NFP Specialized Position Rankings

Interesting write up, never saw a list broken down like this but it is very informative.

What is the difference between a 5-technique DE and a regular DE?
Anyone know?
Wes some help please.

This is absolutely fantastic, and truthfully I find it much more useful and informative than a straight ranking.

Agree, 100%
No one else has anything like this, How are teams supposed to know who their team will like if they run a cover two or 3-4.

IF there is anyway we could go even more in-depth and do a top 10 or anything that would be great!

Thank heaven! I wasted my time with everyone else's regular same old rankings!

There is no way that Aaron Maybin played at more than 240 pounds for Penn State. He was listed at 236 until he started getting looks from the NFL.

I'll be interested to see his combine numbers if he weighs in around 250.

Wild Bill: Five-Technique DE's line up ove the offensive tackle, and their gap responsibilities are inside and outside the tackle.(the four and five techniuqes) Therefore, NFL teams looks for tall, long armed lineman that not only can hold the point of attack vs. the run and eat up blockers. But also, lineman that have the length to control blockers.

Joe: Good call, Maybin is actually training about 10 min. from where I live. I have heard he is trying to put on enough weight to play as a down DE in a 4-3. But as for now I think he needs to play as an outside linebacker. We will see at the combine though.

Boomer, JT:
Thanks guys, we are just trying to bring you guys the most informative draft coverage out there. IF you have any ideas feel free to post it.

5-Tech is outside shade on the OT (DE nose on outside shoulder of OT)

4-Tech is nose up on the OT.

Great way to get information about players for those that don't put a lot of time into the draft.
You will find players many have not heard of but are the top players for different positions.
A specific break down like this is good thing.

I'm a big fan of Jarron Gilbert 3-4 DE from SanJose ST, Jason Smith LT Baylor, B.J. Raji, Boston College,Ron Brace Boston College, Sammie Lee Hill, Everette Brown DE/OLB, Clay Mathews OLB in the draft for the Packers.

Jason Smith to me is the best LT in the draft Zone or not.
Ron Brace would be a very good mid round pick for a NT.
Sammie Lee Hill would also be a very good later round pick for a NT/DE in the 3-4, HUGE but very athletic and quick.
Everette Brown is the perfect OLB for the 3-4.
VERY strong , amazingly quick, has all the pass rush moves with the ability to play the run.
Jarron Gilbert to me is the best 3-4 DE prospect in the draft.
VERY disruptive, gets pressure makes tons of plays behind the line of schrimmage.

For the I'd love to see Jason Smith or Brown in the first, Gilbert in the second, Brace in the 3rd, Hill where every after that most likely the 5th round or later. One of the two 6th rounder for the Packers would be great.

Wild Bill,
Think of a 3-4 DE as a DT. 5-technique DE's must be stout at the point of attack and are aligned head up on the OT, most times. Priority is to control the run gaps. Obviously in that job description, size/strength are more of a factor. You're looking at a player who should be 280-300 lbs and be able to defeat doubles. It's a much more physical task then what is required of a 4-3 DE, who is rushing from the edge either wide of the OT or over the TE. This is referred as the 7-technique.

Teams that play a 3-4 scheme use what's called a two-gap technique, which asks the NT to fill the A gaps on either side of the C and for the DE's to handle the B and C gaps between the OG and OT and outside the OT. The concept is to fill those gaps and prevent the OL from reaching the 2nd level. This in turn creates lanes to the football for your ILB's. Your LB's are your playmakers in a 3-4.

Hope this helps.

awesome stuff

Wes you are quickly becoming my favorite source for draft info. You break it down how i'd assume an NFL team would which is great to look at.

I Find it interesting that Monroe isn't on your ZBS list, he seems like a good fit to me, why do you feel he isn't even in the Top 5?

Awesome stuff again Wes. Keep pumping out the draft info. I can't get enough.

I think Rudi Carpenter may be the QB steal of the draft; especially considered as a WC offensive QB. The reason, the guy can take a hit, and has that competitive drive and fire.
He reminds me a lot of Rich Gannon. If Kurt Warner and Jeff Garcia prove they can take a hit and display that competitive drive and fire the way that Gannon and Carpenter show, there would be no question they'd be going to the HoF. Look out for where Carpenter lands!