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NFL draft: Top 10 defensive ends
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Posted: March 24, 2009
Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a quick look at the Top 10 draft prospects at defensive end:
1. Everette Brown, Florida State (6-1 7/8, 256)
With his great build and athleticism, Brown is an elite pass rusher. He made the wise decision to come out early, but he still needs to improve against the run, continuing to develop a better use of hands, technique and leverage. A surefire firstrounder, Brown will make an immediate impact as either a 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker.
2. Brian Orakpo, Texas (6-3, 263)
Orakpo has the size, strength and athleticism of an elite end. He just needs to work on becoming more consistent. He also needs show more aggressiveness and competitiveness on every snap. As he develops from an athlete into a complete football player, he will be a very productive NFL starter. Like Brown, he can be a 3-4 linebacker.
3. Larry English, Northern Illinois (6-2 1/8, 255)
English, a very productive prospect, is equally adept against the run and the pass. He also will benefit against seeing fewer double teams in the NFL. A complete player and another first-round pick versatile enough to play end or outside linebacker, English should have a long career as an edge pass rusher.
4. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-6 7/8, 266)
Johnson can be an impact pass rusher in the mold of Jevon Kearse. WAR ROOM ANALYSIS:
More: DE | DT | RB | WR | TE | C | G | T
Draft Dish:
Michael Johnson climbs boards
Heyward-Bey challenges the best
To become a steady force, however, he must want it, showing more desire on every snap. Although he struggled in his final college season, performing more like a fourth- or fifth-round pick, teams drafting on Day 1 and early Day 2 will find it difficult to pass on his rare physical tools.
5. Robert Ayers, Tennessee (6-3 1/8, 272)
Ayers showed his worth by winning several battles against Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. Ayers has all the characteristics to thrive against both the run and the pass. Even with his strong predraft workouts, he won't be drafted as high as he should be, but some astute team will get to see him emerge as an impressive starter at either end or outside linebacker.
6. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati (6-3 5/8, 256)
Barwin, a marginal NFL prospect before moving from tight end as a senior, showed great potential in his new role, leading the Bearcats with 11 sacks. He is a coach's dream. After an amazing workout at his pro day this past week, he has likely moved himself up to the second round. Barwin is an elite athlete, but teams must be patient as he refines his raw defensive talent.
7. Paul Kruger, Utah (6-4 1/2, 260)
Kruger, 24, is older than the usual NFL draft prospect. He is not a blazer off the edge, but he is intelligent, athletic and versatile. Those attributes should help get him drafted in the second or third round and to immediately help his team in one of several roles in a 4-3 or 3-4.
8. Tyson Jackson, LSU (6-4 1/8, 296)
Jackson, an every-down end, is versatile enough to produce at defensive tackle. With the relentlessness and effort he brings as a pass rusher, it will get him drafted within the top three rounds. Jackson, however, is a great fit for a 3-4 team, and the right one may target him in Round 2.
9. Lawrence Sidbury Jr., Richmond (6-2 3/8, 266)
Using his fine frame and athleticism, Sidbury has moved up draft boards with an outstanding spring. His quickness, agility and burst are all signs he will be a productive pass rusher. He just needs to bulk up to hold up better against the run. Sidbury also can play 3-4 rush linebacker.
10. Aaron Maybin, Penn State (6-3 3/4, 249)
Maybin may have come out too early, considering he had only one standout season in State College. A team needs to be patient for him to reach his potential. By getting a little heavier and more aggressive, he can be an NFL force. His raw athleticism will keep him from being drafted before the third or fourth round.
-- For more than 450 in-depth player scouting reports and updated Combine and pro day data, go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 0 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: March 24, 2009
Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a quick look at the Top 10 draft prospects at defensive end:
1. Everette Brown, Florida State (6-1 7/8, 256)
With his great build and athleticism, Brown is an elite pass rusher. He made the wise decision to come out early, but he still needs to improve against the run, continuing to develop a better use of hands, technique and leverage. A surefire firstrounder, Brown will make an immediate impact as either a 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker.
2. Brian Orakpo, Texas (6-3, 263)
Orakpo has the size, strength and athleticism of an elite end. He just needs to work on becoming more consistent. He also needs show more aggressiveness and competitiveness on every snap. As he develops from an athlete into a complete football player, he will be a very productive NFL starter. Like Brown, he can be a 3-4 linebacker.
3. Larry English, Northern Illinois (6-2 1/8, 255)
English, a very productive prospect, is equally adept against the run and the pass. He also will benefit against seeing fewer double teams in the NFL. A complete player and another first-round pick versatile enough to play end or outside linebacker, English should have a long career as an edge pass rusher.
4. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-6 7/8, 266)
Johnson can be an impact pass rusher in the mold of Jevon Kearse. WAR ROOM ANALYSIS:
More: DE | DT | RB | WR | TE | C | G | T
Draft Dish:
Michael Johnson climbs boards
Heyward-Bey challenges the best
To become a steady force, however, he must want it, showing more desire on every snap. Although he struggled in his final college season, performing more like a fourth- or fifth-round pick, teams drafting on Day 1 and early Day 2 will find it difficult to pass on his rare physical tools.
5. Robert Ayers, Tennessee (6-3 1/8, 272)
Ayers showed his worth by winning several battles against Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. Ayers has all the characteristics to thrive against both the run and the pass. Even with his strong predraft workouts, he won't be drafted as high as he should be, but some astute team will get to see him emerge as an impressive starter at either end or outside linebacker.
6. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati (6-3 5/8, 256)
Barwin, a marginal NFL prospect before moving from tight end as a senior, showed great potential in his new role, leading the Bearcats with 11 sacks. He is a coach's dream. After an amazing workout at his pro day this past week, he has likely moved himself up to the second round. Barwin is an elite athlete, but teams must be patient as he refines his raw defensive talent.
7. Paul Kruger, Utah (6-4 1/2, 260)
Kruger, 24, is older than the usual NFL draft prospect. He is not a blazer off the edge, but he is intelligent, athletic and versatile. Those attributes should help get him drafted in the second or third round and to immediately help his team in one of several roles in a 4-3 or 3-4.
8. Tyson Jackson, LSU (6-4 1/8, 296)
Jackson, an every-down end, is versatile enough to produce at defensive tackle. With the relentlessness and effort he brings as a pass rusher, it will get him drafted within the top three rounds. Jackson, however, is a great fit for a 3-4 team, and the right one may target him in Round 2.
9. Lawrence Sidbury Jr., Richmond (6-2 3/8, 266)
Using his fine frame and athleticism, Sidbury has moved up draft boards with an outstanding spring. His quickness, agility and burst are all signs he will be a productive pass rusher. He just needs to bulk up to hold up better against the run. Sidbury also can play 3-4 rush linebacker.
10. Aaron Maybin, Penn State (6-3 3/4, 249)
Maybin may have come out too early, considering he had only one standout season in State College. A team needs to be patient for him to reach his potential. By getting a little heavier and more aggressive, he can be an NFL force. His raw athleticism will keep him from being drafted before the third or fourth round.
-- For more than 450 in-depth player scouting reports and updated Combine and pro day data, go to warroom.sportingnews.com.