UK Giants defensive Player preview MERGED

[UKGiantsFan]

BBH Draft Preview 2011 - Outside Linebackers

The talent available
With the exception of one mega talent who fits nicely in either system - and will be a sure-fire top 5 pick - there isn’t another player who fits (or might fit) the 4-3 system that I have rated in my top 32 overall. There are only two others who rank in my top 64 - one of which may be better suited to the 3-4 and the other coming off ACL surgery. Only two more appear in my top 100 overall giving you some idea of the total lack of quality and depth available.

What do I think the Giants should do?
In my teens I used to love watching the Giants LB corp play. They put the fear of God into QB’s, RB’s and receivers alike. Sure, that was when we played the 3-4 defense and had all manner of star players at the position but even since switching to the 4-3 it’s been ten years since we had two quality players - Jessie Armstead and Micheal Barrow - on the same team and most years we didn't have one. Now? None.

Michael Boley is very average as the WLB (or is that SLB in Perry Fewell’s system?). He has speed but isn’t anyone’s idea of an impact player and is infinitely replaceable. The SLB spot (or is that WLB?) is a two down position. It was filled by veteran Keith Bullock who though he made some plays in coverage definitely isn’t the future. He was so disappointed with the lack of playing time he initially stated he wouldn’t return (he’s a free agent). Former 2nd round pick Clint Sintim always looked like a ‘square peg in a round hole’ and so it has proven. Given every chance to win a starting job last year at SLB the Giants decided Jonathan Goff in the middle and Bullock out of position was the better option. Sintim will get another chance this year if he’s healthy - he ended the season on IR - but there’s little reason to think he’ll take it. Adrian Tracy was put on IR before the season even began. He might ‘make it’ but can the Giants rely on him to do so? I doubt it. We need to find players for at least one position who can actually make a play in coverage.

How will things play out on draft day?
There will be up to 5 DE’s drafted in the 1st round who will be projected as OLB’s and taken by teams playing the 3-4 system but only one ‘true’ Linebacker. I’ll cover the ‘conversion’ prospects later in the week in the DE preview. Looking at the 4-3 OLB’s I can’t see there being a rush to take them despite a number of teams needing help.

Teams playing the 4-3 in need of OLB help include Denver, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Minnesota, Detroit, St. Louis and New Orleans.

The prospects
Von Miller (Texas A&M) 6'2 5/8”, 246lb’s with 4.53 speed and 37” vertical jump. 3 year starter who started at DE, WLB and a combination role. Only made 182 career tackles but an astonishing 50 1/2 of them were for loss.  Dynamic pass rusher - 33 career sacks and has forced 10 career fumbles. I thought of him as a ‘one-trick pony’ heading into the year but he improved his all-around game markedly nearly doubling his previous best single season tackle output. Did a really nice job at the Senior Bowl when with the rules of the game - no blitzing allowed - didn’t suit his strengths but he still stood out with his all-around play and had a big impact. Is absolutely head and shoulders above the rest of the OLB crop. Projects better to the 3-4 where his pass rush skills can have the maximum impact  rather thna be wasted in the 4-3. Ranks in my top 5 players overall.

Akeem Ayers (UCLA) is 6'2 1/2”, 254lb’s with 4.80 speed and 31” vertical jump. 2 year starter at SLB in a 4-3 system. Made 183 career tackles including 29 1/2 for loss. Entered the draft as a junior with plenty of hype surrounding him but that faded with a less than stellar Combine performance. Had some success rushing the passer with his hand down as a junior  - 14 career sacks and has forced 7 fumbles, mostly from QB’s). Makes some big plays in coverage - has 6 career INT’s including 2 returned for TD’s and 10 passes defensed. Plays ‘soft’ at times - doesn’t get off blocks well and is a drag-down tackler despite his considerable size. Has too many tackles broken. More flash than substance. Smooth rather than fast and doesn’t always appear to give top effort. Team Captain. Has been linked to the Giants. Top 40 pick but his skill-set and lack of ideal top end speed make him better suited to playing in the 3-4 than the 4-3 at the next level.Might go in the 1st round.

Bruce Carter (North Carolina) is 6'2”, 241lb’s but having torn his ACL in late November last year hasn’t ran yet. 4 year starter and Team Captain. Made 25 career tacklers including 24 for loss. Was a phenomenal athlete prior to surgery so even ‘losing a step’ he would have legitimate sub 4.5 speed and has recorded an 40 1/2” vertical jump. Not instinctive but so fast he makes up for it in a hurry - can track down just about anyone from behind. Elite change of direction skills - moves like a CB. Not used much as a pass rusher since his sophomore year (has 8 1/2 career sacks but 5 came that season). Outstanding in coverage - can run with WR’s down the field let alone the TE. Only picked off 3 passes but 2 back for TD’s (also has 9 career passes defensed). Excellent Special Teams player - has 6 career blocked kicks including 3 in one game. Needs to take on blockers better. Not a concussive hitter and has only 1 career forced fumble. A recent inspection of his knee by noted surgeon Dr James Andrews suggests he’s on his way way back full health and will be able to play this season. Played SLB in college but projects best as a WLB. Ranks in my top 64 but would have been in my top 20 overall had he not been injured.

Mason Foster (Washington) is 6'1 1/4”, 245lb’s with 4.75 speed and a 31” vertical jump. 4 year starter. Made 343 career tackles including 44 for loss. Has great instincts against the run and hits with a serious thud - has 8 career forced fumbles. Finds the lanes and shows very good timing on his blitzes (12 1/2 career sacks).  Can catch the ball when it’s thrown at him when dropped into a zone (4 career INT’s with 7 passes defensed) Not great in pursuit and overruns too many plays in the open field as he doesn’t break down well enough. Doesn’t get off blocks well. Far better player than athlete. Bit of a liability in man coverage matched up with the TE. Might project better inside. Top 100 pick who could go a round higher than I have him rated.

