Teams value defensive ends more than safeties...you won't see a safety go first overall. Carlos Dunlap is the next Mario Williams.
Barry may be a top 5 pick, but I agree the DE is one of the most valued positions. QB and the ability to protect or get after the QB are all highly valued. Thats why you always see a run on Tackles and DEs/OLBs in round one. Barry is a dynamic talent, but should not go higher then Dunlap.
You're right...Eric Berry is a top five talent - Dunlap just has more value. You don't come across 6'6 290*** defensive ends that can run in the 4.5s too often.
You say you don't come across 6'6" 290 lb defensive ends that run in the 4.5s that often, but how many people that size have EVER run a 40 in the 4.5s? I'm well aware that 40 times aren't the best indicators for performance, esp. not at the DE position, but that's some pretty ridiculous physical ability, almost unheard of.
As a high school senior, Carlos Dunlap was used as a kick returner...at 6'6 260. He was clocked at 4.6 flat in high school, and that time has probably improved because he's lost no athleticism with the 30 pounds he's put on at Florida. It's basically all muscle. Carlos Dunlap is on the same level as Mario Williams.
Nearly a year later, here are my new ratings. 1. Safety - Eric Berry - Tennessee Volunteers 2. Defensive Tackle - Gerald McCoy - Oklahoma Sooners 3. Defensive Tackle - Ndamukong Suh - Nebraska Cornhuskers 4. Quarterback - Jimmy Clausen - Notre Dame 5. Cornerback - Joe Haden - Florida Gators 6. Safety - Earl Thomas - Texas Longhorns 7. Offensive Tackle - Russ Okung - Oklahoma State Cowboys 8. Defensive End - Derrick Morgan - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 9. Offensive Tackle - Trent Williams - Oklahoma Sooners 10. Defensive Tackle - Dan Williams - Tennessee Volunteers 11. Linebacker - Rolando McClain - Alabama Crimson Tide 12. Cornerback - Kyle Wilson - Boise State Broncos 13. Wide Receiver - Demaryious Thomas - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 14. Linebacker - Sergio Kindle - Texas Longhorns 15. Running Back - Ryan Mathews - Fresno State Bulldogs 16. Offensive Tackle - Anthony Davis - Rutgers Scarlet Knights 17. Linebacker - Sean Weatherspoon - Missouri Tigers 18. Defensive End - Jason Pierre-Paul - South Florida Bulls 19. Offensive Guard - Mike Iupati - Idaho Vandals 20. Running Back - CJ Spiller - Clemson Tigers 21. Defensive End - Brandon Graham - Michigan Wolverines 22. Offensive Lineman - Maurkice Pouncey - Florida Gators 23. Quarterback - Sam Bradford - Oklahoma Sooners 24. Wide Receiver - Dez Bryant - Oklahoma State Cowboys 25. Offensive Tackle - Rodger Saffold - Indiana Hoosiers
I trust your draft knowledge and wisdom in all its glory Mr.E but I just can't see having Ryan Mathews ahead of CJ Spiller. Something to do with your Fresno State love? Also Dez Bryant as a prospect is much higher than 24 IMO. I'd probably have him between Morgan and Trent Williams on this list.
It has nothing to do with Mathews going to Fresno State. I really like CJ Spiller too, but he's not a player that's going to carry a team like Mathews can. Mathews is a better running back. Spiller is definitely more versatile and more dangerous, but he'll always be a second option at tailback. Dez Bryant fell on my list because he's an idiot. I think his attitude will always hold him back. I have Bay Bay Thomas towards the top of my board - he's my top wideout.
Let's say 1, and only 1, of these players falls to the Jets. Is there anyone you wouldn't take? For me, I'd jump on all of these guys except for Jimmy Clausen and maybe Dez, Weatherspoon, or Saffold.
I'm just gonna put this out there - watching Rachel Nichols speak intelligently about the Jets need to solidify their D-Line gave me a semi.
