DE

1) *George Selvie DE 6'4 242 South Florida
Selvie has been an absolute man-child over the past two seasons, amassing
unheard of numbers. Bear in mind that the stats to follow were produced by
an athlete who is just now a Junior. 143 Tackles, 46 TFLs, 20 Sacks, and 22
QBHs. He is a complete terror coming off of the edge, and simply can't be
blocked on a consistent basis throughout an entire contest. While he does
need to add weight, he has time to do so.

2) *Greg Hardy DE 6'4 265 Ole Miss
From his DE position, Hardy ranked 4th on the team with 64 Tackles. 18.5 of
those were TFLs, where 10 came via the Sack. Here's the scary part. His
numbers should be even better in 2008. Ole Miss is expected to return their
entire starting D-Line from last year, one that is anchored by the phenom
Peria Jerry at DT. Hardy is too good not to have another double-digit Sack
season.

3) Tyson Jackson DE 6'5 292 LSU
LSU is loaded with talent, and Jackson will be in serious contention to be
considered the best of the bunch. Unlike many DEs who are one dimensional,
Jackson is equally good at defending the run as he is rushing the passer. He
carries enough size to play in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. The rest of the D-Line is
too good for him to be doubled up on every play, so expect him to wreak
some havoc in 2008.

4) *Greg Middleton DE 6'3 275 Indiana
Now a Junior, Middleton will once again be in the running for numerous awards
come the end of the season. Last season, he electrified the Big Ten with 17
TFLs, where 16 of those were Sacks. He has a muscular frame and the size
that NFL teams covet. He doesn't have a ton of playing experience, but will
after this season comes to a close. He certainly looks like a 1st Rounder.

5) Brian Orakpo DE 6'4 260 Texas
Orakpo doesn't have the numbers of the other DEs on the page, but that
comes with good reason. He missed most of 2007 with a knee injury.
However, he was able to end the season in great fashion, being named the
Holiday Bowl's most valuable defensive player. Now that he's 100% healthy,
expect huge things from this guy. He has the right combo of speed and
strength to excel.

6) Michael Johnson DE 6'6 247 Georgia Tech
Most have Johnson rated higher on their list going into 2008. If his play merits
it, he'll move up on my board as well. Returning DTs Walker and Richard will
certainly help his cause. However, he will no longer be able to rely on the
rotation of underrated DE studs Robertson and Oliver. He has the potential,
physical attributes, and skills to shine, but he needs to do better against the
run. He'll have this year to shore that up.

7) *Maurice Evans DE 6'2 265 Penn State
Evans enjoyed a great Sophomore year where he tallied 54 Tackles, 21.5
TFLs, and 12.5 Sacks. He has an uncanny ability of being able to get into the
backfield with his quick first step and relentless style of play. He'll be no
secret to any team he faces, so his production may drop somewhat. He's
shorter than the ideal height for an NFL DE, but it doesn't hinder his
production one bit.

8) *Antonio Coleman DE 6'2 250 Auburn
There has been a ton of DE talent to set foot on the Auburn campus over the
years. Coleman is yet another. While he does not have prototypical size, he is
a force to be reckoned with. Groves got the attention in 2007, but with 18
TFLs and 8.5 Sacks, Coleman was no slouch. This is the same guy who gave
future 1st Rounder Michael Oher fits last year. Expect greatness.

9) Lawrence Wilson DE 6'4 275 Ohio State
Buckeye Nation has been eagerly waiting to see what this top recruit will be
able to do for them as a starter. Well, the wait is almost over. Wilson has a
scary blend of strength and speed, and knows how to use both. While he
hasn't seen much time on the field, he's a raw talent. At this point in time, I
have to downgrade his ranking because there hasn't been much to see. I
anticipate needing to move him up soon.

10) Pannel Egboh DE 6'6 270 Stanford
Egboh had a solid Junior year where he turned in 49 Tackles, 13.5 TFLs and 6
Sacks. Now that he's had some time at the position, he should have an even
better Senior campaign. While he may not be that speed rusher that kills a
team with his outside presence, he's stout against the run and can overpower
many OTs. Stanford hasn't received much praise for it's Defense in the past,
but Egboh can help curb that trend. He's a monster.

11) *Auston English DE 6'3 255 Oklahoma
English led the Sooners in both TFLs and Sacks in 2007 with 13 and 9.5
respectively. Most of the Sooner's amassed their stats across 14 games,
where an ankle injury limited English to 11 contests. He's a pass rushing
specialist who will only get better with time. He'll be NFL ready by the end of
this year. If he opts not to declare, he could be a 1st Rounder in the 2010
Draft. He needs to retain his added off-season bulk.

