Scouting Combine Preview: Defensive linemen

by CHRIS STEUBER, Scout.com
February 18, 2008, 1:59 PM EST


The defensive end class consists of many tweeners who may be asked to switch to outside linebacker at the next level. But there are a few ends who can help solidify a team's front four.


1. Chris Long, Virginia, 6-4, 275

The son of Hall of Fame DT Howie Long, Chris enjoyed a stellar career at Virginia and is the top, most complete defender in the 2008 draft. This past season, he had 79 total tackles, 19 for a loss, 14 sacks and an interception. Long has a non-stop motor and possesses tremendous technique on the edge. He didn't participate in any All-Star games over the last month and will workout in front of scouts for the first time in Indianapolis. Long is a lock to be a top-three pick this April, and his presence in Indianapolis is just a formality so that he can interview with NFL teams.


2. *Vernon Gholston, Ohio State, 6-4, 258

A physical freak and a tenacious pass rusher, Gholston presents a versatile package to a team at the next level. He has the ability to play OLB in a 3-4 defense or continue to play DE in a 4-3. He had a monster year with the Buckeyes, recording 14 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss. Gholston is considered a one-dimensional defender as a pass rusher and is a liability against the run. As physical as he is, he has to get off blocks better and locate the ball-carrier quicker. He's probably better suited as an outside linebacker, but for a team in need of a physical pass rusher, Gholston is your man.


3. *Derrick Harvey, Florida, 6-5, 252

Harvey is a one-dimensional defender who's gotten better defending the run, but is primarily considered a pass rusher. He resembles another former rangy Gators sack artist, Jevon Kearse. Harvey has great quickness on the edge and uses his long wingspan to get separation and around the opposition. He has to get bigger and play more physically, but he's still developing and has intriguing ability. He collected 18.5 sacks for his career, which included 8.5 this season. He also recorded 17 tackles for a loss. It's that kind of ability that will have teams salivating.


4. *Calais Campbell, Miami, 6-8, 282

A towering, physical force, Campbell has the ability to be a terror at the next level. After a sophomore campaign where he recorded 10.5 sacks and 84 total tackles, Campbell struggled a bit this past season and only managed 50 tackles and 6.5 sacks. But, he had 12.5 tackles for a loss, and that shows his ability to make plays in the backfield. Scouts are intrigued with his size and skills and will be anxious to see how fast and mobile he is in person.


5. Lawrence Jackson, USC, 6-5, 261

Jackson is a complete defensive end who's greatly underrated. Overall, he's been a consistent performer, but did suffer a down year as a junior. He went from 10 sacks as a sophomore to just four as a junior and then played extremely well this past season and registered 10.5. Jackson also played well at the Senior Bowl. He was the most consistent DE in Mobile, was very responsive to the coaches, and stayed after practice to improve his technique. Scouts in attendance in Indianapolis will be very pleased with Jackson and his overall ability. It's just his speed that may hurt his draft stock in the end.



Glenn Dorsey is considered the best defensive tackle in the class. But the ascension of USC's Sedrick Ellis has sparked a debate about who will be the better pro career.


1. Glenn Dorsey, LSU, 6-2, 313

After a stellar career at LSU, Dorsey will work out for the first time this off-season at the Combine. He possesses freakish strength, a solid burst and excellent technique. Not only is he a tremendous player with dominant skills, but he's an individual with upstanding character that teams will fall in love with. With an impressive workout at the Combine, Dorsey will be in the running for the top pick in April's draft.

2. Sedrick Ellis, USC, 6-1, 307

Ellis did wonders for his draft stock by playing in the Senior Bowl. He displayed incredible leverage and showed ability that rivals Dorsey. Entering the Combine, Ellis, in the eyes of some teams, may be the best DT available in the draft. For him to keep that status he will have to continue his high level of play and outperform Dorsey in Indianapolis.


3. Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina, 6-4, 308

An intriguing prospect who defends the run extremely well, Balmer has caught the eye of many teams in the league. He performed well at the Senior Bowl the first day, but suffered a hamstring injury on the ensuing day. One positive from Mobile was his weight. He played this past season at 295 pounds, but weighed in at 308 pounds. That's promising, but scouts will observe Balmer's explosion off the line to see if the hamstring injury still lingers.


4. Trevor Laws, Notre Dame, 6-1, 280

One of the most productive players in college football this past season, Laws showed scouts at the Senior Bowl that although he's undersized, he's a top defender in this draft. He played with tremendous leverage and revved up his motor another notch in Mobile. He was always around the ball and was involved in a couple of turnovers during the game. His ascension will continue at the Combine as he's very well spoken and intelligent. Teams will love his attitude and work ethic.


5. *Pat Sims, Auburn, 6-4, 315

Sims has a lot of promise and demonstrated his ability this past season with the Tigers. He's a good run defender and a developing pass rusher. He gets a good push up the middle and uses his hands well. He probably could have used another season of development to continue his growth on and off the field. He has good size and moves well laterally, but teams want to see how he moves inside and whether or not he can get off blocks consistently. He had some problems off the field, so teams will want to address those with him during interviews in Indy.

Sports Ticket Depot - NFL Super Bowl,
News Archive Index: 2009, 2008