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12-03-2007, 04:54 AM
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW...itionrptDL.htm
Position reports — Defensive linemen
Dorsey heads DL class marked by inconsistency
By Nolan Nawrocki
Nov. 29, 2007
Editor’s note: This is the sixth article in a series previewing the top NFL prospects by position for the 2008 draft.
A cardinal rule of scouting is that the value of a defensive lineman is directly proportionate to his ability to rush the passer. For as much value as massive space-eaters have while unselfishly occupying blockers and freeing up linebackers to make plays, big bodies such as that of formerly undrafted Vikings DT Pat Williams can often be found in the late rounds or after the draft and be taught to grab and hold.
Increasing the value of a pass rusher is the ability to move inside or outside and be able to play as effectively in a 30 front as a 40 — that is, having the strength to hold the fort vs. double-teams when playing on a three-man line and the quickness and motor to attack an edge and penetrate from a four-man line.
This year, there are three senior defensive linemen who stand out for their versatility and ability to disrupt — LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, USC DT Sedrick Ellis and Virginia DE Chris Long.
Dorsey surprised many evaluators a year ago when he decided to return to school when he would have been a sure-fire top-10 pick. But program sources say he was concerned about the leg injuries he suffered and wanted to return to recover.
When his knee was rolled up on in the Auburn game in what initially appeared to be a very serious injury, the very reasons he returned to school — to get healthy and for a chance to win a national championship as a senior — appeared to come back to haunt him. Fortunately, the injury did not turn out to be as severe as it appeared, and he has been playing with a knee brace ever since. Most impressive about Dorsey through it all has been the way he continues to play with passion and intensity at a time when many elite players would have shut it down and avoided any further risk of injury.
He is a tremendous competitor who can win with quickness or strength at the line, and he does not stop working to come free. He’s very active, consistently dominates as a run defender and elevates the play of those around him. He has the versatility to line up as a three-technique or a nose and can be equally effective. He has Pro Bowl-caliber talent and should be a top-five pick.
Long has blossomed into a very good player. He has clearly benefited from being the son of a Hall of Famer (Howie Long), as he shows the hand use and pass-rush moves of a seasoned pro. He’s big and strong and plays with intensity and outstanding effort. He can create pressure with his relentlessness and is very stout vs. the run. He plays disciplined, keeping leverage on the ball and taking care of his responsibilities. He can fit as either a base 4-3 end or a 3-4 defensive end. He may not be a double-digit sack artist at the next level, but he will be a very good, consistent pro in whom teams can feel very comfortable investing millions.
Ellis is strong and powerful and has the ability to either line up as a three-technique or bulk up and man the nose. He anchors very well for his size, plays with leverage and natural knee bend and can be very disruptive inside. He will give up his body, but uses his hands very well.
Two seniors who have improved their draft stock with solid senior seasons both hail from the Atlantic Coast Conference — Wake Forest DE Jeremy Thompson and North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer.
Thompson is very naturally athletic for a 280-pounder and may have as much upside as any senior defensive lineman in the draft. He looks the part with a very strong lower body and flashes great strength and power vs. the run, yet he is light on his feet and shows the fluidity and quickness to zone drop. He can appear disinterested at times and, like many supremely naturally gifted players, almost look like he is playing bored at times. Altogether, when he wants to play, however, he has the ability to dominate. If he can shake the underachiever label, he will be drafted very early.
Balmer’s best attribute is his strength, and he could be appealing to a 3-4 front because he is physical and can stack the line and play with power. Scouts wish he would show it more consistently — he will get knocked around and look too complacent — but he has pro traits.
With the proliferation of the 3-4 defense, a higher premium has been placed on rush linebackers. And this year’s class featured several notable prospects entering the season, including TCU DE Tommy Blake, Auburn DE Quentin Groves and Purdue DE Cliff Avril. However, none of them have done anything to help themselves as seniors, and they all could wind up being drafted in the middle rounds. Part of the problem with drafting them higher, outside of projecting these players to a position they have not played and asking them to drop into coverage, is the issue of character.
Blake emerged as one of the nation’s finest pass rushers as a junior and showed he could pressurize the edge with great burst and upfield quickness. However, he has been in and out of the hospital this season, and enters the NFL with some scouts comparing him to troubled ex-players Alonzo Spellman and Dimitrius Underwood. Teams still took a chance on both of them in the first round, and if Blake is managed properly, he could blossom. But the high-risk factor will push him off the draft boards of many teams, some of which have already said they would not take any chance on him. It would not be a surprise to see him fall to the third round, much like Rams DE Leonard Little, given the uncertainty around him.
Groves has rare speed in a straight line and will work out like a phenom. However, he has not been healthy this season, missing two games at midseason with a toe injury that has been a hindrance. And even when he has been healthy, he too often picks his spots. He lacks the motor and intensity to ever be great, and his character will come into question.
Of the trio, Avril has had the most consistent senior season, having played in every game and avoiding trouble off the field, but he by no means has been a mark of consistency, often disappearing in games. He flashes the ability to rush the passer, but he has played inside and may wind up there at the next level.
