The secondary rules: this year, NFL teams will look to defensive backs like Antrel Rolle to bolster their defenses

Football Digest, June, 2005

Scouting reports by the editors of FOOTBALL DIGEST

AFTER SO MANY DEFENSIVE rookies had an impact in the NFL last season--from Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams to Dunta Robinson and Michael Boulware--look for teams to concentrate heavily on finding prospects who can step right in during 2005.

Many of those players once again will play in the defensive backfield, where even an undrafted yougster. Randall Gay, started for the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. This year's crop features safeties Thomas Davis of Georgia, Brodney Pool of Oklahoma, and Dustin Fox of Ohio State. Top cornerbacks who could be factors right away in the league include Antrel Rolle of Miami, Justin Miller of Clemson, and Carlos Rogers of Auburn.

But the big guys won't be ignored, either, although this is not as deep a class at tackle as in recent years. It is strong at the top, though, and two-time national champion Southern California offers a couple of studs in Mike Patterson and end Shaun Cody. Georgia's David Pollack, LSU's Marcus Spears, Oklahoma's Dan Cody, Wisconsin's Erasmus James, and Antaaj Hawthorne also will go quickly.

Here are our position-by-position rankings of the top defensive prospects:

ENDS

1. ERASMUS JAMES, WISCONSIN, 6'4", 265 POUNDS

The cornerstone of a superb defensive line, he uses quickness and guile to penetrate blocking schemes and get to the quarterback. James won't be overpowered by offensive linemen, either. Look for him to cause some turnovers with his hits on quarterbacks.

2. MARCUS SPEARS, LSU, 6'3", 300

Some scouts like him more than James because he can move inside on passing downs and will be disruptive from either spot. A big-play defender who once was a tight end, Spears has quickness, power, and versatility. He or James could be the first defender chosen overall.

3. SHAUN CODY, USC, 6'2", 295

Another big-play Trojan, Cody is quick and intelligent and experienced. He might wind up playing inside, but his burst off the ball suits him well on the outside, particularly against the run. Nobody will outwork this guy.

4. JUSTIN TUCK, NOTRE DAME, 6'5", 255

Yes, the Irish do have pro prospects, even if they have been a mediocre operation for years. Tuck comes out of his stance so quickly he can blow past blockers. He's also able to handle the run, although it's not his forte.

5. DAN CODY, OKLAHOMA, 6'3", 262

This Cody is a hard worker who has overcome clinical depression to become one of the nation's best defenders. He understands his position and is equally effective against the run and the pass. He'll be more of a situational player early on, but he should have a long, successful NFL career.

OTHERS TO WATCH: Matt Roth, Iowa; Chris Canty, Virginia; David Pollack; Georgia; Ryan Riddle, Cal; Demarcus Ware, Troy State.

TACKLES

1. MIKE PATTERSON, USC, 5'11", 292

Patterson was a mainstay on two championship teams and a leader of the Trojans. He also comes off a strong postseason. Patterson might need to bulk up a bit, but he more likely will play under 300 pounds in a one-gap system and use his speed and moves to be disruptive.

2. ANTTAJ HAWTHORNE, WISCONSIN, 6'2", 320

One of several defensive tackles who boosted his stock with a strong 2004 season, Hawthorne is aggressive and has some versatility. He has a nice bull-rush, and when he is going full-force--not always a given for him--he can dominate. He should be a factor against the run immediately.

3. TRAVIS JOHNSON, FLORIDA STATE, 6'3", 291

Although he isn't real experienced, Johnson comes off a tremendous season. The FSU coaching staff got him more interested in football in 2004, and his stock shot up. His speed and power will suit him well as a tackle in the pros; he might even become a starter as a rookie.

4. RONALD FIELDS, MISSISSIPPI STATE, 6'1", 310

If Fields is in top shape, he can be dominant against the run. But he has had weight issues and also doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher. He could be a nose tackle in the pros, but unless he stays in shape he won't be a three-down player.

5. JONATHAN BABINEAUX, IOWA, 6'1", 230

He was a bit overshadowed by teammate Matt Roth, but Babineaux knows how to find the ball and is very effective as a sack threat. He could play some end, too, although he'll be more of a situational player early on. Babineaux needs to get stronger, but guards will struggle with his speed.

OTHERS TO WATCH: C.J. Mosley, Missouri; Jason Jefferson, Wisconsin; Santonio Thomas, Miami; Darrell Shropshire, South Carolina; Luis Castillo, Northwestern.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

1. DERRICK JOHNSON, TEXAS, 6'2", 230

Despite being bit more inconsistent than he should be, Johnson is the top talent at the position. He could play some pass-rushing end in a 3-4 but fits best at weakside linebacker to use his all-around skills. He'll be a ballhawk, too.

2. SHAWNE MERRIMAN, MARYLAND, 6'3", 250

Merriman also could wind up at end in a 3-4 defense. He reminds some scouts of John Abraham, but he probably has more coverage skills than Abraham. Merriman hits a ton and is smart enough to handle end or linebacker, especially when he's rushing the passer.