12) *Jermaine Cunningham DE 6'3 242 Florida
Derrick Harvey was hands down, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the best DE
prospect on Florida's squad last year...then, yes. While the rest of the nation,
including the Jacksonville Jaguars, were eyeballing Harvey, Cunningham made
play after play. While only a Sophomore, he posted 64 Tackles, 12 TFLs, 6.5
Sacks, and 12 PBUs. With Carlos Dunlap operating at the other DE post,
expect this kid to flourish.

13) *Jeremy Jarmon DE 6'3 270 Kentucky
Jarmon was a nice surprise for the Wildcats last year, as he posted some
unexpected numbers for them. After notching 58 Tackles, 13.5 TFLs, and 9
Sacks, he proved to be one of the most productive DEs in the SEC, which
certainly says something. He has a nice combination of size and strength, and
should be just as much of a force in 2008. He's only a Junior, and already
looks the part. One more year will do him good.

14) Matt Shaugnessy DE 6'6 253 Wisconsin
Shaugnessy added some much need weight this off-season, which should
improve his game with regard to defending the run. He has long arms and uses
them nicely to stand up his opponent. As stated, he still needs to become
more stout. In his Junior year, he finished with 55 Tackles, 16 TFLs, and 5
Sacks. With a solid Senior season, he should solidify himself as a top Big Ten
DE. Still needs to recover from broken leg.

15) *Brandon Graham DE 6'2 270 Michigan
The highly recruited Graham should have a break out season in 2008 for a
couple of reasons. For one, he's that good. This former sprint champ has the
ability to get outside and give serious chase. In fact, he's so fast that he may
move to OLB at the next level. The second factor of success will be the
talent around him. I find it hard to believe that many O-Lines will be able to
contain him, Taylor, Johnson and Jamison.

16) Tim Jamison DE 6'3 266 Michigan
When you play on a team loaded with talent, it's often difficult to get
recognized. All that should change for Jamison in 2008. He's a great prospect
in that he's big enough to play a 4-3 DE, and athletic enough to bounce to
the outside as an OLB in a 3-4. The Wolverines should be able to utilize his
skill in a number of different ways. In 2007, he posted 10 TFLs and 5.5 Sacks.
Those numbers could double in 2008.

17) *Ricky Sapp DE 6'4 250 Clemson
From the moment Sapp arrived at Clemson, greatness was expected. So far,
he hasn't disappointed. Last year as a Sophomore, Sapp turned in 52 Tackles,
10 TFLs, and 5 Sacks. These numbers are respectable. However, it's the 22
QBHs that really impress me. It will be interesting to see how he does now
that Merling is in the NFL, however. Having a guy like Merling play opposite of
you certainly helps.

18) *Everette Brown DE 6'4 246 Florida State
In his first two season as a Seminole, Brown has seen action in twenty-six
consecutive games. Even though Brown is coming into 2008 as just a Junior,
he may flash enough progress to declare early and try his hand in the NFL.
While he may need to add some weight to stay at DE, he's a blur off of the
edge and is extremely tough to get hands on. if Brown can improve upon his
11 TFL, 6 Sack 2007, it will be impressive.

19) Larry English DE 6'3 255 Northern Illinois
English is the reigning 2007 MAC player of the year. While the MAC is not the
SEC, this is still quite an accolade. He finished his Junior year with 67 Tackles,
17 TFLs, and 10.5 Sacks. English is a former High School LB, and it shows in
his quickness and explosion coming off of the line. The MAC is not boasting a
solid pool of OTs this year, so he should have a field day...a lock for 1st Team
conference honors.

20) Ian Campbell DE 6'5 250 Kansas State
In 2007, Campbell was used as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme. From that position,
he tallied 45 Tackles, 11 TFLs, and 4.5 Sacks. In 2006, playing at DE where
he should be for 2008, he had 67 Tackles, 17.5 TFLs, and 11.5 Sacks. I
expect 2008 to look more like 2006 than 2007 did. Campbell is fast off of the
edge and has a knack for getting into the backfield. Look for him to be among
the BIG 12's best.

21) Will Davis DE 6'3 266 Illinois
Last season, Davis grew better as the year went on. In what was then his
Junior campaign, he landed 41 Tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 9.5 Sacks and 7 QBHs. At
the time, Davis was in the 250lb. range and was viewed more as a
one-dimensional pass rusher. However, he has since gained some weight and
should be more of a complete DE. While he is raw and has a lot to learn, he
has a great upside.