KJ Wright (Mississippi State) is 6'3 3/8”, 246lb’s with 4.75 speed and a 32” vertical jump. 3 year starter. Made 251 tackles in that time including 22 1/2 for loss and capable of some big hits. Built a little too ‘long’ at this point - has long legs and 34 7/8” arms - but has the frame to add more weight. Takes good angles to the ball and makes tackles on the sideline. Gets good depth on his drops and shows some ability in coverage (14 career passes defensed). Versatile - started for 2 years at SLB before moving to WLB as a senior. Good blitzer with the size to defeat blockers and a nose for the rush lanes (8 career sacks). Needs to protect his legs better. Is just an average athlete and doesn’t have the great instincts to make up for it. - doesn’t consistently react quickly to the play as it develops. Can’t catch a football - has ‘bricks for hands’. Team Captain. Bright kid. Projects to SLB only if he stays in the 4-3. Top 100 pick

Notable mid-round prospects
Nate Irving (North Carolina St.) 6'1”, 240lb’s with 4.76 speed and a 32 1/2“” vertical jump. 3 year starter who nearly died in an auto accident in summer ’09 and missed the season whilst recovering from numerous injuries. Started for two years at WLB then when he returned in ’10 was shifted to MLB. Has made 214 career tackles with 40 for loss. Big hitter - 6 career forced fumbles. Can make plays in coverage too (4 career INT’s including 1 returned for TD and 11 passes defensed). Good blitzer (9 career sacks including 7 this past season). Was a much better athlete before his car crash - is far stiffer changing direction now. Doesn’t do well taking on blockers and gets washed out of plays in the middle. Plays with a metal rod in his leg so may have a shorter career. Projects to WLB only.

Ross Homan (Ohio State) is 6'0 3/4”, 240lb’s with 4.68 speed and a 35 1/2” vertical jump. 3 year starter at WLB. Active tackler (247 in 3 years including 17 for loss). Has very good instincts and a real feel for coverage - picked off 5 passes as a junior (7 career INT’s with 8 passes defensed). Not used that much as a blitzer (5 career sacks). Doesn’t hold up well at the point of attack in the run game - let’s opponents into his body and gets washed out of the play too easily. Bit stiff in his movements - doesn’t change direction fluidly. Is a little short to match up with the TE in coverage. Played at a lower weight in college and doesn’t really have the frame to carry the lb’s he gained prior to the Combine. Tough - has been a little banged up the past two years (concussion in ’09, sprained foot in ’10 but only missed two games). Team Captain. Smart. Could project to the middle or just as a nickel backer. Underrated.

Brian Rolle (Ohio State) is 5'9 5/8”, 229lb’s with 4.56 speed and a 33” vertical jump. Cousin of Giants S Antrel Rolle.  2 year starter at MLB.  Made 202 career tackles including 19 for loss. Does a better job in coverage than his 4 career INT’s and 4 passes defensed suggests. Can’t take on blockers at the point of attack but does well getting around them. Very strong for his size and uses his lack of height to his advantage getting under his opponents pads and hitting them hit hard. Not particularly instinctive but can flat out run to the ball when he sees it. Might never be any more than a nickel LB but if he is he projects solely to WLB. Underrated.

Summary
Though the Giants have a clear need at the position it is very unlikely that the top talent available meshes well with the Giants needs at the position when the 19th pick overall rolls around. Having made the mistake of drafting a ‘square peg for a round hole’ with Sintim it’s unlikely the Giants will ‘project’ a player best suited for the 3-4 scheme into their 4-3 system again. Hopefully they have learnt their lesson that drafting players they are attracted to because of their pass rushing skills does not mean they will be able to play in reverse and that speed is more important than size (though having both would obviously be preferable).  

Forget about Miller, he’ll be long gone. Whilst I have reservations about him Ayers he may yet be the one the Giants target - possibly even in the 1st round - though were they to do so it would be an admittance that Sintim is a 'bust'. Carter would be a very risky pick in the 2nd round but if he returns to 100% health they’d have a real ‘steal’ on their hands and he could start immediately over Boley. Foster in the 3rd would be interesting as he might replace Boley too. Wright looks like he culd start at SLB. Homan in the 4th would make a fine nickel backer and ST’s player. Is one Rolle too many for the Giants club-house? If he isn’t and he’s still there in the 6th round he’s another that may draw attention.

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[UKGiantsFan]

The talent available
There are plenty of good players available but not quite as much ‘top end’ talent as at DE. I’m also not convinced that there are many players that match the Giants requirements for the position - having taken a ‘1 gap’ type last year to shore up the run defense if the team is to draft another this year they would likely return to their previous ‘prototype for the position by selecting one of the more athletic players with longer arms and pass rush skills and there aren’t many of those. I have one player rated in my top 5 overall, another in my top 10 and one in my top 15. After that I see a bit of a drop-off to the next level where two more rank in my top 32, one in my top 40 and jut one other in my top 64 but a further 5 rate in my top 100.

What do I think the Giants should do?
Barry Cofield will be a free agent once the CBA is signed and coming statistically off his best year should be able to command a far higher salary on the open market than the Giants are willing to offer. He’s already indicated that were he somehow to remain restricted in free agency that he would request a trade. Chris Canty bounced back from an injury plagued first season to perform admirably, doing the ‘dirty work’ expected of him in taking on the double teams and allowing others to make plays around him. Lots of people wrote off veteran Rocky Bernard after a poor first season but with a healthy shoulder he did a good job in the rotation and made some plays. However, he’s 32 and in the last year of his contract so it may be an opportune time to bring someone in to develop behind him as a future pass rush specialist. Linval Joseph didn’t get much playing time as a rookie as he got caught up in a ‘numbers game’ on game day but there has been no indication that the Giants have soured on him. If Cofield were to leave it would give him an opportunity to either step forward and start or at the very least play heavily in the rotation.

How will things play out on draft day?
With the DL as a whole the strength of this draft you can expect to see a lot of teams taking DT’s in the 1st round of the draft. There may be a couple of taller, more athletic ones will be drafted by 3-4 teams to play DE but most of the DT’s taken will be to play in 4-3 defense’s.

I’d expect to see a run at the position throughout the first 3 rounds so if the Giants want a future starter at the position they'd better take one early.

The top prospects
Marcel Dareus (Alabama) is 6’3 1/8”, 318lb’s with 33 3/8” arms and 4.92 speed. Reminds me greatly of the Patriots Ty Warren but with a bit more speed and flexibility. No real point writing an in-depth pen portrait on him as he’s a sure-fire top 5 pick and probably the safest pick of the entire draft with the skill-set to fit into a 3-4 defense at either DE or NT - he played both at Auburn - and in a 4-3 front at DT. I absolutely love him.

