OT:2010 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen

[Doug]

2010 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen
By: Roshan Bhagat
Top Defensive Ends:

Age as of 9/1/09. All free agents listed here are done so with an optimistic outlook that a new CBA will be agreed upon. Accordingly, only four accrued seasons are necessary to obtain an Unrestricted Free Agency status on this list.

Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers (29)
Playing on a franchise tender, an enormous one-year contract, Peppers has continued to play at a high level. He has sacks in his last 3 games and a total of 6 through 6 games. In addition, offenses are finding the least success running to his side. The Panthers could possibly go through the same saga as last offseason with Peppers, especially given the rough season they’ve had so far. He’s a streaky player and teams should be weary giving top dollar, a long extension, and possibly compensation to a player approaching an age where some defensive ends tend to fall off. Peppers has the elite athletic ability to overcome this, but it’s another idea to keep in mind.

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos (25)
The Broncos will have to throw a lot of cash Dumervil’s way to keep him. The league’s leading pass rusher is on pace to break records and has shown a natural transition to OLB, another position many critics said he couldn’t play. Playing a position of great need in any good 3-4 defense, Dumervil will sit with a lot of leverage if a CBA is agreed upon and he is able to become an unrestricted free agent.

Aaron Kampman, Green Bay
Kampman’s transition to OLB hasn’t been the smoothest, but he’s finally starting to find his groove on Capers’ defense in the last few weeks. He has only 2.5 sacks on the year, but has gotten good pressure and many hits throughout the season. In the last few weeks, he’s turned it up a notch because Capers has allowed Kampman to play with his hand in the dirt more often on obvious passing downs. The strengths and weaknesses of Kampman are apparent, but he’s done a pretty nice job doing something he’s not all that comfortable with – standing up. Deciding whether to re-sign Kampman will be the Packers’ most intriguing play this offseason and Kampman’s reaction to continuing to play in the 3-4 will be just as interesting.


Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans (30)
Like the Titans, Vanden Bosch has struggled to get to the quarterback. With only 4.5 sacks in his last 16 games, Vanden Bosch is no longer the feared pass rusher he was a couple years back. He has gotten some decent pressure and a couple hits on the quarterback, but nothing to really show for it. The team has reportedly begun contract talks with his agent, but the two sides could be far apart considering the lack of real production. Still, the Titans do have interest in keeping him in Tennessee.

Leonard Little, St. Louis Rams (34)
Under Steve Spagnuolo, Little has started all 7 games this year, recording 4 sacks and a pick six in the process. For the one time elite defensive end, it’s the most productive season he’s had in 3 years when he notched 12.5 sacks. There’s little left in the tank and it’s unsure whether the Rams will renew his contract at year’s end. Little has been a career-long Ram, so that may factor into his plans if St. Louis does decide to let him walk. He may retire, stay with the Rams or try to land a spot in a rotation for a Championship contender in hopes of adding one more ring to his collection.

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears (32)
Starting with a pass rushing clinic in the season opener versus Green Bay, Ogunleye is just half a sack off his pace from last year, though he’s gotten all 4.5 sacks in just 2 games. The Bears have Alex Brown, Mark Anderson, and Gaines Adams all at defensive end. If Adams or Anderson emerges down the stretch, the Bears would have less a need for Ogunleye who could be one of the better mid-level veterans on the market.

Other Notable Free Agents:

Mark Anderson, Chicago Bears (26)
Derrick Burgess, New England Patriots (31)
Phillip Daniels, Washington Redskins (36)
Ryan Denney, Buffalo Bills (32)
Ray Edwards, Minnesota Vikings (24)
Jarvis Green, New England Patriots (30)
James Hall, St. Louis Rams (32)
Reggie Hayward, Jacksonville Jaguars (30)
Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans (32)
Travis Kirschke, Pittsburgh Steelers (34)
Anthony Montgomery, Washington Redskins (25)
Chike Okeafor, Arizona Cardinals (33)
Marcus Spears, Dallas Cowboys (26)
Darryl Tapp, Seattle Seahawks (24)

ME: With Okeafor getting older,I'm not sure we would want to resign him unless he comes back and keeps playing well.Maybe as a backup next season?