22) Nick Reed DE 6'2 255 Oregon
Reed blew up the PAC-10 in 2007 with 58 Tackles, 21.5 TFLs, and 11 Sacks.
USC was the only team to keep him from registering a TFL. While his name is
not mentioned amongst the elite DEs, he has the potential to be one. He's a
gutsy player on the field and an outstanding student in the classroom. He's
another prospect who lacks some height for the position, but certainly makes
up for it with his great burst.

23) Cody Brown DE 6'3 250 Connecticut
Last season, Brown racked up 50 Tackles, 16.5 TFLs, and 7.5 Sacks. He has
nice speed around the end, and stands up well to the run. In order to stay at
DE for the next level, he will need to add weight. He has all the tools to make
a huge splash in 2008. With Julius Williams anchoring the DE spot opposite of
him, both should be able to work off of one another and spend a ton of time in
the opponents backfield.

24) *Willie Young DE 6'5 240 NC State
Over the past five years, the Wolfpack has done a great job of recruiting,
landing, and developing some great D-Lineman. Young has enough talent to
become part of that distinction. In 2007, he accumulated 15 TFLs and 5.5
Sacks. This year he's poised to see those numbers get even better. In looking
at the OTs he'll face in 2008, he should be able to pad his stats nicely in quite
a few contests.

25) *John Fletcher DE 6'6 280 Wyoming
There is no DE in the MWC that should come anywhere close to Fletcher when
it comes to making an impact in 2008. In just his Sophomore year, Fletcher
amassed 60 Tackles, 14 TFLs, and 10.5 Sacks. Now a Junior, he has even
more size and experience working to his benefit. Many folks still don't know
who is. That will change. Blessed with great size, he can play DE or even DT
in any scheme.

26) Kirston Pittman DE 6'4 254 LSU
Pittman had a stellar Junior year, notching 68 Tackles, 13.5 TFLs, and 8
Sacks. Throw in his 14 QBHs, and the numbers speak for themselves. Like his
teammate Tyson Jackson, Pittman should be able to benefit from having great
DTs supporting him. Jackson will most likely draw double-teams as well. While
he is a solid prospect, one does have to question how good he'd be without
all the help. Injuries are a concern.

27) Kyle Moore DE 6'6 270 USC
Moore was the starting DE opposite of Lawrence Jackson in 2007. However,
he was outshined by then Freshman Everson Griffen. Let me point out that if
Griffen stays for his Senior year, he'll be a Top 10 pick. At any event, Moore
will once again start at one DE spot and has a chance to redeem a pedestrian
2007 campaign. This once highly touted prospect still has the tools to turn it
around and be a solid DE.

28) Antwain Robinson DE 6'2 255 Arkansas
Robinson only notched 3 Sacks in 2007, but his 12 QBHs are notable. He's
another undersized DE with big play ability. He can beat OTs around the end,
but does struggle when he allows them to get locked on. He may be looked
upon to play as a DE/OLB tweener, but is certainly good enough to remain at
DE for his Senior year. He should have improved numbers this season.

29) Mitch King DE 6'3 267 Iowa
King had a solid year in 2007, posting 58 Tackles, 14.5 TFLs and 4.5 Sacks.
There isn't one particular thing that King does great, yet he does a little bit of
everything pretty darn well. He's the type of reliable player that coaches
want out there on the field, as well as in the locker room. He has good size
now, with the ability to get bigger. He's play to the whistle. He may fly under
the radar, but should pop good numbers.

30) Jamaal Westerman DE 6'3 260 Rutgers
Even though Westerman was technically a co-starter vs. getting the full-time
nod for 3 contests, he still produced. He amassed 50 Tackles, 14 TFLs, 8
Sacks and 11 QBHs. Rutgers lost some of their studs on the defensive side of
the ball, so they'll need him to step up in a major way. While Selvie already
has the best DE in the Big East distinction wrapped up, Westerman has a shot
at the number two spot.

Other Considerations...
Willie Van Desteeg - Minnesota, Micheal Bennett - Texas A&M, Jan Jorgensen
- Brigham Young, Phillip Hunt - Houston, Tyson Alualu - California, Jeff
Schweiger - San Jose State, Eric Moncur - Miami, Stryker Sullak - Missouri,
C.J. Wilson - East Carolina, Derek Walker - Illinois, Jarius Wynn - Georgia