Breaking down the 2012 DL class - Insider

[JawnyBlaze]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7598755/scouts-inc-breaks-2012-nfl-draft-defensive-line-class

Good read, I'll paste some highlights:

Defensive end skill sets

Pass-rush skills

Explodes off the ball with a combination of snap anticipation and initial burst. Good balance and power when bending back inside. Uses double moves to keep offensive linemen off balance. Shows explosive upper-body strength and has active hands. Shows above-average closing speed when he gets a clear path to the quarterback. Can get under offensive tackles and drive them back into the quarterback's lap. Place greater value on prospects who can win with speed and power.

1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina

2. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

3. Andre Branch, Clemson

4. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois*

5. Chandler Jones, Syracuse

Versus the run

Size, lower-body strength and upper-body power are part of the equation. Needs to have recognition skills to diagnose run/pass and the toughness to show up every down. Must play with leverage and discipline and show proper hand usage, both to tie up blockers and to disengage. Range is important, but not as important as proper pursuit angles and sound tackling skills.

1. Jared Crick, Nebraska

2. Ingram

3. Coples

4. Tyrone Crawford, Boise State

5. Olivier Vernon, Miami (Fla.)*

Defensive tackle skill sets

Versus the run

Must take scheme into account, but looking for ability to take on blocks and protect linebackers. Plays with leverage, shows discipline and knows how to use hands to tie up blockers. Sniffs out the run quickly and is able to shed blockers after locating the ball. Ability to make plays in pursuit. Plays with a great motor and takes sound angles to the ball. Powerful and reliable tackler.

1. Michael Brockers, LSU*

2. Alameda Ta'amu. Washington

3. Brandon Thompson, Clemson

4. Josh Chapman, Alabama

5. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State*

Pass-rush skills

Explodes out of stance as soon as the center moves the ball and possesses a quick first step. Fluid and can use double moves to keep offensive linemen off balance. Shows great closing burst to the quarterback. Shows enough strength to collapse the pocket with bull rush. Place greater value on prospects who can win with speed and power.

1. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State *

2. Worthy

3. Devon Still, Penn State

4. Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

5. Mike Daniels, Iowa

[JawnyBlaze]

They have similar articles for DBs and LBs. If you guys want, I can make separate threads for them too.

[jamos14]

Yes, please do.

[Donald LaFell]

Please