Defensive Linemen
1.Ndamukong Suh
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 310 Position: Defensive tackle School: Nebraska
The defensive star of the last college football season, Suh is a potential NFL star. Although he lacks McCoy’s talent, Suh has a relentless motor with great overall strength and can handle double-teams.
2. Gerald McCoy
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 295 Position: Defensive tackle School: Oklahoma
McCoy’s athleticism and knack for exploding through gaps are what make him special. He doesn’t have Suh’s strength, but he makes up for it with his quickness and chiseled frame.
3. Derrick Morgan
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 270 Position: Defensive end School: Georgia Tech
A consistent player in college, Morgan’s variety of rush moves and closing speed make him the top defensive end available. Morgan can play both end positions and almost never gives up on plays.
4. Jason Pierre-Paul
Height: 6’6″ Weight: 270 Position: Defensive end School: South Florida
Pierre-Paul became a YouTube sensation when video surfaced of him back-flipping 13 times across a football field. He has a strong first step but must improve against the run game.
5. Carlos Dunlap
Height: 6’6″ Weight: 275 Position: Defensive end School: Florida
The most physically gifted defensive line prospect in the draft, Dunlap is a fearsome player when his head is on straight. His laziness and character issues have left him with a questionable future.
Linebackers
1. Rolando McClain
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 250 Position: Inside linebacker School: Alabama
The unquestioned leader of a stout Crimson Tide defense, McClain is an NFL-ready run defender and a textbook tackler. His lack of lateral speed and marginal coverage skills are worrisome.
2. Sergio Kindle
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 250 Position: Outside linebacker School: Texas
Although he played defensive end his senior year, Kindle will be a rush-oriented linebacker in the NFL. He is very fast off the edge and can cover a lot of ground but is too soft of a player and struggles in coverage.
3. Jerry Hughes
Height: 6’2″ Weight: 255 Position: Outside linebacker School: Texas Christian
Hughes was constantly double-teamed in college but still managed to put up huge numbers. Although his size is an issue, Hughes can be a productive pro thanks to natural instincts and a well-rounded skill set.
4. Brandon Spikes
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 245 Position: Inside linebacker School: Florida
A three-year starter for the Gators, Spikes is a sure tackler who plays with a nasty streak. But, he’s stiff in coverage and doesn’t have great sideline-to-sideline speed.
5. Sean Weatherspoon
Height: 6’2″ Weight: 235 Position: Outside linebacker School: Missouri
Weatherspoon covers a lot of ground very quickly and shows a great eye for the ball. However, he’s a bit undisciplined and is often over-aggressive on play-action plays.
Secondary
1. Eric Berry
Height: 5’11” Weight: 210 Position: Safety School: Tennessee
An Ed Reed clone who was a play-making ball hawk the minute he stepped on the field as a freshman, Berry will be an All-Pro player in the NFL. His only deficiency is that he occasionally takes poor angles in the run game.
2. Joe Haden
Height: 5’11” Weight: 190 Position: Cornerback School: Florida
Haden is a well-rounded corner who displays a good balance of coverage skills and laying the wood in the run game. His lack of top-end speed is a concern.
3. Earl Thomas
Height: 5’11” Weight: 200 Position: Safety School: Texas
A complete player who rarely makes mistakes, Thomas is a defensive coordinator’s dream. Although he lacks classic safety strength, Thomas’ instincts and high ceiling should make up for his weaknesses.
4. Kyle Wilson
Height: 5’10” Weight: 190 Position: Cornerback School: Boise State
Wilson, a four-year starter, is a scrappy corner who uses his hands well in coverage. His skills as a return man will get him playing time as a rookie.
5. Taylor Mays
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 230 Position: Safety School: Southern California
Mays is a physical freak who is at his best playing downhill. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have great hands or coverage skills, which could force a move to linebacker in the pros.
