There are several options for upgrading our defensive line through this draft ranging from the first 6 picks to quite possibly the end of the 3rd round. In my opinion there aren't really any quality NT prospects but there are around 5 solid DE prospects. All of these prospects are tall and around 300 pounds which makes them better suited for the end rather than the nose. Now several of these picks might be different after the combine, but lets work with the info we have now: 1: Chris Long. This is one of the most debated topics in the 2008 draft. What position will he be best at? He is 6'4" and as of now he is listed on different websites anywhere from 275-285. Depending on his combine statistics the Jets will either look at him as a 3-4 OLB or a DE. If he can come in at 285 I think he is clearly the best option at DE because he has one of the best motors you can ask for (one of the most important things for 3-4 lineman), experience as a 3-4 end, and great overall skills and intangibles. If he is there at pick number 6, I think we take him because our coaching staff will find a way to utilize his talents. Also, he is still young and should be able to put on some weight if necessary. 2: Pat Simms - 6'4" 315. This is absolutely perfect size for the 3-4 end. Simms is a great force against the run because he can eat up blocks which is exactly what we need. Although he is a junior and has only proven himself in one season, he has all the physical tools and skills to be successful in our system. Not to mention he emerged as a great leader on and off the field in his junior season and that is always a plus for Mangini. 3. Kentwan Balmer - 6'5" 285. He looks as if he is closer to 300 pounds so I think his size is GOOD for a 3-4 DE. Had a very good senior season with 59 tackls and 3.5 sacks as a DT in the 4-3. Mel Kiper has him rated as the 3rd best senior DT (behind Dorsey and Ellis). Those are the only players I would take as 3-4 DEs in the first round. The following players I do not know too much about but they seem to be 2nd-3rd round prospects. 4. Dre Moore - 6'4" 300. I've only seem him play once and that was in his 2007 bowl game. He looked pretty good at holding his ground against double teams and shedding blocks to make tackles. I've read a lot of places that he is a workout warrior with a lot of upside. A workout warrior might be just what we need at the position. 5. Red Bryant - 6'5" 325. Another player I only got to watch once in his bowl game. Seemed to hold his ground while taking on blockers pretty well. If anyone can add info on this guy that would be great. 6. Frank Okam - 6'5" 320. Again, I've only watched this player in his bowl game. The one knock on him was extremely glaring during this game. His motor is seriously in question and he didn't do anything to disprove that at his bowl game. He looked mediocre at his position taking on double teams and didn't seem to have the agility to move around and make takcles. He is a great character guy but his heart may not be in the sport. You would have to watch more tape of him to get a better picture. 7. Marcus Harrison - 6'4" 310. Don't know anything really about Harrison but he is Mike Mayock's 5th rated senior defensive lineman. Any extra info would be great. Any info or discussion on these guys would be great. Also feel free to name some players that I missed.
Great post. The only other guy I can think that could go early would be Tyson Jackson of LSU - “ 6’5” 292lbs w/a 4.76 time in the 40. And in the later rounds it would be; Kendall Langford of Hampton 6’6” 294lbs w/a 4.92 time in the 40. Keilen Dykes of West Virginia 6’5” 295lbs w/a 4.92 time in the 40.
Excellent Post! I am hoping that somehow we can get Chris Long. The guy simply dominates. I can't see that it will be difficult to add 10-15 lbs. Ellis is getting old and we have no pass rush from the line. Long makes people around him better. I'm hoping some other players shoot into the top 5 after the combines. If not then he may be worth trading up for depending on what we have to give up. I'm thinking current players and maybe a pick from next years draft. Some players are just worth it. Last year I thought there were only 2 people worth trading up for and one of them was Revis. Harris was a great trade up and I wouldn't change either players for the picks we gave up. I rarely think a player is worth trading up for. I'd rather pick at what we get or trade down. Chris Long is a player worth trading up for. I like you other picks as well. Nice work...
As one may have noticed from my posts in the draft forum, I'm a big proponent of Red Bryant and I feel like the best place for him to succeed in the NFL is as a 3-4 end. I have a weakness for DTs with knee problems and would love to have Robertson at one end and Bryant at the other. Call me biased, but I would rank him over Okam in a heartbeat. I would also put Moore over Balmer as a 3-4 end, and Moore has a chance of going in the late first round if not the early second.
Count me out on Chris Long as a 3-4 DE. Not even his own coach endorses him as a two gap DE. I really like Balmer, Moore, and Sims though.
I live in Texas and have seen alot of Okam and Bryant over the years. Bryan was highly recruited and has really done nothing in his career at A&M. Okam has top shelf talent but, like alot of DL's, takes alot of time off. I would take a chance on Okam in the 2-3 but want no part of Bryant.
But at what round in the draft will Red Bryant become a value pick? 3rd or 4th? I say no way he drops past the 4th round.
I think Kendall Langford is a guy who could shoot up draft boards. Hampton traditionally turns out incredible workout guys and if you take a look at the guy, you won't believe he's near 300 pounds. I see someone taking a flyer on him in the third round. -X-
Kentwan Balmer = Best 3-4 DE in the class. Mark it down. No one has close to his size/speed combo with both the ability to penetrate vs both the pass and the run. He'll be a mid first round pick following the combo if he runs as well as I think he will.
If Tyson Jackson Declares than we need to trade down. I really hope that we pick up Langford. He is from a small school, but should be a great project, since he will be a late rounder.
