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Here's a Walter's writeup for 2012 DE Draft prospects in their order of projection and some videos I found for each:
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2012): Top 10 Pick.
12/21/11: Thus far in 2011, Coples has totaled 51 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a plethora of quarterback hurries. He has faced consistent double teams, but steadily pressured the quarterback. Coples has been strong against the run all season and played with a steady motor. Against Clemson, one of his better opponents, he played well. Coples had a sack-fumble against quarterback Tajh Boyd on a speed rush versus the left tackle. Coples had another sack on a bull rush through a guard, but a facemask penalty by a teammate canceled out the play.
The senior also had quality games against Miami, Duke, Virginia Tech and James Madison. NFL coaches will love Coples versatility. He rushes well from defensive tackle and also plays well as a five technique in 3-4 sets. Coples has had a quality season and still looks like the top defensive line prospect for the 2012 draft.
8/21/11: Quinton Coples took advantage of the season-long suspension of Robert Quinn in 2010. After producing five sacks as a red-shirt freshman in 2009, Coples doubled his sack total last season. He also contributed 15.5 tackles for a loss, 59 tackles and two forced fumbles. Coples has a phenomenal skill set for the NFL. If Coples can come close to that level of production, he should be a top-five pick.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg0kPsASvSg[/ame]
Whitney Mercilus*, DE, Illinois
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2012): 1.
12/21/11: A typical game from Mercilus in 2011 has featured a sack and a forced fumble. He leads the nation in sacks and forced fumbles. Thus far, the junior has 52 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles entering the Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA.
Mercilus has shown no mercy this season to offensive tackles and quarterbacks. All year long, he has been beating tackles with a combination of speed, strength and athleticism. He had a good game against Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams and Wisconsin's future NFL linemen.
Mercilus is extremely fast and gets upfield in a hurry. His speed puts offensive tackles on their heels, and he has the athleticism to drop his hips and shoulder to turn towards the quarterback. Mercilus' strength can take linemen by surprise, and he has a powerful bull rush. In run defense, Mercilus anchors and holds his ground well. He needs to work on shedding blocks in order to be able to make more tackles in the ground game.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wxQOaCPNF4&feature=related[/ame]
Brandon Jenkins*, DE/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2012): 1.
12/21/11: Jenkins started out the season quiet, but he has heated up in the second half. Jenkins has drawn extra blocking attention, especially in the early games, but he has still gotten pressure on the quarterback when not recording sacks. The extra blockers sent towards Jenkins helped teammate Bjoern Werner break out in 2011. For the season, Jenkins has 39 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks.
The junior was relatively quiet versus Oklahoma with five tackles and not a much pressure on the signal caller. Against Clemson, he had a better performance. Jenkins recorded three tackles with a sack against the Tigers, and got pressure on the quarterback on a number of other plays. He is an excellent athlete who could fit well in a 3-4 defense as an edge rusher. The biggest negative about Jenkins is that he could be more physical at times.
8/21/11: Brandon Jenkins had a breakout season last year. As a first-year starter at right end, he led FSU in sacks as the Seminoles led the nation in sacks in 2010. Jenkins notched 13.5 sacks with 21.5 tackles for a loss. He had five multi-sack games and was voted the team's MVP. Jenkins is a good athlete with speed and explosion around the edge. Jenkins has the potential to fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
My apologies for the Eminem Shakespeare playing DJ for the highlights here. Turn the volume down or mute it.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAIC4LMFg8Q&feature=related[/ame]
Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 276.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
12/21/11: Ingram started the season extremely strongly. He was slowed down with injuries in the middle portion of the year, but finished well. Thus far in 2011, he has 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions and two passes batted away. In the first game of the season, Ingram recorded an interception against East Carolina. Against Georgia, he ran a fake punt 68 yards for a touchdown and returned a fumble five yards for another touchdown. Ingram also recovered a fumble for a touchdown against Vanderbilt.
The redshirt senior is a special athlete. He is very quick for his size, and beats offensive linemen with a combination of speed and physicality. South Carolina uses Ingram as a defensive tackle at times, and he rushes very well against guards. In the lead up to the draft it wouldn't be surprising to see Ingram rise into the middle of the first round.
