1. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU, 6-1, 297. A bruiser of a player with a mean streak during games … rarely takes plays off … a bit short to carry a lot of weight … allayed fears of lingering knee and lower leg injuries with solid personal workout … probably best suited as 4-3 tackle, although could play nose in 3-4 if needed … exceptional player against the run.
2. Chris Long, DE, Virginia, 6-3, 275. Relentless style leaves few holes in his game … great bloodlines; his father is Hall of Fame former Raiders lineman Howie Long … named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 … had 14 sacks, 23 QB pressures, nine pass break-ups and an interception in 2007.
3. * Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State, 6-3, 267. Sleek build makes him somewhat of a hybrid … best suited for rush end/linebacker in 3-4 alignment … had 14 sacks last season … enjoyed exceptional performance at combine, which saw his stock rise dramatically in off-season … solid in pass coverage when called upon … sometimes takes plays off.
4. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC, 6-1, 306. Bruising interior force … probably helped draft stock by staying in school after injury-shortened junior season … Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year …. Had 8 ½ sacks and 12 ½ stops for losses last season … also knocked down seven passes and recovered two fumbles … diligent worker.
5. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida, 6-5, 270. Had back-to-back strong years in 2006-07 … produced 8 ½ sacks last year … In just 18 starts, had 20 ½ sacks … A pure pass rusher … good strength makes him an adequate run defender.
6. * Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson, 6-5, 275. Some scouts think another year of seasoning would have helped him had he come out in 2009 … Still, a solid force as a pass rusher … In 26 starts, had 12 sacks, 31 stops for losses and 45 QB pressures … Very durable.
7. Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 305. Very good all-around size and power … Had solid year in 2007 with 3 ½ sacks and 68 tackles … Versatility allows him to play at end, although probably projected more as tackle.
8. * Calais Campbell, DE, Miami, 6-7, 290. Tremendous height and huge wingspan … had six sacks in 2007 and forced two fumbles … might have been better off getting an extra year of experience before coming into draft … size-speed ratio make him a guy with good upside down the road.
9. Lawrence Jackson, USC, 6-4, 272. A solid all-around prospect with good athleticism ... played alongside several top players in good college system ... had 10 1/2 sacks to go with 77 tackles last season ... good run-stopper.
* Junior
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