SI 300 Rankings: DEF
NFL offenses are scoring more than ever. These guys want to tilt the trend WITH 2014 STATS
LINEMEN
1 LEONARD WILLIAMS, DT
USC (6'5", 302 lbs.)
48 tackles / 7 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Plays at an almost unfair speed given his size. If he gets his hands into a blocker early, it's all but over.
CONS
Suspect technique.
NFL COMP
Gerald McCoy
13 DANNY SHELTON, DT
Washington (6'2", 339 lbs.)
53 tackles / 9 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Speed and agility in short spaces—he'll break off a block at line and tear after a RB, meet him at sideline.
CONS
Weight has been a point of concern.
NFL COMP
Vince Wilfork
18 SHANE RAY, DE
Missouri (6'3", 245 lbs.)
47 tackles / 14½ sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Freakish athlete. Moves pocket quickly with dynamic first step, excellent burst.
CONS
Gets too high in stance and loses leverage.
NFL COMP
Bruce Irvin
25 MALCOM BROWN, DT
Texas (6'2", 319 lbs.)
39 tackles / 6½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Shoots gaps well for player of his size. Good laterally; keeps feet moving.
CONS
Needs to work on Plans B and C in penetrating line.
NFL COMP
Terrance Knighton
31 MICHAEL BENNETT, DT
Ohio State (6'2", 293 lbs.)
24 tackles / 7 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Explodes off line with energy to cause problems. Tracks ball, improvises well.
CONS
Undersized; unable to hold line if double-teamed.
NFL COMP
Henry Melton
32 ARIK ARMSTEAD, DE
Oregon (6'7", 292 lbs.)
25 tackles / 2½ sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Body type--athleticism combo has teams drooling. Upside is astronomical.
CONS
Raw traits? Yes. Instant impact? Maybe not.
NFL COMP
Calais Campbell
35 EDDIE GOLDMAN, DT
Florida State (6'4", 336 lbs.)
19 tackles / 4 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Swim move could be devastating if developed. Bull rush is highly effective.
CONS
Tends to spar/wrestle, not move in/dominate.
NFL COMP
Shaun Rodgers
44 OWAMAGBE ODIGHIZUWA, DE
UCLA (6'3", 267 lbs.)
41 tackles / 6 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Should help against run immediately. Built as if he's been in an NFL lifting program for years.
CONS
Injury woes will drop him.
NFL COMP
Everson Griffen
46 CARL DAVIS, DT
Iowa (6'5", 320 lbs.)
14 tackles / 2 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Can be as disruptive as any DT. Extremely long arms (345/8), big hands (11").
CONS
Just 3½ career sacks. Why didn't he dominate?
NFL COMP
Linval Joseph
50 PRESTON SMITH, DE
Miss. State (6'5", 271 Lbs.)
22 tackles / 9 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Excellent wrap-up tackler; experience rushing passer from both inside and outside.
CONS
Questionable first step.
NFL COMP
Antonio Smith
52 JORDAN PHILLIPS, DT
Oklahoma (6'5", 329 lbs.)
20 tackles / 2 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Simply a large human being. Staggers interior OL when he drives forward.
CONS
Pass rush hasn't caught up to run-stuffing abilities.
NFL COMP
Haloti Ngata
56 NATE ORCHARD, DE
Utah (6'3", 250 lbs.)
54 tackles / 18½ sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Impressively quick off edge. Could be special if technique improves.
CONS
Tends to react instead of bowling through to pocket.
NFL COMP
Aaron Maybin
61 GRADY JARRETT, DT
Clemson (6'1", 304 lbs.)
26 tackles / 1½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Great first-step quickness; uncanny ability to time his burst to the snap.
CONS
Struggles to beat opponents with power.
NFL COMP
Kelly Gregg
63 HENRY ANDERSON, DE
Stanford (6'6", 294 lbs.)
40 tackles / 8½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Can line up all over. Good speed off snap; moves through traffic quickly.
CONS
Too much of a tweener: not great at any one thing.
NFL COMP
Tyson Jackson
68 DANIELLE HUNTER, DE
LSU (6'5", 252 lbs.)
30 tackles / 1½ sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Rare athleticism for his height; impressive speed in every direction.
CONS
Limited in his technique.
NFL COMP
Bruce Irvin
74 MARIO EDWARDS JR., DE
Florida State (6'3", 279 lbs.)
25 tackles / 3 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Good feel for gaps; speed to run through openings and disrupt.
CONS
No explosion at the snap.
NFL COMP
Robert Ayers
78 MARKUS GOLDEN, DE
Missouri (6'2", 260 lbs.)
35 tackles / 10 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
One of draft's most consistent high-effort guys. Popular in locker room.
CONS
Size could be an issue.
NFL COMP
Jeremy Mincey
83 TREY FLOWERS, DE
Arkansas (6'2", 266 lbs.)
34 tackles / 6 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Great field speed for his size. Moves into short/intermediate coverage well.
CONS
Reactive, not proactive.
NFL COMP
Björn Werner
84 XAVIER COOPER, DT
Wash. State (6'3", 293 lbs.)
17 tackles / 5 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Wreaks havoc with his jump off the line. Uses quickness to find gaps.
CONS
Lacks great size.
