Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001 NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE OUTSIDE LINEBACKER CROP SUNSHINE STATE TALENT READY TO BRIGHTEN NFL'S OUTSIDE LINEBACKER PICTURE
Speed is a premium in the NFL and the evolution of the outside linebacker sees the pros looking for cat-quick pass rushers who can make the proper switch-offs in zone coverage. The outside linebacker is generally the team's best athlete, needing that second gear to accelerate and get into space in a flash. The OLB is very important to pass coverage, as he needs to show a low stance coming out of his backpedal and instant stop-&-go action. He is also assigned the daunting task of filling the rush lanes after the defensive tackles force the ground game outside. While blitzing the quarterback would be nice, the OLB need not be a proficient pass rusher. Making sure that he is involved in every play is a higher priority. The outside linebacker's role in a 3-4 defense relies more on pass rushing skills than those lining up in a 4-3 because of the lack of edge rushers upfront. Teams that rely on the blitz will generally use a 3-4 alignment in their basic package. The problem with the 3-4 is, the linebackers are usually much bigger and lack the foot speed to cover much ground vs. the pass. With more offenses relying on the short-to-intermediate passing game, these lumbering giants are usually replaced by undersized backers who can cover vs. the pass. The biggest debate going on in NFL circles is not who is the best college linebacker, but rather where to play him. Miami's Dan Morgan is a cinch to be the first linebacker taken. His sudden burst off the snap and instinctive nature says that logically, you play him outside and use him much like the Giants did with Lawrence Taylor, but after the success that Chicago had with Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker, teams feel that Morgan can play the role of MLB as effectively as the Chicago Rookie of the Year. Florida also boasts other blue chip linebackers for this year's draft. Many feel that Florida State's Tommy Polley will be the next linebacker taken in the draft and fellow Seminole, Brian Allen, should also hear his name called on the first day of the draft. The rave throughout post-Combine workouts has been the outstanding work of Syracuse's Morlon Greenwood, one of the fastest linebackers in the game today. Miami and St. Louis have both elevated this relative unknown to possible first round status. North Carolina's Sedrick Hodge continued his stellar play in post-season action, carrying over from a break-out senior campaign to carry on the school's recent history of producing stud linebackers (Keith Newman, Brian Simmons) for the pros. Arkansas' Quinton Caver has seen his stock rise rapidly in the last few months, but some teams are concerned about his lack of lateral agility and could look to move him back inside at the next level. Based on intensity and sheer desire Orlando Huff should be the best linebacker on the planet, but a big dropoff in field smarts is the thing holding this kid back from earning a loftier draft status. Fellow Californian, USC's Markus Steele had a breakout season in 1999, only to be hit with nagging injuries that diminished his play in 2000. Like Huff, he won't win any valedictorian honors, though. Injuries could hurst the draft status of Tommy Polley, Texas A&M's Jason Glenn (knee) and North Carolina State's Clayton White, but the NFL teams seem convinced all three will be ready for action once training camp opens. Tennessee could see tall three of their linebackers taken in the draft. Eric Westmoreland is the best on the Vols, showing great range and run support skills. Dominique Stevenson is more of an impact hitter, while Anthony Sessions showed great pass coverage ability. Due to a less-than-desired frame (too light), he could make a move to strong safety, a position he was originally recruited to play. Another Southeastern Conference product that should earn second-day draft notice is Vanderbilt's Matt Stewart, who is much better playing the pass than teammate Jamie Winborn. Besides Jason Glenn, Texas A&M will probably also see Roylin Bradley go in the later stages of the draft. Junior Clemson madman, Keith Adams, may have been better served staying in college another year. He's a bit undersized and under-whelmed the scouts with a poor showing at the Combines. Looking for some late round gems? Iowa's LaVar Woods may have been the Hawkeyes' best defender the last two years and a smart NFL team has to be looking at his edge rushing ability. Washington's Jeremiah Pharms bounced around the linebacking and defensive line units during his career, but many feel that in a 3-4 system, he can be another Joey Porter (Steelers). Wyomings's Patrick Chukwurah lacks polish, but later in the draft, his special teams play should entice some team. The small college ranks will be surprisingly quiet at this position on draft day, as their best prospect, Ryan Goven (North Dakota) is projected as moving to inside linebacker. THE POSITION REPORT CARD… THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives…Stiff in his hips and stays too high dropping off in pass coverage...Struggles to disengage from the more physical blockers during inside run support...Gets cut off at times