8/21/11: Melvin Ingram has excellent size and is strong at the point of attack. Last year, he led South Carolina in sacks with nine, more than teammate Devin Taylor, even though Ingram did not log as much playing time. He also had 11 tackles for a loss, 28 tackles and one forced fumble. Ingram was third in the SEC in sacks, yet he doesn't get much national attention. On passing downs, Ingram can move inside and rush from the defensive tackle position. Entering this season, he is the starter opposite Taylor. On passing downs when Taylor moves inside that will allow South Carolina to get No. 1 recruit Jadeveon Clowney on the field. If Ingram's production stays consistent, he should at the very least be a second-round pick.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynAqwKvAK1s[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UuL8H2U-SA[/ame]
Nick Perry*, DE/OLB, USC
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
12/21/11: Perry really improved his performance from 2010. He finished the season on on a tear with 5.5 sacks in four games. Perry battled well against Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin even though he didn't have a sack in the game. As the season wore on, Perry simply got better. He is lightning off the snap and his speed to turn the corner and cut back to the inside overwhelms offensive tackles. Perry has a good repertoire of moves, and the only thing lacking from his game is more bulk and strength.
The redshirt junior totaled 54 tackles with 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2011. If Perry had decided to return for his senior season and continued to improve under Monte Kiffin before going pro, he could have been a high first-round pick in 2013.
8/21/11: Nick Perry broke out with eight sacks as a freshman. Last year, his numbers dipped to four sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. At his current size and weight, he would probably be better served as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin flipped Perry from right to left defensive end last year. If he stays at end as a professional, he should add some more bulk. Perry needs to improve his production in 2011 to get his draft status going in the right direction.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nvhUMxoTfs[/ame]
Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
Height: 6-5. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
12/21/11: Thus far in 2011, Curry has 72 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, three blocked kicks and six forced fumbles. He had a three sack game against Southern Mississippi. Curry has added weight from the 2010 season, roughly 10 pounds, and he still looks fast and explosive. Curry has had to battle consistent extra blocking this year. Right now, his consistency from 2010 to 2011 has his stock moving up. He looks like an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
8/21/11: Vinny Curry is an explosive athlete who had a dominant junior season. He was one of the best pass rushers in college football last year with 12 sacks. Curry also had 18 tackles for a loss and 94 tackles. At his size and weight, he should translate well as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. Curry is very fast with fabulous closing speed. He plays better in space. However, Curry does not have the size and strength to hold up against offensive linemen when lining up with his hand in the ground as a base end. Some teams were able to run right at him. He typically uses his speed to run around offensive linemen, and that opens up his gap on run downs. Thus, Curry would be a much better fit for a 3-4 defense.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2J5VLik4VI[/ame]
Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2012): 2.
12/21/11: Branch has had a strong senior season. Thus far in 2011, he has 73 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Branch played well against Auburn in the third game of the year. He didn't fare well against Florida State left tackle Andrew Datko.
After that performance, Branch exploded against Virginia Tech with 11 tackles, six tackles for a loss and four sacks. He is a very good athlete who has excellent straight-line speed. Branch is very quick and agile, plus closes in an instant. He should fair well at the combine and in pre-draft workouts. That could send his stock on the rise.
8/21/11: Andre Branch is expected to step up his production with Da'Quan Bowers leaving for the NFL. Last year, Branch had five sacks with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 54 tackles and six passes broken up. Branch has the physical tools to excel, now he just needs to raise his level of play as a senior.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-CrIu4SzYs&feature=related[/ame]
Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
12/21/11: McClellin has improved his draft stock with a quality season. He has so far recorded 46 tackles, six sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss and a blocked kick. Aside from playing as a traditional defensive end, McClellin has lined up as both a stand-up rush linebacker and an inside linebacker.
Playing all over the front seven has taken McClellin out of some pass rushing situations, which has hurt his production this season. That versatility makes him a good fit for the 3-4 in the NFL. Against a future NFL offensive lineman, Georgia's Cordy Glenn, McClellin was phenomenal. He is quick, strong, and features a relentless motor. McClellin could make a move up draft boards this season.
8/21/11: Shea McClellin broke into the starting lineup early in his sophomore season and had 36 tackles with six tackles for a loss and thee sacks. Last year, he made a big improvement. McClellin led Boise State with 9.5 sacks. He also contributed 13.5 tackles for a loss. McClellin had one of his best games against one of Boise's best opponents, Virginia Tech. In that contest, he recorded 2.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss, and six tackles. McClellin has a good motor and is a hard worker.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RFVe8dxfok[/ame]
Here's a video collage of DEs hoping to play sheriff to guys like Vick, Tebow, Newton and #7:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LttKHCfNbwY&feature=related[/ame]
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2012): Top 10 Pick.
