23 January 2008
Top 3-4 Prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft
Outside Linebackers:
Quentin Groves- 6’ 3” 255 lbs. Auburn
Not a lot of experience dropping back into coverage or playing off the line of scrimmage but he has the highest potential to be a prototype 3-4 rush linebacker. Groves is quite powerful though he gets caught using his speed and strength to often when attacking the pocket. He does possess an all-around game (pass rush and run stopping) though he is still rough around the edges. He’s commonly thought to be a mid to late 1st round pick though he could go much higher after workouts.
Bruce Davis- 6’ 3” 235 lbs. UCLA
Davis is one of the few guys on this list with experience dropping back, which will greatly help his cause come draft day. He is too small even by college standards to play defensive end and UCLA took advantage of his athleticism and speed by moving him around to confuse the offense. Davis looked natural moving backwards when asked too and he just needs more experience in this area. His forte is rushing the passer and backing off the line will enhance his abilities.
- Darrell Robertson-6' 4" 247 lbs. Georgia Tech
- Angelo Craig- 6’ 4” 235 lbs. Cincinnati
Derrick Harvey- 6’ 4” 260 lbs. Florida
Harvey put up solid numbers at Florida but he should have stayed in school another year. He is far too raw to play immediately and is not perfect for either end or linebacker. That being said, with some work, Harvey could be quite dangerous. His physical tools are spectacular and he has the instincts to hold up in coverage. He would need to go to a team that asks its linebackers to play zone but he has an impressive burst and first step that will translate well to linebacker.
Vernon Gholston- 6’ 3” 265 lbs. Ohio State
While Gholston is probably the 2nd highest rated end in the draft, he falls a little bit behind the others on this list. Gholston has the best chance to become a true end with his size and strength as he possesses decent speed and athleticism but not at the same level as the others. Gholston is vicious and aggressive and can be an absolute terror off the edge. He has no experience at dropping back and probably doesn’t change directions well enough to play linebacker but is such a solid prospect that he could play, and succeed, in that role.
Other Potential Recruits: Hilee Taylor, North Carolina; Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State; Cliff Avril, Purdue; Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech; Shawn Crable, Michigan; Ezra Butler, Nevada;
Defensive Ends:
Chris Long- 6’ 4” 280 lbs. Virginia
Long has played in a 3-4 system his entire college career and was still an excellent pass rusher. He has all the tools needed to play end in a 3-4 front as well as the size and strength. His greatest attribute may be his ability to defeat double-teams, a must in this system. Long is incredibly versatile with the ability to shift inside or play end in a 4-3 as well as the 3-4. No matter the system, Long has the ability to be a difference maker.
- Jeremy Thompson- 6’ 5” 270 lbs. Wake Forest
Kentwan Balmer- 6’ 5” 290 lbs. North Carolina
A classic underachiever, Balmer did not have a breakout season till his senior year, which leads some to believe that he will not show the drive and desire needed to succeed at the next level. Based on athletic ability, Balmer projects as a Richard Seymour type who can play the same kind of game. He will need extensive work on handling double teams and adding strength but few defensive tackles in this draft have his athleticism. Another plus for Balmer is some very long arms.
-Kendall Langford- 6’6” 280 lbs. Hampton
Other Potential Ends: Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb; Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan; Trevor Scott, Buffalo , Eric Foster, Rutgers; Vernon Bryant, Hampton
Nose Guards:
Glen Dorsey from LSU and Sedrick Ellis from USC both have the talent to play nose guard and at around 6’ 2” 305 pounds they both have the size, however, they are a better fit in a 43 type of defense due to their ability to penetrate the gap and disrupt the opposing teams offense. Here are few excellent prospects that look like pure nose guards.
- Marcus Harrison- 6’ 3” 310 lbs. Arkansas
- Trevor Laws- 6' 1" 302 lbs. Notre Dame
- Red Bryant- 6’ 4” 325 lbs. Texas A&M
Dre Moore- 6’ 3” 310 lbs. Maryland
Moore wasn’t surrounded by great talent at Maryland and that led him to be double teamed often. He has the quickness to put pressure on the pocket and the strength to tie up blockers. While not a special talent like Harrison, Moore may be able to slide out and play a 3-4 end.
- Ahtyba Rubin- 6' 3" 321 lbs. Iowa State
Other Potential Recruits: Frank Okam, Texas; Jason Shirley, Fresno State; Chris Norwell, Illinois; Derek Lokey, Texas