in lateral pursuit, showing a need to protect his feet better with his hands...Better as a straight-line charger, appearing too stiff in his backpedal to be effective defending vs. the pass...Gets knocked around a lot trying to move through the piles...Has had problems throughout his career maintaining his playing weight (very high metabolism)....Needs to show better stop-&-go action, as he tends to get a little too reckless by over-pursuing the plays...His struggles containing the inside run game could see him shift back to outside linebacker (position he played in his first three years) at the pro level. CAREER NOTES…The anchor of the Hurricanes' team, he boasts a string of 42 consecutive starting assignments (most ever by a Hurricane defensive player) and is the only player in school history to be voted team captain in three seasons...Became the first player in college football to earn the Dick Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker), Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player, given by the Maxwell Football Club) and Nagurski Award (national defensive player of the year, given by the Football Writers Association) in the same season (2000)...Only player in school annals to record over 100 tackles in each of four seasons...Set school career-records with 309 solo tackles, 223 assists and 532 total hits, breaking the previous marks of 307 solos by line-backer Scott Nicolas (1978-91), 222 assists and 490 total tackles by linebacker George Mira (1984-87)...His 532 tackles also established a new Big East Conference record, topping the old mark of 517 by Boston College's Stephen Boyd (1991-94)...Also recorded 14 quarterback sacks for minus 65 yards, 44 stops for losses of 116 yards and eight forced fumbles during his time with the Hurricanes. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's Brian Urlacher (a shorter version). GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Will be the first linebacker taken in the draft. It all depends on the team and system being used to determine whether he will play inside or outside linebacker, but that will be a pleasant problem. I am still not crazy about this guy and know the school padded his stats, big time. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives…Like two different players - coming off the edge, he is very comfortable and decisive, but when made to lend in-line support vs. the run, he quickly gets walled off from the play...Lunges to make tackles at times, trying to grab at the ball carrier, rather than wrapping him...Needs to show better hand usage when trying to shed blocks...His insistence on overpowering his man has led to some tough times disengaging when his initial move fails to work…Has a high metabolism which causes problems for him trying to keep the weight on…Needs to add bulk and power to his frame…Small hands present a problems when trying to attack the ball. CAREER NOTES…The three-year starter has been the mainstay of the team's second line of defense over the years...The team-oriented player spends quite a bit of his time tutoring the team's other young linebackers...Amassed 289 tackles (170 solos) with seven quarterback sacks and 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage during his career...Known for his hard-hitting nature, he has caused four fumbles and recovered six others over the last four seasons. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's Derrick Brooks. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Worthy of a first round pick, but he's oh-so-light. Plays with sudden movements and displays the wrapup tackling technique that makes Brooks proud that this fellow Seminole is being favorably compared to him. THE MOST UNDERRATED Negatives…A little undersized for outside linebacker, but may be too quick to settle into an inside position...Does not attack the run with force, but was more a product of Syracuse's defensive schemes that kept him away from the line and would not allow him to use his strength to fill the lanes…Won't get many interceptions due to suspect hands. CAREER NOTES…One of the most underrated players in the country, it will be hard to replace this defensive mainstay, who leaves Syracuse with 48 consecutive starts (including bowls)...Ranks tenth on the school's career-record list with 198 solo tackles, finishing with 308 total hits. REMINDS ME OF…New York Giants' Jesse Armstead. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Played in a system that drastically curtailed his talents, but wow, what a show he put on in Alabama at both the Blue-Gray Game and Senior Bowl. I am not saying he's a first rounder (more likely second), but Miami and St. Louis seem to have adopted this kid in recent weeks. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives...Most of his tackles are made as the second man in on the play or upfield... Lacks overall athletic agility, especially in the speed department...Struggles to disengage and fill the rush lanes...Very ineffective making the switch-off in zone coverage...Has problems containing the outside run due to a lack of quickness and hip turn...Frequently held up at the line as he does not extend his arms properly to gain leverage. CAREER NOTES…Emotional leader who gained an additional year of eligibility to play in 2000 after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 1999...A starter since his sophomore year, he totaled 368 tackles (234 solos) with nine sacks for minus 59 yards, 30 stops for losses of 109 yards and five interceptions in 51 games for the Rams...Only Nate Kvame (371, 1995-98), Jeff Harper (401, 1980-83), Ron Cortell (404, 1985-88) and Willie Taylor (410, 1995-98) recorded more tackles in the history of Colorado State football. REMINDS ME OF…ex-St. Louis Rams Mike Jones. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…The thing I hate most in linebackers are pile jumpers (one who pads his stats with assisted tackles) and that's what this kid looks like to me. Blesto has him as one of the top linebackers on their board. Someone ought to give that scouting bureau a drug test. Like Jones, this kid seems to have lost a step and slow linebackers don't help defensive coordinators keep their jobs for long. THE SUPER SLEEPER Negatives...Needs to disengage from blocks better...Looks indecisive at times reading and reacting to the play...Has to improve his overall strength and must be more decisive when engaging the larger blockers in run support...Works better in pursuit rather than with plays directed right in front of him...Somewhat stiff-legged in run support, causing blockers to lock on to him as he plays at too high of a pad level. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at the strongside outside linebacker position... Collected 165 tackles during his career, including 90 solo hits...Had 18 stops behind the line of scrimmage during his time at Iowa, including four quarterback sacks. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Buffalo Bill Sam Rogers. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Product of the system at Iowa, but put on quite a show during the week of pratices at the Blue-Gray Game. Has a frame that can get bigger without any dropoff in speed and he's much more powerful than he looks. One of my favorites and would upgrade any linebacking unit, especially at the cost of a late round pick. FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Comes out of his stance a little to high, lacking the strength to maintain position at the line of scrimmage...Has marginal ability in shedding blocks, needing to drastically upgrade his hand usage in order to improve in this area...Does not explode into his tackles, preferring to wrap up and drag down his opponent...His inability to disengage makes it very tough for him to lend support while working on the inside traffic. CAREER NOTES…Another in a long line of outstanding linebackers to perform for the Tar Heels in recent years...Durable athlete who started every game for the last three seasons... Regarded as the fastest linebacker in the Atlantic Coast Conference, clocking at 4.42 in the 40-yard dash...Finished his career with 265 tackles (167 solos), 10.5 sacks for minus 84 yards and 35 stops for losses of 131 yards. REMINDS ME OF…Cincinnati's Brian Simmons. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Seems forever linked to Simmons, having replaced him in the starting lineup at North Carolina. He has incredible speed for a player his size and seemed more comfortable in his pass coverage skills than ever before. Top forty pick who should quickly establish himself as a starter. #49-ORLANDO
HUFF California State University, Fresno Bulldogs 6:02.2-240 Negatives…Has had problems in the past retaining information in the play-book...Not a natural pass thief, seeming more comfortable knocking down the pass rather than trying to intercept the ball...Has to develop better hand usage in order to fend off the downfield blocks. CAREER NOTES…Enjoyed a banner career in his two seasons as a Bulldog...Originally began playing college ball at Eastern Arizona Junior College...Came to Fresno State, where his brother performed on the wrestling team...Sat out two seasons prior to coming to FSU, but made up for lost time, finishing his career with 191 tackles (81 solos), 14 quarterback sacks for minus 85 yards and 22 stops behind the line of scrimmage for losses of 86 yards...Credited with 21 quarterback pressures. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's Warrick Holdman. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Keep this kid out of a complicated defense and he will excel. He's just not one to easily digest the play-book. Take a look at this kid's eyes when he plays. I haven't seen a player zone out his surroundings and zero in on the ball like this kid since Carl Banks was killing people for the Giants. Watch this kid make it to the Pro Bowl before long. #53-QUINTON
