In an NFL that is increasingly becoming more pass oriented, the emphasis of adding elite pass rushers has become a top priority for teams around the league. During this advent of the pass game, the 3-4 defense also rose to extraordinary popularity around the NFL. However, the struggle to project 3-4 outside linebackers in the NFL has never ceased to be an issue for player personnel departments, and ultimately has led teams to revert back to the more traditional 4-3 front. More 3-4 outside linebacker projections have been labeled “Busts” than any other position in the NFL Draft over the past decade. This is an area in which scouting departments are continually learning how to evaluate and will only improve in drafting.
With that in mind, the South defensive squad sports several powerfully built, long armed, 3-4 outside linebacker projections. Now whether or not these players can handle the position switch remains to be seen, but practices this week will put these players under an intense microscope of evaluation. It will be fun to see which players can step up in the bright lights, as all have been preparing non-stop since season’s end for this week. Two inside linebackers I’m looking forward to watching this week, are Sammy Brown from Houston and Garrick Williams from Texas A&M. Night and day type seasons in comparison, with Brown producing at an elite level and Williams not seeing much of the field, I really want to see how each plays on a level playing field.
Jeremy Lane from Northwestern State is likely the top corner in Little Rock, and could look spectacular this week against a batch of one-speed wideouts. Though further film work will be in order before a full, comprehensive scouting report, I’m confident in Lane’s chances of being drafted at the end of April.
Defensive Linemen
Top Defensive Ends:
1. Kendrick Adams, LSU
Really showcases his plus arm length, and ability to lockout and set a hard edge against the run, when he brings his hands to the point of attack. I saw Adams far too often, give up his chest plate to o-linemen, allowing himself to be easily controlled and taken out of the game; has to be more consistent with his hand usage and placement. It will be interesting to see if coaches line him up at OLB for the 3-4 teams; seems athletic enough in space to make the transition. Comes across as one of those 34 OLB’s that the New England Patriots were famous for drafting late in years past.
2. Jacquies Smith, Missouri
Presses his man well with strong-arm extension, able to get a good jolt and snap at the point. Versatile player that has lined up inside on nickel formations, standing up on long passing situations, and as a 9 technique, hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. Diagnoses the screen very quickly and locates the ball well; an excellent hand fighter that recovers and counters effectively against re-anchoring. Gets in on blocker’s midsection with speed and bend, and has the pass rush ability teams covet. Doesn’t win with pure speed off the edge; at his best when given room to set up the inside swim move. Impressive athletic ability, powerful arms, and good-looking body type, but motor runs hot and cold. Popping straight up off the snap, Smith must work to lower his pad level in order to improve his overall get-off.
Two Defensive Ends to Watch Out For:
1. Aston Whiteside, Abilene Christian
2-time Lone Star Conference Player of the Year and Division II All-American, Aston Whiteside has a legitimate shot at being taken in the 4th round of the NFL Draft because of his solid build, explosive burst, and overall playing. Stacked from head to toe with a muscular frame, Whiteside will likely impress scouts in the weigh-in with his overall physique and how he carries his weight. Lined up inside at defensive tackle on 3rd down situations, sometimes in a stand up position on the edge, but mainly served as a traditional defensive end for the Wildcats. Whiteside, who will be scouted primarily as a 3-4 OLB projection, needs to show he has the open field movement skills and speed to hold up in coverage.
2. Dezman Moses, Tulane
Another powerful and muscular defensive end, Dezman Moses looks a bit like Whiteside in terms of size and strength. Moses is my bet for next best looking d-end on the South squad, possessing a solid stature, thick build, and long arms. Lacks an explosive first step, but uses his hands well and has developed pass rush variety. Generates a good amount of power and strength out of his stance by having good hand placement and good leverage. Exhibits plus power as a tackler and wraps up well. After initial punch from blockers, Moses shows the burst and bend needed to turn the corner. Will have to show scouts, much like Whiteside, that he can hold up as a 3-4 OLB projection.
