I ranked these seven and offered a quick take on each player
(Kiper’s projection in parentheses):
1. Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas (13) — Kind of small for a pro and had a reputation as an underachiever before this year, but off the charts in workouts and really dominated against Oklahoma and Missouri, Texas’ biggest games.
2. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College (12) — Huge, and BC’s run defense was always very good with him in the middle.
3. Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA (8) — Highest-rated OL out of high school and one of the top OL out of college, too, though I’d definitely opt for Andre Smith (2).
4. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU defensive end (18) – Looks the part, big and fast and all, but really regressed this year after dominating most of 2007; makes some really stupid plays as far as roughing the passer, etc. Seems like the kind of guy who might make a better pro because of his size. Swats a lot of passes.
5. Jason Smith, OT, Baylor (6) – Know absolutely nothing about him except his high draft projection.
6. Everette Brown, DE, Florida State (15) – Had a bunch of sacks but otherwise just seems like another assembly line FSU pass rusher.
7. Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, Penn State (10) — Came out of nowhere, tailed off toward the end of the year, very fast but probably way too small to play end in the NFL; even smaller than Dwight Freeney when he came out, and Freeney didn’t come out early. Seems like he’s just cashing in off a big year while he can.
