Here are the a number of little known draft hopeuls who play on the defensive side of the ball.
DE/OLB Larry Sidbury, Richmond – The NFL is always looking for finishers on the defensive line and smaller schools have produced some of the NFL’s best (Richard Dent, Hugh Douglas, Robert Mathis and others). The small school speed rusher to watch in the 2009 NFL Draft is Larry Sidbury (6’2, 265). A FCS All-American, Sidbury was a dominant pass rusher at FCS level and was practically unstoppable the past two seasons (7 1/2 sacks in 2008 despite constant double teams). A high-motor speedy player, who reminds me of Eagles sackman Trent Cole. In the Spiders' national championship victory over Montana, Sidbury was everywhere producing 4 sacks. 31 NFL teams attended Richmond’s Pro Day in person just to see this pass rushing specialist (bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times and jump 35 inches vertically). Sidbury produced a 4.57 in the forty at the NFL Scouting Combine.
DE/OLB Greg Miller, Villanova A Philly suburbs native, who I have been following since high school. Miller (6’3, 250) was a FCS second-team All-American and was a co-captain of the 2008 Wildcat squad that went 10-3 overall and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs. An intense outside linebacker/pass rusher, who can run plus hold up at the point of attack. In 13 games, Miller tallied 49 total tackles, a team-high 15 tackles for loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles. Has a great burst off the edge and has a nose for the quarterback. Had his best game versus Richmond recording eight tackles, 2.5 quarterback sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
DE David Veikune, Hawaii A high-motor defensive end, who knows how to finish once he gets to the quarterback. Veikune (6’2, 257) will not quit against bigger players and will hustle until the whistle (25 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over the last two years). Had a solid Senior Bowl week, where he shined against bigger name competition in drills and in practice. Was solid at the NFL Combine showing good speed (4.79 in the forty) and strength (35 reps) while looking like a future pass-rushing specialist. Veikune is a versatile (lined-up at DE, DT, and OLB in college) and hard-worker type player, so some team will find a spot for him on special teams and on 3rd downs rushing the passer.
DB Jabir Perkins, Texas A & M Kingsville – (6’0, 200) is a combination safety, who is getting looks at SS and FS at the next level. Solidly built with an ability to excel in coverage and in run support. Though not invited to the bigger All Star-games or the NFL Combine, Perkins made the most of the Division IIA standout from the 2009 Cactus Bowl. At that games practices, Perkins flashed as he showed incredible speed (4.3 range) running downhill into plays. The LSC conference Defensive Back of the Year after recording 5 INTs, 61 TKLs, 2 FFs and a sack. Also will be able to help a team on special teams in the return game as he returned two kicks for touchdowns in 2008.
DB D.J. Clark, Idaho State – A second-team All-Big Sky Conference performer, who finished with 15 career interceptions (3rd in school history). Clark (6’1, 200) had five interceptions in 2008 and was impressive at his school’s Pro Day running 4.52 in the forty, jumping 36 inches and 10-7 broad jumping.
DB E.J. Biggers, Western Michigan Another surprising player who wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine. However scouts have started taking notice of Biggers (6’0, 180) during visits with teams like the Chargers and Texans. A bigger cover corner, who reminds me some of Carolina Panthers DB Richard Marshall. Very good at jamming a receiver, turning, and running with them. Ran a 4.35 in the forty at his Pro Day Workout.
Utility player Dan Skuta, Grand Valley State – A player who does not have a “true” position, but he definitely is a very intriguing prospect to NFL evaluators. Skuta has been auditioning as a linebacker, fullback and tailback for teams around the NFL. With his size (6’3, 252) and speed (4.72), I will project him as a pro outside linebacker. A tenacious player, who has a “Can Do” attitude and will really excel on special teams. At his Pro Day, registered a 4.72 in the forty, jumped 35 inches in the vertical, and produced 20 reps of 225 pounds.
