This draft features some elite talent well suited for 3-4 fronts and could receive a big boost from underclassmen. But based on the senior class alone, neither the DE class nor the DT class is particularly strong, with a shortage of big-bodied cloggers.
LSU DE Tyson Jackson

LSU DE Tyson Jackson
Defensive ends

1. DE-DT Tyson Jackson, LSU (Sr.)
6-4, 295, 4.9e

Big, strong, physical and versatile, Jackson fits best as a prototype five-technique for an odd front in a similar mold as Cowboys DE Chris Canty. However, Jackson could fit just as easily as a left defensive end in a 4-3 front and kick inside on third downs and in passing situations, possessing the combination of size and quickness to pose problems for guards. Will never be a playmaker or a productive sack artist but will bring great value setting the edge and stuffing the run. Has shown more overall effort and intensity as a senior than he did a year ago and has been more consistent. Is every bit as good as Marcus Spears, the Cowboys 20th overall selection in 2005, and should be able to contribute readily in the pros. Versatility is a big plus.

2. DE-OLB Aaron Maybin, Penn St. (Soph.-3)
6-4e, 240e, 4.65e

Very lean, naturally athletic, pass-rushing phenom who shows the ability to transfer his quickness into power, Maybin has fared exceptionally well against bigger, stronger blockers despite giving up 60-plus pounds and fits the mold of a rush linebacker. Has received high marks for his work ethic and leadership and sets the tone for the defense with his effort, hustle and pursuit. Is not expected to declare, with two more years to improve his strength and lead an up-and-coming Nittany Lions team headed to a BCS bowl. Could benefit from additional time in the weight room to bulk up and help defend the run, but he plays with good functional strength and if he were to declare early, he could spring up draft boards.

3. DE-OLB Brian Orakpo, Texas (Sr.)
6-3e, 255e, 4.65e

Has natural burst, athletic ability and quickness to consistently take the corner and pressurize the edges. Has played the run surprisingly well with good leverage and strength. Is not lighting scouts on fire and must learn to do a better job using his hands to separate and come free. His overall durability will be called into question and could be the biggest issue that hinders his draft status, having missed extended time each of the past two seasons with injuries. Nonetheless, hes smart, has a passion for the game, his best football is ahead of him and he will be drafted higher than he grades out because of his upside and ability to fit as a rush linebacker.

4. DE-OLB Everette Brown, Florida St. (Jr.)
6-3e, 250e, 4.65e

Started the season slowly, but after notching his third three-sack performance in the last five weeks, the fourth-year junior ranks among the nations top sack artists and seems bound for the NFL. The Seminoles pipeline has lost some luster as its recent crop of pass rushers Kamerion Wimbley (2006, 13th overall), Alonzo Jackson (2003, 59th overall) and Jamal Reynolds (2001, 10th overall) have struggled to produce in the pros. Brown shows the explosive burst, natural bend, lower-body strength and counter moves to dominate, as he has displayed during the course of the past month, abusing blockers from the inside and outside. When he wants to get to the quarterback, he is difficult to stop and could emerge as the top rush LB prospect in the country.

5. DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (Sr.)
6-7, 260, 4.65e

Has been disappointing defending the run and has yet to show he can anchor. Questions persist about how much he loves the game and whether he has the passion to play in the trenches. However, there is no denying his overall skill set for rushing the quarterback with very long arms, great overall length and the quick twitch to beat blockers off the ball. Fell into an interception that he returned 26 yards for a TD against Miami (Fla.) on a national stage in front of a press box full of heavyweight evaluators and still has received some first-round grades from teams employing 4-3 fronts. Nonetheless, not all are convinced he can be an every-down player.

Defensive tackles

1. NT-DT B.J. Raji, Boston College (Sr.)
6-1, 326, 5.19

In a similar mold as Sedrick Ellis and Vince Wilfork, Raji possesses the raw, brute strength and toughness to dominate physically and be very stout inside. He can handle the double-team, beat blockers with power and control the middle. A square-cut, naturally big-boned, wide-shouldered run clogger, Raji has matured since he entered the program, plays hard and has learned to take the game more seriously. Having dropped 10 pounds and improved his playing shape, he has made more lateral plays this season while still showing he can collapse the pocket and could bring value to any defensive front. He brings a presence to the interior and should attract the most interest from a 3-4 front that places a premium on controlling the middle and keeping its linebackers clean. Has played like a first-round talent and easily should fit into the first round.

