 , they'll certainly find a way to make good use of him. He'd be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the base formation, which isn't ideal for him, but he's athletic enough to handle coverage duties when called upon, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel likely would mix in more 4-3 looks to maximize the Houston personnel with him in the lineup. Most important, Crennel would find ways to create one-on-one opportunities for him to rush the passer, which is his greatest strength. Clowney would be a perfect fit as a 4-3 defensive end with the Rams (picking No. 2) or Jaguars (No. 3). St. Louis is loaded along the D-line, but Clowney is even more explosive than Robert Quinn was when he was coming out (better combine 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, and vertical and broad jumps).
Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech
What he brings: Attaochu is an underrated talent with a nonstop motor and a good (but not elite) ability to convert speed to power. He is physical and aggressive.
How he fits: He came into his own at Georgia Tech as a 4-3 defensive end, so I think he might fit best as a 4-3 RDE in the NFL who can get after the quarterback.
Where he fits: The Falcons would be wise to give him a look if he makes it to Day 2, as would the Vikings, Titans and Cowboys. The Bengals could give him a look in Round 1, although that might be a little early for him.
-
4-3 left defensive ends
Kony Ealy, Missouri
What he brings: Ealy is a very versatile prospect with good range and closing burst. He has the strength and length to set the edge as a run defender and has above-average speed-to-power ability as a pass-rusher.
How he fits: Ealy played at several spots along Mizzou's D-line, but I think his ideal fit is at left defensive end in a 4-3 alignment, given his size and ability to defend the run. He is capable of moving inside to D-tackle on obvious passing downs.
Where he fits: The Bengals, picking at No. 24, are one possible landing spot for Ealy. He is also a great Day 2 candidate for the Jaguars and Vikings if he lasts that long.
Scott Crichton, Oregon State
What he brings: Crichton is a high-energy pass-rusher with violent hands, explosive get-off quickness and a relentless motor. He is a good finisher as a run defender, although he does get knocked down too often and can lose contain on the outside.
How he fits: He can reduce inside in obvious pass-rushing situations but doesn't have the bulk at this point to fit as a 3-technique or 5-technique, so his ideal fit is at left D-end in a 4-3 alignment. He is something of a poor man's Chris Long.
Where he fits: Assuming the Falcons don't land Clowney, Crichton might be a good pickup for them if he lasts to the second round as a potential future impact pass-rusher they can develop. Tyson Jackson is not the long-term answer there, in my opinion. The Vikings and Cowboys also would make sense in the second round.
-
4-3 defensive tackles
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
What he brings: He has elite get-off speed, heavy and violent hands and great finishing ability as a pass-rusher, and he is a very disruptive player overall. He lacks ideal bulk but makes up for it with long arms and a powerful upper body.
How he fits: Donald is a classic 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment.
Where he fits: He would be a great fit for the Bears at No. 14, helping Chicago continue to upgrade its defensive line this offseason. The Cowboys also make sense, even with the signing of Henry Melton; the 3-technique position is too important in that scheme to leave to chance, which is why they need depth and competition at both D-tackle spots.
Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
What he brings: He is disruptive against the run and can make plays in the backfield and outside the tackle box. He is an adequate bull-rusher with room to improve in that area. He has an explosive first step and a relentless motor.
How he fits: Jernigan can play the 3-technique, but I think he might fit better as a 1-technique D-tackle, which is the shaded nose tackle position in the 4-3 alignment.
Where he fits: Like Donald, Jernigan would make sense for the Bears or Cowboys, although Jernigan isn't on Donald's level as a prospect. The Dolphins could consider him at No. 19 if they don't address their offensive line with that pick. He would be a great pickup for the Raiders in the early second round if he fell that far.
-
3-4 nose tackles
Louis Nix III, Notre Dame
What he brings: Nix is a massive nose tackle with surprisingly good short-area quickness for his size. When he is healthy, he can provide some pass-rushing ability and more plays in the running game than you usually get from the nose tackle position.
How he fits: He looks like the classic centerpiece of a 3-4 defensive scheme at nose tackle (0-technique).
Where he fits: This is a tricky one, as the Steelers make sense from a fit standpoint, but I'd be surprised if they took him at No. 15 and am not sure he could slip to the middle of the second round. The Patriots could snag him as a long-term replacement to Vince Wilfork, but I'm not sure that's all that likely, either. The Niners make some sense, too, but that feels like another long shot.
-
3-4 defensive ends
Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
What he brings: Hageman has an elite skill set with outstanding agility for his size and could develop into a very disruptive player in the NFL. He needs to improve his ability to finish and play with a more consistent edge.
How he fits: He is well-suited to play defensive end in a one-gap 3-4 scheme, and he also could fit as a 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 under scheme.
Where he fits: Hageman would make sense for the Chiefs at No. 23, but my guess is they might wait until the second round to address their defensive line. The Niners and Seahawks would make sense at the end of the first round -- in Seattle's hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense, Red Bryant's position was essentially that of a 5-technique, and he is now in Jacksonville -- and the Patriots could be a fit if they view him as a 3-technique defensive tackle.
Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
What he brings: Tuitt is a more talented, thicker and stronger version of Calais Campbell and is a guy who projects to be an effective inside pass-rusher and potentially a big-time run-stopper if he can overcome injury and effort concerns.
How he fits: We've continued to list him as a 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4, although I could also see him lining up as a 4-3 defensive tackle.
Where he fits: I have an early second-round grade on Tuitt, but, if he sneaks into the late first, the Niners and Seahawks could be good fits. If he slides to the second round, the Chiefs or Chargers would be wise to pick him up.
-
3-4 outside linebackers
Khalil Mack, Buffalo
What he brings: Mack possesses tremendous versatility, with an ideal combination of take-on power and agility and acceleration to slip tackles as a run defender, enough coverage ability to hold up against the pass, and an explosive first step and the ability to transfer speed to power as a pass-rusher.
How he fits: Mack is a terrific fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker; Clay Matthews is a good NFL comparison for him. I’ve seen Mack lined up all over the field when studying his tape from the past couple of seasons. Clowney carries a higher grade from me, but in terms of pure scheme versatility, Mack offers more than Clowney. Mack can play on or off the line, and I’ve actually heard from scouts in the league who think his best position might be at inside or middle linebacker.
Where he fits: He would be a fit in the Texans' system if they took him No. 1, although that would involve Houston passing up the No. 1 and No. 2 prospects on my board in Clowney and Greg Robinson, as well as the top QB in Blake Bortles. He isn't an ideal fit in the schemes of the other teams drafting in the top eight picks, but he's versatile enough that almost any of those teams could find a way to make him fit.
Anthony Barr, UCLA
What he brings: Barr is a speed rusher who has a lot of growth potential, as he is still relatively new to the position, having played H-back to start his UCLA career. He lacks upper-body and lower-body strength and needs to play more physical.
How he fits: He projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, which is the position he primarily played at UCLA. He’ll need to excel as a situational edge rusher early in his career, and the team that drafts him will have to gamble that he’ll continue to improve in terms of his strength, instincts and physicality as he gains more experience.
Where he fits: The Eagles are a potential landing spot for Barr at No. 22, if he lasts that long. I think he could go in the top 20 based on his raw ability as a speed rusher, but I have only a fringe first-round grade on him. If he were to slide to the second round, the Commanders and Jets would be two logical fits.
Dee Ford, Auburn
What he brings: Ford's strength is his ability to pressure the QB with his explosive first step, violent hands and very good closing burst. He is a high-energy run defender with good range who struggles to set the edge versus big offensive tackles.
How he fits: He could potentially fit as a right defensive end in a 4-3 scheme (like Trent Cole early in his career), although he's undersized and is more likely to transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker (like Jason Worilds).
Where he fits: The Commanders are a strong possibility at the top of the second round, and the Jets and Cardinals are other Day 2 possibilities.
Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
What he brings: Lawrence possesses big upside as a pass-rusher, with long arms, quick and heavy hands, above-average first-step quickness, and good closing burst and finishing ability.
How he fits: Ideally, Lawrence can develop into a 3-4 outside linebacker, given his size. But we haven’t seen many reps from him dropping into coverage, even though he has enough athleticism to hold up. If a base 4-3 team drafts Lawrence, it will do so with the plan to grow him into a starting right defensive end role.
Where he fits: The Eagles, Chargers and Saints would all make sense for Lawrence in the second round.
4-3 right defensive ends
Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
What he brings: Clowney possesses a rare combination of size, strength and speed, and he's equally as effective with his speed rush as with his bull rush.
