Top Defensive Prospects

Alright before I get into the top defensive prospects from the past seven drafts I've got to mention something about the Raptors game first. The fans at the game in know way represent me or most Raptor fans. I like most decent people would not wear the color of the opposing teams jersey. I am publicly embarrassed and humiliated. First of all everybody wearing the same color shirt is so played, if you wanted to do something original you should have had everyone paint there face or something. Actually scratch that. If Seinfeld taught me anything it's that face painting isn't cool. So I can't think of anything but the marketing department should have been able to come up with something better than this. We haven't been in the playoffs in like five years and this is the best promotion you could come up with? We looked retarded out there and that's before the fact that we were wearing the Nets color. I hope someone got fired for this.

Anyway now to the column. Again same rules as the offensive side of the ball. You have to be the first pick in your draft year and their professional career has no bearing.

DE
1) Julius Peppers (2002): Had everything scouts looked for size, speed, strength and production. Definitely lived up to the hype.

2) Mario Williams (2006): Other than speed was the complete package just like Peppers. It's still early but doesn't look like he'll live up to the hype. Is more Courtney Brown than Julius Peppers.

3) Gaines Adams (2007): Is getting a surprisingly large amount of hype for someone who is an undersized end. He does possess lots of speed and a plethora of pass rush moves.

DT
Gerard Warren (2001): Had the size and the motor to be dominant but had a questionable work ethic. It's too bad, I always like to see the Gator players do well.

Dwayne Robertson (2003): Was a good college player but then had an off the charts workout which sent teams into a frenzy. Never lived up to the hype.

Tommie Harris (2004): Had a great college career and despite being undersized was a dominant pass rusher.

ILB
Dan Morgan (2001): Had the production, size and speed. Is a good pro when healthy.

Patrick Willis (2007): Good production in college and an unreal workout should be a top 15 pick.

Jon Vilma (2004): Other than being undersized he had it all. Is a great pro.

OLB
A.J. Hawk (2006): Elite size and speed. Had an uneventful rookie year but should be good in the league.

D.J. Williams (2004): Had all the measureables. Weird how Miami has most of the top linebacker prospects even this year they have Beason who will probably go first round.

Lawrence Timmons (2007): I'll assume he's the top outside backer chosen this year. He made plays all over the field last year.

S
Sean Taylor (2004): Was like out of a video game where you max out all the guys skills. Was big (220lbs) fast (4.40) and made plays. He delivered big hits and I think he had something like 9 picks his senior year returning a couple for touchdowns. I don't know how he doesn't absolutely dominate in the NFL.

Roy Williams (2002): Was a classic in the box safety who was an absolute stud in college. A good pro who's a little overrated in my opinion.

LaRon Landry (2007): Is the complete package of size and speed. I personally don't see him being dominant but everyone has him a top 8 player.

CB
Quentin Jammer (2002): Was the dominant man to man corner in college had the size and toughness to jam receivers at the line and just enough speed to cover them downfield. Is solid in the NFL but not as good as advertised.

Terence Newman (2003): Was a great cover corner and electrifying return man. Is decent in the pros but not what was expected.

DeAngelo Hall (2004): Has blazing speed and good size. Has lived up to the hype in the NFL

Top 3 defensive prospects
1) Julius Peppers (2002): Once in a generation package for a defensive end.

2) Sean Taylor (2004): Has better measurables than the prototypical safety.

3) Quentin Jammer (2002): Was supposed to be shutdown which is hard to find.