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NEWS AND INFORMATION ON THE NFL DRAFT |
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NEWS AND INFORMATION ON THE NFL DRAFT |
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2012 DRAFT PREVIEW: OLBsOverview: There's a good news,
not-quite-so-good news feeling to the situation at OLB with regards to
the 2012 draft. On the one hand, there is some real talent among guys
considered 3-4 pass rush OLBs, whereas it does not appear that many
traditional 4-3 OLBs will be taken all that early this coming April. On
the plus side, collegiate DEs Bruce Irvin of West Virginia, a true
pass-rush specialist who had 14 sacks despite not starting last season,
along with juniors Donta Paige-Moss of North Carolina and Brandon
Jenkins of Florida State have top 15 potential for the upcoming draft,
while juniors Brandon Lindsey of Pittsburgh and Troy's Jonathan
Massaquoi aren't all that far behind. Collectively, the 5 had 58 sacks
last fall, with both Jenkins and Massaquoi ringing up 13.5 each alog
with Irvin's 14. Meanwhile, both Courtney Upshaw of Alabama and
California's Mychal Kedricks will actually play MLB this fall, but are
more natural OLBs with sneaky quickness on the edge. They will provide
some interesting depth at the position along with Adrian Robinson of
Temple and Darius Fleming of Notre Dame among others.
It does not appear as if there will be quite the same talent level among more traditional 4-3 OLBs this year, although Zach Brown of North Caolina is a good one who can really run and should get some mid-to-late first round attention this coming April. Travis Lewis of Oklahoma also has some late-opening round potential, but the Sooners star also has some detractors in that he's a real playmaker when operating in space, but isn't as effective in traffic. Meanwhile, Lavonte David of Nebraska and Miami's Sean Spence are also excellent athletes who are always around the ball, but neither is particularly big by NFL LB standards. The OLB class could get a boost this year, though, if juniors like Nico Johnson of Alabama, Ronnell Lewis of Oklahoma and Terrell Manning of North Carolina State opt to enter the upcoming draft. The OLB class would also get a boost if Maryland safety Kenny Tate, one of the best safeties in the country, is graded at the position rather than in the secondary. Again, though, none of the latter prospects looks to be more than a second-day type at this time. If this year's OLB class has a plus its that there is some depth there with productive players like Keenan Robinson of Texas, Tyler Nielsen of Iowa, TCU's Tank Carder, Nigel Bradham of Florida State and Kentucky's Danny Trevathan expected to be on the board in the middle rounds. Top 10 4-3 OLB Prospects
Top 10 3-4 OLB Prospects
If you have comments or suggestions, e-mail the Editor, Great Blue North Draft Report. The GBN can also be reached by phone at (613) 692-1088 or regular mail at 320 Shadehill Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2J 0L6. Great Blue North Draft Report Privacy Policy. The GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT is a division of SQUITERLAND ENTERPRISES, Ottawa, Ontario,Canada |