NFL COMP
Antonio Smith
85 GABE WRIGHT, DT
Auburn (6'3", 300 lbs.)
10 tackles / 1 sack / 0 FF
PROS
Quick off the ball. Relentless effort as a pass rusher. Nice motor downfield.
CONS
Plays too high.
NFL COMP
Jordan Hill
96 TYELER DAVISON, DT
Fresno State (6'2", 316 lbs.)
35 tackles / 8½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Big boy chews up multiple blockers on run downs. Underrated set of moves.
CONS
Content holding the line.
NFL COMP
Johnathan Hankins
126 TRAVIS RACITI, DT
San Jose State (6'5", 285 lbs.)
39 tackles / 3 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Employs great height to locate ball. Controls blockers with long arms.
CONS
Not a great first step.
NFL COMP
Beau Allen
130 MARCUS HARDISON, DT
Arizona State (6'3", 307 lbs.)
31 tackles / 10 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
One of quickest DTs in draft: 4.91 40 at his pro day. Knows how to get to QB.
CONS
Lower-body strength could be an issue in NFL.
NFL COMP
Earl Mitchell
137 CHRISTIAN COVINGTON, DT
Rice (6'2", 289 lbs.)
14 tackles / 2½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Jolts O-linemen off the snap and backs his initial surge with power.
CONS
May struggle to get any bigger than he is now.
NFL COMP
Earl Mitchell
148 ELLIS MCCARTHY, DT
UCLA (6'5", 338 lbs.)
12 tackles / 3 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Lightning-quick ability to shoot gaps, wreck blocking schemes.
CONS
Prone to disappear.
NFL COMP
Grady Jackson
159 ZA'DARIUS SMITH, DE
KENTUCKY (6'4", 274 LBS.)
26 tackles / 4½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Powerful hands, arms enable him to shed blocks and get into the backfield. Never gives up pursuit.
CONS
Starts to play high as he gets tired; practically stands up late in games.
NFL COMP
Mike Montgomery
172 CEDRIC REED, DE
Texas (6'5", 269 lbs.)
40 tackles / 5½ sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Speed to pursue QB; good burst off snap; nose for the ball. Long frame.
CONS
Poor at shedding blocks.
NFL COMP
Tony Jerod-Eddie
173 LETERRIUS WALTON, DT
Central Michigan (6'5", 319 lbs.)
19 tackles / 2 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Imposing, physical interior presence. Effective redirecting foes one-on-one.
CONS
Trouble disengaging.
NFL COMP
Red Bryant
184 COREY CRAWFORD, DE
Clemson (6'5", 283 lbs.)
18 tackles / 2 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Has NFL size, length. Anticipates run well; good ability to change direction.
CONS
Questionable toughness.
NFL COMP
Bruce Gaston
188 DERRICK LOTT, DT
Chattanooga (6'4", 314 lbs.)
23 tackles / 6 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Light on his feet for a 300-plus DT. Long arms; solid sense of his position.
CONS
Weak college schedule.
NFL COMP
Fletcher Cox
190 ANTHONY CHICKILLO, DE
Miami (6'3", 267 lbs.)
20 tackles / 3 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Lined up all over Miami's front. Good leverage and can anchor despite his size.
CONS
Few hand-fighting moves.
NFL COMP
Kroy Biermann
202 LOUIS TRINCA-PASAT, DT
Iowa (6'1", 290 lbs.)
29 tackles / 6½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Tenacious, competitive. Not big, but makes up for it with hard work. Willing to let teammates stand out.
CONS
Short arms. Will struggle to get off blocks.
NFL COMP
Mike Daniels
219 JOEY MBU, DT
HOUSTON (6'3", 313 LBS)
17 tackles / 2½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Very good hands and awareness against the pass. Knows who he is (run stopper) and isn't (pass rusher).
CONS
Can be reckless getting upfield, leaving large holes for RBs.
NFL COMP
Lawrence Guy
221 KALEB EULLS, DT
Mississippi State (6'3", 305 lbs.)
10 tackles / 3 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Good burst off snap. Chases hard down the line. Uses angles to get free.
CONS
Heavy-footed. Struggles to push pocket.
NFL COMP
Corey Peters
225 RAKEEM NUNEZ-ROCHES, DT
Southern Miss. (6'2", 307 lbs.)
32 tackles / 3 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
High-motor guy; plays through the whistle.
CONS
Suspect awareness. Struggles with double teams.
NFL COMP
Clinton McDonald
228 XAVIER WILLIAMS, DT
Northern Iowa (6'2", 325 lbs.)
38 tackles / 8 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Flashes violent punch. Can push the pocket up the middle. Times the snap well.
CONS
Hands must improve. Struggled against elite teams.
NFL COMP
Colin Cole
232 SHAQUILLE RIDDICK, DE
West Virginia (6'6", 242 lbs.)
24 tackles / 7 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Gets upfield quickly; shows consistent fight. Great pro-day numbers.
CONS
Tweener who doesn't fully fit DE or DT role.
NFL COMP
Manny Lawson
243 ZACK WAGENMANN, DE
Montana (6'3", 247 lbs.)
34 tackles / 17½ sacks / 6 FF
PROS
Gets in backfield relatively consistently. Excellent backside pursuit.
CONS
Strength is a concern.