2. DT-DE Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (Soph.-3)
6-4e, 295e, 5.0e

A quick, explosive, up-the-field penetrator, McCoy has brought consistent pressure from the inside and continually disrupts the middle by slanting, stunting and playing in gaps. Plays with the strength to line up outside in an odd front and the quickness to be disruptive inside as a three-technique. Is still very young and developing physically and could benefit from further maturation, but there is no denying his pure skill set. He is very strong, plays smart and commands respect from his teammates. His versatility only would add to his draft value, but he is not expected to declare for the draft after his third season in Norman. The most talented interior presence the Sooners have had since Tommie Harris, McCoy should enter next season as one of the nations top talents.

3. DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi (Sr.)
6-1e, 310e, 5.0e

Lack of size will detract from his value for 3-4 fronts, where he is not a fit and his injury history could scare any team. Was slowed early in the season by arthroscopic right knee surgery that he underwent to repair cartilage in fall camp and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career with a thin lower body. The injury zapped some of his quickness, especially early in the season, but he has come on strong in the past month, at times looking unblockable against Arkansas and continually beating blockers with his quickness against Auburn and LSU.

4. NT Terrence Cody, Alabama (Jr.)
6-5e, 365e, 5.5e

A mammoth, widebodied plugger who plays with excellent strength and extension, controlling blockers with his strong hands and natural girth, Cody has put himself on the map with a terrific junior season that has helped position Alabama atop the college football world. Despite appearing fairly agile and limber for as massive as he is, his inability to rush the passer will limit his overall value. So, too, will intelligence, work ethic and weight issues that forced him to take the junior-college route. An immovable anchor who commands the double-team, Cody still could warrant early consideration, but teams will have to do their diligence to make sure he wont eat himself out of the league after a major payday.

5. NT-DT Ron Brace, Boston College (Sr.)
6-3e, 330, 5.3e

Playing alongside NT B.J. Raji no doubt has helped Brace develop. Like Raji, Brace has dropped some weight and has played with better balance. He might not be quite as violent with his hands, as strong at the point or as rangy overall as Raji, but Brace is very similar in stature, still possesses great strength to stack the point and helps form a wall inside that has keyed the Eagles top-10 run defense. Is instinctive to sniff out the ball and plug the run while showing the ability to push the pocket in pass-rush situations. He could bring the most value as a run clogger in an odd front.

This seasons OT class might not feature eight first-round left tackles like there were in 2008, but it should feature at least half as many and could be very good with the help of some underclassmen. There are some solid interior linemen as well, with more talented centers in this years draft than usual. The OG class is not especially strong and does not figure to receive a lot of help from the underclassmen ranks, which only should increase the premium that recently has been placed on the position in free agency.

OT prospects

1. OLT Andre Smith, Alabama (Jr.)
6-4e, 330e, 5.3e

A massive, naturally strong left tackle who earned a starting job the minute he stepped on campus, Smith shed 25 pounds in the offseason and improved his agility and balance. A key reason why the Crimson Tide has risen to the top of the college football world and have yet to lose a game, Smith mashes defensive linemen with his overpowering size and physicality and clears wide running lanes. Does not have as much length as Orlando Pace but is a similar type of natural talent. With more athletic feet than Panthers ORT Jeff Otah, Smith possesses the reflexes and recovery speed to stay on the left side in the pros. Should step into a starting lineup immediately and start a long time in the NFL. Will improve if he can convert more baby fat into muscle.

2. OLT Eugene Monroe, Virginia (Sr.)
6-5 18, 310, 5.2e

Excellent-sized, finesse left tackle with very good feet, Monroe has the ease of movement to mirror his man effortlessly and handle the speed rush. Is not a glass eater and overall toughness could be called into question, although he did show he would hit USC LB Brian Cushing in the mouth. Furthermore, Monroe does not need to be a war daddy on the left side, where his most important assignment is in pass protection. A well-coached, solid technician who understands blocking angles and maintains good positioning, he should be able to contribute readily in a similar mold as Jets 2005 fourth overall selection DBrickashaw Ferguson, whom he backed up upon entering Virginia. Was not elected a team captain and may not be a vocal leader but is a solid, smart, steady presence.

3. OLT Jason Smith, Baylor (Sr.)
6-4e, 300e, 5.15e

A converted tight end with natural athletic ability and foot quickness, Smith plays in an option offense where hes asked to vertical set out of a two-point stance and could take some time adjusting to the pro game. However, he has shown he can kickslide and protect the edge and should get better with coaching. He lacks lower-body strength to anchor and needs to continue getting stronger, but Smith is smart, has very good work habits, has continually improved and shows the attitude and desire on tape to excite evaluators. Flashes some nastiness and is very efficient pulling and moving in space. If he can retrain his feet to where he does not have to rely so much on his upper-body strength, he could start for 10 years.

