DTs, CBs, & OLBs -- gathering the field

[davos]

Even if good old nose tackle Ron Edwards comes back from injury, Fua (especially) & McClain haven't shown me enough this year at all. I just haven't seen the development, but I do agree that DTs take a little while to grow into their position.

So in light of this, here's my take on my top DTs and CBs (OLBs upcoming). Feel free to add on and propose who you think would fit our type of defense best:

--DTs--

Brandon Thompson (DT - Clemson) 6-2 / 310

The thing I like most about Thompson is that he finishes strong. Gets going towards the vital points in games and knows how to finish a season. He's worked with some great supporting talent but he's shown this year he was a big part in why that Clemson line has been so good. Best aspect of Thompson's game is his ability to stop the run which makes him a great option imo.

Devon Still (DT-DE Penn State) 6-5 / 311

He's been mentioned a few times in here recently and its totally warranted. His ability to simply shove linemen out of the way is great and he's having a stellar season so far. Another solid solid prospect and one that I think makes sense especially given his flexibility and our style defense.

Alameda Ta'amu (NT - Washington) 6-3 / 330

This kid has a motor but needs to work on his movement and proper containment. Since Ron is a NT along with one of our new 3rd rounders, he may not get many looks but if he finishes the season strong and can show a lot in draft prep, he could be a solid trade down prospect.

& Keep an eye on...Derek Wolfe (DT - Cincinnati) 6-5 / 302

A big reason Cinci has become a consistent squad in recent years even though he plays in the lackluster Big East. My favorite mid-round DT prospect so far.

--CBs--

Morris Claiborne (CB - LSU) 6-0 185

My top pick for us in this draft so far. I've mentioned before, this kid reminds me a lot of Eric Davis. We need a guy who has top speed and is tight in coverage. We need more reliable guys when we step outside of our zone defense and better tacklers for our zone. he fits both and is an absolute stud.

Dre Kirkpatrick (CB - Alabama) 6-3 190

Considered the top CB on most boards and has great size for the wideouts in our division but I simply think Claiborne fits us better. Both are game changer types though. He hits harder than most cornerbacks but at the same time has good on field discipline and doesn't seem to over pursue much.

Jayron Hosley (CB - Virginia Tech) 5-10 175

Fiery, unreal leaping ability, and probably the quickest reflexes in the draft. Can return punts and is very solid overall when he plays on ST.

[GamecockSmitty4]

Missing the best CB in the draft, IMO...Casey Hayward from Vandy.

[Matthias]

Even though he was injured early on, I still say Jared Crick is the best DT in this year's class.

[rayzor]

i reallllly don't want more youth and inexperience on the Dline.

[kdrh5]

Gonna be a shameless homer and add Nigel Bradham, LB, FSU to that list.

[davos]

i reallllly don't want more youth and inexperience on the Dline.

understandable. I'm just trying to get all of the names out there. You never know what that crazy sumbeach Hurney will do come draft day...well for the most part

And guys, feel free to put some info & clips of the players you're mentioning

[C47]

The problem is none of those prospects (outside of possibly Claiborne) is worth a top five pick....

[DaCityKats]

would like to add LB Donta Hightower to the list.

[kdrh5]

Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State, 2nd rounder

Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State, 2nd or 3rd

Kenny Tate, OLB, Maryland, 3rd or 4th

T.Y. Hilton, WR/little fast dude who can return punts, 4th or 5th

[davos]

--LBs--

Donta Hightower (LB - Alabama) 6-4 260

-Finalist for the Butkus Award

Recent update from Walter Football:

"Hightower is having a fine season for Alabama. He has been a tough, in-the-box defender and has increased his splash plays. Hightower has shown the ability to be a dangerous blitzer as well. He has 66 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception and three passes batted away in nine games this season. Hightower played well against LSU and has had big games against other SEC opponents. "

Ronnell Lewis (OLB/DE Oklahoma) 6-2 244

He may be more fitting for a strictly 3-4 defense, but I think he could do well with what Rivera is trying to put in place...the problem: he just got injured. Hopefully he can come back quick and show his toughness before the year ends. He's played really well thus far.

...and my favorite Linebacker other than Brown--

Lavonte David (OLB Nebraska) 6-1 216

He needs to bulk up for the NFL but he plays with absolute fire. Issue is that our FO may not look at him as a guy who can fit our system but he could be a Derrick Brooks type. I'm not trying to compare the two, but in my mind he could become a very stellar olb in the right place.

--Additions--

Casey Hayward (CB - Vandy) 5-11 185

Played basketball, football, track & field through the years. He is a very well balanced CB with strong instincts. I would consider him very elusive and a great pick if we can get him in round 2.

[davos]

Missing the best CB in the draft, IMO...Casey Hayward from Vandy.

Him and Chase Minnifield are very solid prospects I definitely could see us ending up with

...and If Cliff Harris wasn't such a baffoon, I'd like him

Chase Minnifield:

This is actually a really nice vid

[JawnyBlaze]

Yea, I'm a fan of Minnifield. At this point, I'd be happy with him in the 2nd. I still like Harris in the 2nd too, if he can just get some damn insurance for his car.

Brandon Thompson is also slipping a bit and might be available in the 2nd. Would be a solid pick.

[Lout]

I'd absolutely love Minnifield in the 2nd, but he is projected a late 1st round pick, at worst high 2nd round.. if we are picking #8-12... there is no way we get him. Same thing with Hosley.. I don't think they will be there #8-12 in the 2nd round.

[DaCityKats]

did you guys see the Va Tech game with Minnifield? the bloodline dont lie tho, but i think he might be a little over hyped.