NFL COMP
Kroy Biermann
267 FRANK CLARK, DE
Michigan (6'3", 271 lbs.)
29 tackles / 4½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Explosive rusher—especially with bull rush.
CONS
Needs more moves.
NFL COMP
Derek Wolfe
280 J.T. SURRATT, DT
South Carolina (6'1", 304 lbs.)
20 tackles / 1 sack / 0 FF
PROS
NFL size will help him anchor against the run.
CONS
Doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher.
NFL COMP
Dwan Edwards
284 BOBBY RICHARDSON, DT
Indiana (6'3", 283 lbs.)
24 tackles / 5½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Quick feet. Inside pass-rush move slays slow foes.
CONS
If initial move fails, he's easily taken out of the play.
NFL COMP
Kendall Reyes
287 MARTIN IFEDI, DE
Memphis (6'3", 275 lbs.)
26 tackles / 2½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Has size to be a 4--3 DE, length to make it as a 3--4 DE.
CONS
Needs more burst to be an effective NFL edge rusher.
NFL COMP
Jarius Wynn
LINEBACKERS
3 RANDY GREGORY, DE/OLB
Nebraska (6'5", 235 lbs.)
23 tackles / 7 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Athletic freak with 34" reach, 4.64 40 time. Flies after the football.
CONS
Tested positive for marijuana at combine.
NFL COMP
Clay Matthews Jr.
5 DANTE FOWLER JR., DE/OLB
Florida (6'3", 261 lbs.)
29 tackles / 8½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Plays low to the ground; makes life hard for taller OTs. Wears down his foes.
CONS
Relies on speed, motor.
NFL COMP
Justin Houston
10 VIC BEASLEY, OLB
Clemson (6'3", 246 lbs.)
28 tackles / 12 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Appears as if he knows QB's count. Shoots out of a cannon at the snap.
CONS
Not reliable against run. Lacks bag of tricks.
NFL COMP
Von Miller
14 SHAQ THOMPSON, OLB
Washington (6'0", 228 lbs.)
52 tackles / 1 sack / 3 FF
PROS
Dual RB/OLB at UW has natural elusiveness to get around protection.
CONS
Not big enough to deal with second-level blockers.
NFL COMP
DeAndre Levy
28 BENARDRICK MCKINNEY, ILB
Mississippi State (6'4", 246 lbs.)
35 tackles / 3 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Imposing; tough to deal with coming downhill. Throws power into collisions.
CONS
So-so footwork.
NFL COMP
Brandon Spikes
29 ERIC KENDRICKS, ILB
UCLA (6'0", 232 lbs.)
101 tackles / 4 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Phenomenal instincts, especially against run. Rarely caught out of position.
CONS
Arguably plays too fast.
NFL COMP
Sean Lee
34 DENZEL PERRYMAN, ILB
Miami (5'11", 236 lbs.)
79 tackles / 2 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Highlight-reel tackler. Stays square; storms downhill with intensity.
CONS
Will play a two-down role on most NFL teams.
NFL COMP
Brandon Spikes
36 BUD DUPREE, DE/OLB
Kentucky (6'4", 269 lbs.)
45 tackles / 7½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Can mirror TEs and slot men; could be used very creatively.
CONS
Lacks raw strength.
NFL COMP
Akeem Ayers
39 PAUL DAWSON, ILB
TCU (6'0", 235 lbs.)
81 tackles / 6 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Tracks ball adeptly from sideline to sideline; lateral speed to close on WRs.
CONS
Not equipped to deal with large, powerful blockers.
NFL COMP
Pat Angerer
58 ELI HAROLD, DE/OLB
Virginia (6'3", 247 lbs.)
29 tackles / 7 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Gets off snap, into OL's body in a hurry. Bull rush moves men 50 lbs. heavier.
CONS
Few hand moves to speak of—no rip or swim.
NFL COMP
Chad Greenway
82 STEPHONE ANTHONY, ILB
Clemson (6'3", 243 lbs.)
45 tackles / 2½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Quick to diagnose runs between tackles. Explodes into gaps but stays in control.
CONS
Loses the leverage game far too often.
NFL COMP
Rolando McClain
86 HAU'OLI KIKAHA, OLB
Washington (6'2", 253 lbs.)
53 tackles / 19 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Jaw-dropping production past two years: at least one sack in each of UW's 14 games in '14.
CONS
Tackling and run stopping are lacking.
NFL COMP
Damontre Moore
98 LORENZO MAULDIN, OLB
Louisville (6'4", 259 lbs.)
36 tackles / 6½ sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Nice speed-strength combo; comes off snap quickly. Patient tackler.
CONS
Gets washed out by blockers too often.
NFL COMP
Jackson Jeffcoat
100 ZACK HODGES, OLB
Harvard (6'2", 250 lbs.)
12 tackles / 8½ sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Comes off ball low, quickly. Uses hands well.
CONS
Limited array of pass-rushing techniques.
NFL COMP
Scott Crichton
111 RAMIK WILSON, ILB
Georgia (6'2", 237 lbs.)
56 tackles / 2 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Quick to the ball on runs. Explodes through RBs.
CONS
Takes too many false steps. Fooled by misdirection.
NFL COMP
Justin Durant
116 KWON ALEXANDER, OLB
LSU (6'1", 227 lbs.)