12/21/11: Thus far in 2011, Coples has totaled 51 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a plethora of quarterback hurries. He has faced consistent double teams, but steadily pressured the quarterback. Coples has been strong against the run all season and played with a steady motor. Against Clemson, one of his better opponents, he played well. Coples had a sack-fumble against quarterback Tajh Boyd on a speed rush versus the left tackle. Coples had another sack on a bull rush through a guard, but a facemask penalty by a teammate canceled out the play.
The senior also had quality games against Miami, Duke, Virginia Tech and James Madison. NFL coaches will love Coples versatility. He rushes well from defensive tackle and also plays well as a five technique in 3-4 sets. Coples has had a quality season and still looks like the top defensive line prospect for the 2012 draft.
8/21/11: Quinton Coples took advantage of the season-long suspension of Robert Quinn in 2010. After producing five sacks as a red-shirt freshman in 2009, Coples doubled his sack total last season. He also contributed 15.5 tackles for a loss, 59 tackles and two forced fumbles. Coples has a phenomenal skill set for the NFL. If Coples can come close to that level of production, he should be a top-five pick.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg0kPsASvSg[/ame]
Whitney Mercilus*, DE, Illinois
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2012): 1.
12/21/11: A typical game from Mercilus in 2011 has featured a sack and a forced fumble. He leads the nation in sacks and forced fumbles. Thus far, the junior has 52 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles entering the Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA.
Mercilus has shown no mercy this season to offensive tackles and quarterbacks. All year long, he has been beating tackles with a combination of speed, strength and athleticism. He had a good game against Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams and Wisconsin's future NFL linemen.
Mercilus is extremely fast and gets upfield in a hurry. His speed puts offensive tackles on their heels, and he has the athleticism to drop his hips and shoulder to turn towards the quarterback. Mercilus' strength can take linemen by surprise, and he has a powerful bull rush. In run defense, Mercilus anchors and holds his ground well. He needs to work on shedding blocks in order to be able to make more tackles in the ground game.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wxQOaCPNF4&feature=related[/ame]
Brandon Jenkins*, DE/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2012): 1.
12/21/11: Jenkins started out the season quiet, but he has heated up in the second half. Jenkins has drawn extra blocking attention, especially in the early games, but he has still gotten pressure on the quarterback when not recording sacks. The extra blockers sent towards Jenkins helped teammate Bjoern Werner break out in 2011. For the season, Jenkins has 39 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks.
The junior was relatively quiet versus Oklahoma with five tackles and not a much pressure on the signal caller. Against Clemson, he had a better performance. Jenkins recorded three tackles with a sack against the Tigers, and got pressure on the quarterback on a number of other plays. He is an excellent athlete who could fit well in a 3-4 defense as an edge rusher. The biggest negative about Jenkins is that he could be more physical at times.
8/21/11: Brandon Jenkins had a breakout season last year. As a first-year starter at right end, he led FSU in sacks as the Seminoles led the nation in sacks in 2010. Jenkins notched 13.5 sacks with 21.5 tackles for a loss. He had five multi-sack games and was voted the team's MVP. Jenkins is a good athlete with speed and explosion around the edge. Jenkins has the potential to fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
My apologies for the Eminem Shakespeare playing DJ for the highlights here. Turn the volume down or mute it.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAIC4LMFg8Q&feature=related[/ame]
Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 276.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
12/21/11: Ingram started the season extremely strongly. He was slowed down with injuries in the middle portion of the year, but finished well. Thus far in 2011, he has 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions and two passes batted away. In the first game of the season, Ingram recorded an interception against East Carolina. Against Georgia, he ran a fake punt 68 yards for a touchdown and returned a fumble five yards for another touchdown. Ingram also recovered a fumble for a touchdown against Vanderbilt.
The redshirt senior is a special athlete. He is very quick for his size, and beats offensive linemen with a combination of speed and physicality. South Carolina uses Ingram as a defensive tackle at times, and he rushes very well against guards. In the lead up to the draft it wouldn't be surprising to see Ingram rise into the middle of the first round.
