Thread: PFW: Position reports — defensive linemen (Jackson, Raji tops in trenches)

A good read on some of the DT/DE's coming out next year:

Jackson, Raji tops in trenches

1. DE-DT Tyson Jackson, LSU (Sr.)
6-4¼, 295, 4.9e

Big, strong, physical and versatile, Jackson fits best as a prototype five-technique for an odd front in a similar mold as Cowboys DE Chris Canty. However, Jackson could fit just as easily as a left defensive end in a 4-3 front and kick inside on third downs and in passing situations, possessing the combination of size and quickness to pose problems for guards. Will never be a playmaker or a productive sack artist but will bring great value setting the edge and stuffing the run. Has shown more overall effort and intensity as a senior than he did a year ago and has been more consistent. Is every bit as good as Marcus Spears, the Cowboys’ 20th overall selection in 2005, and should be able to contribute readily in the pros. Versatility is a big plus.

1. NT-DT B.J. Raji, Boston College (Sr.)
6-1¼, 326, 5.19

In a similar mold as Sedrick Ellis and Vince Wilfork, Raji possesses the raw, brute strength and toughness to dominate physically and be very stout inside. He can handle the double-team, beat blockers with power and control the middle. A square-cut, naturally big-boned, wide-shouldered run clogger, Raji has matured since he entered the program, plays hard and has learned to take the game more seriously. Having dropped 10 pounds and improved his playing shape, he has made more lateral plays this season while still showing he can collapse the pocket and could bring value to any defensive front. He brings a presence to the interior and should attract the most interest from a 3-4 front that places a premium on controlling the middle and keeping its linebackers clean. Has played like a first-round talent and easily should fit into the first round.

jackson is huge and slow, he's a 3-4 de, and not a pass rusher that the bills need

there are a few guys like maybin from psu, hughes from tcu and brown from that would be nice additions. but hughes is 248, brown is 250. there are no mario williams type de's in this draft.

if they took raji to play alongside and eventually replace stroud I'd be pretty happy, but they would still need to come back with some sort of edge rusher. but they can be found, you just have to look. mathis from indy was a 5th round pick

Maybin is around 235-240, I don't see anyway he comes out this year as he is only a RS Sophomore. Never know, though.

weak de class and his stock is incredibly high.

Originally Posted by JMNY83

That the Bills need now. But what if a new coaching staff comes in and installs a 3-4?

they still need another rush lb and raji could be a nose tackle, with stroud playing de

Originally Posted by LALALALALALAFONTAINE

Maybin will be a OLB in the NFL for a 3-4 team.

not necessarily. Remember robert mathis is 235, aaron schobel is 240. It isn't cut and dried that maybin would be an rush olb though i think that is is his, Brown's and hughes best positions

Originally Posted by Emocoremakesmecry

not necessarily. Remember robert mathis is 235, aaron schobel is 240. It isn't cut and dried that maybin would be an rush olb though i think that is is his, Brown's and hughes best positions

Jason Taylor plays in the 240s as well. If you have as explosive a first step as Maybin has you can play anywhere.

4. DE-OLB Everette Brown, Florida St. (Jr.)
6-3e, 250e, 4.65e

Started the season slowly, but after notching his third three-sack performance in the last five weeks, the fourth-year junior ranks among the nation’s top sack artists and seems bound for the NFL. The Seminoles’ pipeline has lost some luster as its recent crop of pass rushers — Kamerion Wimbley (2006, 13th overall), Alonzo Jackson (2003, 59th overall) and Jamal Reynolds (2001, 10th overall) — have struggled to produce in the pros. Brown shows the explosive burst, natural bend, lower-body strength and counter moves to dominate, as he has displayed during the course of the past month, abusing blockers from the inside and outside. When he wants to get to the quarterback, he is difficult to stop and could emerge as the top rush LB prospect in the country.

*cough*