40 tackles / 1½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Has range, athleticism to pursue ballcarriers sideline to sideline.
CONS
Field awareness is low.
NFL COMP
Mike Peterson
117 GENEO GRISSOM, DE/OLB
Oklahoma (6'3", 262 lbs.)
27 tackles / 3½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Raw, versatile athlete. (Took TE snaps at pro day.)Willing to chase down RBs.
CONS
Pass-rush moves lack creativity.
NFL COMP
Shea McClellin
124 JORDAN HICKS, OLB
Texas (6'1", 236 lbs.)
75 tackles / 3½ sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Impressive physique. Effective open-field tackler.
CONS
Not enough explosive plays. Questionable durability.
NFL COMP
Vontaze Burfict
135 LYNDEN TRAIL, DE/OLB
Norfolk State (6'6", 260 lbs.)
32 tackles / 5 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Rare versatility for size. Advanced hand technique.
CONS
Lacks high-level NCAA reps at any one position.
NFL COMP
Carlos Dunlap
138 BEN HEENEY, ILB
Kansas (6'0", 231 lbs.)
88 tackles / 1½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Relentless; good lateral quickness. Athleticism to cover RBs in pass game.
CONS
Lacks ideal size.
NFL COMP
Jerrell Freeman
151 TAIWAN JONES, ILB
Michigan State (6'3", 245 lbs.)
31 tackles / 4 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Comes downhill with ferocity. Good instincts.
CONS
Slow to drop in coverage. Stiff in his hips.
NFL COMP
Christian Jones
155 JAKE RYAN, OLB
Michigan (6'2", 240 lbs.)
67 tackles / 2 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Has size, length to take on blockers at line; speed to make tackles in space.
CONS
Overwhelmed at times after moving to ILB in '14.
NFL COMP
Sean Weatherspoon
160 KYLE EMANUEL, DE/OLB
N. Dakota State (6'3", 255 lbs.)
50 tackles / 19½ sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Good leverage; rushes with low center of gravity.
CONS
Average burst; 31" arms may be an issue against long NFL blockers.
NFL COMP
Shea McClellin
163 MIKE HULL, ILB
Penn State (6'0", 237 lbs.)
75 tackles / 2 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Sure tackler. Sees the gaps and will fill hard.
CONS
Struggles to sift through traffic inside.
NFL COMP
Spencer Paysinger
182 DAVIS TULL, OLB
CHATTANOOGA (6'2", 246 LBS.)
37 tackles / 10½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Killed it at combine: best front-seven vertical, No. 2 broad jump, No. 8 bench press. In-game, he's unrelenting.
CONS
A bit of a project at LB. Recently underwent labrum surgery.
NFL COMP
Robert Mathis
185 HAYES PULLARD, ILB
USC (6'0", 240 lbs.)
53 tackles / 0 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Changes direction well. Closes with burst. Quick in short spaces. Great tackler.
CONS
Lowers head to make tackles, causing him to whiff.
NFL COMP
Andra Davis
191 MARTRELL SPAIGHT, OLB
Arkansas (6'0", 236 lbs.)
63 tackles / 1 sack / 2 FF
PROS
Good timing on interior blitzes. Closes with burst to RBs. Willing to take on FBs.
CONS
Doesn't have elite top-end speed (4.88 40).
NFL COMP
Omar Gaither
199 MAX VALLES, OLB
Virginia (6'5", 251 lbs.)
24 tackles / 9 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Can play with hand down or as stand-up LB. Wins battles with strength and speed.
CONS
Relies on athleticism.
NFL COMP
Connor Barwin
206 BRYCE HAGER, ILB
Baylor (6'1", 234 lbs.)
76 tackles / 2 sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Productive tackler; gets after the ball. Has speed and athleticism to cover.
CONS
Undersized; got held up by bigger defenders.
NFL COMP
Barrett Ruud
212 TREY DEPRIEST, ILB
Alabama (6'0", 254 lbs.)
41 tackles / 0 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Scrapes through traffic against the run. Has played in a ton of big games, had impactful moments.
CONS
A reach tackler who labors in space.
NFL COMP
Perry Riley
213 DEION BARNES, DE/OLB
Penn State (6'4", 260 lbs.)
20 tackles / 6 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Able to play as a standing rusher or with hand on the ground. Stood out against Big Ten foes.
CONS
Struggled in '13 when he became a focal point of opposing attacks.
NFL COMP
Tourek Williams
222 ALANI FUA, OLB
BYU (6'5", 238 lbs.)
29 tackles / 4 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Lined up all over in college. Could add weight/strength to his tall frame.
CONS
Where is his best fit?
NFL COMP
Manny Lawson
229 XZAVIER DICKSON, OLB
Alabama (6'3", 260 lbs.)
32 tackles / 9 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Takes good angles; has enough speed to track down plays on backside.
CONS
Lacks strength.
NFL COMP
Sam Acho
241 J.R. TAVAI, OLB
USC (6'2", 249 lbs.)
33 tackles / 7 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Uncanny knack for being involved in plays that swing games. Rarely wastes steps rushing QB.
CONS
Doesn't have great speed in pursuit.
NFL COMP
Carl Bradford
242 EDMOND ROBINSON, OLB
Newberry (6'3", 245 lbs.)
