Monday, February 28, 2011
Posted: 12 p.m.
By Ray Didinger
CSNPhilly.com
Every NFL draft is different. Some drafts are rich in star power with lots of big-name quarterbacks and running backs. Other drafts are deep in the trenches with a wealth of offensive linemen just waiting to be harvested.
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This years draft is stacked on the defensive side of the ball. On my early draft board, seven of the top 10 prospectsand 14 of the top 20are defensive players. Teams that are looking for help in that areathe Eagles are surely in that groupwill have a lot of blue chip talent to choose from.
Starting today and continuing every Monday through the draft, CSNPhilly.com will take a close look at this years class, position by position, profiling the top players and tossing in a few sleepers who are worth keeping in mind. Well start with what most experts feel is the strongest position in this draftdefensive end.
1. DaQuan Bowers, Clemson
The best of a very talented group. Bowers is 6-4 with long arms that help him fend off blockers -- much like Julius Peppers, the player to whom he is most often compared. He trimmed down by 15 pounds last season, which increased his quickness, yet he still played at a solid 275. Athletic and light on his feetagain, like PeppersBowers beat double-teams consistently showing a variety of pass rush moves. He also is a force against the run.
2. Robert Quinn, North Carolina
Most draft previews will have Quinn lower than this because he missed the 2010 season due to violating NCAA rules regarding contact with an agent. However, Im putting him here purely on his physical ability. He might have a little rust on his game, but he has top-of-the-draft skills. He is 6-5 and 270 pounds with an explosive first step. Also shows good power against the run.
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3. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
The biggest player in the group at 6-6 and 292 pounds. Watt is more of a power rusher than speed rusher. Hes a tough guy who plays with great effort and determination. Very strong in the upper body, able to shed blocks and get to the football. Demonstrated versatility by lining up at both end spots as well as tackle, but projects as a strongside end at the next level.
4. Cameron Jordan, Cal
Loved what I saw of Jordan at the Senior Bowl. Smart, high effort player who was around the ball all day. The 6-4 Jordan weighed a solid 287 at the Senior Bowl. He played end in a 3-4 defense at Cal and he probably will be drafted by a 3-4 team in the NFL. Still, he is athletic enough to play in a 4-3 as well. Quick off the ball, but can also knock blockers on their heels with the bull rush.
5. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Very productive player with good size (6-3, 285) and speed (4.77 in the 40 yard dash). There is no doubt Clayborn will be a first round pick, but how high is a question. Thats because he was born with a right arm smaller than the left. He suffers from Erbs palsy, a condition which can cause nerve damage in the neck and arm so some NFL teams may view him as a risk. It didnt hamper him at Iowa, as Penn State fans can attest. Last season, he had three tackles for losses against the Nittany Lions even though he was triple-teamed most of the day.
Sleeper Pick: Brandon Bair, Oregon
A rangy 6-6, 275 pounder who played tackle in college, but projects as an end in a 3-4 at the next level. Slippery pass rusher who does not stay blocked, uses his long arms to tip passes. Will fall in the draft because of his age (26) but will be a solid pick for the team that takes him.
Others to watch
Allen Bailey, Miami; Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma; Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue; Aldon Smith, Missouri; Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple.
Next Monday: Defensive tackles.
E-mail Ray Didinger at viewfromthehall@comcast.net