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By Frank Coyle Special to SportsLine |
Oct. 14, 1999
No position in the NFL Draft except for QB commands more high draft picks than defensive linemen. With most clubs playing a 4-3 scheme, NFL teams are constantly searching for pass rushers and players with the
triangle numbers to make a difference along the front line.
This year's group is a fine class at both the end and tackle positions which have been relatively weak during the '90s. These positions also rank high in draft busts as NFL clubs reach for athletes they feel can improve once they enter the pro game.
Nothing illustrates that better than last year's late first round selection of Dimitrius Underwood. Underwood is a top athlete with all the components to be a top pro pass rusher, but a bizarre offseason and training camp led to his release by the Vikings before signing with the Dolphins. His recent off field problems and attempted suicide leaves him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season and makes him one of the highly questionable selections in recent years.
1. Courtney Brown, Penn State
2. Roland Seymour, Florida State
3. Andre Carter, California
4. Adewale Ogunleye, Indiana
5. Shaun Ellis, Tennessee
6. Robaire Smith, Michigan State
7. Adalius Thomas, Southern Mississippi
8. Darren Howard, Kansas State
9. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, San Diego State
10. John Engelberger, Virginia Tech
1. Corey Simon, Florida State
2. Ennis Davis, USC
3. Damione Lewis, Miami (Fla.)
4. Darwin Walker, Tennessee
5. Chris Hovan, Boston College
6. Chris Combs, Duke
7. Jerry Johnson, Florida State
8. Jabari Issa, Washington
9. Leonardo Carson, Auburn
10. Jerry DeLoach, California
Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 9 years.
He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.
Coyle attends NFL mini-camps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.
Defensive Ends
Penn State's Courtney Brown is the top defensive end prospect.(Allsport)
Senior, 6-4, 265
Talented pass rusher has made just as big an impact in Happy Valley as gifted linebacker LaVar Arrington. He has the package to be a complete outside defender.
Junior, 6-4, 260
Athletic junior end shows the quickness off the corner that NFL scouts covet, but he needs to get stronger against the run to be ready for the pro game.
Junior, 6-3, 250
Quick outside pass rusher has been a force as a pass rusher over his career, but carries an in-between size label which leaves questions about his run support ability.
Senior, 6-4, 265
Athletic senior has been one of the more consistent defenders in the Big 10 over his career combining size, speed and toughness. He'll miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Senior, 6-4, 265
Mobile defensive end has been a key performer in the Vols tough defense in recent years. He combines the quickness, agility and toughness to become a fine pro.
Senior, 6-4, 265
Agile senior has made a successful return from a broken leg and has been a key defender in the Spartans highly rated defense that has them challenging for the Big 10 title.
Senior, 6-4, 255
Quick outside pass rusher has been a dominant performer in Conference USA, showing explosiveness off the edge and the ability to sack passers.
Senior, 6-3, 270
Tough, athletic lineman has been one of the more underrated defenders over his career with the ability to play the run and pass equally well.
Junior, 6-3, 250
Quick, smallish defensive end has been a big play performer over the past three years, showing a very fast first step to chase down passers.
Senior, 6-4, 270
Tough veteran defender has been a very consistent performer in the Big East, showing a non-stop motor and the physical skills to be a complete defender.
Defensive Tackles
Florida State DT Corey Simon is a force in the middle.(Allsport)
Senior, 6-2, 290
Strong, mobile tackle has been the catalyst for the talented Seminole defense. He is very tough against the run and shows the explosiveness in the middle to rush the passer.
Junior, 6-3, 300
Talented underclassman has been a force in the middle for the Trojans showing rare speed, quickness and athleticism for a player of his dimensions.
Junior, 6-2, 280
Quick junior tackle has been an impact player for the Canes since his freshman season in the Big East. He will follow a rich tradition of tough, quick Miami tackles to the NFL.
Senior, 6-3, 285
Mobile senior lineman has consistently graded out high over his career vs. some of the best offensive linemen in the country in the SEC.
Senior, 6-3, 285
Strong, hard-nosed tackle is a throwback defender in the middle combining the physical skills and the intangibles of a fine pro prospect.
Senior, 6-6, 280
Big, athletic lineman has played both inside and outside along the line. He has a huge frame with nice agility and strength. Combines all the components to become a solid NFL defender.
Senior, 6-1, 290
Strong tackle has not received the publicity of teammate Corey Simon, but he has become just as important to the Seminoles highly rated run defense.
Senior, 6-5, 275
Huge lineman has the triangle numbers the NFL scouts look for in a defender combining size, reach and agility.
Senior, 6-3, 280
Mobile senior is tough at the point of attack and also shows the speed to chase down ball carriers at the sidelines.
Senior, 6-4, 300
Talented tackle has shown periods of dominance in the middle, combining power and quickness but must prove he can produce those results on a more consistent basis.