My favorite defensive players, incomplete early edition

[PonyExpress]

These are the players I am most confident can become quality NFL starters, with some late rd sleepers thrown in. I'll definitely refine this list leading up to the draft.

CB
Antoine Cason
Aqib Talib
Chevis Jackson

late rd sleepers:
Terrence Wheatley
Marcus Walker

S
Aqib Talib
Mike Jenkins
Zbikowski
Justin King
Tyvon Branch
Thomas Decoud
Antaun Molden

late rd sleeper:
Darnell Terrell


LB
J. Goff
Jerod Mayo
Marcus Howard
Philip Wheeler
Tavares Gooden
Gary Guyton

late rd sleepers:
Larry Grant OSU
Stanford Keglar (special teams ace, developmental prospect)


Crash End
C. Long
V. Gholston
Q. Groves
Marcus Howard
J. Thompson
Cliff Avril
Lawrence Jackson
D Harvey

late rd sleeper:
Curtis Gatewood (developmental prospect)

DT
Dorsey (pending workout)
Trevor Laws
Red Bryant
Dre Moore

 

[dryheat44]

Without analyzing in too much depth, I find it interesting that you project Talib and Jenkins as possible safeties, yet project Jackson, who is the least athletic of the three, to stay at Corner. I kind of see it the other way around, although I think Jackson could play a good nickel, I have my doubts with him on the outside.

 

[PonyExpress]

Without analyzing in too much depth, I find it interesting that you project Talib and Jenkins as possible safeties, yet project Jackson, who is the least athletic of the three, to stay at Corner. I kind of see it the other way around, although I think Jackson could play a good nickel, I have my doubts with him on the outside.

Jenkins is more athletic than Jackson in only one respect: long straight line speed. Jackson is more agile, a better leaper, has better hands (plus smarter, more coachable, battle tested).

 

[dryheat44]

Jenkins is more athletic than Jackson in only one respect: long straight line speed. Jackson is more agile, a better leaper, has better hands (plus smarter, more coachable, battle tested).

That's what the combine tests say....but watching them play this last season I've come to the opposite conclusion. Jenkins just looked more fluid and athletic (and instinctive) on the field IMO. Of course, like every other corner in the draft, I don't think he should be ranked as highly as he is.

I do like Jackson quite a bit, though, and would have no problem drafting him on day 2.

 

[PonyExpress]

That's what the combine tests say....but watching them play this last season I've come to the opposite conclusion. Jenkins just looked more fluid and athletic (and instinctive) on the field IMO. Of course, like every other corner in the draft, I don't think he should be ranked as highly as he is.

I do like Jackson quite a bit, though, and would have no problem drafting him on day 2.

Oregon abused Jenkins. Obviously alot of that was scheme and coaching, which makes amateur game tape scouting on cb nuances challenging to say the least. There are so many variables in mismatches all over the field... the receivers these guys face have such different talent levels... the pass rush means they have to cover longer than they should, or not as long... What we do know for certain is that when Jenkins and Jackson went into an antiseptic environment and were tested on basic athletic traits, Jackson beat him in everything except long speed.

 

[dryheat44]

I like it. I'll add a few sleepers that I'm looking at:

OLB Trevor Scott Buffalo, 6-5 260, est. 4.65
ILB Josh Johnson Marshall, 6-2 250 est 4.7
ILB Hilee Taylor UNC, 6-3 245 est. 4.7
ILB Chase Ortiz, TCU (Played DT for the Frogs) 6-2, 249 est 4.87
CB Jonathan Wilhite Auburn 5-9 187 4.38 (1.46, 2.5) Bench 20 Vert 33.5 Broad 9 11
CB Jonathan Zenon LSU 6-0 180 4.48 (1.48, 2.55) Vert 33