3-4 Defenders in the 2008 NFL Draft

One of the most overlooked aspects of draft projecting is understanding the schemes that each player fits at the NFL level. The 3-4 scheme has shown to be extremely productive with four of the eight divisional champions running that scheme, despite the fact that only seven teams in the league truly run the scheme full time. Expect to see a few more teams using the scheme more often in 2008, particularly in Miami and Arizona. The Bengals also considered moving to the scheme, but appear unlikely to do so now. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list but it features players who project best to the 3-4 scheme.

3-4 Nose Tackles

Red Bryant, Texas A&M – Bryant is a natural run stuffer, who is very stout at the point of attack. When he was in the lineup at Texas A&M, teams were unable to run up the middle on the Aggies. Some may take a quick look at his height and weight and think that he is miscast at the nose, but watching his performance and the ability he will have to add more bulk, makes him an ideal fit. He will immediately be a huge impact in the middle with his ability to occupy multiple blockers.

Frank Okam, Texas – At 6-4, 347, Okam has the size to be a star at the nose tackle position. Some question his work ethic, but he consistently posted solid numbers anchoring the Texas defense. A top performer in the classroom, his upside at the nose tackle position is unparallel among prospects in this class. Despite his size and run stuffing prowess, he also offers a little more as a pass rusher/up the field threat than some of the other nose tackle prospects, making him a great fit in a scheme like Dallas or San Diego.

Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa State – Another Big 12 performer, Rubin actually played both offensive and defensive line while at a Junior College. He moved full time to defensive tackle at Iowa State and did a great job anchoring against the run. He is among the most naturally strong players in the draft and should only get better as his technique improves (gets way too high). He may not be flashy, but he could be a long term starter at the nose, especially once he gets NFL level conditioning and coaching.

3-4 Defensive Ends

Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina – Played DT at UNC but might project best to a 3-4 DE at the next level. He is stout at the point of attack and really has an ideal NFL frame with terrific natural strength. He is not really an up the field pass rusher as most of his rushing comes from effort and a quick first step rather than pass rushing moves.

Marcus Harrison, Arkansas – Harrison really can hold his own at the point of attack due to a stout frame and good natural strength. He lacks the ability to be an up the field presence, thus making him best suited for the 3-4 scheme. He will need to improve his use of leverage to consistently succeed at the next level. He is the type of guy who can both occupy multiple blockers at DE in the 3-4 yet still make the tackle.

Nick Hayden, Wisconsin – Hayden played DT for the Badgers but lack of explosion off the line of scrimmage and absence of natural pass rushing ability would make him an ideal fit in a 3-4 scheme at defensive end. He is a good run stuffer who may be a bit undersized at a tackle position but should be adequate at the end spot. He has a strong upper body that will be an asset at the 3-4 end spot.

Kendell Langford, Hampton – Playing in Division 1-AA Hampton, Langford has experience at both defensive end and defensive tackle. He has an impressive physique with solid upper body strength and holds steady at the point of attack. He is more of a bull rusher than a finesse or speed guy on the outside, but those concerns would be negated inside. He reminds me a lot of 2007 prospect Ray McDonald, and like McDonald, is likely to find his greatest success as a 3-4 DE.

3-4 OLB

Vernon Gholston, Ohio State – Gholston really is an impressive natural pass rusher. He is explosive off the snap and excels both as a power and speed rusher. Gholston is in top physical shape and at about 265 lbs, he would be better served as a 3-4 rush OLB, so that he does not get washed out at the line of scrimmage. He played with his hand up at times at Ohio State and shows the work ethic to handle the transition at the NFL level. Think Shawne Merriman or DeMarcus Ware type ability.

Quentin Groves, Auburn – Groves battled injuries at Auburn, but when he was healthy, there were few at his level as a pass rusher. He is explosive off the line of scrimmage and is relentless in his pursuit of the passer. Like Gholston, his size, or lack there of, probably translates him best to the outside in the 3-4 scheme. He uses his athleticism to chase down plays from the blind side and could develop into a complete 3-4 OLB. He needs to develop a bigger variety of pass rush moves and prove that he can stay healthy, but his upside as a 3-4 rusher is virtually unlimited.

Cliff Avril, Purdue – The latest in a line of Purdue pass rushers following in the steps of players like Shaun Phillips and Anthony Spencer. Many are projecting Avril as a pass rushing specialist who can really succeed at the strongside LB position in a 3-4. While Avril does have the speed to cover players in a short space, there is some doubt that he is at the elite level as a pass rusher of Phillips or Spencer. I think expectations should be tempered some, but he can be at least a starter in the scheme.

Shawn Crable, Michigan – Even though he may not get the attention of some of the other 3-4 prospects, outside of Groves and Gholston, Shawn Crable could very well end up being the top 3-4 OLB in the draft. He was absolutely dominate at Michigan last season, posting an insane 28.5 tackles for a loss. He has tremendous natural strength and is a high level athlete. He can project to the 3-4 OLB scheme the best, where his pass rushing ability and strength at the point of attack will be exceedingly valuable. He is more Shaun Phillips than Cliff Avril is.

Bruce Davis, UCLA – Maybe the best natural pass rusher in the draft. He has posted 24.5 sacks the previous two seasons with an explosive first step and a great closing burst. He is the type of player who is best served when allowed to just pin his ears and rush the passer. He has the ability to chase plays down from behind and will be a constant threat in the backfield. However, Davis may be limited to strictly a weakside or rotational role in the 3-4, because his strength and stoutness of the point of attack are huge question marks. However, do not discount the impact he could have as a pure pass rusher.

Marcus Howard, Georgia – Howard is well known for his dominating performance against Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. 2007 was his only year as a starter at Georgia, after backing up NFL draft Picks Quentin Moses and Charles Johnson. Howard is a tough projection - despite playing DE in college, he really lacks the bulk to play OLB in the 3-4 immediately. He would have to play on the weakside due to the lack of size and concerns about his ability to hold up at the point of attack. However, his natural pass rushing ability and elite timed speed will make him an intriguing prospect for a team that is seeking a prospect to create havoc on the outside.

3-4 ILB

Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma – Lofton was the star in the middle last season for the Sooners, but his only marginal sideline to sideline speed and difficulties in man coverage probably relegates him to inside in the 3-4 scheme. While he lacks ideal height, he has the bulk and strengthness to play inside. He is pretty stout against the rush and can fight through blocks, and really could be a tackling machine in a 3-4 scheme.

Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt – One of the top players in the SEC over the last couple years, Goff is a natural “thumper” who possesses great natural bulk and is strong at the point of attack. Like Lofton, he struggles at times in man coverage. If he is able to play inside in the 3-4, his strong tackling ability and ability to shed blockers will be very valuable. Many will point to Goff’s timed speed and say he has the ability to play in the middle of a standard scheme, but he does not play up to that speed and is not the type of athlete you want in the middle of the 4-3. In the 3-4 however, he could be an outstanding player.

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