1.  Brian Orakpo, Texas
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 263, 40 - 4.70
Could play either DE in a 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4.  Proved at the Combine that he was the elite defensive end in this draft.  Looks like the man of steel and plays like Tarzan.  Hardworker who will be a vocal leader in the locker room.

2.  Tyson Jackson, LSU
Ht - 6-4, Wt - 296, 40 - 4.95
The top 3-4 DE in the draft, which should definitely help his stock as there are more and more teams switching to the 3-4.  A true coaches' player.  Is physical, tough, and a great leader, perfect attributes of a 3-4 end.  The end in the 3-4 gets the least praise, but does all the dirty work.

3.  Everette Brown, Florida St.
Ht - 6-1, Wt - 256, 40 - 4.73
Everette Brown is an unbelievable pass rusher and his speed and quickness are on an elite level. His spin move is one of the most unblock able moves in the entire country. He has very good initial quicks and never gives up on a play. He is not the heaviest defensive end and struggles at times in stopping the run, possibility due to his smaller size. His bet fit would probably be as an Outside Linebacker in a 3-4 scheme where he could use his speed to drop into coverage and his monstrous pass rushing skills to consistently pressure the quarterback.

4.  Aaron Maybin, Penn State
Ht - 6-4, Wt - 242, 40 - 4.65
Projects as an ideal 3-4 OLB.  Needs to prove himself in the workouts that he is not a one year wonder.  His redshirt sophomore season he had 12 sacks.

5.  Robert Ayers, Tennessee
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 272, 40 - 4.80
Can also play DT.  Was the Senior Bowl defensive MVP.  May be having the best offseason of any draft prospect in the draft.  Somewhat of a disappointment in college.  In his 4 years only recorded 9 sacks, and only 3 his senior season.  The past few months has shown though Ayers' best football is in front of him.

6.  Connor Barwin, Cincinnati - Interview
Ht - 6-4, Wt - 256, 40 - 4.66
Is projected more of an OLB in a 3-4 system.  After switching to defensive end from tight end his draft stock really blossomed.  After Aaron Curry, may have been the star of the Combine.  Teams may also use Barwin as their 3rd TE.  Recorded 11 sacks his senior season.

7.  Larry English, Northern Illinois
Ht - 6-2, Wt - 245, 40 - 4.85
Is being projected more of an outside linebacker.  Recorded 32.5 sacks in his career in college.  I think he will have a longer learning curve than prospects like Orakpo and Everette Brown at the 3-4 OLB position.  Will be a coverage liability.  I actually see a lot of David Pollack.  If English gains bulk, may actually be better at DE in a 4-3. 

8.  Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
Ht - 6-7, Wt - 260, 40 - 4.65
The most physically gifted player in the draft.  Has ideal size and speed you want from a defensive end.  Needs to be more physical at the line.  He has the size, he needs to use it.  Its alarming with his physical characteristics that he was a backup for his first 3 seasons at Tech. 

9.  Paul Kruger, Utah - Interview
Ht - 6-5, Wt - 265, 40 - 4.86
Took a 2 year mission trip, which is one of the main reasons he left after his redshirt sophomore season.  Had an off the field incident in which he was stabbed, but he was trying to protect a friend.  Don't believe the incident will affect his stock.  Also lost a kidney in a car accident.  Tough player who in only his 2 years of college experience proved himself.  Would have been great to see him face off against Andre Smith in the Sugar Bowl.  To bad Smith got suspended.

10.  Lawrence Sidbury Jr, DE, Richmond
Ht - 6-2, Wt - 264, 40 - 4.64
Quickest defense end in the draft.  Had 11.5 sacks last season.  Has great bulk for being only 6-2.  Could also be converted to OLB in a 3-4.  His speed should get him drafted in the 3rd round alone.  Small school prospect with a lot of potential.

11.  Dave Veikune, Hawaii
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 257, 40 - 4.87
Super strong defensive end that could play end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4.  Could even play defensive tackle.  Had 35 repetitions in the bench press at the Combine.  Reminds me a lot of Travis LaBoy who also went to Hawaii.

12.  Brandon Williams, Texas Tech
Ht - 6-5, Wt - 245, 40 - 4.75
Massive size and great junior year with 11 sacks.  Would have been better staying in school.  Will be drafted higher than expected because potential.   Could be a stud, but as easily a dud.

13.  Kyle Moore, USC
Ht - 6-5, Wt - 272, 40 - 4.90
Monstrous size with nice athleticism.  Was overshadowed on a defense with 3 linebackers who look to be first rounders.  With the depth at USC, only was a 2 year starter.  Could be a nice sleeper.  A sleeper from USC?  Well its hard to get any recognition with guys like Maualuga, Cushing, and Matthews.

14.  Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin
Ht - 6-6, Wt - 253, 40 - 4.75

15.  Michael Bennett, Texas A&M
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 274, 40 - 4.97

16.  Phillip Hunt, Houston
Ht - 6-2, Wt - 260, 40 - 4.70

17.  Zach Potter, Nebraska
Ht - 6-7, Wt - 280, 40 - 4.94
Stock has increased, looks to be an ideal 3-4 DE.

18.  Ian Campbell, Kansas St.
Ht - 6-4, Wt - 265, 40 - 4.85

19.  Derek Walker, Illinois
Ht - 6-4, Wt - 268, 40 - 4.96

20.  Pannel Egboh, Stanford
Ht - 6-6, Wt - 270, 40 - 4.85

21.  Will Davis, Illinois
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 268, 40 - 4.75

22.  Rulon Davis, California - Interview
Ht - 6-5, Wt - 280, 40 - 4.95
Served in Iraq.  Perfect for a 3-4 DE.  Super strong.  With his military experience is older than a normal prospect, but super hard worker and very good locker room presence. 

23.  Orion Martin, Virginia Tech
Ht - 6-2, Wt - 262, 40 - 4.78

24.  Stryker Sulak, Missouri
Ht - 6-5, Wt - 251, 40 - 4.77

25.  Henry Melton, Texas
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 260, 40 - 4.80

26.  Tim Jamison, Michigan
Ht - 6-3, Wt - 266, 40 - 4.69


Michael Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 6 rounds