NFL Football Preview

This year’s defensive line class is being called one of the deepest in league history. With both quality and quantity, teams looking to improve at this position are in luck. Without further adieu, here is a look at the top defensive line prospects for 2011.

The most well known lineman is Auburn’s Nick Fairley. The defensive tackle was a monster for the Tigers in his junior season, leading the defense and the team to a national title. He may need to put on a bit of weight and improve his work ethic to play the position in the pros, but with his quick burst and mean streak he should excel in a 4-3 scheme.

With the NFL currently in a lockout, free agency has been put on hold. That lack of player movement has placed even more importance on this year’s draft where teams will be looking to find immediate impact players. One of the sexiest positions is at wide receiver, where several high quality prospects will be available.

The number one receiving prospect was a sure thing a month ago, but another contender has thrown his hat in the ring. Georgia’s A.J. Green was expected by everyone to be the first player taken at his position based on his 6’4 frame and tremendous productivity in college. A poor showing at the combined, including a 4.50 second 40 yard dash time, has hurt his stock just a bit.

According to many pundits, drafting a running back in the early part of the draft is somewhat of a waste as these players are deemed almost interchangeable. However after quarterbacks, running backs may be the most important players on the team because of their ability to shoulder the load of a team’s identity. Here are look at some of the top running backs in this year’s draft.

Former Alabama star Mark Ingram is expected to be the first running back taken after a very productive career. Built with a low center of gravity, the wrecking ball has nifty feet and the ability to find the hole. His only problem is his lack of breakaway speed with a 40 yard dash time of 4.62.

This year’s class of tight ends is in danger of being the first in over ten years without a first round selection. The position is highly regarded as a weak one while other spots like defensive line have more first round talent. Tight ends are still an important part of today’s offenses though, and there are some players that can help a team at the next level.

This year’s draft class of quarterbacks does not have a consensus number one pick like in some years past, but there is plenty of talent that will cause teams to take a look. The most well known of the group is Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. The Heisman trophy winner and national champion dazzled in his only year of major college football. At 6’5 and 248 lbs. with a 4.56 time in the 40 yard dash and a gun for an arm, it will be very hard to pass on Newton’s potential and star quality.

Arizona Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals self destructed after the loss of Kurt Warner, and need a new quarterback to lead the team in the future. The jury is still out on last year’s rookie John Skelton, but it is likely the Cardinals will look to address this issue at some point in the draft. When picking fifth in the first round, it is likely Arizona will not be able to look past Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller. He is a tremendous pass rusher and brings young legs to a unit whose starters are both 34 years old.

Denver Broncos: With the second pick in the draft, the Broncos can basically get their choice of anyone they like. The team finished last in the NFL in sacks last year, so help on the defensive line (Nick Fairley, Da’Quan Bowers) is a definitely possibility. Other positions like safety and middle linebacker need some depth, but nobody at those positions deserves to be taken that high. Cornerback Patrick Peterson is also an option because of his special talent.

Houston Texans: Defense is the name of the game for the Houston Texans this year after fielding an extremely porous unit in 2010. The shift to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips adds to the need to focus on that side of the ball. The team has no true nose tackle and may need help at outside linebacker as well. The secondary has been perennially weak, so another corner or safety to assist last’s year first round pick Kareem Jackson would help.

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are on the league’s most solid teams, with few holes at any position. With tight end Tony Gonzalez getting up there in age, the team should consider bringing in some young talent at the position. Defensive end is also an area to add some youth as John Abraham is approaching his mid-30’s and likely won’t be able to maintain his high level of play.

Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore is mostly set at the skill positions, but needs to address their aging defense. Linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed are nearing the end of their careers, and three other members of the secondary are free agents so that area must be addressed. Nose tackle Haloti Ngata is also a free agent, but the team would be silly to not give him a long term deal. The offensive line may need a boost as well, with center Matt Birk a free agent and Michel Oher possibly switching to right tackle from the left side.