Top Defensive Tackle: Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, Kent State
One of the few and rare, true nose tackles available in the upcoming draft, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen has the girth at 6’3, 334 lbs to hold up in the middle of a 2 gap 3-4 scheme. I was unable to really get a good look at this guy, and am excited to get to watch Kitchen up close and personal this week. Will most definitely be a player I go home and watch more tape on.
Defensive Tackle to Watch Out For: Dorvus Woods, Arkansas State
Has the first step and burst off the line to develop into a penetrating 3 technique, but could also get some looks at defensive end. Really jumps off the tape with his suddenness and short area acceleration. An explosive 1 gap defensive tackle that needs to clean up hand placement and play more under control; recklessly attacking up-field at times, Dorvus Woods can be game planned against with a dose of screens and draws. Must do a better job of locating the ball this week in practice, as well as in the game.
Linebackers
Top Outside Linebacker: Sammy Brown, Houston
This highly productive edge rush backer from Houston lived in opposing backfields during the 2011 season leading the FBS in tackles for loss. Favorite pass rush move is inside swim, where he utilizes his great hands to keep clean from offensive tackles. Lacks a great first step but has a decent get off; allows his pad level to rise as he initiates his swim move and is easily stymied by patient blockers. Doesn’t shed lead blockers with consistency or do a good enough job of setting the edge; allows big runs due to indecisiveness in run fits and run reads. Something that worried me down the stretch with Brown was his apparent lack of intensity and poor effort at times. Needs to hit the field full speed and give much better effort if he expects to be drafted in April.
Outside Linebacker to Watch Out For: Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
A pure chase and tackle, sideline to sideline, fast backer that racks up inordinate amounts of tackles, Danny Trevathan was incredibly productive in his junior and senior seasons at the University of Kentucky, where he totaled 144 and 143 tackles in back to back seasons. Likely a “will” linebacker prospect for the next level, Trevathan will have to exhibit coverage skills in order to be draft worthy.
Top Inside Linebacker: Garrick Williams, Texas A&M
Not sure what happened in Williams senior season, as he struggled to get on the field; never heard definitively whether he was injured or simply lost his starting job. At any rate, Williams possesses strong, long arms that allow him to swallow up ball carriers and wrap to the ground. Plays with a skinny base and sits too high in his stance for my liking; needs to drop his hips and play with a wider base, so he can stack and shed more consistently. Will guess on plays instead of reading his keys. Has good athletic build that could add 5-10 more pounds of healthy weight; I’ll be interested to see how he weighs in.
Defensive Backs
Top Cornerback: Jeremy Lane, Northwestern State
Thin, lean, but long armed corner that flips open easily in man coverage and has some pop underneath his pads as a run supporter. I haven’t seen much film on Lane, but have heard Day 3 grades on the player. Should prove to be one of the more confident and comfortable corners in off man coverage this week. Jeremy Lane is another player that I will definitely have to watch more film on when I return home from this event.
Top Safety: Tramain Thomas, Arkansas
3rd in the SEC with 5 interceptions during his senior season, Thomas is a ball hawking safety that attacks the football in air and competes at the point of the catch. Displays impressive body control in making highlight reel interceptions. Takes good angles in run support and when driving on underneath throws; a natural player of the position, who is best suited in zone coverage where he can utilize his feel for the game and coverage instincts. Hopefully, we will get to see Thomas in 1 on 1 drills with the wide receivers and corners; needs to show the ability to man up slot receivers if he wants to see the field early as a pro.
Safety to Watch Out For: Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State
Long limbed athlete with a slender build and good height, McCray has very good ball skills and shows willingness to stick his helmet in on run support. Uses his overall length to wrangle ball carriers to the ground. Good looking pedal and footwork in off man coverage, showing the ability to drive on underneath patterns and make a play on the ball. Runs very well for his size and has a lot of physical tools to work with, but struggles to cover sideline to sideline as the deep safety; must do a better job of recognizing route concepts and getting depth to his drops. Started 37 consecutive games for Arkansas State.
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