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Topic: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - DE (Read 218 times) |
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UFF Primetime Prophet
# 29
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Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - DE
« Reply #1 on: Mar 15th, 2004, 4:56pm » |
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WILL SMITH
Ohio St.
HT: 6' 3"
WT: 265 lbs.
STRENGTHS:
No, he's not the Fresh Prince or one of the Men In Black. This Will Smith is the best pure pass-rusher in the draft. He has outstanding speed (4.65 forty) and quickness. He gets off the ball quickly and is able to beat his man outside with speed or inside with an impressive cadre of moves. He also plays well against the run and is great in pursuit. He has very deceptive strength for a player his size and uses it, along with leverage, to embarrass offensive linemen. Smith is a very smart player and is rarely out of position. Coaches love his work ethic and dedication to team success first and foremost.
WEAKNESSES:
While a dominant pass-rusher in college, Smith will need to increase his strength and bulk up some more to handle the NFL. Smith is also criticized for being a non-emotional player. He goes out and follows the game plan and does his job (effectively, I might add) without question. He might be considered methodical and professional in his approach. But if he played with a bit more emotion, he might be able tap into some previously undiscovered abilities and really be a beast on the field.
PROJECTION:
The biggest concern with Smith coming into the draft was his size. He's bulked up from the 240 lbs. he played at in college and still has his speed and quickness. Many rank him right with, or even ahead of USC's Udeze. Look for Smith to be tagged by Buffalo with pick #13. He could be taken earlier but shouldn't drop out of the teens.
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UFF Primetime Prophet
# 29
Pay, I said pay attention, son.
Posts: 5675
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Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - DE
« Reply #4 on: Apr 9th, 2004, 3:11pm » |
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ISAAC HILTON
Hampton
HT: 6' 3"
WT: 251 lbs.
STRENGTHS:
Isaac Hilton may be the fastest DE prospect in the draft, running the forty in under 4.5 seconds. He was an outstanding pass rushing DE in college and has the body to put on weight to continue to play that position in the NFL. He also has the speed and quickness to shift to strongside linebacker in the NFL. Hilton is an excellent athlete and can make a slow offensive tackle look silly. Hilton also possesses a number of skills as a pass rusher, including hand slaps, swims, clubs, and spins. He also has the ability to drop back into pass coverage and moves smoothly in open areas.
WEAKNESSES:
Hilton will need to add some bulk to play DE in the NFL and may be more suited to play linebacker. He is an outstanding athlete, but is not driven to play up to his potential, at times taking plays off. He's not the brightest player in the world and often misreads plays or is fooled by play-action. Hilton also does not always keep his body under control during the play and will overpursue. He also needs to learn to play the run better, holding the point of attack and not being man-handled by the blocker. Hilton also has played at a lower level of competition and it is yet to be determined how he'll produce against better competition.
PROJECTION:
Hilton is an interesting prospect who may be considered at linebacker more than defensive end. His raw athletic ability will surely entice some teams to take a chance on him earlier than might be expected. Hilton could go as early as the end of the third round to the Patriots or Bengals, or could slip into the fourth or fifth rounds.
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UFF Primetime Prophet
# 29
Pay, I said pay attention, son.
Posts: 5675
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Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - DE
« Reply #5 on: Apr 9th, 2004, 3:11pm » |
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JASON BABIN
Western Michigan
HT: 6' 2"
WT: 260 lbs.
STRENGTHS:
Jason Babin finished a productive college career by recording 15 sacks and 115 tackles as a senior. He is a relentless pass rusher who has good quickness to come off the edge. He also has the speed (4.6 forty) to pursue the ball carriers. Babin is also effective against the run, as evidenced by his numerous tackles. He is able to avoid blocking lineman and get to the ball quickly. He has good strength (28 reps at 225) and is a solid tackler. Babin also excels on special teams. He is an outstanding character guy and is a leader on and off the field.
WEAKNESSES:
Babin lost some weight prior to the combine and, therefore, his speed numbers may be a bit inflated as he normally plays 15-20 pounds heavier. One of the knocks against him will be the competition he faced as a collegiate player. Babin has good weight room strength, but it is not always functional football strength. If an offensive lineman is able to engage him, he is ineffective at getting off the block. He does not have the height that many teams would like to see at the defensive end position.
PROJECTION:
Babin is highly regarded at the defensive end position. NFL teams are desperate for quality pass rushers, and Babin fits that bill. Because of his speed and production, Babin could climb into the second round. The Titans could be looking at Babin as a replacement for the departed Jevon Kearse.
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