When you study Defensive End in college it can be challenging as you try and translate them to the NFL. Here are a few things I look for when studying tape:

1. Athletic Ability - which means how quickly do they get off the ball and can they redirect. Often times teams will make their decision based on the results of the combine. The combine is an athletic event it tells you nothing about football. The only way to dissect a player is to watch tape. How do they perform on the field?
2. How well do they use their hands and do they play with leverage?
3. What kind of pass rushing moves do they currently have?
4. Can they play the run and get off a block with explosiveness?
5. What kind of motor does the player have?

Here are my breakdowns:

1.  Everette Brown, Florida State – the first thing I noticed on tape is that he has more than one pass rushing skill, in fact he has a great dip move and spin move like Dwight Freeney. He also has an above average swim move and a rip move which helps him get to the inside and outside of pass rushers. He will need to put some significant time working on playing the run but was better than most of the guys I watched.

2.    Brian Orakpo, Texas - Brian has the athletic ability to play outside LB and that just might be where he ends up. I thought he showed great burst and a very good motor, although he does not have the pass rushing skills of Everette he does have nice burst up field and uses his hands well to get inside with rip moves.  Needs work on getting off blocks in the run game.

3.    Aaron Maybin, Penn State – this guy can flat out run and gets out of his stance quick but that is just about where it ends.  I think most TE in the Big Ten are still blocking him, he will need serious work on playing the run and his pass rushing skills are one dimensional.  He has a good motor when it looks like he is going to make a play but once someone hits him in the mouth that V8 motor turns into a 4 cylinder.

4.    Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond - Lawrence has flashes where he looks good and shows tremendous athletic ability during run plays but he has no real good pass rushing moves.  His upside is he does play with leverage and will bull rush players at times, but looks lost on a lot of plays and out of position. Also, for a guy coming in at 266 he does not play the run strong enough to make an impact on the line.

5.    Tyson Jackson, LSU - no way can Tyson play DE in a 4-3 in the NFL. He is not athletic enough and does not have good enough hands or hips therefore he does not move very well and does not have great balance. He seemed to end up on the ground a lot and that is not good for any football player.  He did play tackle at times and even struggled there in college. Tyson might have a chance as a mid to late round pick if he plays DE in a 3-4 scheme.