42 tackles / 2½ sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Length is a big part of intrigue; uses long arms effectively to wrap up RBs. Plenty of room to add muscle.
CONS
... Until then, doesn't have NFL strength.
NFL COMP
Spencer Paysinger
249 AMARLO HERRERA, ILB
Georgia (6'1", 244 lbs.)
44 tackles / 3 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Has juice as an interior pass rusher; never stops chasing plays, despite lacking ideal top-end speed.
CONS
Short with short arms. Not an imposing tackler.
NFL COMP
T.J. Slaughter
257 A.J. TARPLEY, ILB
Stanford (6'2", 241 lbs.)
41 tackles / 2 sacks / 0 FF
PROS
Excels because of intellect, technique. Form tackler knows how to move between gaps to follow play.
CONS
Athleticism is average. Not aggressive to the ball.
NFL COMP
Paul Posluszny
258 AARON DAVIS, OLB
Colorado State (6'0", 225 lbs.)
60 tackles / 0 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Presnap reads and tremendous instincts allow him to fly to the ball. Keen understanding of the game.
CONS
Instincts mask physical flaws: well under ideal size and speed to play LB.
NFL COMP
Ja'Gared Davis
261 JERMAURIA RASCO, DE/OLB LSU (6'3", 247 LBS.)
24 tackles / 4 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Benefited greatly from playing under DC John Chavis at LSU. Smart player; doesn't get easily fooled. Finds the ball well.
CONS
Short arms could be a liability at DE. Lacks explosiveness to shoot by blockers.
NFL COMP
Connor Barwin
274 JAMES VAUGHTERS, OLB
Stanford (6'2", 258 lbs.)
31 tackles / 6½ sacks / 2 FF
PROS
Delivers powerful, massive hits. Known as a very coachable player with a great attitude.
CONS
Has a tendency to trip up and lose sight of a play.
NFL COMP
Adrian Hubbard
288 DAMIEN WILSON, ILB
Minnesota (6'0", 245 lbs.)
63 tackles / 4 sacks / 1 FF
PROS
Takes good angles in pursuit; doesn't give up on plays run away from him. Shoots gaps well on blitzes.
CONS
Gets pushed around as an edge rusher.
NFL COMP
Danny Trevathan
294 TONY WASHINGTON, OLB
Oregon (6'4", 247 lbs.)
37 tackles / 6 sacks / 3 FF
PROS
Knows how to finish tackles, force turnovers.
CONS
Needs to improve his play speed and strength.
NFL COMP
Jordan Zumwalt
SECONDARY
11 TRAE WAYNES, CB
Michigan State (6'0", 186 lbs.)
34 tackles / 3 INTs / 8 PD
PROS
Thrived in MSU scheme that placed him on an island.
CONS
Pushes legal limit with his hand usage in coverage.
NFL COMP
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
15 LANDON COLLINS, SS
Alabama (6'0", 228 lbs.)
60 tackles / 3 INTs / 7 PD
PROS
Has the mentality of a 220-pound linebacker.
CONS
Eager to get downhill, exposing him in play-action.
NFL COMP
Donte Whitner
17 MARCUS PETERS, CB
Washington (6'0", 197 lbs.)
25 tackles / 3 INTs / 7 PD
PROS
Not hesitant to use his size in physical coverage.
CONS
Character concerns.
NFL COMP
Joe Haden
20 P.J. WILLIAMS, CB
Florida State (6'0", 194 lbs.)
52 tackles / 1 INT / 10 PD
PROS
Uses size to make himself an obstacle at line.
CONS
Jumps routes, vanishes in coverage on occasion.
NFL COMP
Xavier Rhodes
21 KEVIN JOHNSON, CB
Wake Forest (6'0", 188 lbs.)
32 tackles / 1 INT / 6 PD
PROS
Stood out on a dismal team. Smooth backpedaler.
CONS
Size leaves something to be desired; not enough bulk.
NFL COMP
Brent Grimes
40 JALEN COLLINS, CB
LSU (6'1", 203 lbs.)
28 tackles / 1 INT / 9 PD
PROS
Ideal frame and aggressiveness for NFL.
CONS
Can get lost when he backpedals to rhythm of play.
NFL COMP
Prince Amukamara
64 RONALD DARBY, CB
FLORIDA STATE (5'11", 195 LBS.)
28 tackles / 0 INTs / 4 PD
PROS
Has the game of a legit lockdown CB. College QBs stayed outside of Darby's area.
CONS
Has active hands but does not catch well. Physical NFL receivers could overwhelm him.
NFL COMP
Desmond Trufant
65 GEROD HOLLIMAN, FS
Louisville (6'0", 218 lbs.)
34 tackles / 14 INTs / 3 PD
PROS
Full-field speed; can transition in a flash from the deep third to the box.
CONS
Doesn't tackle often—or do it very well.
NFL COMP
Rahim Moore
69 ERIC ROWE, CB
Utah (6'1", 205 lbs.)
42 tackles / 1 INT / 13 PD
PROS
Employs long arms well to disrupt WRs off the line.
CONS
Needs to learn to use the sideline to help him defend.
NFL COMP
Byron Maxwell
70 DERRON SMITH, FS
Fresno State (5'10", 200 lbs.)
