Draft preview: Defensive lineman
Our NFL expert, Bob LeGere, ranks the Top 10 prospects for defensivel lineman.
Tell us what you think by leaving your comments at the end of this report, or send your comments by e-mail to sportstalk@dailyherald.com:
1. DE Chris Long, Virginia (senior)
Size: 6-3, 272 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.75
LeGere's line: Physically and mentally tough, this high-intensity, high character overachiever isn't an elite pass-rusher and might not get much better.
2. DE Vernon Gholston, OSU (junior)
Size: 6-3, 266 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.67
LeGere's line: Looks like a bodybuilder, can explode off the edge and has a huge upside even though he's raw, inconsistent and takes plays off.
3. DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU (senior)
Size: 6-1, 313 pounds
40-yard dash time: 5.02
LeGere's line: If not for leg injuries, he might be No. 1 pick and still could be with his many Tommie Harris-like qualities - strong, tough, disruptive.
4. DT Sedrick Ellis, USC (senior)
Size: 6-0 , 309 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.98
LeGere's line: Lacks height but is extremely strong and stout at the point of attack and also has the quickness to disrupt and flash pass-rush ability.
5. DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (junior)
Size: 6-4, 277 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.81
LeGere's line: Big and strong enough to play tough vs. the run, but isn't a great pass rusher despite his non-stop work habits and good instincts.
6. *DE Derrick Harvey, Florida (junior)
Size: 6-4, 271 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.71
LeGere's line: Intense pass rusher with a quick first step and a burst off the edge, but not very stout vs. the run although he shows good pursuit.
7. *DE Calais Campbell, Miami (junior)
Size: 6-7, 290 pounds
40-yard dash time: 5.04
LeGere's line: He can dominate with his size and athleticism, but he needs to be stronger and tougher to reach potential in 3-4 scheme.
8. DT Kentwan Balmer, N.C. (senior)
Size: 6-4, 308 pounds
40-yard dash time: 5.21
LeGere's line: Big and strong enough to handle 2-gap assignments, he could be DE in 3-4 but needs better technique since he's not a pass-rush threat.
9. DE Lawrence Jackson, USC (senior)
Size: 6-4, 271 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.76
LeGere's line: 4-year starter has flashed star talent and pash-rush skills. but has room to grow and must get stronger and more physical.
10. DE Quentin Groves, Auburn (senior)
Size: 6-3, 259 pounds
40-yard dash time: 4.57
LeGere's line: Boom or bust type, this explosive rusher with great speed and quickness lacks toughness, intensity and work ethic; could project to OLB.