Spring Break
Who to watch on defense
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Sports
The NFL Draft commences next Saturday, and after taking a look at the top-impact on offense coming into the league, this week we slide over to the defensive side to look at impact defenders who can help a team in their rookie year. They may not be the most highly rated prospects on defense, but they have a chance to make their presence felt early in their career.
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas - Orakpo is an absolute physical freak. He has immense strength, good size and speed and the versatility to play either defensive end in a 4-3 defense or outside linebacker in a 3-4. He isn't enormous in height or weight, but his strength makes up for it. Orakpo has been slipping just a bit lately, but no matter who takes him, he has work ethic and all the tools you look for in a pass-rusher to become a dominant player in the league. Expect Orakpo to be gone in the No. 5-10 pick area.
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College - Raji is an enormous anchor in the middle of a defense who should be a top nose tackle for the next 10 years. He has the size to anchor against double-teams and the quickness and speed to collapse the pocket and put some pressure on the quarterback. With so many teams switching to a 3-4 defense, where a great nose tackle is key to its success, Raji will be coveted and will not slip out of the top half of the first round. He may end up in Denver at No. 12 at worst since they are transitioning to the 3-4 this season and it is reported they are intent on going with Kyle Orton at quarterback.
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - Now, Jackson may not make a big splash or flashy plays in his rookie season, but he will have a major impact. He is the prototypical defensive end in the 3-4 alignment with his athleticism and 300-pound frame and the occasional ability to get to the quarterback. With elite players at that position so hard to find, Jackson is guaranteed to be in the top 20 picks. He should step in right away and be a solid starter for a team. Denver may eye Jackson with their second first-rounder that they picked up in the Jay Cutler trade to the Bears. If they get Raji and Jackson they have key cornerstones to make a quick transition to a solid 3-4 defense.
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas - Orakpo is an absolute physical freak. He has immense strength, good size and speed and the versatility to play either defensive end in a 4-3 defense or outside linebacker in a 3-4. He isn't enormous in height or weight, but his strength makes up for it. Orakpo has been slipping just a bit lately, but no matter who takes him, he has work ethic and all the tools you look for in a pass-rusher to become a dominant player in the league. Expect Orakpo to be gone in the No. 5-10 pick area.
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College - Raji is an enormous anchor in the middle of a defense who should be a top nose tackle for the next 10 years. He has the size to anchor against double-teams and the quickness and speed to collapse the pocket and put some pressure on the quarterback. With so many teams switching to a 3-4 defense, where a great nose tackle is key to its success, Raji will be coveted and will not slip out of the top half of the first round. He may end up in Denver at No. 12 at worst since they are transitioning to the 3-4 this season and it is reported they are intent on going with Kyle Orton at quarterback.
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - Now, Jackson may not make a big splash or flashy plays in his rookie season, but he will have a major impact. He is the prototypical defensive end in the 3-4 alignment with his athleticism and 300-pound frame and the occasional ability to get to the quarterback. With elite players at that position so hard to find, Jackson is guaranteed to be in the top 20 picks. He should step in right away and be a solid starter for a team. Denver may eye Jackson with their second first-rounder that they picked up in the Jay Cutler trade to the Bears. If they get Raji and Jackson they have key cornerstones to make a quick transition to a solid 3-4 defense.
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