How he fits: He's talented enough to play multiple roles in multiple defensive fronts, including the ability to rush the passer from the interior defensive line and hold up in underneath coverage on occasion, but his ideal fit is as a 4-3 right defensive end who can get after the QB using his elite pass-rushing skills. Even though right DEs aren't typically as strong against the run, Clowney holds up very well with his combo of size, strength and acceleration.
Where he fits: If the Texans decide Clowney is their guy at No. 1 , they'll certainly find a way to make good use of him. He'd be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the base formation, which isn't ideal for him, but he's athletic enough to handle coverage duties when called upon, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel likely would mix in more 4-3 looks to maximize the Houston personnel with him in the lineup. Most important, Crennel would find ways to create one-on-one opportunities for him to rush the passer, which is his greatest strength. Clowney would be a perfect fit as a 4-3 defensive end with the Rams (picking No. 2) or Jaguars (No. 3). St. Louis is loaded along the D-line, but Clowney is even more explosive than Robert Quinn was when he was coming out (better combine 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, and vertical and broad jumps).
Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech
What he brings: Attaochu is an underrated talent with a nonstop motor and a good (but not elite) ability to convert speed to power. He is physical and aggressive.
How he fits: He came into his own at Georgia Tech as a 4-3 defensive end, so I think he might fit best as a 4-3 RDE in the NFL who can get after the quarterback.
Where he fits: The Falcons would be wise to give him a look if he makes it to Day 2, as would the Vikings, Titans and Cowboys. The Bengals could give him a look in Round 1, although that might be a little early for him.
-
4-3 left defensive ends
Kony Ealy, Missouri
What he brings: Ealy is a very versatile prospect with good range and closing burst. He has the strength and length to set the edge as a run defender and has above-average speed-to-power ability as a pass-rusher.
How he fits: Ealy played at several spots along Mizzou's D-line, but I think his ideal fit is at left defensive end in a 4-3 alignment, given his size and ability to defend the run. He is capable of moving inside to D-tackle on obvious passing downs.
Where he fits: The Bengals, picking at No. 24, are one possible landing spot for Ealy. He is also a great Day 2 candidate for the Jaguars and Vikings if he lasts that long.
Scott Crichton, Oregon State
What he brings: Crichton is a high-energy pass-rusher with violent hands, explosive get-off quickness and a relentless motor. He is a good finisher as a run defender, although he does get knocked down too often and can lose contain on the outside.
How he fits: He can reduce inside in obvious pass-rushing situations but doesn't have the bulk at this point to fit as a 3-technique or 5-technique, so his ideal fit is at left D-end in a 4-3 alignment. He is something of a poor man's Chris Long.
Where he fits: Assuming the Falcons don't land Clowney, Crichton might be a good pickup for them if he lasts to the second round as a potential future impact pass-rusher they can develop. Tyson Jackson is not the long-term answer there, in my opinion. The Vikings and Cowboys also would make sense in the second round.
-
4-3 defensive tackles
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
What he brings: He has elite get-off speed, heavy and violent hands and great finishing ability as a pass-rusher, and he is a very disruptive player overall. He lacks ideal bulk but makes up for it with long arms and a powerful upper body.
How he fits: Donald is a classic 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment.
Where he fits: He would be a great fit for the Bears at No. 14, helping Chicago continue to upgrade its defensive line this offseason. The Cowboys also make sense, even with the signing of Henry Melton; the 3-technique position is too important in that scheme to leave to chance, which is why they need depth and competition at both D-tackle spots.
Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
What he brings: He is disruptive against the run and can make plays in the backfield and outside the tackle box. He is an adequate bull-rusher with room to improve in that area. He has an explosive first step and a relentless motor.
How he fits: Jernigan can play the 3-technique, but I think he might fit better as a 1-technique D-tackle, which is the shaded nose tackle position in the 4-3 alignment.
Where he fits: Like Donald, Jernigan would make sense for the Bears or Cowboys, although Jernigan isn't on Donald's level as a prospect. The Dolphins could consider him at No. 19 if they don't address their offensive line with that pick. He would be a great pickup for the Raiders in the early second round if he fell that far.
-
3-4 nose tackles
Louis Nix III, Notre Dame
What he brings: Nix is a massive nose tackle with surprisingly good short-area quickness for his size. When he is healthy, he can provide some pass-rushing ability and more plays in the running game than you usually get from the nose tackle position.
How he fits: He looks like the classic centerpiece of a 3-4 defensive scheme at nose tackle (0-technique).