Nick Fairley (Auburn) is 6'3 7/8”, 291lb’s with 34 3/4” arms and 4.87 speed. Is considered a bit of a ‘boom or bust’ type due to his being only a one year starter, immature and with some character issues.  He’s simply too good and makes too many impact plays - 24 tackles for loss with 11 sacks this year - not to take a chance on. Probably only fits into a 4-3 defense as a ‘3 technique’ as he doesn’t hold up well against double-teams and his talents would be wasted in a 3-4 but I can’t see him getting out of the top 10 and if he was selected in the top 5 I wouldn’t bat an eyelid.
 
Corey Liuget (Illinois) is 6'2 1/8”, 298lb’s with 33 1/4” arms and 4.99 speed. Jnuior entry. Was only a full-time starter for one year but started 6 games and played extensively in a rotation prior to that. Has great quickness off the ball and really stood out in the games I watched him in this year. Chases hard in the backfield and down is able to change direction and track down QB’s and RB’s alike - had 12 1/2 tackles for loss as a junior including 4 1/2 sacks (25 1/2 for loss with 8 1/2 sacks for his career). Has an element of nastiness to his game. Hustles down the line and makes a lot of tackles (63 this past season, 125 in his career). Lost 30lb’s between his sophomore and junior season when dedicating himself to be the best he could be. Needs to do a better job a against double teams in the run game. Was scouted by Giants DC Perry Fewell at his Pro Day and complimented on his explosive performance. Has a big upside. One of my personal favorites in this draft. I have him in my top 15 overall.

Phil Taylor (Baylor)  is 6'3 1/4”, 334lb’s with 34” arms with 5.20 speed. Huge man who really only fits for a team either playing the ’1 technique’ in the 4-3 or more likely as the NT in a 3-4. Has the size and strength to excel in a ‘two-gap’ system. Makes a whole lot more tackles than the typical space eater due to his speed (62 this past season). Can push the pocket but isn’t a sack artist - made only 5 1/2 in his career. Kicked out of Penn State after a number of OTF issues but it is felt he may now have matured as a person. Sat out in ’08 after transferring to the Bears then started for two years there. Was very impressive at the Senior Bowl. Has has some issues with his feet that might cause him to slip on draft day. Top 32 pick

Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple) is 6'4 1/8”, 315lb’s with 35 1/4” arms and 4.96 speed. Two year starter and Team Captain. Great athlete for his size. Had a big impact for the Owls (131 tackles in two years including 23 1/2 for loss and 16 1/2 sacks. Very mobile. Has an array of pass rush moves. Plays high. Intensity may be an issue. Level of competition is a concern as he didn’t do much in games against better drilled programs. The Giants had him in for a visit but whether that was because he counted as a ‘local visit’ (he’s from Linden, NJ) or because of genuine interest is unknown. Could well be ‘over-drafted’ based because of his ‘tools’ as he is very ‘raw’ and gets by solely on his athletic ability at this stage of development. Top 32 pick.

Stephen Paea (Oregon St.) is 6'1 1/4", 303lb’s with 32 7/8” arms and 5.15 speed. 3 year starter built like a beer keg. Has immense strength - set the Combine record for the bench press with an astonishing 49 reps - and is very quick and powerful off the ball. Forced a lot of double and even triple teams as he couldn’t be handled one-on-one. Very strong bull rusher up the middle - has 14 career sacks. Forces a lot of fumbles (9 for his career). Still developing as a football player - has a Rugby background and doesn’t appear to know where the blocks are coming from as yet. Has no pass rush moves other than the bull rush. Tore the mensiscus in his right knee during the Senior Bowl practices but has subsequently proved himself healthy. Projects best to the 4-3 to take advantage of his quickness though some teams might view him as a NT in a 3-4 system. Top 40 pick

Marvin Austin (North Carolina   ) is 6'1 5/8”, 309lb’s with 32 5/8” arms and 4.90 speed. Great physical specimen who was a career underachiever with the Tar Heels despite the hype surrounding him as a junior. Has pass rush skills (9 career sacks) and is able to get pressure from a number of different positions - has some moves as well as good strength (38 reps on the bench press) and mobility. Jumps offside too often and sometimes fails to find the ball when he beats his man. Plays too high and in spurts but showed dominant traits when he put his mind to it. Shady character who was kicked out of school for accepting gifts from an agent and missed his senior year. Got himself in shape and reportedly dominated in both the practices and game to lift his ‘stock’. Is very much a ‘boom or bust’ prospect but if he has matured and works hard he could be a very good pro. Top 64 pick who could go a lot higher than I have him rated.

Jurrell Casey (USC) is 6'0 5/8”, 300lb’s with 32” arms and 5.06 speed. 2 year starter (DT in ’09, NT in ’10) who entered the draft as a junior. Good run defender who does well gaining leverage and holding his ground at the point of attack. Makes a ton of tackles in the box or behind the line(126 tackles the past two years including 20 for loss). Makes some big hits - has 3 career forced fumbles. Good pass rusher with an array of moves - had 4 1/2 sacks each year he started and gets fairly consistent pressure. Occasionally hits a gap taking himself out of the hole and flies straight past the ball carrier. Doesn’t make tackles towards the sideline. Probably projects better as a ‘3 technique’ in a 4-3 front than as a ‘1 technique’. Has an ‘upside’. Probably a little underrated. Ranks just outside my top 64.

Jerrell Powe (Ole Miss) is 6'1 3/4”, 335lb’s with 33 1/4” arms and 5.29 speed. Two year starter and Team Captain. Looked on his way to stardom as a sophomore  but didn’t play quite as well as a junior before entering the draft. Similar to Taylor in that he’s a pocket crushing ‘pure’ NT - 6 career sacks - but nowhere near as athletic. Excellent against the run and can dominate the middle of the line of his 69 career tackles 24 were for loss. Has learning difficulties and dyslexia so may have trouble learning a difficult scheme. Has also had two operations on his right wrist ( fractured it in ’07, needed more surgery in ’09). Will be a 24 year old rookie. Needs to keep his weight in check or else he becomes top heavy but has a lot of talent. Top 100 pick.

