Aaron Curry of Wake Forest showed everybody at the NFL combine why he’s the highest rated defensive player in the nation.
Curry is 6’4” 254 pounds but he went out and ran a 4.54 in the forty-yard dash. I watched video of him and he can play any where. He’s a great open field tackler but he needs to be used as a pass rusher because that’s how he could have the biggest impact on the game.
Brian Orakpo of Texas represented himself well at the combine yesterday. He ran a 4.63 and moved very well in the pass coverage drills. He’ll be off the board by the 15th pick of the first round.
Rey Maualugo of USC ran a 4.83 forty yard dash which was somewhat disappointing but the fact that he strained his hamstring made things that much worst. He’ll have to run again in late March at the USC pro day.
His teammate at USC Brian Cushing ran a 4.74 and did a good job in the drills so he’s still slated to go in the middle to late first round. Cushing is the most versatile of the USC backers. He’s the best of the USC trio when it comes to covering the pass.
Surprisingly of the highly regarded three USC linebackers at the combine, Clay Matthews Jr. ran the best time of 4.67. I still am not crazy about him because he still needs to learn to rush the passer at the NFL level. I saw him bully guys in college but in the NFL you must have good technique as a pass rusher and he doesn’t have that as of yet.
Everette Brown of Florida State ran a 4.71 in the forty and Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech ran a 4.72. Brown has the higher motor but Johnson is bigger with the highest upside in the future. Both of them will be able to dominate at OLB and DE on the next level. They worked out very well and showed they drop into coverage to defend the pass.
Robert Ayers of Tennessee ran a 4.81 forty yard dash and he’ll be the first ¾ defensive end that comes off the board. He’s got the size, strength and speed to play head up on an offensive tackle.
Tyson Jackson of LSU is another guy who will be drafted by one of the 3/4 teams. He ran very well and is nearly 300 pounds. It's seems all of the 4/3 teams are going to smaller defensive ends.
All these other defensive ends are smaller guys who would have to play in a 4/3.