Arkansas senior DT Marcus Harrison was arrested on drug charges in the weeks leading up to the season, and it has cast a major shadow over his senior season, which was already slowed from an ACL injury he suffered in the spring. Early on, he did not look anything like the player he showed he could be a year ago, but he has started to regain form late in the season. If he can return to full health and be managed, he has the potential to develop into a Darnell Dockett type of talent, capable of disrupting from the inside or outside.
Virginia Tech’s Chris Ellis may have made a small mint when he had his way with Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus, showing strength, quickness and leverage coming off the edge. However, scouts will have to closely evaluate his character, and it could wind up hurting his status.
One of the fastest rising prospects on the defensive line this fall has been Eastern Michigan DL Jason Jones. He has played inside and outside and really stood out vs. better competition against Michigan. He has been playing out of position inside this fall, and at 6-5, 260 pounds, will likely play end in the pros. He is a bit high-hipped and better apt to use his quickness inside than he will be able to outside. However, he has proven to be disruptive, has been very productive and has upside.
Hampton has a pair of senior DE prospects in Kendall Langford and Marcus Dixon who will both warrant draft consideration. Langford has great size and strength and shows the ability to dominate vs. lesser competition. Although he is raw, he has room to develop, similar to Cowboys 2006 third-round pick Jason Hatcher, and likely will draw the most value from a team that employs a 3-4 scheme. Dixon may have more value inside as a three-technique. He has a thick trunk and uses his hands well, but his lack of quickness could be limiting on the outside.
USC DE Lawrence Jackson is a big, good-looking prospect, but his performance has been too up and down, and anyone who turns on the Nebraska tape vs. Carl Nicks will be utterly disappointed. Consistency has been an issue throughout his career and will likely follow him wherever he goes.
Iowa DE Kenny Iwebema put himself on the map as a sophomore when he notched two sacks vs. Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas. He was slowed by injury as a junior and has not stood out as a senior, but he could be a solid base defensive end and has the physical skill set to be a better pro than college player.
North Carolina State’s DeMario Pressley has been very disappointing as a senior, having been limited by injuries and having a very nondescript senior season. Texas A&M’s Red Bryant and Texas’ Frank Okam both have big bodies, but they rarely make any plays. They may look the part physically, but they do not play with a defensive disposition and might be best as offensive tackles.
Georgia Tech DE Darrell Robertson and Mississippi State DE Titus Brown both could warrant consideration as 3-4 outside linebackers. They have enough athleticism and pass-rush ability to contribute on third downs, but they both lack the strength ideally suited to play every down.
Position reports — Defensive linemen
Dorsey heads DL class marked by inconsistency
By Nolan Nawrocki
Nov. 29, 2007
Editor’s note: This is the sixth article in a series previewing the top NFL prospects by position for the 2008 draft.
A cardinal rule of scouting is that the value of a defensive lineman is directly proportionate to his ability to rush the passer. For as much value as massive space-eaters have while unselfishly occupying blockers and freeing up linebackers to make plays, big bodies such as that of formerly undrafted Vikings DT Pat Williams can often be found in the late rounds or after the draft and be taught to grab and hold.
Increasing the value of a pass rusher is the ability to move inside or outside and be able to play as effectively in a 30 front as a 40 — that is, having the strength to hold the fort vs. double-teams when playing on a three-man line and the quickness and motor to attack an edge and penetrate from a four-man line.
This year, there are three senior defensive linemen who stand out for their versatility and ability to disrupt — LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, USC DT Sedrick Ellis and Virginia DE Chris Long.
Dorsey surprised many evaluators a year ago when he decided to return to school when he would have been a sure-fire top-10 pick. But program sources say he was concerned about the leg injuries he suffered and wanted to return to recover.
When his knee was rolled up on in the Auburn game in what initially appeared to be a very serious injury, the very reasons he returned to school — to get healthy and for a chance to win a national championship as a senior — appeared to come back to haunt him. Fortunately, the injury did not turn out to be as severe as it appeared, and he has been playing with a knee brace ever since. Most impressive about Dorsey through it all has been the way he continues to play with passion and intensity at a time when many elite players would have shut it down and avoided any further risk of injury.
He is a tremendous competitor who can win with quickness or strength at the line, and he does not stop working to come free. He’s very active, consistently dominates as a run defender and elevates the play of those around him. He has the versatility to line up as a three-technique or a nose and can be equally effective. He has Pro Bowl-caliber talent and should be a top-five pick.
Long has blossomed into a very good player. He has clearly benefited from being the son of a Hall of Famer (Howie Long), as he shows the hand use and pass-rush moves of a seasoned pro. He’s big and strong and plays with intensity and outstanding effort. He can create pressure with his relentlessness and is very stout vs. the run. He plays disciplined, keeping leverage on the ball and taking care of his responsibilities. He can fit as either a base 4-3 end or a 3-4 defensive end. He may not be a double-digit sack artist at the next level, but he will be a very good, consistent pro in whom teams can feel very comfortable investing millions.