Christian Ballard (Iowa) is 6'3 3/4”, 283lb’s with 33” arms and 4.80 speed. 3 year starter who never had a true position having been switched between LDE and DT in a 4-3 front (started at LDE in ’08, DT in ’09 and split starts between both in ’10). Was definitely more productive as a DT in ’09 than as a DE in ’10 (9 tackles for loss and 5 1/2 sacks v 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks). Good bull rusher with the speed to chase down QB’s. Does well playing the run laterally but neutralized and pushed off the line or turned out too easily when its ran at him especially when double teamed. Plays too high - is easy to cut - and doesn’t use his hands well enough to free himself from blockers. Far better athlete than player at this point despite his considerable experience. Doesn’t always give full effort. ‘Boom or bust’ type. Ranks in my top 100 but could go a lot higher than I have him ranked.

Jarvis Jenkins (Clemson)   6'4”, 310lb’s with 33 1/4” arms and 5.08 speed. 3 year starter. Did a lot of the ‘grunt’ work allowing DE Da’Quan Bowers to star. Not a productive pass rusher statistically - just 5 career sacks - but generates a lot of pressure allowing others to get to the QB. Very athletic run defender for his size. Active tackler who frequently penetrates the backfield (156 tackles in the past 3 years including 30 for loss). Blocked a school record 4 career kicks. Had a good week at the Senior Bowl. Needs to dedicate himself to the weight room - managed a paltry 17 reps on the bench press at the Combine. Too easily blocked when he isn’t stunting. Probably projects best to a ’5 technique’ playing DE in a 3-4 system. Top 100 pick.

Drake Nevis (LSU) is 6'0 5/8”, 294lb’s with 31 1/2” arms and 5.06 speed. Only a full-time starter for one year but played well in a rotation. Team Captain. Has very good quickness firing off the ball into and through gaps (31 1/2 career tackles for loss). Uses a swim move to good effect as a pass rusher (6 sacks this past season). High effort player. Short-armed. Will either beat his man at the snap or not at all. Gets crushed by double teams. Overrated because he gave Mike Pouncey so many problems in one game this year. Flashes lots of ability but looks more like a player for the rotation than a future starter. Top 100 pick.

Notable mid-round prospects
Martin Parker (Richmond, VA) is 6’2 1/8”, 303lb’s with 33 3/4” arms and 5.03 speed. Reportedly had a tough week in practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl - particularly against the run - but bounced back in the game to record a pair of sacks and win Defensive MVP honors. The Giants have shown some interest in him.

David Carter (UCLA) is 6’ 4 3/8”, 293lb’s with 5.03 speed. Did not start until his senior year but made some contributions coming off the bench in games I saw him in as a junior whilst ‘scouting’ Brian Price (Bucs, 35th overall, 2010). Has added about 35lb’s in the past year or so so is no longer undersized for the position. Late bloomer

Summary
Were Liuget to be available with the 19th pick overall it would be easy to make a case for his being the ‘best player available’ as he would likely be the top rated player at that stage on my ‘value board’. Wilkerson fits the Giants ‘prototype’ at the position to a tee but looks too much of a project to be taken 19th overall. If they were to trade down he may come into the reckoning. Austin is a player I hated at North Carolina and I would imagine he’s been ‘red flagged’ on the Giants board due to character concerns. Paea would be interesting if available with the 52nd pick but I’m not sure he wouldn’t be too alike Joseph. Casey would be a bit of a ‘steal’ in the 3rd round whereas Ballard and Nevis would offer ‘value’ because of their pass rush skills.  Parker in the 4th round and Carter in the 6th might appeal were the Giants not to take someone earlier in the draft.

[Fla-Gman]

Could not agree more about Boley.  He gets stuffed at the point of attack everytime he blitzs which is why they were forced to send a safety as much as they did.  That would be fine if he excelled at coverage, which he does not.

[UKGiantsFan]

The talent available
One of the weakest positions in the entire draft - not only is there no potential ‘superstar‘ available at the position, there isn’t a great deal of depth either with most players at the ILB/MLB positions looking more like career back-ups than future starters. Even worse from a Giants perspective, most of the better players appear better suited for the 3-4 than 4-3 alignment. There are only two players who rank in my top 64 and one of those may be better suited to the 3-4 as an OLB. Only two other appears in my top 100 overall giving you some idea of the total lack of quality and depth available.

What do I think the Giants should do?
The Giants haven’t had a top notch MLB since first Micheal Barrow and then Antonio Pierce were in their prime (and both outstayed their usefulness!) Jonathan Goff started in the middle last year almost by default - the plan was to play veteran free agent acquisition Keith Bullock inside and start Clint Sintim at SLB but Goff at MLB and Bullock out of position proved a better option so the Giants took it. While he made some plays against the run he also made some bad ones and in GM Jerry Reese’s eyes we could do with ‘more production’ at MLB. Is Goff the long-term answer? I doubt it. He can’t make any plays in coverage. Could it be 2nd year man Phillip Dillard who spent much of his rookie season injured? I doubt that too

How will things play out on draft day?
It is highly unlikely that there will be a single player drafted in the 1st round to play MLB in the NFL and entirely possible that the only players I’m previewing below that goes in the 2nd round is selected as an OLB. With needs at other positions it wouldn't surprise me to see the even the better players last longer than warranted.

The prospects
Quan Sturdivant (North Carolina) 6'1”, 241lb’s with 4.68 speed and a 34” vertical jump. 4 year starter playing both WLB and MLB (though only 5 games at MLB). Made 300 career tackles including 27 1/2 for loss and 7 sacks. Makes crunching hits on RB’s and receivers coming over the middle. Aware in coverage (4 career INT’s and 9 passes defensed) - picked off a pass in double OT to set up his team’s Bowl game victory. Has great intangibles - very instinctive player. who is rarely out of position. Has scored on both an INT and fumble return. Was the defensive signal caller since his freshman year. Had some hamstring problems as a senior. Though physical taking on lead blockers with his shoulder he needs to improve shedding blocks with his hands. More fast than agile in the open field and needs to break down better. Not a strong blitzer - relies too much on his speed and timing. Could project to WLB or MLB in a 4-3 and ILB in a 3-4. One of my favorite players in this draft. Underrated by most draft ‘experts’ as he was overshadowed by the talent around him at the Tar Heels even though he was one of the best players. Ranks just outside my top 40.

