PFW - Top 5 DE's

[mayoclinic]

Interest read from Nolan Nawrocki:

NFL Draft - NFL draft preview and analysis from Pro Football Weekly

Interestingly, his top 5 DE list does not include Brian Orapko, so he probably will include Orapko at OLB later this week.

The read on Aaron Maybin is really interesting. He is truly a boom or bust guy - his upside is unreal and there are an awful lot of things to like, but his list of negatives is equally long and scary. In 2 years I expect hell either be a Ware-like talent or a total washout at OLB, and I have absolutely no idea which.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Interest read from Nolan Nawrocki:

NFL Draft - NFL draft preview and analysis from Pro Football Weekly

Interestingly, his top 5 DE list does not include Brian Orapko, so he probably will include Orapko at OLB later this week.

The read on Aaron Maybin is really interesting. He is truly a boom or bust guy - his upside is unreal and there are an awful lot of things to like, but his list of negatives is equally long and scary. In 2 years I expect hell either be a Ware-like talent or a total washout at OLB, and I have absolutely no idea which.

At this point, Maybin looks like a one trick pony who lacks strength to be stout against the run. I think his upside is Dwight Freeney rather than Demarcus Ware. Michael Johnson is another boom or bust prospect. His upside is Kearse because of his excellent length and size. But again I'm not confident that either can live up to their projections so I'd stay away from them. But there doubtless will be teams ahead of the Pats who will roll the dice.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

At this point, Maybin looks like a one trick pony who lacks strength to be stout against the run. I think his upside is Dwight Freeney rather than Demarcus Ware. Michael Johnson is another boom or bust prospect. His upside is Kearse because of his excellent length and size. But again I'm not confident that either can live up to their projections so I'd stay away from them. But there doubtless will be teams ahead of the Pats who will roll the dice.

But he is only 20 years old and will eventually fill out and could grow into something special, especailly if he responds to quality coaching.

 

[BTTA]

If we are to believe the negatives that are written about all of the prospects, there isn't a single NFL starter in this entire draft.

 

[TriplecHamp]

If we are to believe the negatives that are written about all of the prospects, there isn't a single NFL starter in this entire draft.

:ditto: I think that the closer we get to Judgement Day, the more negatives we will hear.

 

[StraightCashHomey81]

Quote: "Interestingly, his top 5 DE list does not include Brian Orapko, so he probably will include Orapko at OLB later this week."

-Or maybe they think hes this year's Gholston. I have him as the 9th or 10th best 3-4 OLB. Not worth the "Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane" risk.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Dan Pompei's top DEs. 2009 NFL Draft: Dan Pompei's top defensive ends -- chicagotribune.com

 

[mgteich]

You do know that Nawrocki has Orapko being drafted in the top half of the first round.

Quote: "Interestingly, his top 5 DE list does not include Brian Orapko, so he probably will include Orapko at OLB later this week."

-Or maybe they think hes this year's Gholston. I have him as the 9th or 10th best 3-4 OLB. Not worth the "Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane" risk.

 

[mayoclinic]

Quote: "Interestingly, his top 5 DE list does not include Brian Orapko, so he probably will include Orapko at OLB later this week."

-Or maybe they think hes this year's Gholston. I have him as the 9th or 10th best 3-4 OLB. Not worth the "Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane" risk.

Here's a recent article on Orapko as a 3-4 OLB that has some interesting quotes:

Ready for a switch? Texas DE Orakpo could be linebacker for the Browns - cleveland.com

Last season, his new defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, installed some of the 3-4 defense at Texas that he had learned under his mentor, Nick Saban, at Louisiana State and with the Dolphins. That means Orakpo is already familiar with the fundamentals of the Browns' scheme, because Saban has the same defensive mind-set as his good friend and old Browns boss, Bill Belichick ... who was current Browns coach Eric Mangini's mentor.
"Coach Muschamp brought that 3-4 scheme with him to Texas from the Miami Dolphins, and we played it a lot here," said Oscar Giles, Orakpo's defensive line coach at Texas. "Brian played both end and linebacker in the scheme, and he excelled at both. He can rush the passer, play the run and drop into coverage -- and he can do all three at a high level." Orakpo, who had 11 1/2 sacks last season despite missing two games with a sprained knee, is confident he can make the switch. "What I like to say is that I'm not a guy that thinks I can do it, I'm a guy that has done it," he said. "I can play as a 3-4 'backer and also put my hand in the dirt. I know I can be effective at the position at the pro level."