NFL Draft 2007: The Top 20 Defensive Lineman

It can be argued that the defensive line is the most important part of any defense. The line is responsible for stuffing the run, or at least keeping blockers off the linebackers so they can stuff the run. They also hold the key to the pass defense because they are in charge of generating pressure on the quarterback. With all this in mind, we bring you the top defensive line prospects of 2007.

1. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6’4” 260lbs) – Adams is an exceptional athlete at the defensive end position. He would have been a first round selection last year and turned himself into a top 10 pick by returning to school this year. Strong and quick, he can play both the run and the pass. He will be selected in the top 10 picks and could go as high as the 2nd pick to Detroit.

2. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (6’2” 290lbs) – Okoye is an intriguing prospect. He has plenty of size and an exceptional motor. Okoye is only 19 years old and should be a building block in the middle of some fortunate team’s defensive line for the next decade. He’s a smart kid with a good head on his shoulders. He will not be overwhelmed playing in a man’s league. Okoye will be taken in the top 15 picks in the draft.

3. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan (6’5” 330lbs) – Branch has recently fallen under “bust watch”, but that talk will cease once he lands on the field. A massive man, Branch has is strong and quick for his size. He was a disruptive force in the middle for Michigan’s top ranked run defense this past season. Branch should be a top 10 selection, but may slide into the 15 to 20 range.

4. Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska (6’5” 295lbs) – Carriker is the versatile star of this year’s defensive lineman. He has great size and moves extremely well for being as big as he is. He can play either end or tackle and will be a fit for either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. A solid player, he is one of the prospects with the fewest question marks. Many teams will take a look at him and he should be selected within the first 20 picks.

5. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas (6’5” 275lbs) – Anderson left school after his junior season and could find himself being taken in the top 10. Anderson has exceptional strength, but is a little on the slow side. He had an exceptional junior season and his upside will be attractive to teams. He could slide out of the top 10 depending on potential trades, but should still be taken in the top 20.

6. Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue (6’2” 265lbs) - Spencer, to many people, has come out of no where. His numbers at Purdue were solid, though not eye popping. Opposing coaches and players raved about his talent, and he has been impressive in the off-season workouts. He can also be a speed rusher in a 3-4 defense and will be a first round selection for sure.

7. Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida (6’5” 255lbs) – Moss is another versatile player who can play in both a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Teams may look at him to be the next Shawn Merriman or DeMarcus Ware. Moss lacks the strength of these two standouts, but he makes up for it with his speed. He does have some character and injury questions. Moss could go as early as the mid first round, but may fall into the first half of the second round.

8. Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia (6’2” 270lbs) – Johnson is a solid player who is better against the run, but can still rush the passer. He outperformed his more acclaimed teammate Quinton Moses this past season. He’s consistent, but lacks an overwhelming presence. He’ll be a solid selection in the first part of the second round.

9. Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (6’4” 303lbs) – Harrell was considered an elite prospect before a season ending bicep injury. He comes from a line of quality defensive tackles that have played for the Vols. He’s strong and has the quickness to beat interior lineman. Harrell would easily have been a first round pick, but will instead slide to the second round because of his injury.

10. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia (6’4” 250lbs) – Moses was considered to be in the same league as Gaines Adams coming in to the 2006 college season. Unlike Adams though, he did not put up the production. He lacks bulk, but has good speed and could become a 3-4 rush linebacker in the NFL. Expect Moses to go in the mid-second round.

11. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan (6’1” 260lbs) – Woodley is a versatile player who played both defensive end and linebacker while at Michigan. He is good against the run and has the speed to be effective rushing the quarterback. A lack of height seems to be the biggest concern with Woodley. He should be a solid selection in the mid second round for whichever team selects him.

12. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas (6’3” 270lbs) – Rumors have had Crowder moving into the first round, but that is not likely to happen. Crowder is a smart, strong player with a motor that never stops running. He’s a classic example of a player who is good at many things, but not great at any. He’ll be a second round selection for sure.

13. Tank Tyler, DT, NC State (6’2” 325lbs) – Tyler is one of the bigger players on this list. He’s a decent player, but has some glaring character questions. Tyler has a quick first step and is strong, but does not have much overall speed. He’ll be a good run stuffer for a team looking to give him a chance. Expect to see Tyler go in the mid second round.

14. Baraka Atkins, DL, Miami (6’4” 280lbs) – Atkins is another versatile guy who played both end and tackle for the Hurricanes. Atkins never seemed to reach his full potential with Miami and could reach it at the next level. He has a good combination of size, strength, and quickness. Atkins should find his team in the mid to late second round.

15. Ray McDonald, DL, Florida (6’3” 285lbs) – McDonald is a similar player to Atkins. He has experience at multiple positions on the line. He put up solid numbers while at Florida and was part of their exceptional defense this past season. McDonald will be a solid pro and will be taken in the mid to late second round.

16. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame (6’4” 270lbs) – Abiamiri has the physical tools to perform at the next level, but his questions lie in his technique. He improved each season he was in South Bend. If he can continue learning at the next level, he could become a key player for his team. He could be selected anywhere from the mid second round to the mid third round.

17. Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan (6’2” 265lbs) – Bazuin reminds a lot of people of former CMU standout Jason Babin. Bazuin plays with more of a mean-streak than Babin. He’s a blend of speed and strength who knows how to attack the quarterback. Bazuin will probably be a third round selection and don’t be surprised if he’s this year’s Elvis Dumerville.

18. Quinn Pitcock, DT, OSU (6’2” 300lbs) – Pitcock was the rock in the middle of the Buckeyes outstanding defense the past 2 seasons. He is a solid run stuffer who doesn’t give up on any play. Though he lacks any real distinguishing characteristic, he’s a guy you can count on to show up every game. Pitcock will be a solid third round selection.

19. Jay Alford, DT, PSU (6’2” 285lbs) – Alford has great quickness for a defensive tackle. He had a solid junior season playing next to Tamba Hali and put up nearly identical numbers as the cornerstone of a young Nittany Lion front last season. He may be considered undersized by some teams, but added weight may cause him to lose his quickness. Alford could come off the board as early as the mid third round.

20. Kareem Brown, DT, Miami (6’4” 300lbs) – Brown flashed glimpses of greatness with the Hurricanes, but never played with the type of consistency expected of him. Brown has great size and a good first step to go with it. If he can put his potential together with his skills, he could be a fantastic player at the next level. Expect Brown to be one of the first defensive linemen taken in the fourth round.

Next Week: The Top 10 Tight Ends