Martez Wilson (Illinois) at 6'3 3/4”, 250lb’s with 4.49 speed and a 36” vertical jump is one of the best athletes in the draft. Has the speed to shoot the gap and get into the backfield to make plays (11 1/2 tackles for loss this season) Very strong blitzer off the edge able to take on and defeat blockers (9 career sacks). Has positional versatility - started at WLB in ’08 before being switched to the middle in ’09. Can dish out punishment when he gets a bead on a QB (4 career forced fumbles). Far better athlete than player. Has poor instincts - gets out of position and appears late seeing the play develop. Nowhere hear the ‘thumper’ you’d expect of a player his size in the running game - gets tied up too easily on blocks and dives at RB’s legs. Not very agile in coverage Has had OTF issues - suspended for a team rules violation and stabbed during a bar fight in ’08. Missed all of the ’09 season with a herniated disc in his neck so might be a medical reject on some teams boards. Giants DC Perry Fewell was at his Pro Day. Projects better to a pass rushing role as an OLB in the 3-4 than at MLB or SLB in a 4-3 due to his lack of instincts. Ranks in my top 64

Colin McCarthy (Miami, FL) is 6'1 3/8”, 238lb’s with 4.65 speed and a 36.5” vertical jump. 4 year starter - first 3 years at SLB before being moved to the middle as a senior. Team Captain. Smart on and off the field. Highly thought of by the ‘Canes coaching staff. Attacks the line of scrimmage, is relentless in pursuit and an active tackler all over the field (303 career tackles including 33 for loss). Stood out in the Senior Bowl game. Good Special Teams player. Has very short arms (29 1/2” - about the size you’d expect to find on a 5‘9” corner). Has had multiple left shoulder surgeries dating back dating back to High School and might have a shorter career. Can cover but always appears a step late from making a big play and doesn’t have great flexibility (has 3 career INT’s and 6 passes defensed). Showed some ability to blitz off the edge early in his career but didn’t really improve much in that regard (just 4 career sacks). Ranks in my top 100 

Akeem Dent (Georgia) is 6'1”, 242lb’s with 4.74 speed and a 37.5” vertical jump. Late bloomer. Had an excellent senior season - 126 tackles of his 240 career tackles came this season - but wasn’t a regular starter until the Bulldogs switched to a 3-4 alignment and he stepped in at ILB. Previously was a sometime starter (14 games in 3 years) at SLB in the 4-3 system. Strong run defender - takes on blockers well and will make some big hits between the tackles. Nowhere near as good a pass defender - is very susceptible to play action and stiff changing direction. Makes very few plays on the ball - 0 INT’s career passes with just 5 defensed. Has had numerous injury problems (hamstring foot and toe) but finally healthy in ’10. Looks like he finally has found a home at a position and should be drafted by a 3-4 team to play inside. Underrated. Was checked out by the Giants at a private work out. Ranks in my top 100

Kelvin Sheppard (LSU) 6'1 7/8”, 250lb’s with 4.8 speed and a 33.5” vertical jump. 3 year starter and Team Captain. Has some experience at WLB as well as in the middle. Was a productive college player - 311 career tackles including 26 for loss - who made tackles sidelines to sideline. Big hitter - forced 6 career fumbles. Forceful blitzer up the middle (4 sacks last year). Gets a decent drop in zone and can play the man and ball in front of him. Has limited athletic ability and speed. Poor in man coverage - is slow turning and lacks the speed to keep up in a foot race down the middle - and has been burned on a number of occasions. Projects better to the 3-4 than 4-3 because of his lack of ideal speed and coverage ability.

Greg Jones (Michigan St.) is 6'0 1/8” 242, lb’s with 4.76 speed and a 31 1/2” vertical jump. 4 year starter. Team Captain. Offers strong leadership. Amazingly productive - notched up 465 career tackles. Can diagnose plays in an instant and penetrate the backfield to make plays (46 1/2 career tackles for loss and 16 1/2 sacks). Struggles to make plays in coverage - can come up from a zone to make tackles but gets beat down the seam by TE’s. Can be thrown over dropping into a zone one-one-one as too easy to throw over. Has to be in a system where he is kept completely ‘clean’ or he can’t stop the run straight at him (see Bowl game v Alabama for details). Far better collegian than he is a pro prospect.

Summary
I am hoping that the Giants want nothing to do with Wilson or that someone takes him before we do. I’m tired of drafting LB’s that don’t fit our system just because we prefer them to be be ‘big’ or are infatuated with pass rush skills (which will never be used to their full extent in the 4-3 anyway). Sturdivant may be considered a ‘reach’ by some in the 2nd round but I’d be OK with it. Better still if he were to last to the 3rd round and be nabbed there. He could beat out either Goff or Boley given a fair crack at both spots. If McCarthy were taller he’d have appealed in the 3rd round as an SLB. I think not only would he upgrade Goff he’d be better than Boley at WLB too. Dent in the 3rd round would be an upgrade on Goff as a run stuffer but probably a downgrade in coverage. Sheppard might project to SLB in our system but I think there are better prospects who have actually played there. Available in the 4th he might be worth a shot. 

[Jaime]

With a real weak LB Draft Pool, my thinkin' is we need to sign the best FA available to upgrade Boley @ WIL. We can get by with Goff @ MIKE.Thinkin' he'll settle in a bit & generate a slight upgrade.   I have more faith in Tracy than most @ SAM. His elbow injury, prevented him from building on his early ST momentum. Tracy was originally a LB that was converted to DE as a result of the O schemes William & Mary faced. So I'm good to go with those two. Bullock is a goner, & Sintim would be as well if he weren't the 45th overall Selection.

Dillard is a complete (?) @ this point. His Rook season was a complete washout with a killer hammy. Can he play MIKE or SAM? We shall c. I think he's no better than a career backup. I would sign a Cap friendly Vet similar to what Bullock was SUPPOSE to be for versatile depth.

[UKGiantsFan]

The talent available
A great year for teams in need of DE help whether for the 4-3 or 3-4 defense with a combination of high quality and considerable depth. There are literally a couple of dozen prospects who could ‘make it’ as starters in the NFL long-term and more than a dozen should be drafted in the first 3 rounds. I have two ranked in my top 10 overall, another 4 in my top 20 and . Were that not enough there are two more in my top 40, another one in my top 64 and 2 more in my top 100!

