Hot Reads - 2008 NFL Draft DE Class

he 2008 NFL Draft is less than a week away and the War Room Report staff continues to debate the hot questions. We tackle the 2008 NFL Draft DE Class in this edition of Hot Reads, as we debate the most complete DE in the class, best potential 3-4 OLB, and the most overrated prospect!

1. Who is the most complete DE in this draft?

Matt MacCoy: The one prospect who stands head and shoulders above the rest in regards to being a “complete” defensive end is Chris Long of Virginia. I’m not going to over emphasize the fact that he is indeed the son of Howie Long, but the genetics don’t hurt. The best attributes that Chris Long brings to the table is a motor that doesn’t quit. Pundits have stated that when you watch him on film he plays with the same effort in the 4th quarter as he does in the 1st, and I could not agree more with that assessment. He also brings unique versatility as he played defensive end in the Virginia Cavaliers 3-4 defensive scheme, and teams that run the 4-3 scheme in the professional ranks covet him as a defensive end, and teams that run the 3-4 covet him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Having that experience in college would allow him to even play defensive tackle on purely pass rushing downs, similar to how the New York Giants utilized Justin Tuck last year.

Rob Tribbett: The most complete defensive end in the 2008 NFL Draft class is Clemson’s Phillip Merling . Few DE prospects can match Merling’s natural strength and stoutness at the point of attack. He will be able to handle his duties versus the run, which is an assignment many in the class will struggle with. Merling is an underrated pass rusher, with seven sacks in 2007 for Clemson. He may not have the explosive first step off the edge that prospects such as Vernon Gholston or Derrick Harvey posses, but he is a more relentess pass rusher who is willing to put forth the effort to try to get to the QB consistently. Merling is also the best tackler of the group, and his ability to play full time while still being a threat to get to the passer, makes him the most complete DE in the 2008 NFL Draft.

2. Of all of the DE prospects, who projects best to a 3-4 rush linebacker?

Matt MacCoy: There are two prospects that could be considered here - Vernon Gholston out of Ohio State and Quentin Groves of Auburn. Both are going to be good players if they are taken by a team running the 3-4 defenses, and both are similarly effective at rushing the passer, I would give the slight advantage to Vernon Gholston as he is stronger and would be more effective at the point of attack and shedding blockers than would Quentin Groves. So I would hedge my bets if I would and give Vernon Gholston the rank of 1A and Groves the rank of 1B, but when push comes to shove Vernon Gholston would be the guy I would take first if I was in the market for a 3-4 rush linebacker.

Rob Tribbett: To be an effective 3-4 outside rush linebacker, a prospect has to combine an explosive first step with the strength to handle blockers and fight through traffic. Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston has shown his ability to overpower even the best blockers at the point of attack to get to the QB. His athleticism is impressive to the point where he intercepted a few passes while at OSU and could really project to the level of a DeMarcus Ware who is comfortable dropping in coverage if need be. Gholston is the type of player who can make an instant impact if allowed to play in the 3-4 scheme

3. Who is the most overrated DE in this draft?

Matt MacCoy: If there is one defensive end prospect who I would have to say is a bit overrated, I would say it is Calais Campbell, defensive end from Miami (FL). He is very talented, there is no denying that, but at times in 2007 he disappeared and there are questions surrounding his motivation. The problem is that he is such a physical specimen at 6’8 290 pounds, scouts salivate at the prospect of having such a monstrous defensive end coming off the edge, at the same time there are some teams that feel maybe he would be a better asset lining up at the defensive tackle position, so there are several different opinions in regards to what is Calais Campbell’s true value. Personally, I think he is more of a late 1st round talent, but there are teams in the early 20s considering selecting him, therefore, he is the most overrated defensive end in the 2008 NFL Draft.

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