CAVER University of Arkansas Razorbacks 6:03.7-224 Negatives…May have to shift outside, because his tall size makes it tough to get down low to prevent blockers taking him down at the legs from all angles...Very rigid in his hips, especially when needing to turn and mirror receivers' moves on pass routes...Has only adequate ability to locate the ball in traffic...Has difficulties disengaging from blockers, needing refinement in hand usage to keep opponents away...Plays too high causing him to lose all leverage and rarely squares up while taking on blocks...Needs to improve his backpedal, as he's generally moving on his heels...Ineffective pass rusher who also lacks the hands to be effective picking off the ball... High altitude pro teams may shy away from him due to his asthma...His high metabolism causes him problems trying to keep on the weight. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at middle linebacker who originally began his Razor-backs' career as a defensive end...Well-respected by his teammates and coaches, he is a regular visotor to the team's weight room, boasting a 425-pound bench press...A natural playmaker and fierce tackler, he closed out his career with 239 tackles (143 solos)...His 30 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank ninth on the school's all-time record list. REMINDS ME OF…Baltimore's Jamie Sharper. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…He's good, no doubt about it, but he's not a middle line- backer, lacing the ease-of-flow motion to play there. How quickly he adjusts to the outside is anyone's question, but why do I see boom or bust on this guy's jersey? #23-JASON
GLENN Texas A&M University Aggies 6:00.4-231 Negatives...Lack of size is a concern, but his progress from reconstructive knee surgery needs to be closely monitored (latest doctor's report has him ready to begin working out by late February)...Converted strong safety who was rarely used in passing situations, so questions still need to be answered about his cover skills potential...Can be stacked at the line of scrimmage by the larger blockers due to the size difference...Needs to develop better spin moves as blockers generally lock on to his initial attempt...Good wrapup tackler, but needs to go a little low in order to properly secure the opponent...His frame may be better served at inside line-backer, but he will need time to develop. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter whose playing time has been curtailed the last two seasons by injuries...The emotional leader of the Aggies' "Wrecking Crew" defensive unit, he began his career as a strong safety before shifting to strongside outside linebacker as a sophomore...The younger brother of former Texas A&M standout and New York Jets cornerback Aaron Glenn, Jason finished his career with 167 tackles (107 solos), eleven quarterback sacks for minus 68 yards and 33 stops for losses of 122 yards...Also deflected 22 passes. REMINDS ME OF…Cincinnati's Takeo Spikes. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…A move to middle linebacker may happen, as he still does not look like he has the range of motion he showed before 2000 knee surgery. He is a big-play maker, who despite less-than-ideal height on the outside, has that ease-of-flow ability to make plays all over the field. Will be drafted lower than he should due to the knee surgery. #42-ERIC
WESTERMORLAND University of Tennessee Volunteers 5:11.3-234 Negatives…Lacks the ability to be an effective pass rusher, as he tends to get stood up and pushed around at the line...Has not been effective as a blitzer, preferring to wait for the play to come to him rather than penetrate into the backfield...Size is a drawback, as he's generally matched up against the much taller tight ends on the strongside...Could move to the weakside, but his lack of effectiveness rushing off the edge could pose problems there…Has very short arms and small hands. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter at strongside outside linebacker...Solid, all-around player who kept the defense "honest" with his insistence that everyone played in control...Has been compared to Minnesota Vikings star Ed McDaniel, for his size, field presence and quickness... Finished his career with 253 tackles (179 solos), six quarterback sacks and 34 stops behind the line of scrimmage...His 34 career tackles for losses were the most by any active Tennessee player on the 2000 squad. REMINDS ME OF…Minnesota's Ed McDaniel. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL…Perfect fit at weakside in a 4-3 defense. His sudden burst gets him to the ball carrier in a flash, evidenced by his 34 stops for losses. With Dwayne Rudd bolting to Cleveland, what better way for the Vikings to fill that void with this guy on the draft's first day. #55-MARCUS
STEELE University of Southern California Trojans 6:02.6-227 Negatives...Needs to add more bulk, as he struggles at times getting bounced around inside when taking on multiple blocks...Low IQ Test score could be a problem for him to grasp a complicated play-book...Gets a little frustrated when his initial rush move off the edge does not work, tending to lean into the blockers rather than trying to rip-&-swim into the backfield. CAREER NOTES…Junior college standout who manned the weakside outside linebacker position during his two years with the Trojans...USC fans caught glimpses of his awesome playing ability, but injuries kept him from being 100% during his time at Southern California...Finished his career with 152 tackles and 29 stops behind the line of scrimmage during his time as a Trojan...Added 189 tackles with 37 stops for losses during his two-year career at Long Beach (Cal.) City College. REMINDS ME OF…former New York Jet Kurt Barber. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…USC linebackers in recent years have IQ scores lower than my show size and I have small feet. No excuses (ankle) for his poor play in pass coverage this year, as the injury happened later in the year. Teams still love his physical skills and most still have him as a first day pick. If not for Rick Crowell, this guy would've made my Most Overrated category. #55-BRIAN
ALLEN Florida State University Seminoles 6:00.0-232 Negatives…Has problems at times diagnosing plays...Very susceptible to biting on play-action passes...Needs to show better hand usage as he has problems disengaging from the more physical blockers...Seems frustrated when his initial move fails to work...Not a natural pass thief, as he will body-trap the ball, at times...Much like his cousin, Reinard Wilson (Cincinnati), as he seems to play better away from the line, thanks mostly to his problems escaping blockers and getting tied up when asked to lend support to the inside run defense. CAREER NOTES…Moved into the starting lineup at strongside linebacker midway through his sophomore year...Also has experience at the weakside and middle linebacker positions...Collected 286 tackles (133 solos) with nine sacks and 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage during his career...Has been a very effective pass defender, registering four interceptions with 17 pass deflections during his time in a Seminoles uniform. REMINDS ME OF…Indianapolis' Mike Peterson. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Would make an ideal middle linebacker, but his inability to quickly break down and diagnose plays kills that. His power and speed will be his ticket to the NFL, but he better start recognizing plays better. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives...Classic tweener who lacks the instinctiveness, quickness and pass coverage skills to play linebacker and dies not possess the size, bulk or power to be an effective every down defensive lineman...Easily misdirected trying to move through the pile, showing almost no ability to quickly diagnose the plays...More of a straight-line charger, lacking the power to redirect inside, where he would be bounced around due to multiple blocks...Struggles to keep balance when sliding outside to contain the run...Poor hand usage will frequently see him get locked up by the blockers, as he allows them to get their hands into his chest...His inability to use his hands prevents him from gaining proper leverage in pursuit...His lack of reactionary ability and poor footwork makes him a liability in pass coverage...Needs to show better hip flexibility in order to play down the line. CAREER NOTES…One of three seniors (along with Chad Ward and Matt Fraize) on the team to play in every game over the last four years...Has seen starting action at both outside linebacker and defensive end...Appeared in 47 games for the Huskies, earning 32 starting assignments... Recorded 164 tackles (105 solos) with 18.5 sacks for minus 147 yards and 41 stops for losses of 192 yards. REMINDS ME OF…Philadelphia's Carlos Emmons. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Tweener type with more success as a down lineman than at linebacker. Needs to play the strongside in a 3-4 defense, but only four teams are still using that alignment. #26-MATT
STEWART Vanderbilt University Commodores 6:03.4-232 Negatives…Needs to add power to his lanky frame...Narrow at the hips, which causes the more physical blockers to ride him wide...Also has to improve his hands, as he does not use them properly to shed blocks...Tends to lean into blockers at times to compensate for his lack of power...Not an every down type, as he gets no leverage when sliding inside in run support. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter at strongside outside linebacker...Recorded 269 tackles for his career...His 41.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage set a school all-time record, surpassing the previous mark of 39 by Steve Bearden (1980-83)...Also had 15 sacks for losses of 116 yards. REMINDS ME OF…Kansas City's Lew Bush. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…One of those type of guys you want on the team to lend depth, but this is not one of those guys that will be hard to replace down the road, as a dozen or so of them come out every year. #3-ROYLIN
BRADLEY Texas A&M University Aggies 6:01.1-234 Negatives...Has not shown the ability to quickly diagnose the plays...Rarely used in pass coverage, seeing most of his action as a rush linebacker...Can be out-muscled by the larger blockers, appearing better suited to cover the tight end than fill the rush lanes... Lacks that hand punch needed to tie up the tight ends at the line...Has the loose hips in his backpedal, but looks clumsy tripping over his feet trying to come out of his breaks...Very rare to find him in the weight room and a lack of strength is one of his biggest liabilities... Needs to prove that he has any semblance of pass coverage skills to upgrade his stock... Lacks natural hands to make the interception. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter at the right outside linebacker position with one major assignment - get to the quarterback...Started 36 games during his career, registering 215 tackles (154 solos) with 24 sacks for minus 163 yards and 42 stops for losses of 201 yards...His 24 sacks rank sixth on the school's career-record list. REMINDS ME OF…Oakland's Elijah Alexander. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Situational type who is like most Texas A&M defenders, lacking classic play recognition ability. Will be used mostly in third down passing situations, making him slide a bit on draft boards. #43-KEITH
ADAMS Clemson University Tigers 5:10.5-223 Negatives...Lack of size may be a concern...Some teams may look at his height and try to shift him to the middle, but that would negate his pass rushing ability and he may not have that leg drive needed for that position to prevent the larger blockers from holding him up...Sometimes bites on play action...Has to keep his game under control, as he tends to over-pursue plays due to adequate stop-&-go action…Poor workout at the Combines caused his stock to drop sharply. CAREER NOTES…Another in a long line of standout linebackers to wear a Tigers uniform in recent years... Has favorably drawn comparisons to one of Clemson's greatest players, Minnesota's Ed McDaniel... A high intensity defender, he's accounted for one tackle for every 4.68 plays he has participated in...The two-year starter closed out his glorious career with 379 tackles (214 solos), 23 quarter- back sacks for minus 195 yards and 54 stops for losses of 270 yards...Only linebackers Ed McDaniel (389, 1988-91), Jeff Davis (469, 1978-81), Anthony Simmons (486, 1995-97) and Bubba Brown (515, 1976-79) totaled more tackles in a career for the Tigers...His 23 sacks are surpassed only by William Perry (27, 1981-84) and his brother, Michael Dean Perry (28, 1984-87) in Clemson annals (only one Clemson linebacker ranks in the top ten on the school's sack record chart, Simmons with 18.5)...His 54 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank behind William (60) and Michael Dean Perry (61) on the Tigers' all-time record chart....Caused six fumbles and credited with 45 quarterback pressures during his career...His six forced fumbles rank seventh on the school's career-record list...Had at least one stop behind the line of scrimmage in 23 of his last 24 games... Had at least ten tackles in 22 of his last 24 contests...Has his jersey hanging in the College Football Hall of Fame as one of ten players honored in the "Race for the Pantheon 2000" event sponsored by the NCAA. REMINDS ME OF…Seattle's Anthony Simmons. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Want one of the biggest steals in the draft? This kid could be it, if teams judge him on a very uncharacteristic workout at the Combines. Even Ray Charles can see this kid is a player. Look for someone to snatch up a prize on the draft's second day. #22-ANTHONY
SESSIONS University of Tennessee Volunteers 6:00.6-217 Negatives...Sorely lacking in technique, as he's strictly an edge rusher with marginal read and diagnostic skills...Does not have the strength to disengage from the larger blockers... Despite his superb straight-line speed, he shows very tight hips and marginal change of direction ability... Will generally play out of control and needs to digest the plays better before over-pursuing... Doesn't shoot his hands to keep blockers from locking on when redirecting inside...Does not seem to have the instincts to break down the plays and looks lost when asked to drop off in pass coverage...Struggles in transition and his small frame causes him to be absorbed by blockers on the pure inside rush...His lack of hip swerve and lower body flexibility makes him a risk for a possible move to safety...Has had a tough time academically and struggles to grasp a complicated defensive scheme. CAREER NOTES…This one-man wrecking crew established himself as one of the nation's best edge rushers as a senior...Came to the Vols in 1999 from Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, taking over the right outside linebacker position in his final campaign...Finished his Tennessee career with 111 tackles (72 solos), 13.5 quarterback sacks for minus 123 yards and 10 stops for losses of 29 yards while starting 13 of the 23 games he played in. REMINDS ME OF…Washington's Shawn Barber. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…May be better suited for strong safety, as I am not convinced he can add the weight without losing his foot speed. Just look at the Combines. He showed up 12 pounds heavier and ran a poor 4.77. Jury's out on this guy in the intelligence department, also. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR Negatives...Used as a down lineman during his time at OSU, so he was not able to refine his pass defense techniques...Not the most instinctive player you will find, needing time to comprehend a play-book...Does not engage or shed well at the line of scrimmage (probably due to the weight difference between him and the offensive tackle)...Small frame will force him to shift to outside linebacker at the pro level...Team trainer indicated player may have an asthmatic condition. CAREER NOTES…Unheralded athlete with exceptional quickness...Jason Taylor-type (Miami Dolphins) who has tremendous pass rushing skills...Came to the Cowboys after a sensational two-year career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M...Possibly the fastest defensive end in college football, boasting 4.51 speed in the 40-yard dash...In 22 games at Oklahoma State, he registered 93 tackles (54 solos) with 15 quarterback sacks for minus 115 yards and 34 stops for losses of 168 yards. #15-CLAYTON