What do I think the Giants should do?
Had they not selected Jason Pierre-Paul last year in the 1st round last year the Giants would have been salivating looking at this draft crop. While there has to be some concern over the long-term health of starters Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora I wouldn’t be rushing either out of the door. Both played at a Pro Bowl level last year. Matthias Kiwanuka may yet become a free agent but at most he’ll be back for only one year and his neck problems could return. Dave Tollefson is upgradeable but it’s unlikely to be a priority considering they will struggle to find playing time for any draft pick at this position outside of Special Teams unless there are injuries

Top ‘pure’ DE’s
JJ Watt (Wisconsin)  6'5 3/8”, 290lb’s with 34” arms and 4.84 speed. 2 year starter. Played LDE and some DT in a 4 man front but best fit in the NFL will be as a DE in the 3-4 man. Very good run defender Not a sack artist - only has 11 1/2 career sacks. Has also blocked 4 kicks in the past 2 years. Not as agile chasing QB’s as he appeared at the Combine (see highly rated QB Andy Dalton fake him out a few times in the Bowl game). Ranks just inside my top 10 overall.

Aldon Smith (Missouri) 6'4 1/4”, 263lb’s with 35 3/8” arms and 4.78 speed. Two year starter. Has been used all over the line in pass rush situations. Developing player against the run who works his tail off to make plays down the line. Had a dominant sophomore season - 11 1/2 sacks, 19 tackles for loss. Off to a fast start last year -  3 sacks and 3 tackles for loss in 3 games - before fracturing his leg. Not the same player when he came back after missing 3 games but apparently has a clean bill of health so can be expected to return to form. Some see him as a potential convert to OLB but I don’t as he has the frame to get considerably bigger and doesn’t have the agility or pure speed to play in reverse. Ranks just outside my top 10.

Cameron Jordan (California) 6'4 1/8”, 287lb’s with 35” arms and 4.78 speed. 3 year starter. Son of former Vikings Pro Bowl TE Steve Jordan. Rose to prominence with dominant Senior Bowl practice sessions. Was moved around the line both against the run and pass throughout his career. Not a true sack artist - 17 1/2 career sacks. Very good run defender - 4 career tackles for loss. Could project to either 4-3 or 3-4 schemes anywhere but NT. Ranks just outside my top 10 overall

Da’Quan Bowers (Clemson) 6'3 3/8”, 280lb’s with 33 1/8” arms and 4.90 speed. 3 year starter. Has a strong all around game but underachieved until this past season. Had a statistically dominant senior season -  25 tackles for loss and 15 1/2 sacks - but made his plays in bunches then disappeared for long periods. May be a ‘1 year wonder’. Has a knee problem that was operated on in January but still causes concern as to his career longevity. History of NFL ‘busts’ amongst Tigers DE’s in also a worry. Ranks in my 20 overall but either go a lot higher or slide a long way dependent on how teams view his medical prognosis.

Adrian Clayborn (Iowa) 6'2 5/8”, 281lb’s with 32 1/2” arms and 4.83 speed. 3 year starter. Team Captain. Good all-around player with fine strength. Has 19 career sacks and 37 1/2 tackles for loss. Lacks ideal height for the position and has a condition - Erb’‘s Palsy - that effects his right shoulder. Played RDE but doesn’t looks better suited to LDE at the next level. Has some experience inside. Didn’t have a strong senior year statistically but he didn’t play badly either. Has been checked out by the Giants. Ranks in my top 32

Cameron Heyward (Ohio State). 6'5”, 294lb’s with 34 1/4” arms and 4.95 speed. Son of former NFL RB/FB Craig ‘Ironhead’ Heyward (RIP). Has been used at both DE in 4 and 3 man fronts. Tough -  played through an ankle injury as s senior then hurt his elbow early in his Bowl game (and it required surgery) but only missed one play and dominated. Mature - returned to school last year rather than enter the draft early though he could have been picked just as high last year after a dominant junior season.  Did a lot of the dirty work on the line freeing up others to make plays. Still ended up with  37 1/2 career tackles for loss and 15 1/2 sacks. Could project to either 4-3 or 3-4 systems equally well. Top 32 pick.

Allen Bailey (Miami, FL) 6'3”, 285lb’s with 34” arms and 4.77 speed. Started for the best part of 3 years. Made 33 career tackles for loss and 20 sacks. Hasn’t performed in big games. Played both DE and DT in the 4-3 front but might end up as a DE in a 3 man front in the right scheme. Is projected by a number of ‘experts’ as a 2nd round pick but I think he’s overrated and a ‘tweener at the next level who may never be more than a quality reserve and pass rush specialist.  Overrated. Top 100 pick.

Pernell McPhee (Mississippi) 6'2 5/8”, 278lb’s with 34 3/8” arms and 4.93 speed. Two year starter after arriving from a JUCo. Team Captain. Very good run defender able to hold the point of attack against double teams. Hasn’t made as many impact plays as you’d like to see - 22 career tackles for loss and 7 sacks - but has a bigger impact on the game than that. Needs development as a pass rusher Projects well as a 4-3 LDE or in the 3 man front. Underrated performer. Top 100 pick

Top DE to OLB conversion prospects
Robert Quinn (North Carolina) 6'4”, 265lb’s with 34” arms and 4.70 speed. Two year starter at RDE on a 4 man front. Had 11 sacks and 19 tackles for loss as a sophomore including beating highly rated OT Anthony Castonzo around the corner for several big hits on his QB. Suspended by the NCAA for all of his junior season for accepting benefits from agents. Really no more than a pass rusher at this time but a very talented one. Has some experience dropping in coverage so could easily be molded to a pass rushing role in a 3-4 defense. Top 10 pick.

Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) 6'3 7/8”, 267lb’s with 33 3/8” arms and 4.71 speed. 3 year starter. Team Captain. Hugely productive player - made 55 tackles for loss and 37 1/2 sacks in his career. Not quite as good a prospect as his ‘numbers’ suggest - struggled getting off blocks against bigger OT’s like highly rated Gabe Carimi and gets squashed when ran at. However, he consistently makes the plays that change games - 12 forced fumbles the past 2 years - so has high value. I’m sitting on the fence as to whether he projects better as a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB as I can’t make up my mind. Top 20 pick.