Ellis is strong and powerful and has the ability to either line up as a three-technique or bulk up and man the nose. He anchors very well for his size, plays with leverage and natural knee bend and can be very disruptive inside. He will give up his body, but uses his hands very well.
Two seniors who have improved their draft stock with solid senior seasons both hail from the Atlantic Coast Conference — Wake Forest DE Jeremy Thompson and North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer.
Thompson is very naturally athletic for a 280-pounder and may have as much upside as any senior defensive lineman in the draft. He looks the part with a very strong lower body and flashes great strength and power vs. the run, yet he is light on his feet and shows the fluidity and quickness to zone drop. He can appear disinterested at times and, like many supremely naturally gifted players, almost look like he is playing bored at times. Altogether, when he wants to play, however, he has the ability to dominate. If he can shake the underachiever label, he will be drafted very early.
Balmer’s best attribute is his strength, and he could be appealing to a 3-4 front because he is physical and can stack the line and play with power. Scouts wish he would show it more consistently — he will get knocked around and look too complacent — but he has pro traits.
With the proliferation of the 3-4 defense, a higher premium has been placed on rush linebackers. And this year’s class featured several notable prospects entering the season, including TCU DE Tommy Blake, Auburn DE Quentin Groves and Purdue DE Cliff Avril. However, none of them have done anything to help themselves as seniors, and they all could wind up being drafted in the middle rounds. Part of the problem with drafting them higher, outside of projecting these players to a position they have not played and asking them to drop into coverage, is the issue of character.
Blake emerged as one of the nation’s finest pass rushers as a junior and showed he could pressurize the edge with great burst and upfield quickness. However, he has been in and out of the hospital this season, and enters the NFL with some scouts comparing him to troubled ex-players Alonzo Spellman and Dimitrius Underwood. Teams still took a chance on both of them in the first round, and if Blake is managed properly, he could blossom. But the high-risk factor will push him off the draft boards of many teams, some of which have already said they would not take any chance on him. It would not be a surprise to see him fall to the third round, much like Rams DE Leonard Little, given the uncertainty around him.
Groves has rare speed in a straight line and will work out like a phenom. However, he has not been healthy this season, missing two games at midseason with a toe injury that has been a hindrance. And even when he has been healthy, he too often picks his spots. He lacks the motor and intensity to ever be great, and his character will come into question.
Of the trio, Avril has had the most consistent senior season, having played in every game and avoiding trouble off the field, but he by no means has been a mark of consistency, often disappearing in games. He flashes the ability to rush the passer, but he has played inside and may wind up there at the next level.
Arkansas senior DT Marcus Harrison was arrested on drug charges in the weeks leading up to the season, and it has cast a major shadow over his senior season, which was already slowed from an ACL injury he suffered in the spring. Early on, he did not look anything like the player he showed he could be a year ago, but he has started to regain form late in the season. If he can return to full health and be managed, he has the potential to develop into a Darnell Dockett type of talent, capable of disrupting from the inside or outside.
Virginia Tech’s Chris Ellis may have made a small mint when he had his way with Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus, showing strength, quickness and leverage coming off the edge. However, scouts will have to closely evaluate his character, and it could wind up hurting his status.
One of the fastest rising prospects on the defensive line this fall has been Eastern Michigan DL Jason Jones. He has played inside and outside and really stood out vs. better competition against Michigan. He has been playing out of position inside this fall, and at 6-5, 260 pounds, will likely play end in the pros. He is a bit high-hipped and better apt to use his quickness inside than he will be able to outside. However, he has proven to be disruptive, has been very productive and has upside.
Hampton has a pair of senior DE prospects in Kendall Langford and Marcus Dixon who will both warrant draft consideration. Langford has great size and strength and shows the ability to dominate vs. lesser competition. Although he is raw, he has room to develop, similar to Cowboys 2006 third-round pick Jason Hatcher, and likely will draw the most value from a team that employs a 3-4 scheme. Dixon may have more value inside as a three-technique. He has a thick trunk and uses his hands well, but his lack of quickness could be limiting on the outside.
USC DE Lawrence Jackson is a big, good-looking prospect, but his performance has been too up and down, and anyone who turns on the Nebraska tape vs. Carl Nicks will be utterly disappointed. Consistency has been an issue throughout his career and will likely follow him wherever he goes.
Iowa DE Kenny Iwebema put himself on the map as a sophomore when he notched two sacks vs. Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas. He was slowed by injury as a junior and has not stood out as a senior, but he could be a solid base defensive end and has the physical skill set to be a better pro than college player.
North Carolina State’s DeMario Pressley has been very disappointing as a senior, having been limited by injuries and having a very nondescript senior season. Texas A&M’s Red Bryant and Texas’ Frank Okam both have big bodies, but they rarely make any plays. They may look the part physically, but they do not play with a defensive disposition and might be best as offensive tackles.
Georgia Tech DE Darrell Robertson and Mississippi State DE Titus Brown both could warrant consideration as 3-4 outside linebackers. They have enough athleticism and pass-rush ability to contribute on third downs, but they both lack the strength ideally suited to play every down.