Defensive End may be a critical position for us to draft next year, enough to where we could spend a 1st rounder again. Below is a generic list of some of the top DE's that could be in the draft (* denotes underclassmen)
I have a question for those great at scouting college talent that's really important to keep in mind when watching the college football season. What's the best way to determine a 4-3 DE vs. a 3-4 DE vs. a 3-4 OLB???? Other questions that would be great if they could be answered: What should we look for in a DE to compliment Mario? (speed rusher?) What's the best way to scout for speed, how quick they are off the snap, their motor, run stopping, coverage, etc.?
Mainly, I don't want to be watching a lot of George Sylvie (for example) to see if he'd be a good fit on the Texans if he's just going to end up being a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Thanks for the help guys.
a list:
Defensive Ends:
1. George Selvie, South Florida*
2. Tyson Jackson, LSU
3. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss*
4. Greg Middleton, Indiana*
5. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
6. Maurice Evans, Penn State*
7. Brian Orakpo, Texas
8. Auston English, Oklahoma*
9. Tim Jamison, Michigan
10. Ricky Sapp, Clemson*
Sometimes a 3-4 OLB was a 4-3 DE in college. However, sometimes they are interchangeable initially upon entry to the NFL. 3-4 DE's are usually larger guys who might be an undersized NT or a larger 4-3 DE who excels at engaging the OT.
Mario is pretty much a "complete" DE, at least in terms of other DE's in the NFL. However, Mario is NOT a speed rusher. Mario's best strength is just that, his strength. He has great arm length and upper-body strength. This is why you see Mario do well with the "Bull-Rush" as compared to someone like the stereotypical "Freeney rusher." The guys who excel at neither really are generally regulated to the 3-4 DE.
The Texans need a "speed" rusher on the other end of Mario, but there is more to pass rush than the "other" DE. Essentially, we have two UT's playing next to each other, playing next to Mario. A great, penetrating UT is a vital component to a successful DL and pass-rush, but two UT's do not go well with each other as they create a small defensive front and struggle to engage the Guards, in essence creating more wash with the LB's. A prototypical super successful DL (IMO should) comprise of one complete DE who can be compared to the defense's "feature back". (Go with me) Next to that player is generally the UT, the Warren Sapp/Okoye/Travis Johnson mold for a DT. The DT on the other side is generally more of a NT, or a larger body T who can fill space and control a "help" blocker. These are guys of larger size, and those fans who actually understand the complexities of a defensive front on this MB have hopes that Okam is that NT type DT for our team. The NT will be better at stopping the run that any other player on the DL, or theoretically should be. Think of like a Vince Wolfok type NT; it's not quite the same as he is a 3-4 DT, but that is the generic role you hope to have one, and only one, of your DT's fill. The final piece to the DL should be an edge rusher or a speed rusher. These are guys who can be undersized, and may not have top end strength. The important thing to look for with these guys is 5 and 10 yard splits as far as times go. However, I am a big proponent of past college success. I truly believe that sacks are a natural talent. Some players are just more adept at it than others. Same thing with how some soccer players just have a nack for scoring goals. Some players just get to the QB, regardless of physical statistics and measurments. The example I love to use is Elvis Dummerville. I was the first person on this board to talk about him at all, and I hyped him up all year and right up until the draft. Nothing about him stands out physically really, but he just gets to the QB. He is a sack artist. That is what your "other" DE needs to be, and usually they are considered undersized edge rushers.
This team sits at:
Complete DE = Mario
UT = Okoye/Travis Johnson
NT = Okam (hopefully)
Sack Artists = Kalu/Cochran/Colvin
3-4 DE = Weaver
We start a group of guys consisting of:
Complete DE (Mario); two UT's (Okoye and TJ); 3-4 DE (Weaver)
This is why our defense is getting abused. We have a weakness in the middle of our line with two UT's, and a weakness on the edge with a 3-4 DE.
We will see this season if Okam can fill the starting gap of NT with our team, but regardless, we still will have a pretty big void at our other DE spot.
Also, don't ever worry about a DE's ability to drop back into coverage. If they do that, give up on the scheme. A DE should be able to cover the flats and hold contain, but DE's are not going to drop back 7 yards often. They will at times on a blitz from the LBs, but their spot is being filled and the hope/thought there is that there won't be enough time for the QB to read the DE coverage. Anyway, that's too much detail to cover.
So, now to your list. I've left the guys you should really focus on in terms of who fits our need at DE.
George Selvie, South Florida*
Greg Hardy, Ole Miss*
Greg Middleton, Indiana*
Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
Maurice Evans, Penn State*
Ricky Sapp, Clemson*
I hope this helps you.