Brooks Reed (Arizona) 6'2 1/2”, 263lb’s 32 1/4” arms and 4.68 speed. 3 year starter and Team captain. Beat highly rated OT Anthony Castonzo for a sack in the Senior Bowl game after a good week of practice then ‘knocked the doors down’ at the Combine to raise his stock further. Nowhere near the production on the field that his workout numbers suggest he was capable of have - just 25 career tackles for loss and 17 sacks. Stiff and doesn’t have the balance to turn the corner at high speed and lacks an array of pass rush moves. Gets mugged by big athletic linemen who know how to use their hands. Hustling style of play against the run suggests he would fit as a 3-4 OLB. Overrated as a DE but ranks just inside my my top 40 because I think he’ll be far more productive standing up at the next level.

Justin Houston (Georgia) 6'2 7/8”, 270lb’s with 34 1/2” arms and 4.68 speed. Two year starter, first as a DE in a 4-3 then as a 3-4 OLB. Immature - was suspended 2 games in ’09 for a violation of team rules and tested positive for marijuana at the Combine. Really only a pass rusher at this stage but has a great first step and burst to the QB off the edge - has 17 /12 sacks the past 2 years. Fantastic athlete but plays in spurts. I don’t see him as a natural conversion to LB - he rushes the passer far better with his hand down and shows little ability in coverage. Giants showed some interest in him. Could have an impact as a pass rush specialist early in his career. Will likely drop in the draft a lot further than his talent would have him selected which is in the top 40

Jabaal Sheard (Pittsburgh) 6'2 7/8”, 264lb’s with 33 1/2” arms and 4.69 speed. 3 year starter at LDE. More quick than fast and agile. Plays with a lot of leverage and strength. Gets consistent pressure and has a lot of moves. Still improving. Has an isolated OTF incident last year but also has picked up an award for bravery having saved an elderly woman from a burning building so can’t be a bad kid. Some see him as a potential convert to OLB but I’m not sure he has the athleticism for the role despite his speed. Top 64 pick

Sam Ocho (Texas) 6'1 5/8   “, 262lb’s with  33 1/2” arms and 4.68 speed. 2 year starter. Team Captain. Very smart on and off the field. Has a good all-around game making 30 tackles for loss and 16 sacks as a starter. Forced 5 fumbles as a senior year. Not as highly thought of as some recent Longhorn DE’s entering the NFL but lifted his stock with a fine showing  at the Senior Bowl game whipping overrated OT Nate Solder in the process. Normally gets dominated by bigger OT’s but gives great effort. I think he’s a natural convert to a pass rushing OLB role in a 3-4 defense but doubt he’ll ever be a star. Top 64 pick.   

Dontay Moch (Nevada) 6'1 3/8”, 248lb’s with 33” arms and 4.44 speed. 3 year starter. One of the best athletes in the entire draft lb for lb. Absolutely nailed on to return to OLB due to his lack of height and size for DE (played there as a freshman but did not start). Has made lot of plays in the backfield with his speed - 71 career tackles for loss and 28 1/2 sacks. The lone highly rated DE to LB convert I think has the athletic ability to eventually project as a starter in either the 3-4 or 4-3 system. Is a major project but a talented one nonetheless. Ranks just outside my top 64.

Mid-round appeal
Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh) is 6'5”, 264lb’s with 35” arms and estimated 4.85 speed. 3 year starter. Looked headed for stardom the first two years as a starter as an RDE in a 4 man front racking up 26 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in that period. Had an injury plagued ’10 season having back surgery to repair a disc then tore his ACL when he returned to the field in November. Might get stashed away on IR this year if not fully recovered but has a big upside.

Ricky Elmore (Arizona) is 6'4 1/2”, 255lb’s with 31” arms and 4.96 speed. 2 year starter who outperformed Brooks Reed both years racking up 33 1/2 tackles for loss and 21 1/2 sacks in that period. Quality edge rusher but not a speedster. Will work his butt off and play ST’s for whoever drafts him.  

Summary
Smith is exactly the sort of player the Giants would have targeted had they needed a DE. He fits our athletic and size ‘prototype’ to a tee. In the unlikely event he were he to drop to 19th overall pick he would likely rate too high to pass over. When Reed is off the board in the 2nd round I will breathe a sign of relief - he’s just the type of athlete the Giants would fall in love with and believe they could turn into an OLB despite his poor fit to the 4-3. Moch is another I’m wary of but available in the 3rd round he may well be worth the gamble. Bailey’s versatility may appeal to the Giants in the 4th round. Whilst Romeus would be a gamble he’s one to consider in the 6th round. Elmore is also attractive at that point.

[UKGiantsFan]

What do I think the Giants should do?
Starting pairing Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas are both good players and can make plays on the ball but neither has incredible speed or rank in the upper echelon of players at their position in the NFL. Having struggled with injury former 1st round pick Aaron Ross has been downgraded to the nickel spot but he could do with being challenged for that role too. It’s not that he’s a bad nickel back by any means, just that the biggest problem we have is that none of our CB’s can keep up with DeSean Jackson so we don’t match up well against our most hated rivals. Bringing in a speedy 3rd/4th CB therefore has to be a priority. Also worth noting is that the Giants draft CB’s who can take the ball away so speed should not be the lone consideration. Whilst bringing a smaller guy in to the mix might help with match-ups the Giants historically like their corners to be around the 6’ mark and with longer arms.

The top prospects
Patrick Peterson (LSU) is 6'0 1/4”, 219lb’s with 32” arms and 4.34 speed. 3 year starter before leaving after his junior year. Thorpe Award winner as the Nation’s Top DB. Bednarik Award winner as the top defender. Excellent in press coverage, less so in zone. Playmaker - for his career had 7 INT’s and 22 passes defensed and scored on both an INT and fumble return. Big hitter in the run game. Also returns punts and kicks extremely well. Will occasionally make a mental error and get beat but I’ve not seen him outran by anyone. Very talented. Flashy. Wonderful player to watch. Top 5 pick.