66 tackles / 1 INT / 7 PD
PROS
Looks like a WR tracking, making move on ball.
CONS
Takes himself out of position eyeing big plays.
NFL COMP
Louis Delmas
72 D'JOUN SMITH, CB
Florida Atlantic (5'10", 187 lbs.)
32 tackles / 1 INT / 8 PD
PROS
Keeps game in front of him. High-points ball well.
CONS
Gets stiff and abrupt in his backpedal at times.
NFL COMP
Josh Wilson
73 ALEX CARTER, CB
Stanford (6'0", 196 lbs.)
33 tackles / 1 INT / 9 PD
PROS
Nice combo of patient feet and quick hip turn.
CONS
No top gear to deal with speed WRs on deep routes.
NFL COMP
Byron Maxwell
75 QUINTEN ROLLINS, CB
Miami, Ohio (5'11", 195 lbs.)
53 tackles / 7 INTs / 9 PD
PROS
Thrives on footwork, rotating to track WRs.
CONS
More long-term project than instant-impact pick.
NFL COMP
Jeremy Lane
81 BYRON JONES, CB
UConn (6'1", 199 lbs.)
16 tackles / 2 INTs / 4 PD
PROS
One of the most athletic players in the draft.
CONS
Coming off late-season shoulder injury.
NFL COMP
Justin King
87 DAMARIOUS RANDALL, FS
Arizona State (5'11", 196 lbs.)
85 tackles / 3 INTs / 9 PD
PROS
Explosive tackler; good speed. Covers ground quickly.
CONS
Can be caught taking the bait on play-action.
NFL COMP
C.J. Spillman
88 JACOBY GLENN, CB
Central Florida (6'0", 179 lbs.)
34 tackles / 7 INTs / 11 PD
PROS
Aggressive tackler who plays bigger than his size.
CONS
Not a burner downfield.
NFL COMP
Logan Ryan
90 CODY PREWITT, FS
Ole Miss (6'2", 208 lbs.)
44 tackles / 3 INTs / 2 PD
PROS
Deciphers where a RB is headed, closes in a hurry.
CONS
Man-to-man, footwork can be exploited by fast WRs.
NFL COMP
Major Wright
91 SENQUEZ GOLSON, CB
Ole Miss (5'9", 176 lbs.)
33 tackles / 10 INTs / 8 PD
PROS
Good in run support; plays off-coverage very well.
CONS
You don't see a lot of 5'9" outside NFL corners.
NFL COMP
Brent Grimes
93 LORENZO DOSS, CB
Tulane (5'10", 182 lbs.)
36 tackles / 3 INTs / 9 PD
PROS
Played WR as high schooler; tracks ball like one.
CONS
Tends to lock on a man; suspect to RB misdirection.
NFL COMP
Josh Robinson
95 JAQUISKI TARTT, SS
Samford (6'1", 221 lbs.)
53 tackles / 1 INT / 1 PD
PROS
Big, tough specimen; plays up to his physique.
CONS
Not as fast as you'd like. Strictly a strong safety.
NFL COMP
Mark Barron
97 ANTHONY HARRIS, SS
Virginia (6'1", 183 lbs.)
49 tackles / 2 INTs / 10 PD
PROS
Outstanding read, recognition skills. Patient moving through blocks at line.
CONS
More of a tackle collaborator than instigator.
NFL COMP
Brock Vereen
102 IFO EXPRE-OLOMU, CB
Oregon (5'9", 195 lbs.)
43 tackles / 2 INTs / 9 PD
PROS
Arguably the top CB in this draft class before a December ACL tear.
CONS
Lacks size; speed is good, not great.
NFL COMP
Chris Harris
104 CHRIS HACKETT, FS
TCU (6'0", 195 lbs.)
51 tackles / 7 INTs / 6 PD
PROS
Lives on his instincts, with his outstanding forced-turnover numbers as proof.
CONS
Gambles without having recovery speed.
NFL COMP
James Ihedigbo
109 STEVEN NELSON, CB
Oregon State (5'10", 197 lbs.)
37 tackles / 2 INTs / 8 PD
PROS
Closes ground in a flash. Anticipates routes well.
CONS
Too many penalties.
NFL COMP
Alterraun Verner
118 CHARLES GAINES, CB
Louisville (5'10", 180 lbs.)
31 tackles / 2 INTs / 10 PD
PROS
Experience as WR shows in pattern recognition; adept at adjusting to routes.
CONS
Thin-limbed; struggles at times with tackling.
NFL COMP
Robert Alford
120 JOSH SHAW, CB
USC (6'0", 201 lbs.)
9 tackles / 0 INTs / 0 PD
PROS
Great size for an NFL DB; physical with receivers.
CONS
Red flag: suspended after fabricating a wild story.
NFL COMP
Antoine Cason
121 QUANDRE DIGGS, CB
Oregon (5'9", 196 lbs.)
52 tackles / 3 INTs / 5 PD
PROS
Tough and competitive; battles on every play.
CONS
Considered too slow for a player his size.
NFL COMP
Alfonzo Dennard
128 DURELL ESKRIDGE, FS
Syracuse (6'3", 208 lbs.)
47 tackles / 1 INT / 3 PD
PROS
Coveted frame for a DB. Changes directions fluidly; accelerates in a hurry.
