sebman2112

Woodley has been the one constant in that defense the past four years. Branch came on in part of '05, and then in '06, but is overrated. Harris was good when he finally got healthy, but he struggled with injuries during the first half of his career missing a lot of time. Hall was a very good CB, has been consistant, and a key factor but unlike Revis and Houston he struggled against the best WR's. Dwayne Jerrett made him look stupid.

Woodley's been a key factor since 2003, and is second in school history racking up 25 sacks. This all while they were moving him around from DE to OLB.

Here's the comparison:
1. Woodley: In 49 games at Michigan, Woodley started 33 times. He recorded 177 tackles (129 solos) and ranks second in school history with 25 sacks for minus-228 yards and 50.5 stops for losses totaling 286 yards. He caused 10 fumbles, recovered four others, including one that he returned 54 yards for a touchdown and had five pass deflections.

2. Hall: In 50 games at Michigan, Hall started 37 times. He recorded 180 tackles (141 solos) with three sacks for minus-17 yards and seven stops for losses of 22 yards. He recovered five fumbles for 82 yards in returns, including one touchdown and had one forced fumble. He deflected 43 passes and intercepted 12 others for 23 yards in returns (1.9 avg.), adding 174 yards and a touchdown on 15 punt returns (11.6 avg.).

3. Harris: In 33 games at Michigan, Harris started 25 times. He closed out his career with 196 tackles (136 solos), four sacks for minus-29 yards and 20 stops for losses of 68 yards. He caused three fumbles and recovered another. He gained 8 yards on an interception return and also deflected four passes.

4. In 37 games at Michigan, Branch started 16 times at nose guard (left tackle) and seven at left defensive end. He recorded 61 tackles (34 solos) with nine sacks for minus-38 yards and five quarterback pressures. He registered 15 stops for losses totaling 59 yards, as he recovered four fumbles and caused three others. Branch also had two pass deflections and one interception.

The mini bios come from NFL.com/the Sports XChange

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Michigan Dave

Dude, LaMarr was BY FAR the best player on the defense. LaMarr was unreal. Probably the best end we've ever had. He faced a double team on nearly every sack, and he and Branch fed off of each other. He is the main reason Branch had the career he had at Michigan. Rating our defense last year, the top 5 would be:

1. Woodley
2. Harris
3. Hall
4. Branch
5. Crable

Woodley was initially a LB (#1 LB in the nation in HS) and converted to DE at Michigan. His 40 times are a little off, but he'd be fine in the coverage roles expected from a OLB in the 3-4. His pass rushing would be phenomenal.

If we're talking best pro potential, I'd say:

1. Woodley
2. Hall
3. Branch
4. Harris

All of them have the potential to be very good. Woodley will be special, though.

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drpatriot

Very nicely said. I think it's not a steep dropoff between Branch and Harris, and as you said they all have a lot of upside.

Small point, but I would make a strong case for Burgess as opposed to Crable for that #5 spot. Though Crable was better in run support, Burgess had a few key plays in coverage.

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Michigan Dave

Yeah, I'm a huge Burgess fan. But Prescott had a period in the middle of the season where he struggled. Crable was more consistent, which is why I gave him the nod. You're also right that there is not a huge dropoff between Harris/Branch. Hall, even. The way that defense played those first 11 games was amazing. I was in the white out at PSU for this masterpiece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6dyhcnFCMI


Here's LaMarr getting a sack, forced fumble, and recovery. He shows good awareness following the ball:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOAfJggb8T4

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sebman2112

You've got Bingo! Nice to see a Wolverine fan agreeing with me about Woodley. Question, do you think Woodley could develop into an ILB within two years? I think he could, and could develop his coverage better than some think.

Also, I want to point out that Woodley has run in the 4.6 - 40 range, which is not slow for a LB. He ran that 4.74 - 40 at his Pro Day coming off a strained hamstring. Woodley also put up a 38½-inch vertical jump, 9'9" broad jump and 29 reps at that same Pro Day.

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