The reason that teams are concerned or excited about a prospect is because there has usually been some ground work and evidence to suggest one of those outcomes. That evidence is looking at former and current players’ successes and failures and comparing them to this year’s crop of franchise changers or busts.
So, by taking a look at which of this year’s top defensive ends remind of current NFL players, we can possibly get a good indication and projection of their potential of NFL success.
Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech – Justin Tuck
Considered the most complete defensive end in this draft class because of his developed pass rushing skills and size, Morgan plays a lot like Tuck without the need for a year or two of development.
Both players use a combination of size and a quick first step to gain the intial edge on their defender. I don’t think either player can beat double teams all that well, but in one on one situations, both can be near unblockable.
Brandon Graham, Michigan – Jared Allen
Finding a defensive lineman with a high motor isn’t easy to find, especially one with great technique and enough quickness to be consistently effective.
Jared Allen has made a living in the pros thanks to his relentless pass rushing and his outstanding technique and use of leverage. Graham might be the most technique-ready defensive end to come out in years and he could have an impact like Allen, with the 3-4 fitting him best in the NFL.
Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida – Jason Taylor
A very, very raw prospect in this draft, Pierre-Paul is a classic boom or bust prospect.
He can max out as an elite talent who can play in a multitude of systems similar to how Jason Taylor has over his career. He has the frame, long arms, and athletic ability to dominate games, if his technique improves.
Sergio Kindle, Texas – Brian Orakpo
Comparing him to his former teammate in college may seem a little easy, but these prospects play similarly and have very similar potential.
While Orakpo is a little better athlete and has a higher ceiling, both players are NFL ready 3-4 outside linebackers with the versatility and football IQ to drop back in coverage as well as being a dynamic pass rusher.
Carlos Dunlap, Florida – Michael Johnson
Lanky, quick, and a poor lower body, Dunlap and 2009 3rd rounder Michael Johnson may have similar ceilings and potential in the NFL.
A very highly thought of prospect coming into college, he had a fairly productive career with flashes of Top 5 talent potential. However, his fairly weak and fragile lower body and poor technique, Dunlap needs a lot of work and while he may bust, he has the elite ability to be productive with the right coaching.
Corey Wooten, Northwestern – Ray Edwards
While I don’t feel Wooten will ever be a star player, he has the size and completeness in his game to be a versatile player who is one of the key factors in a defenses success.
He is a jack of all trades, master of none type of prospect, but like Ray Edwards who just got a huge payday from the Bills, Wooten plays better with good players around him and can fit in a 3-4 and 4-3 as a power end.
Jerry Hughes, TCU – Anthony Spencer
Athletic and well-coached in college, Hughes, I don’t believe, will ever be a frontline pass rusher in a 3-4 defense.
However, like Spencer, Hughes can take advantage of good match-ups and can allow the opposite side pass rusher to be more productive. Because he has good technique and after a few years can be effective, he will be a consistent starter on a team for many years, but likely never a star.
Everson Griffin, USC – Jamal Anderson
As you can tell, I’m not sold on Griffin as a 1st round prospect, and his rise and weaknesses remind me of current Falcons starter and somewhat bust in the 2007 draft Jamal Anderson.
He moves well for his size and has the raw ability to develop as a prototypical 4-3 pass rushing defensive end. But he doesn’t play very consistently, doesn’t have the strength to be effective all game long, and hasn’t shown the drive to be a Pro Bowl type of player.
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