CONS
Instincts: not NFL-caliber.
NFL COMP
Kam Chancellor
136 DORAN GRANT, CB
Ohio State (5'10", 200 lbs.)
49 tackles / 5 INTs / 9 PD
PROS
Physical, willing tackler. Good ball skills. Team leader.
CONS
Movement isn't especially natural.
NFL COMP
Chimdi Chekwa
141 JAMES SAMPLE, SS
Louisville (6'2", 209 lbs.)
74 tackles / 4 INTs / 8 PD
PROS
Good at reacting to plays, getting involved. Great range moving across field.
CONS
Lack of experience: one season as a starter.
NFL COMP
Bernard Pollard
142 KURTIS DRUMMOND, FS
MICH. STATE (6'1", 208 LBS.)
54 tackles / 4 INTs / 11 PD
PROS
Smart and instinctive. Good strength, athleticism, range. Could help teams that use split safeties.
CONS
Pressed too much last year, got burned.
NFL COMP
Louis Delmas
146 KEVIN WHITE, CB
TCU (5'9", 183 lbs.)
44 tackles / 2 INTs / 11 PD
PROS
Instinctive cover CB can blanket WRs with size. (Did so to other Kevin White in Nov.)
CONS
Issues keeping pace with quick, elusive WRs.
NFL COMP
Jason Verrett
150 ADRIAN AMOS, FS
Penn State (6'0", 218 lbs.)
30 tackles / 3 INTs / 7 PD
PROS
Versatile: Played CB and safety. Physical; not afraid to challenge WRs in close space.
CONS
The more you ask of him, the more likely he'll freeze up.
NFL COMP
Devin McCourty
156 JACOREY SHEPHERD, CB
Kansas (5'11", 199 lbs.)
23 tackles / 3 INTs / 16 PD
PROS
Outstanding ball skills. Anticipates routes, breaks toward the ball quickly.
CONS
Footwork needs honing.
NFL COMP
Carlos Rogers
161 IBRAHEIM CAMPBELL, SS
Northwestern (5'11", 208 lbs.)
39 tackles / 3 INTs / 3 PD
PROS
Very good instincts near the line and in centerfield. Explodes through runners.
CONS
Can be a bit stiff in coverage. Overfocuses on QB.
NFL COMP
Danieal Manning
162 LADARIUS GUNTER, CB
Miami (6'1", 202 Lbs.)
21 tackles / 2 INTs / 6 PD
PROS
Takes calculated risks, breaking on balls before they're thrown.
CONS
His 4.69 40 time shows.
NFL COMP
Tharold Simon
168 JORDAN RICHARDS, SS
Stanford (5'11", 211 lbs.)
53 tackles / 3 INTs / 5 PD
PROS
Extremely tough; seems to relish contact.
CONS
Subpar speed and size.
NFL COMP
Kurt Coleman
176 DONALD CELISCAR, CB
Western Mich. (5'11", 194 lbs.)
52 tackles / 4 INTs / 17 PD
PROS
Active hands. Sheds blockers well. Quick instincts.
CONS
Goes low on his tackles too often; leads with his head.
NFL COMP
Bené Benwikere
178 CLAYTON GEATHERS, SS
Central Florida (6'2", 218 lbs.)
58 tackles / 1 INT / 9 PD
PROS
NFL pedigree: Uncles Robert and Jumpy Geathers both played in the league.
CONS
Prone to make mistakes.
NFL COMP
Matt Elam
181 NICK MARSHALL, CB
Auburn (6'1", 207 lbs.)
0 tackles / 0 INTs / 0 PD
PROS
Converted QB unafraid to try anything asked of him.
CONS
Little experience getting hands on WRs at line.
NFL COMP
E.J. Biggers
186 ANTHONY JEFFERSON, CB
UCLA (6'1", 198 lbs.)
50 tackles / 1 INT / 8 PD
PROS
Good size for a DB; follows through on tackles.
CONS
His 4.72 combine 40 was very slow for a D-back.
NFL COMP
Jamarca Sanford
195 CRAIG MAGER, CB
Texas State (5'11", 201 lbs.)
46 tackles / 3 INTs / 10 PD
PROS
One of draft's most tested players: 48 games.
CONS
Dubious size, speed.
NFL COMP
Dwayne Gratz
201 IMOAN CLAIBORNE, CB
Northwestern State (5'11", 187 lbs.)
35 tackles / 4 INTs / 7 PD
PROS
Talented at disrupting routes, locating ball.
CONS
Not tested often in '14.
NFL COMP
Brent Grimes
205 KYSHOEN JARRETT, SS
Virginia Tech (5'10", 200 lbs.)
52 tackles / 3 INTs / 5 PD
PROS
Physical; hard hitter. Quick, good foot movement.
CONS
Ho-hum in man coverage.
NFL COMP
Devin McCourty
214 JERMAINE WHITEHEAD, FS
Auburn (5'11", 197 lbs.)
27 tackles / 6 INTs / 1 PD
PROS
Playmaking coverage safety with a knack for finding the ball in the air.
CONS
Attitude, coachability, size, physicality are concerns.
NFL COMP
Ron Parker
215 ERICK DARGAN, SS
Oregon (5'11", 210 lbs.)