Prince Amukamara (Nebraska) is 6', 206lb’s with 30 1/2” arms and 4.43 speed. 2 year starter. Can make plays on the ball - 5 career INT’s and 26 passes defensed - but didn’t make a single pick as a senior and has average hands at best. Willing tackler in the run game and makes some bih hits (3 career forced fumbles). Overrated - I’ve seen him burned on several occasions on play action or double moves the past few seasons and he doesn’t seem to learn. Top 20 pick

Jimmy Smith (Colorado) is 6'2 1/4”, 211lb’s with 32 1/4” arms and 4.46 speed. 3 year starter. Teams shied away from throwing at him but 3 career INT’s and 18 passes defended says he doesn’t play the ball that well when it does go his way. Not known for his run defense despite his considerable size. Very tall for a CB and doesn’t have which could mean trouble against smaller, quicker receivers at the next level. Has had OTF issues and is considered a shady character with a sense of entitlement. ‘Boom or bust’. Top 32 pick

Brandon Harris (Miami, FL) is 5'9 1/2”, 191lb’s with 30 5/8” arms and 4.51 speed. 3 year starter. Junior entry. Lined up both inside and outside so will be able to step in and make an impact  immediately even if not starting. Can make plays on the ball - 4 career INT’s and 28 passes defensed - but would have picked off more if he had better hands. Willing run supporter. Struggled in his Bowl game matched up against a big, physical WR and if he’s to be a starter it needs to be in a Division where he isn’t dwarfed by his opponents. Comes from a school with a long history of producing quality DB’s. Ranks just outside my top 40.

Ras-I Dowling (Virginia) is 6'1 3/8”, 198lb’s with 31” arms and 4.46 speed. Another very tall CB. 3 year starter. Team Captain. Has very good ball play skills - 8 career INT’s and 28 passes defensed. Doesn’t play close to his timed speed - is a long strider who struggles coming out of his break and has been burned deep in man coverage. Huge hitter with 4 career forced fumbles but doesn’t tackle that well. Might be seen as no more than a cover Safety by many teams. Better suited to the ‘Cover Two’ based zone schemes if he is to stay at CB. Injured most of his senior year (broken left ankle and had knee & hamstring issues too). Top 64 pick

Davon House (New Mexico State) is    6'0 1/2”, 200lb’s with 31 7/8” arms and 4.50 speed. I don;t know much about him apart from what I saw at the Senior Bowl and in snippets on the internet. 4 year starter. Playmaker - made 11 career INT’s and knocked down 37 passes. Returned 3 picks for TD’s. The Giants have shown interest in him. Ranks in my top 64

Mid-round options
Curtis Brown (Texas) is 5'11 5/8”, 185lb’s with 32 1/4” arms and 4.54 speed. Two year starter with nickel experience prior to that. Doesn’t make many plays on the ball - just 2 career INT’s and 19 passes defensed despite great experience at the position. Skinny and gets outmuscled by bigger WR’s. Very average in run support. Excellent in coverage on Special Teams and can return punts too. Better athlete than player.

Johnny Patrick (Louisville) is   5'10 5/8”, 191lb’s with 30” arms and 4.55 speed. Doesn’t get his head around to play the deep ball well but has ball play skills when facing it (8 career INT’s and 22 passes defensed). Better suited to zone defense than man to man. Willing run defender. Had an violent OTF incident last summer involving a female.

Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech) is 5'10”, 192lb’s with 31 3/4” arms and 4.51 speed. 2 year starter. Jumps routes and makes a bunch of plays (10 INT’s and 13 passes defensed the past two years). Crappy tackler so is best suited for the nickel where his mistakes can be hidden. More quick than fast and takes a few too many chances in coverage considering his lack of recovery speed. Comes from a school who produce a lot of NFL calibre CB’s.

Curtis Marsh (Utah State) is 6'0 1/2”, 197lb’s with 32” arms and 4.52 speed. 2 year starter. Was a back-up RB prior to that.  Caught 28 passes at RB so has at worst decent hands. Made 3 career INT’s and 13 passes defensed says he can play the ball. Level of competition makes him a bit of an unknown factor. Was invited to the Senior Bowl but got hurt early in practice so didn’t get much of a chance to improve with pro coaching. Has a big upside but is still very raw.

Buster Skrine (Tennessee-Chattanooga) is 5'9 1/2   186lb’s with 30 1/4” arms and 4.48 speed. 3 year starter. Made a big impression at the Combine. 3 career INT’s and 21 passes defensed  but how much the ball was thrown at his level of competition is unknown. Good on Special Teams coverage and can return kicks. Should be a good nickel back at the next level.

Josh Thomas (Buffalo) is 5'10 1/4”, 191lb’s with 31 5/8” and 4.51 speed. 4 year starter. Can make plays on the ball - just 2 career INT’s but defensed 27 passes. I’ve never seen him play but he has the reputation of a player whose athletic ability gets him out of trouble. Willing tackler versus the run. Has had a couple of concussions. Seems like another career nickel back rather than a starter.

Brandon Burton (Utah) is 5'11 5/8”, 190lb’s with 31 1/2” arms and 4.51 speed. Two year starter. 3 career INT’s with 18 passes defensed. Didn’t play well in any of the games I’ve seen him in and struggles matched up with bigger WR’s. Overrated.
   
Shareece Wright (USC) is 5'10 7/8”, 185lb’s with 32 1/4” arms and 4.46 speed. Only a 1 year starter. Didn’t make a single pick his senior year but knocked down 10. Natural press cover corner type. Loses the ball in the air too often when thrown over his shoulder. Good in run support. Has had OTF and injury concerns. Underrated based on what he showed as a senior he could be a good nickel back but his lack of ball skills are a concern.

Jalil Brown (Colorado) is 6'0 5/8”, 204lb’s with 30 3/4” arms and 4.55 speed. 3 year starter. Team Captin. Was targeted often playing opposite Jimmy Smith. Makes some plays on the ball - 6 career INT’s and 21 passes defensed. Not fast enough to be a starter.

Chimdi Chekwa (Ohio State) is 5'11 3/4”, 191lb’s with 31 3/8” arms and 4.40 speed. 3 year starter. Track star but has never looked like a ‘natural’ corner. Stiff coming out of his break. Has had some injury problems (shoulder, back and wrist). Willing hitter but is very ‘hit and miss’ Overrated because of his speed.   

Summary
I can’t see the Giants taking a CB in the 1st round despite the need as Amakumura is too alike what we already have and Smith is likely to have been ‘red flagged’ due to his long history of OTF issues. In the 2nd round Harris would be ideal for our needs though whether he’ll still be available is another matter. Dowling has a size/speed ratio the Giants will love but I consider him too much of a risk. Instead, I’d expect the Giants to focus intently on the CB’s available during the 3rd and 4th rounds as there should be a dozen or so drafted in that period. Marsh and House are good system fits in the 3rd and also meet the Giants size/speed requirements nicely. Though a little undersized I also like what Carmichael has to offer also. Skrine and Thomas appeal in the 4th.