4. OLT Michael Oher, Mississippi (Sr.)
6-5e, 330e, 5.2e

Oher is an enigma who looks every bit the part with long arms and natural strength and athletic ability that cannot be taught. After cycling through the foster system, he has had to deal with three different position coaches in four years and has had difficulty finding the stability and continuity needed to truly blossom. Shows the ability to knock defenders on their backs one play but can look completely disinterested the next. Has been coddled throughout college and could be challenged to handle the trappings of success that come with the NFL. Initially began his career inside at Ole Miss, where he had help on each side and could be better covered up, and some evaluators are convinced his best chance will come inside. Whether inside or outside, Oher will require some time to adapt to the pro game and possesses as much bust potential as any elite tackle in the draft.

5. OLT Trent Williams, Oklahoma (Jr.)
6-4e, 310e, 5.15e

Similar to Saints ORT Jammal Brown, who played on the right side at Oklahoma before being moved to the left side in the NFL, Williams has the athletic ability and foot quickness to project to the left side in the pros. He is a more natural athlete than Sooners OLT Phil Loadholt, grades out highly as a run blocker and pass protector and shows the ability to dominate. The most talented blocker on a solid, senior-laden offensive line, Williams could benefit by returning to school for another season, but he has the type of physical traits to warrant considerable interest.

Interior OL prospects

1. C-OG-OT Max Unger, Oregon (Sr.)
6-4, 310, 5.25e

Not many centers or guards have the foot quickness and playing strength to handle playing on an island, but Unger has shown he can and his five-position versatility has drawn a lot of attention from NFL evaluators. Few NFL teams have a center with his size, quickness and versatility, and those that do still can plug him in as a guard. Would not be effective starting at left tackle but is good enough to fill in during a pinch, as he has done at Oregon, and can get a team through a game or two. Has good balance, hand quickness and efficiency to get to the second level and has positioned himself as the top center in the draft.

2. OLG Duke Robinson, Oklahoma (Sr.)
6-5e, 335e, 5.3e

When Robinson wants to play, he can be very effective and block out the moon with his sheer size and overall mass, but he too often has gotten away with just going through the motions. With a bad body that looks like it has never seen a weight room, Robinson needs to commit himself to the game and reshape himself to correct his balance issues, stay healthy and remain out of trouble. A big, physical road grader who knocks defenders off the ball and flashes the ability to dominate as a drive blocker, Robinson has been slowed by an ankle injury this season and needs to take the game more seriously to maximize his potential.

3. C Alex Mack, California (Sr.)
6-3 78, 310, 5.1e

Is smart, naturally strong, very tough and will grind defenders into the ground with the warriors mentality with which he plays. However, he does not always play to his size because his hips are so tightly wound that he struggles to bend, uncoil and stay on his feet, resulting in too much time on the ground. His lack of hip flexibility has left evaluators questioning his core functional football playing strength, which is very important when trying to match up with big-bodied pluggers. Should be a solid NFL starter but always could struggle handling massive widebodies.

4. OLG Herman Johnson, LSU (Sr.)
6-6 78, 370e, 5.3e

A big-boned, massive power masher who can bring value as a run blocker, Johnsons giant size and lack of quickness will knock him off the draft boards of teams such as the Broncos and Texans, who desire more quickness in the trenches to reach, pull and zone off areas. However, for teams such as the Dolphins, Panthers and Bears that favor a power running game, Johnson will warrant more interest. Has weighed as much as 400 pounds and must show that he can control his weight to make it in the NFL. The heavier he gets, the more he struggles bending and finishing blocks. Would be most effective at less than 350 pounds.

5. OG-C Andy Levitre, Oregon State (Sr.)
6-2, 320, 5.25e

A college left tackle who will be limited on the outside in the pros by his lack of height and arm length, Levitre projects to guard in the NFL. Has the intelligence and quickness to perhaps be an even better center than guard. However, he never has played guard to date and will have to show evaluators in postseason all-star games that he can handle the move. Is innately strong with quick and strong hands and shows enough athletic ability to pull, trap and move in space. A good, tough football player with inside versatility, Levitre has improved his draft stock with a solid senior showing.

Buying a player in their prime is going to cost a bundle.. we shall see if the Uncle Ted cracks open the glass jar or just shakes it upside down and a few pennies trickle out for B tier players.

On that note.. I am not going to get excited until A) which players are actually available.. 😎 any offseason changes in position coaches are made. IE.. ZB sticking.. Sanders vanilla scheme staying?

"pack93z" wrote:

I think we will get our answer regarding the ZBS when we see what personnel moves are made in either FA or the draft--- If we get someone like Duke Robinson, for example (57th reference), you can be assured that the ZBS is officially abandoned. If it is, (again for example)...there is a strong possibility that the o-line coach would retain his job...along the lines of thinking that the coach was ill-suited to run the ZBS, but not necessarily ill-suited to run a more traditional hat on a hat system.

"dfosterf" wrote: