 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
2007 Rookie Profiles: Defensive Ends
Posted:
5/07
Courtesy of the
TFY Draft Preview Full Name: Victor Abiamiri School: Notre Dame Ht: 6-4.5 Wt: 268 40: 4.8 Year: 4Sr Bio: Full-time starter the past two seasons after seeing sporadic playing time with the first team as a freshman. Posted 43/15/10.5 last year after 48/15/8 as a junior. Pos: Athletic edge-rusher who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Fluid changing direction and plays with good speed. Gets leverage on opponents, plays with good balance and is rarely off his feet. Displays excellent range on the field, making plays in every direction. Competitive, flies around the football and always works to make something positive happen. Neg: Struggled as a senior and was lacking last year. Overall game does not show a lot of quickness. Slow locating the ball, and consistently over-pursued the action. Not strong at the point and easily pushed from his angle of attack. Analysis: After a brilliant junior campaign, much was expected from Abiamiri last season. While the numbers were good, his overall play was justifiably labeled as disappointing. Offers tremendous potential and has the ability to start at the next level if he gets his game back on-track.
Ht: 6-4.5 Wt: 258 40: 4.70 Year: 5Sr Bio: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his junior campaign. All-American selection as a senior after posting 52/17.5/12.5 and breaking up six passes. Junior totals were 56/15/9.5, with 9.5 pass break-ups. Pos: Game-impacting defender with tremendous upside. Breaks down well, is fast to the sidelines and creates a lot of havoc. Effectively uses his hands, rushes the edge with speed and has the ability to alter his angle of attack and pursue from the backside. Fluid moving in reverse, displaying a back-pedal when asked to play in space. Plays with tremendous pad level, balance and rarely is off his feet. Covers a lot of area, displaying speed in every direction. Neg: Tends to turn it on and off. Gives half-hearted efforts to shed blocks and does not always chase the action. Accused of playing as though he did not want to get hurt early in his senior campaign. Analysis: A defender who takes over games, Adams has the physical skills to be an early draft pick and an immediate starter at the next level. His motor and toughness do not match his physical skills yet he offers All-Pro potential if he’s willing to pay the price.
Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 274 40: 4.72 Year: 6S Bio: Junior college transfer who began his career at BYU. All-Conference selection the past two years after totaling 43/10/4 and 45/12/7 as a senior and junior respectively. Pos: Productive defender who plays with a nasty attitude. Chases hard to get involved in the action, displays a good head for the game and makes plays down the line of scrimmage. Nicely works his hands to protect himself. Plays with a good degree of quickness and displays a burst of closing speed. Neg: Not stout at the point, can be handled by opponents and has tackles broken. Struggled with injuries in the past. Will be 25 years old before the start of the NFL seaon. Analysis: A hard working lineman who makes a lot of plays in the backfield, Ah You is a backup at the next level.
Full Name: Ikaika Alama-Francis School: Hawaii Ht: 6-5 Wt: 280 40: 4.75 Year: 5Sr Bio: Three-year starter who came to school as a basketball player. All-Conference selection as a senior after totaling 39/10/4. Junior totals were 49/7.5/5. Pos: Athletically talented prospect with a high upside. Quick off the snap, is fluid moving about the field and nicely redirects to the action. Plays with good pad level and displays footwork moving laterally or in reverse. Fast off the edge and makes plays in every direction. Tenacious, stays after the action and works to get involved. Neg: Slow shedding blocks and must improve his playing strength. Bites on play-action passes and lacks top instincts. Tore a pectoral muscle in the Hula Bowl, which hampered his ability to work out prior to the draft. Analysis: A prospect just hitting his stride, Alama-Francis offers starting potential as a two-gap end in the NFL. Must add bulk, strength and finish to his game, yet is worth the investment of a first-day selection.
Full Name: Jamaal Anderson School: Arkansas Ht: 6-5.5 Wt: 288 40: 4.78 Year: 3Jr Bio: Became a full-time starter last season and earned All-Conference honors after numbers of 65/19.5/13.5. Started five games as a sophomore and posted 47/10.5/4. Pos: Athletic defensive end with tremendous upside. Keeps his pads low to the ground playing with terrific leverage and is rarely off his feet. Plays with terrific balance and body control, and easily beats immobile blockers. Fast off the edge, immediately alters his angle of attack or quickly redirects to the action. Shows skills in pursuit and solid playing speed. Attacks opponents with his hands working to get off blocks and displays an array of moves to protect himself. Quickly gets off the snap with a nice first step and makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Neg: Lacks overall playing strength and is slow shedding blocks once engaged at the point. Analysis: Possessing size, growth potential and a lot of natural skill, Anderson is a terrific prospect with a large amount of upside. Can be used as a pass-rushing right end, but also has the abilities to grow into a two-gap lineman. Must physically mature and improve his playing strength, yet will quickly make an impact at the next level if he focuses on the task at hand.
Full Name: Antwan Applewhite School: San Diego State Ht: 6-3 Wt: 250 40: 4.83 Year: 4Jr Bio: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his junior and sophomore campaigns. Totals last season included 52/8/6 after 56/8.5/5.5 the prior year. Pos: Fast, undersized defensive end who projects to linebacker at the next level. Quick off the snap, immediately alters his angle of attack and displays speed in every direction. Loses little momentum when he must change direction. Shows abilities backpedaling off the line and playing in space. Reads the action and does not bite on ball fakes. Neg: Small at defensive end, controlled by opponents or driven off the line of scrimmage. Does not consistently chase hard to get involved in the action. Analysis: A solid athlete who has displayed a variety of skills, Applewhite has the tools to be used as a rush linebacker in the NFL. Needs time to develop his game yet offers a good degree of upside.
Full Name: Dan Bazuin School: Central Michigan Ht: 6-3 Wt: 267 40: 4.85 Year: 5Sr Bio: Four-year starter and All-Conference selection since his sophomore campaign. Senior totals were 67/15/10.5 when he struggled with injury and personal tragedy throughout the season. Junior totals included 74/26.5/16, tying the conference record for sacks and setting the school record for tackles for loss. Pos: Game-destructive defender with size and growth potential. Quickly gets off the snap with a nice first step, rushes the edge with speed and makes plays down the line of scrimmage. Displays excellent hand technique protecting himself, quickly changes direction and plays with good body control. Tenacious, works hard until the whistle blows and plays to his timed speed. Neg: Lacks bulk, slowed by blocks or easily knocked from his angle of attack. Occasionally plays out of control, missing tackles and over-pursuing the action. Ran poorly at the combine then showed little skills during linebacker drills. Analysis: A high-motor defender who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage, Bazuin is a top-level collegiate performer with good upside for the next level. Has potential as a conventional defensive end or possibly a rush linebacker for a 34 alignment.
Full Name: Rondell Biggs School: Michigan Ht: 6-1.5 Wt: 276 40: 4.83 Year: 5Sr Bio: Posted 16/8/6 as a senior when he became a full-time starter. Junior numbers were 8/2/1 when he started four games. Pos: Speedy edge rusher who make plays down the line of scrimmage. Plays with good lean and immediately alters his angle of attack or flattens and pursues from the backside with speed. Keeps his feet moving on contact. Neg: Locked up at the point by a single blocker or engulfed by opponents. Marginally productive in college. Analysis: An undersized defensive end who gives good effort, Biggs finally showed signs of life as a senior. Potential pass-rush specialist for a conventional defense.
Full Name: Larry Birdine School: Oklahoma Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 260 40: 5.08 Year: 5Sr Bio: Moved into the starting lineup as a senior, winning All-Conference honors after posting 39/10/3.5. Sat out the ‘05 season with a torn biceps muscle. Posted career-bests of 40/11/7 as a junior in ‘04. Pos: Productive pass rusher who is coming off a disappointing campaign. Fast off the edge, moves well laterally and displays good range on the field. Works his hands to get off blocks, chases the action and displays a solid head for the ball. Breaks down well playing with good leverage and redirects to make the tackle. Has ability dropped off the line in coverage. Neg: Did not display a lot of quickness or explosion last season. Can be handled at the point by a single blocker. Marginal size and growth potential. Analysis: After a brilliant junior campaign when he looked like a future star, Birdine took a big step backwards the past two years. A situational pass rusher not stout enough to be an every-down defensive end.
Full Name: Mkristo Bruce School: Washington State Ht: 6-5.5 Wt: 268 40: 5.18 Year: 5Sr Bio: Three-year starter and All-Conference selection as a senior after totaling 67/16/11. Also intercepted one pass and broke up three more last year. Junior numbers included 67/15/10. Pos: Hard-working leader of the Washington State defense with marginal upside for the next level. Quick off the snap, plays with good lean and exploits immobile blockers. Works his hands to get off blocks, quickly alters his angle of attack and makes plays laterally. Diagnoses the action, is rarely off his feet and plays with a Neg: Possesses only a short-area burst of speed, which he cannot sustain. Easily knocked from his angle of attack, cannot get off blocks and controlled at the point. Analysis: A productive collegiate player, Bruce has potential as a two-gap defensive lineman once he physically matures. Practice-squad material with the attitude needed to make it.
Full Name: Noland Burchette School: Virginia Tech Ht: 6-2 Wt: 259 40: 4.85 Year: 5Sr Bio: Three-year starter who posted career-best numbers of 44/7.5/3.5 as a senior. Junior totals were 25/4/3. Pos: Competitive yet undersized end with limited potential. Plays with good pad level, quickly changes direction and makes plays down the line. Fast off the edge, effectively uses his hands and rarely is off his feet. Can drop off the line and displays good recognition in space. Neg: Handled at the point by a single opponent and struggles getting off blocks. Possesses just a short-area burst of speed. Analysis: A passionate football player with a good motor, Burchette is a situational pass rusher at the next level and offers a special-teams mentality.
Full Name: Alex Buzzbee School: Georgetown Ht: 6-3 Wt: 250 40: 4.79 Year: 5Sr Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after posting 75/13/5.5 while intercepting one pass and breaking up three more. Junior totals included 44/12.5/6.5. Pos: Undersized small-school pass rusher who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Breaks down well getting leverage on opponents and is rarely off his feet. Rushes the edge with speed, quickly changes direction and makes plays down the line. Intelligent, diagnoses the action and works hard to make positive plays. Nicely uses his hands to protect himself. Neg: Lacks strength and is easily handled at the point of attack or engulfed by a single blocker. Possesses only a short burst of speed and displays marginal skill in pursuit. Analysis: A productive defender in college, Buzbee’s only chance is as a situational pass rusher at the next level.
Full Name: Adam Carriker School: Nebraska Ht: 6-6 Wt: 295 40: 4.90 Year: 4Sr Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his junior and senior campaigns. Totals last season were 52/16/7, with one interception and three pass break-ups. Junior totals included 43/17/9.5. Pos: Physically impressive prospect who plays an intelligent brand of football. Instinctive and immediately locates the ball. Moves laterally with speed defending the run and has a burst upfield rushing the quarterback. Makes plays in all directions, immediately altering his angle of attack or redirecting to ball handlers. Flashes power and wraps-up tackling. Neg: Stymied at the point of attack by a single blocker. Stands to develop more moves to disengage from opponents. Analysis: Hard-working and tenacious, Carriker is a smart prospect who could be used at a variety of positions. Looks like a perfect two-gap end, yet may also fit in at defensive tackle. His draft stock is soaring, and he may end up as a top 12 pick.
Full Name: Tim Crowder School: Texas Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 270 40: 4.72 Year: 4Sr Bio: Four-year starter awarded All-Conference honors every season since his sophomore campaign. Senior totals were 59/19/10.5, with three pass break-ups. Junior numbers were 50/3/9. Pos: Athletic base end with a complete game. Plays with good pad level, is fast off the edge and displays skills in pursuit. Quickly changes direction, is fluid out to the sidelines and makes plays in every direction. Effectively uses his hands to protect himself, beats immobile blockers and keeps his feet driving on contact. Neg: Lacks bulk, is slow getting off blocks and can be controlled at the point by tight ends. Analysis: A dedicated prospect with great work ethic, Crowder has shown continual improvement in his game. Less than desirable size/speed numbers will push him out of round one, yet he could start in the right system.
Full Name: Keyunta Dawson School: Texas Tech Ht: 6-1 Wt: 246 40: 4.69 Year: 4Sr Bio: Full-time starter the past two seasons after seeing action with the first team during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. All-Conference selection as a senior after totaling 63/9.9/6. Junior totals were 62/3.5/2.5. Pos: Well-built, undersized collegiate pass rusher who will be given looks at linebacker. Breaks down well playing with good pad level and fluid changing direction. Makes plays down the line of scrimmage, redirects to the action and shows ability in space. Neg: Easily controlled at the point by a single blocker. A liability defending the run. Analysis: Possessing marginal size/speed numbers, Dawson is a practice squad player and developmental prospect. Best fit is at linebacker in a 34 alignment.
Full Name: Victor DeGrate School: Oklahoma State Ht: 6-2.5 Wt: 250 40: 4.85 Year: 4Sr Bio: Two-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference honors last year. Senior totals were 45/11.5/9.5 after a junior campaign of 53/13/5. Pos: Undersized collegiate pass rusher with poor size/speed numbers. Quick off the edge, immediately alters his angle of attack and pursues down the line with speed. Wedges inside of blockers, works his hands throughout the play and rarely is off his feet. Possesses a burst of speed, plays faster than his 40 time and covers a lot of area on the field. Neg: Does not possess the strength or size to be an every-down defensive end. Rarely makes plays in reverse. Analysis: Productive on the college level, DeGrate is a situational pass rusher in the NFL who must produce on special teams.
Full Name: Dennis Ellis School: Boise State Ht: 6-3 Wt: 300 40: 4.96 Year: 5Sr Bio: Junior college transfer who broke into the starting lineup last season and totaled 41/3.5/2. Rotated at defensive end as a junior and finished with 10 tackles. Pos: Underrated defensive lineman who showed a lot of ability last year. Very quick off the snap, is strong at the point of attack and holds his ground against blocks. Shows a fluid change of direction with the ability to make plays down the line. Effective if asked to twist or stunt. Neg: Slow shedding blocks. Must develop more moves and protect himself with better hand technique. Analysis: Displaying a lot of progress on the field last year, Ellis is a developmental player with potential as a rotational lineman.
Full Name: Jacob Ford School: Central Arkansas Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 249 40: 4.68 Year: 6Sr Bio: Two-year starter who began his college career at Memphis. Senior totals were 48/15.5/6, after 54/17/9 the prior year. Pos: Hard working pass-rusher with solid size/speed numbers. Quick off the snap, plays with good pad level and protects himself with solid hand technique. Makes plays down the line and shows a burst of speed. Fires up the field and displays a good head for the game. Neg: Undersized, can be driven off the line and is a liability in run defense. Tends to run around blocks, as he cannot face them head on. Struggled with injuries throughout his career. Analysis: An intense defender, Ford has possibilities as an outside linebacker in a 34 defense, yet must stay healthy for any chance of making it.
Full Name: Marquies Gunn School: Auburn Ht: 6-4 Wt: 256 40: 4.83 Year: 4Sr Bio: Two-year starter who posted numbers of 35/8.5/4. All-Conference selection as a junior after totaling 40/12.5/4.5. Pos: Undersized college defensive end who flashes pass rush skills. Solid athlete who plays with leverage and moves well laterally. Immediately alters his angle of attack, quick if asked to twist or stunt and redirects to the action. Neg: Can be handled at the point by a single blocker or easily pushed from the action. Not a great worker. Analysis: After a solid junior campaign, Gunn’s play last season was uninspired. Lacks the size to be an every-down defensive lineman and speed to be a linebacker. Could develop into a pass-rush specialist if he picks up the intensity of his game.
Full Name: Justin Hickman School: UCLA Ht: 6-1.5 Wt: 255 40: 4.82 Year: 4Sr Bio: Junior college transfer who started at UCLA the past two years. All-Conference selection last year and received some All-American consideration after posting 42/19/12.5. Junior totals were 31/5.5/8. Pos: Undersized pass rusher who creates a lot of havoc up the field. Plays with good balance and pursues with speed from the backside. Fires through the gaps up the field, works his hands throughout the action and is deceptively strong. Tough to knock off his feet. Flashes speed off the edge. Neg: Handled at the point by opposing tight ends and easily wired by blocks. Can be a | ||||||||||||||