Where he fits: This is a tricky one, as the Steelers make sense from a fit standpoint, but I'd be surprised if they took him at No. 15 and am not sure he could slip to the middle of the second round. The Patriots could snag him as a long-term replacement to Vince Wilfork, but I'm not sure that's all that likely, either. The Niners make some sense, too, but that feels like another long shot.
-
3-4 defensive ends
Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
What he brings: Hageman has an elite skill set with outstanding agility for his size and could develop into a very disruptive player in the NFL. He needs to improve his ability to finish and play with a more consistent edge.
How he fits: He is well-suited to play defensive end in a one-gap 3-4 scheme, and he also could fit as a 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 under scheme.
Where he fits: Hageman would make sense for the Chiefs at No. 23, but my guess is they might wait until the second round to address their defensive line. The Niners and Seahawks would make sense at the end of the first round -- in Seattle's hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense, Red Bryant's position was essentially that of a 5-technique, and he is now in Jacksonville -- and the Patriots could be a fit if they view him as a 3-technique defensive tackle.
Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
What he brings: Tuitt is a more talented, thicker and stronger version of Calais Campbell and is a guy who projects to be an effective inside pass-rusher and potentially a big-time run-stopper if he can overcome injury and effort concerns.
How he fits: We've continued to list him as a 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4, although I could also see him lining up as a 4-3 defensive tackle.
Where he fits: I have an early second-round grade on Tuitt, but, if he sneaks into the late first, the Niners and Seahawks could be good fits. If he slides to the second round, the Chiefs or Chargers would be wise to pick him up.
-
3-4 outside linebackers
Khalil Mack, Buffalo
What he brings: Mack possesses tremendous versatility, with an ideal combination of take-on power and agility and acceleration to slip tackles as a run defender, enough coverage ability to hold up against the pass, and an explosive first step and the ability to transfer speed to power as a pass-rusher.
How he fits: Mack is a terrific fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker; Clay Matthews is a good NFL comparison for him. I’ve seen Mack lined up all over the field when studying his tape from the past couple of seasons. Clowney carries a higher grade from me, but in terms of pure scheme versatility, Mack offers more than Clowney. Mack can play on or off the line, and I’ve actually heard from scouts in the league who think his best position might be at inside or middle linebacker.
Where he fits: He would be a fit in the Texans' system if they took him No. 1, although that would involve Houston passing up the No. 1 and No. 2 prospects on my board in Clowney and Greg Robinson, as well as the top QB in Blake Bortles. He isn't an ideal fit in the schemes of the other teams drafting in the top eight picks, but he's versatile enough that almost any of those teams could find a way to make him fit.
Anthony Barr, UCLA
What he brings: Barr is a speed rusher who has a lot of growth potential, as he is still relatively new to the position, having played H-back to start his UCLA career. He lacks upper-body and lower-body strength and needs to play more physical.
How he fits: He projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, which is the position he primarily played at UCLA. He’ll need to excel as a situational edge rusher early in his career, and the team that drafts him will have to gamble that he’ll continue to improve in terms of his strength, instincts and physicality as he gains more experience.
Where he fits: The Eagles are a potential landing spot for Barr at No. 22, if he lasts that long. I think he could go in the top 20 based on his raw ability as a speed rusher, but I have only a fringe first-round grade on him. If he were to slide to the second round, the Commanders and Jets would be two logical fits.
Dee Ford, Auburn
What he brings: Ford's strength is his ability to pressure the QB with his explosive first step, violent hands and very good closing burst. He is a high-energy run defender with good range who struggles to set the edge versus big offensive tackles.
How he fits: He could potentially fit as a right defensive end in a 4-3 scheme (like Trent Cole early in his career), although he's undersized and is more likely to transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker (like Jason Worilds).
Where he fits: The Commanders are a strong possibility at the top of the second round, and the Jets and Cardinals are other Day 2 possibilities.
Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
What he brings: Lawrence possesses big upside as a pass-rusher, with long arms, quick and heavy hands, above-average first-step quickness, and good closing burst and finishing ability.
How he fits: Ideally, Lawrence can develop into a 3-4 outside linebacker, given his size. But we haven’t seen many reps from him dropping into coverage, even though he has enough athleticism to hold up. If a base 4-3 team drafts Lawrence, it will do so with the plan to grow him into a starting right defensive end role.
Where he fits: The Eagles, Chargers and Saints would all make sense for Lawrence in the second round.
