Defensive Line Prospects

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Krevor here with the rankings for the Defensive Line a.k.a. the big uglies

DE Gaines Adams 6-4 265

Gaines Adams has all the tools to be a premier pass rusher in the NFL. He has good size and excellent speed, clocking a 4.64 40-yard dash which is very fast for a defensive lineman. He was also extremely productive in college logging 28 sacks in his college career. He has gotten the reputation as a bit of a one dimensional player that can not stand up against the run. However in his senior year he vastly improved against the run. Others point to his size and say he is too small to play football. This criticism is unfounded in my opinion. He will probably be able to add 10-15 pounds to him without losing speed. He also compares in size to some amazing players, Jason Taylor, Dwight Freeney, and Jevon Kearse to name a few. Adams will be a 10-sack a year player who will disrupt the passing game.

DT Amobi Okoye 6-2 300

Amobi is a freak at everything he does. At age 19 he graduated college and dominated offensive lineman in the big east. At age 19 I wasn’t sure I would ever graduate college and the only thing I was dominating was fraternity beer pong games. Amobi has good size and a ton of strength but what is most impressive about him is his great athleticism. He is very quick off the ball which enables him to run down ball carriers and collapse the pocket. I think he is the next Tommy Harris and if he is close to as good as that then he will be a hell of a player.

DE Jamaal Anderson 6-6 280

Mr. Anderson is the perfect size for a DE. He is considered the most complete end in the draft being strong against both the run and the pass. He had one extremely productive year at Arkansas and some believe that he is a one year wonder. Others have compared him to all-pro Richard Seymore. Those are some big shoes to fill but if Anderson is anything like him a team will be getting a great player for many years to come.

DT Alan Branch 6-6 330

Alan Branch is a massive presence on the defensive line and he helped Michigan shut down opposing teams running games. After the college football season ended Branch was considered a top 5 pick. His stock has plummeted after concerns about him being out of shape and some people who weren’t impressed with his workouts. I have to disagree. I was very impressed by his workouts and his very fast 5.1 40-yard dash. Amazing for a 330 pound man. Although I have him at #4 he very well could be the best lineman in the draft. He clogs up running lanes and has the athleticism to pressure the QB. He may not rack up the best stats but he could have the greatest impact of any defensive player chosen in the draft by taking on double teams and ruining the running games of many teams.

DE Adam Carriker 6-6 296

Carriker is country strong and has excellent size. I do not think he is the greatest pass rusher in the world but his versatility will make him a good player in this league. He can either play end in a 4-3 or a 3-4. Some believe he could move inside in a 4-3 but I think that would not maximize his production. He will probably be someone who will get around 5 sacks a year and be very strong against the run. I think Anthony Spencer could turn out to be better then Carriker but he could be a very valuable piece of a defense. He is defiantly not the sexiest pick one could make in the draft but he has the potential to be an impact player in the NFL. Look for him to get strong interest from a 3-4 team in the middle of the first round.