61 tackles / 7 INTs / 6 PD
PROS
Expertly diagnoses and blows up misdirections.
CONS
Speed doesn't match mental aspects of his game.
NFL COMP
Patrick Chung
223 DAMIAN SWANN, CB
Georgia (6'0", 189 lbs.)
35 tackles / 4 INTs / 8 PD
PROS
Long and lanky. Plays high. Reads QB well in zone.
CONS
Flies around—not always in a way that makes sense.
NFL COMP
Aaron Ross
224 JUSTIN COX, FS
Miss. State (6'2", 180 lbs.)
15 tackles / 1 INT / 4 PD
PROS
Elite combine scores in the 40, vert and broad jumps.
CONS
Arrested in fall; pleaded down to trespassing.
NFL COMP
Reggie Nelson
233 DESHAZOR EVERETT, CB
Texas A&M (6'0", 193 lbs.)
51 tackles / 1 INT / 7 PD
PROS
Aggressive, physical; played with injuries at A&M.
CONS
Aggression far too often makes him a vulnerability.
NFL COMP
Buster Skrine
234 BRYCE CALLAHAN, CB
Rice (5'10", 185 lbs.)
39 tackles / 2 INTs / 7 PD
PROS
Transitions out of press coverage smoothly.
CONS
Taller WRs outjump him; physical WRs outfight him.
NFL COMP
Jerraud Powers
238 TEVIN MCDONALD, FS
EASTERN WASH. (5'11", 195 LBS.)
53 tackles / 3 INTs / 7 PD
PROS
Plays with instincts; quick to read and react. Solid speed that allows him to cover plenty of territory.
CONS
Size makes him a liability, especially near the line.
NFL COMP
Louis Delmas
248 BOBBY MCCAIN, CB
Memphis (5'9", 195 lbs.)
38 tackles / 5 INTs / 4 PD
PROS
Reads QB's eyes and breaks on ball well. Comes up in run support.
CONS
Size is costly, especially on the outside in red zone.
NFL COMP
Tramaine Brock
250 CAM THOMAS, CB
Western Ky. (6'1", 190 lbs.)
37 tackles / 2 INTs / 5 PD
PROS
Press man corner with NFL size. Fights to keep WRs from crossing his face.
CONS
Stiff hips; balance issues.
NFL COMP
David Amerson
252 JUSTIN COLEMAN, CB
Tennessee (5'11", 185 lbs.)
31 tackles / 4 INTs / 5 PD
PROS
One of the best all-around performances by any player at the combine.
CONS
Dives too often tackling.
NFL COMP
Jaylen Watkins
259 JULIAN WILSON, CB
Oklahoma (6'2", 205 lbs.)
32 tackles / 1 INT / 7 PD
PROS
Perfectly fits NFL trend of big, fast corners.
CONS
Struggled to stay with his man in pass coverage.
NFL COMP
Marcus Cooper
265 CODY RIGGS, CB
Notre Dame (5'9", 185 lbs.)
25 tackles / 1 INT / 3 PD
PROS
Smart; great technique. Recognizes routes well.
CONS
Vulnerable to jump balls.
NFL COMP
Darius Butler
270 BERNARD BLAKE, CB
Colorado State (6'0", 185 lbs.)
26 tackles / 1 INT / 11 PD
PROS
Skilled in man and zone coverage. Reads plays quickly and has good timing.
CONS
On the lighter end of this draft's CB class.
NFL COMP
Buster Skrine
275 GARRY PETERS, CB
Clemson (6'0", 191 lbs.)
35 tackles / 1 INT / 12 PD
PROS
Physical bump-and-run guy. Good eye in zone looks.
CONS
Lacks top-end speed.
NFL COMP
Cornelius Brown
289 RONALD MARTIN, SS
LSU (6'2", 220 lbs.)
25 tackles / 2 INTs / 9 PD
PROS
Stout stand-up tackler. Comfortable as deep rover.
CONS
Not physical in the box.
NFL COMP
Duron Harmon
292 TYE SMITH, CB
Towson (6'0", 195 lbs.)
57 tackles / 1 INT / 8 PD
PROS
Quick to recover, close down gaps on short and intermediate routes.
CONS
Mediocre tackler in run D.
NFL COMP
Jerraud Powers
295 DEAN MARLOWE, FS
James Madison (6'1", 203 lbs.)
59 tackles / 4 INTs / 5 PD
PROS
Eye for the big hit. Capable one-on-one in slot.
CONS
Ejected thrice for targeting in '14.
NFL COMP
Mike Mitchell
296 CURTIS RILEY, CB
Fresno State (6'0", 190 lbs.)
42 tackles / 0 INTs / 8 PD
PROS
Lays out for tackles without hesitation.
CONS
Doesn't always wrap well.
NFL COMP
Blidi Wreh-Wilson
299 DETRICK BONNER, FS
Virginia Tech (6'0", 207 lbs.)
41 tackles / 1 INT / 4 PD
PROS
Lauded by coaches as on-field communicator.
CONS
Reads QB's eyes poorly.
NFL COMP
Glover Quin
2014 FBS interceptions leader
GEROD HOLLIMAN 14
Top bench-press reps at combine
VIC BEASLEY & DEON SIMON 35
Top 40 time at combine
TRAE WAYNES 4.31
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