8/21/11: Melvin Ingram has excellent size and is strong at the point of attack. Last year, he led South Carolina in sacks with nine, more than teammate Devin Taylor, even though Ingram did not log as much playing time. He also had 11 tackles for a loss, 28 tackles and one forced fumble. Ingram was third in the SEC in sacks, yet he doesn't get much national attention. On passing downs, Ingram can move inside and rush from the defensive tackle position. Entering this season, he is the starter opposite Taylor. On passing downs when Taylor moves inside that will allow South Carolina to get No. 1 recruit Jadeveon Clowney on the field. If Ingram's production stays consistent, he should at the very least be a second-round pick.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynAqwKvAK1s[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UuL8H2U-SA[/ame]
Nick Perry*, DE/OLB, USC
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
12/21/11: Perry really improved his performance from 2010. He finished the season on on a tear with 5.5 sacks in four games. Perry battled well against Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin even though he didn't have a sack in the game. As the season wore on, Perry simply got better. He is lightning off the snap and his speed to turn the corner and cut back to the inside overwhelms offensive tackles. Perry has a good repertoire of moves, and the only thing lacking from his game is more bulk and strength.
The redshirt junior totaled 54 tackles with 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two passes batted in 2011. If Perry had decided to return for his senior season and continued to improve under Monte Kiffin before going pro, he could have been a high first-round pick in 2013.
8/21/11: Nick Perry broke out with eight sacks as a freshman. Last year, his numbers dipped to four sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. At his current size and weight, he would probably be better served as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin flipped Perry from right to left defensive end last year. If he stays at end as a professional, he should add some more bulk. Perry needs to improve his production in 2011 to get his draft status going in the right direction.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nvhUMxoTfs[/ame]
Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
Height: 6-5. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
12/21/11: Thus far in 2011, Curry has 72 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, three blocked kicks and six forced fumbles. He had a three sack game against Southern Mississippi. Curry has added weight from the 2010 season, roughly 10 pounds, and he still looks fast and explosive. Curry has had to battle consistent extra blocking this year. Right now, his consistency from 2010 to 2011 has his stock moving up. He looks like an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
8/21/11: Vinny Curry is an explosive athlete who had a dominant junior season. He was one of the best pass rushers in college football last year with 12 sacks. Curry also had 18 tackles for a loss and 94 tackles. At his size and weight, he should translate well as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. Curry is very fast with fabulous closing speed. He plays better in space. However, Curry does not have the size and strength to hold up against offensive linemen when lining up with his hand in the ground as a base end. Some teams were able to run right at him. He typically uses his speed to run around offensive linemen, and that opens up his gap on run downs. Thus, Curry would be a much better fit for a 3-4 defense.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2J5VLik4VI[/ame]
Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2012): 2.
12/21/11: Branch has had a strong senior season. Thus far in 2011, he has 73 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Branch played well against Auburn in the third game of the year. He didn't fare well against Florida State left tackle Andrew Datko.
After that performance, Branch exploded against Virginia Tech with 11 tackles, six tackles for a loss and four sacks. He is a very good athlete who has excellent straight-line speed. Branch is very quick and agile, plus closes in an instant. He should fair well at the combine and in pre-draft workouts. That could send his stock on the rise.
8/21/11: Andre Branch is expected to step up his production with Da'Quan Bowers leaving for the NFL. Last year, Branch had five sacks with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 54 tackles and six passes broken up. Branch has the physical tools to excel, now he just needs to raise his level of play as a senior.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-CrIu4SzYs&feature=related[/ame]
Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
12/21/11: McClellin has improved his draft stock with a quality season. He has so far recorded 46 tackles, six sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss and a blocked kick. Aside from playing as a traditional defensive end, McClellin has lined up as both a stand-up rush linebacker and an inside linebacker.
Playing all over the front seven has taken McClellin out of some pass rushing situations, which has hurt his production this season. That versatility makes him a good fit for the 3-4 in the NFL. Against a future NFL offensive lineman, Georgia's Cordy Glenn, McClellin was phenomenal. He is quick, strong, and features a relentless motor. McClellin could make a move up draft boards this season.
8/21/11: Shea McClellin broke into the starting lineup early in his sophomore season and had 36 tackles with six tackles for a loss and thee sacks. Last year, he made a big improvement. McClellin led Boise State with 9.5 sacks. He also contributed 13.5 tackles for a loss. McClellin had one of his best games against one of Boise's best opponents, Virginia Tech. In that contest, he recorded 2.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss, and six tackles. McClellin has a good motor and is a hard worker.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RFVe8dxfok[/ame]
Here's a video collage of DEs hoping to play sheriff to guys like Vick, Tebow, Newton and #7:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LttKHCfNbwY&feature=related[/ame]
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