Lindsey Witten, DE

Witten came from a highly-regarded high school program in Glenville, coached by Ted Ginn, Sr. But because of UConn's depth at the position, Witten could not earn a regular starting role until 2009. He came through with flying colors as a senior, earning first-team All-Big East honors with 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Even though Witten was a reserve most of his first three years (save six games in 2007 when Cody Brown was injured and two in 2008), scouts knew about his value as a pass rusher. He had six tackles for loss in 2006 and 2008, and 4.5 in 2007, including 3.5 sacks as a true freshman, two more in 2007 and five in 2008. Nagging injuries also limited his effectiveness as a junior.

Witten's older brother, Donte Whitner, gives him all of the insight into the draft process and playing in the league that he needs. Though not likely to be a top-10 pick like Whitner, his length on the edge should see him drafted somewhere after the third round.

Pass rush: Provides pass rush from either side of the line due to his length and his ability to push his man back using those long arms to leverage. His lack of flexibility is an issue when unable to bend to turn the corner and when he gets too wide on stunts. Uses a wide stance to get a running start against the tackle, however, and won't bull rush and get off blocks easily at the next level. Needs to develop counter pass rush moves. Good backfield awareness, can affect passing lanes with his length and vertical.

Run defense: Tall, lanky and a bit stiff in the hips, does not change directions easily in space. Gets handled too easily by stronger tackles at times, but plays both the strong and weak side of the formation. Must be more consistent using his hand to disengage from blocks for run defense (and in his pass rush), as he is effective against the run when he does. Lowers his shoulder instead of his hands to take on pulling guards. Aware of misdirection and keeps containment.

Explosion: Adequate quickness off the snap but really relies on his length to get past tackles. Can pop his man's pads on initial contact and stay engaged with him down the line but is not strong enough to knock the tackle back or push him into the pocket.

Strength: Plays stronger than expected with his relatively thin frame. Stands his man up, even in short-yardage situations, using his long arms to keep tackles at bay. Doesn't rip off tackles to disengage consistently.

Tackling: Uses length to wrap up around the line of scrimmage. Drags ballcarriers down and catches them from behind, is not overly explosive. Lacks the flexibility to break down in space, though he still works to get to elusive runners. Gets down the line and downfield with good speed and hustles to be the second or third man to the ball.

Intangibles: Intense, fiery competitor who is not afraid to mix it up; he won't back down if challenged by offensive players. Worked hard to bulk up and did not get down about his reserve role early in his career. No known character issues.

Witten was a First Team All-BIG EAST pick in 2009 and had 45 tackles with 11.5 sacks on the season.

As a true junior in 2008, was a regular in the defensive end rotation … played in 11 games this year andmade starts against Cincinnati (Oct. 25) andWest Virginia (Nov. 1) … has played in 36 games during his career with eight starts … had 19 tackles in 2008 with five sacks and six tackles for a loss … also registered three pass breakups, two QB hurries and a fumble recovery … five tackles against both West Virginia and Hofstra (Aug. 28) … had two sacks against Hofstra.

Played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive end … Made 23 tackles on the year, including 4.5 for a loss with two sacks … Intercepted a pass and broke up three more … Chipped in a TFL amongst his three tackles in the Meineke Car Care Bowl (Dec. 29) … Made a season-high four stops against Syracuse (Nov. 17) including a TFL and broke up three passes … Recorded three tackles against Rutgers (Nov. 3) … Shared a TFL against Akron (Sept. 29) as a part of a two-tackle day … Intercepted a pass and made two stops at Pittsburgh (Sept. 22) … In the season-opener at Duke, both of his tackles were for a loss, one of them being a sack.

Played in all 12 games as a true freshman, starting each of the final six … Recorded 39 tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks … Also broke up a pass … Capped the year with a four-tackle day, including a TFL, at Louisville (Dec. 2) … Had a season-high six tackles in each of four consecutive games (vs. Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Cincinnati) … Added a 14-yard sack in the win over the Panthers … Made four tackles against West Virginia (Oct. 20) in his first career start … Had a total of seven tackles combined over the first six games when coming off of the bench.

All-State honorable mention pick from Ohio who made 98 tackles and had 18 sacks in his senior year … High school is one of the top programs in the state of Ohio as the Tarblooders had 15 Division I signees in Witten's senior class … Glenville advanced to the 2004 state Division 1 semifinals.

Lindsey Rashaun Witten … Born on April 28, 1988 … Older brother, Donte Whitner, started at strong safety for Ohio State and was picked in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft (eighth overall) by the Buffalo Bills … A pre-teaching major.