Right now it seems like our defense is really coming into shape. I'm deferring evaluation of the secondary until the evolution of that area becomes clearer with the Aqib Talib trade and his long term contract situation, the potential move of Devin McCourty to FS, and Alfonzo Dennard's development, but I'm more optimistic than I've been in a while. We could use a stud LDE opposite Chandler Jones, a penetrating DT, an eventual successor to Vince Wilfork, a coverage OLB/S hybrid, and some developmental DB talent. But we're in pretty good shape, assuming the secondary plan develops.
Here's 20 or so guys who are high on my radar for 2013. I'm excluding top 20 picks like Star Lotulelei, Johnathan Hankins, Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Stephon Tuitt (2014, but he's such a stud that I'd list him anyway), Jarvis Jones, etc. Most of those guys would be interesting if they fell, some more than others. I'm keeping descriptions brief due to length restrictions. Prospects are grouped by position and then ordered in rough draft projection, not in order of preference, ranging from 1st rounders down to late round/UDFA guys. Underclassmen are noted with an *.
Defensive Tackle:
Vince Wilfork is a HOFer but is beginning to show a few signs of slowing down and wear and tear. He needs to be used more wisely. Kyle Love is a demi-stud. The team needs depth and a successor to VW. We haven't had a penetrating DT since Mike Wright. Myron Pryor is in a contract year and can't stay healthy. Ron Brace is in a conract year and is a JAG. The team missed out on Red Bryant in FA, and Jonathan Fanene turned out to be damaged goods. Priority = high.
1. Louis Nix*, Notre Dame. 6'3" 325#.
A red shirt sophomore, Nix probably won't come out in 2013 but could be this year's Brockers. Projection: likely 1st round pick if he declares. Comparison: Vince Wilfork.
2. Jesse Williams, Alabama. 6'4" 320#.
The Aussie JUCO transfer hasn't put up much in terms of numbers, but he is a monster in the middle for a dominant Crimson Tide defense. He also has the versatility to move outside in a 3-4, and possibly also play 4-3 jumbo LDE. Projection: top 40 pick. Comparison: Red Bryant.
3. Sheldon Richardson*, Missouri. 6'4" 295#.
Richardson has been exploding this season, putting up impressive numbers and making splash plays all over the field. He could easily be this year's version of Nick Fairley/Fletcher Cox. Projection: top 40 pick, probably higher. Comparison: Fletcher Cox, but with more core strength and a bit less explosiveness.
4. Kawann Short, Purdue, 6'3" 316#.
Projection: top 40 pick. Comparison: He's Mackenzie's boy, and Mackenzie compares him to Kevin Williams. Who am I to argue?
5. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina. 6'3" 305#.
A slightly older project who is a bit inconsistent but who has nice athletic ability and great core strength. Willaims can both play the run and also generate some pressure inside. Current projection: 2nd or 3rd round. Comparison: a poor man's Ndamukong Suh.
6. Brandon Moore*, Texas. 6'5" 335#.
Originally recruited by Alabama, Moore has tremendous athleticism and has only begun to scratch his potential. I think he is a big time sleeper with tremendous upside. Current projection: late round pick. Comparison: A bigger Jay Ratliff.
7. Daniel McCullers*, Tennessee. 6'7" 370#.
A mammoth of a man with only 23% body fat, who is a space eater/run stuffer only right now. Projection: day 2/3 pick if he comes out this year. Comparison: A very raw Ted Washington.
Defensive End:
The Pats landed a true stud in Chandler Jones at #21 in the draft, the best move they've made since drafting Rob Gronkowski in 2010. They have some legitimate talent to go alongside him in Jermaine Cunningham, Rob Ninkovich and hopefully Jake Bequette. Travis Scott is on a 1 year deal but has talent. Justin Francis has shown flashes. But a true stud LDE opposite Jones would make the DL beastly, and I strongly adhere to the NY Giants' principle of stockpiling talent on the DL in accordance with OTG's "overload" theory of building dominance at a position. Priority high.
8. Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah, BYU. 6'6" 270#.
Ansah has exploded onto draft boards this year, and is one of the hottest prospects around. His size/speed combination is unreal, and he has made tremendous progress. Mike Mayock thinks he could be a 1st round pick, though right now he is still very raw. Projection: Top 50 pick. Comparison: Potential fusion of JJ Watt and Jason Pierre-Paul, though very, very raw.
9. Dion Jordan, Oregon. 6'7" 243#.
The "Preying Mantis" is a rare insect with the footwork and fluidity of a basketball small forward, agile enough to play DB and cover slot receivers. He could be a unique weapon in today's pass-oriented league. Current projection: late 1st round, though Tony Pauline has suggested that there are health issues involving Jordan's shoulder that could affect his draft stock. Comparison: Ted Hendricks.
10. Margus Hunt, SMU. 6'8" 290#.
Another athletic freak, Hunt has fallen off the radar a bit this season, though that will likely change in the pre-draft games and workout process. He will be 26 by the time the 2013 season starts. Projection: late 2nd/early 3rd round. Comparison: A bigger version of JJ Watt with a bit less mobility and explosiveness.
(continued in next post due to length/image number restrictions)