WHITE North Carolina State University Wolfpack 5:11.3-225 Negatives…Not a "workout warrior" but needs to be, as he has a very soft body...Undersized and lacks the power to prevent from being bounced around in his attempts to fill the holes in run support...Has to deliver a better hand punch in trying to contain tight ends in the short area... Lacks a smooth change of direction and shows almost no sideline-to-sideline range...Aims high when trying to tackle, causing him to slip off quite a few of his hits...His production has gone down in recent years...Hesitant in his backpedal, lacking natural movements to quickly turn on the ball...His inability to stay low in his power charge negates any blitzing skills he may have, as he's constantly walled off by the larger blockers…Lost a lot of time in 2000 due to a broken forearm. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who was hampered by injury problems as a senior... An unselfish player, he has done everything that the coaches have asked for over the years, making a smooth transition from strong safety to weakside outside linebacker...Has been a steady influence for the run defense unit, ranking third in school history with 33 stops behind the line of scrimmage...Has also excelled in the classroom, garnering conference academic honors...Closed out his career with 263 tackles (157 solos), eight quarterback sacks and 15 pass deflections. #10-ANWAWN
JONES University of Colorado Buffaloes 6:03.3-240 Negatives…Sometimes gets upright before taking on blocks...Gets turned around a lot and takes false steps dropping back in pass coverage...Inconsistent tackler who needs to alter his course on the move. CAREER NOTES…After two frustrating years of football inactivity, Anwaan returned to the football field with a vengeance in 2000...Quickly established himself as a vocal leader for a very young defensive unit...Played "Rush" end, but is projected as an outside linebacker at the pro level...Has had a well-traveled collegiate career, which began at Northwestern before attending Laney College, Los Angeles Valley College and then Colorado, where he was reunited with his former Wildcats coach, Gary Barnett. #40-AARON
GATTEN Penn State University Nittany Lions 6:00.2-222 Negatives...Gets suckered out of position at times, having problems with misdirection... Will finesse rather than try to maul blockers, which results in him getting tied up by some blocks when trying to shed...Better flowing to the play-side than from behind...Drives for depth with good angle in his pass drops, but keeps his feet a little narrow handling the switch-off in the zone...Does not have natural hands for the interception. CAREER NOTES…After sitting out the 1999 season and playing a reserve role through most of his career, he forced his way into the starting lineup as a senior, playing both outside linebacker positions...Finished his career with 93 tackles (59 solos), four quarterback sacks for minus 22 yards and 14 stops for losses of 47 yards. #91-WARREN
LOTT Kansas State University Wildcats 6:01.3-237 Negatives…Needs work in zone coverage, showing hesitation making the switch-off... Lacks awareness in space and will overextend trying to recover when beaten in the short area...Comes out a little too upright in his backpedal, resulting in him not getting a fluid turning motion towards the ball... Does not step up to meet contact, possibly due to his inexperience at the position. CAREER NOTES…Much like that Grateful Dead song, Warren could say that his college career has been "a long, strange trip)...Began his career at Georgia Military Institute...Originally enrolled at Clemson University after graduating from junior college, but quickly changed his mind, arriving at the Kansas State campus, only to blow out his knee...The injury would keep him on the sidelines for close to two years before he got to play again...Finished his career with 49 tackles (27 solos), a quarterback sack and two stops behind the line of scrimmage. #97-CHAZ
MURPHY University of Kansas Jayhawks 6:03.1-252 Negatives…Very tentative diagnosing the plays...Lacks the field intelligence to grasp a complicated system...Best when his reads and responsibilities are held to a minimum... Has to do a better job of holding his ground, as blockers generally hook and position him...Very inconsistent in using his hands to ward off the low blocks...Prefers to wait for the play to develop rather than initiate contact...Has problems controlling and separating from tight ends in the short area...Lets the blockers get their hands into his chest too much, taking him off balance...Gives up ground moving laterally in pursuit...Needs to be more assertive when tackling and has to deliver more aggressiveness in his game. CAREER NOTES…Versatile athlete
who has played both weakside and strongside linebacker in the team's
3-4 defensive alignment...Has also been used as an edge rusher in the
nickel defensive package... Came to Kansas from Garden City (Kan.) Community
College, where he was regarded as one of the top defensive players in
the country...Shared playing time in his first year with the Jayhawks
before earning the starting weakside job as a senior...Finished his
career with 90 tackles (40 solos)...Had nine sacks for minus 70 yards,
the eleventh-best figure in school history and 20 stops for losses of
85 yards, tied for tenth in Kansas annals.
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