I do see a couple guy's I'd love to have in Red & White next year though.

We've got bigger fish to fry one week at a time this year.We need our guys back healthy for the 3 runningback games in a row and also 4 out of 5 away games now.

My personal opinion in the last 3 games the saints have started to show cracks and I think the vikes will be the real big test at the end of the season.I've noticed the saints had big trouble with the Dolphins then panthers then the RAMS??? Maybe things are starting to give way there.We'll see. The vikings game is gonna be huge and not a throw away game like we had in the jets,pats,vikes etc... games we had last year.

Lots to look forward too.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

No thanks. I am fully convinced that your defensive lineman, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks need to be home grown through the draft.

 

[Doug]

No thanks. I am fully convinced that your defensive lineman, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks need to be home grown through the draft.

I fully agree on cornerbacks and we are super blessed to have two of the very best prospects in the whole league in DRC and Toler.Homegrown as you said.

Its taken a while but Branch is starting to pick up the pace.Can he take the full next step into Dockett talent? Thats the question.If we had a healthy Gabe Watson I'd judge him more fairly this year.Until his knee is 100% I won't.

We are gonna be in a major bind next year in the LB spot and may have to break the rules a bit to get to the point where Will Davis and Cody Brown are our starters.Boy won't that be awesome.I'm also thinking of getting Gerald Hayes a decent backup due to his yearly battles with injury.I know I did'nt post lb's but some of these guys are playing OLB positions.

Wish we had the money and ability to put the 3rd franchise lock on Dansby but I think he has a clause(and I'm probably wrong) that he can't be franchised this year.I know you can do it 3 times normally,unless its written in your contract.

I just feel this team is so loaded right now that we could be a yearly SB contender if we can just extend this group into next year.Probably gonna need a FA OLT if not Keith.I love the fact of the depth we had available so we did'nt collapse with the injuries to Hayes and Okeafor in one week.

This is one roster where its gonna always be tough to make the 53 man squad from now on.Great job to Billy,Graves,Coach Whiz and staff.

Although DCR you've got to realize we've got greybeard through free agency and He may with help get us the Lombardi.Who knows? The SB last year was'nt too bad either.Never count him out.Everytime he's played 16 games in a year he's gone to the superbowl......So Far.3 Times already.

Yes I know we have Matt fully ready to take over once Kurt is done.I'm totally down with that and he'll be more than ready and capable.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

ME: With Okeafor getting older,I'm not sure we would want to resign him unless he comes back and keeps playing well.Maybe as a backup next season?

He shouldn't be on the list. He's now a 3-4 OLB.

 

[joeshmo]

Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers (29) – Reported to actually want to play in a 3-4 defense like he see’s Ware and Suggs playing in. Dude is an athletic freak but I have my doubts he can play standing up a hole game at 285 pounds. Plus every year someone is calling him out for not playing, taking plays off, and it is clear to see that he does in face become invisible for long stretches at a time. I think he goes the way of Albert Haynesworth, work his butt off the year before he gets to get a new contract, collects 40 mill guaranteed then disappears. I keep my 40 mill guaranteed he will command and get and spend in on someone else.

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos (25) – He will be franchised and it will be easy for Denver to do considering they will only have to pay him LB franchise tag tender and not DL franchise tag tender. 8 to 9 mill is pretty easy to swallow for this guy and Denver will do it.

Everyone else on the list are either done, proven they don’t work in a 3-4 already, or completely ill-suited to play the 3-4. But there are some interesting ones on the list to bring in as swingman DL depth, depending on what we do with the old Robinson who will be a FA as well.

I would also like to bring back Okeafer at the same low price as Haggans to continue to start until a rookie, Will Davis, or Cody Brown are ready to start then become a key backup. Haggans can also play WILB if we don’t find a replacement for Dansby which means Okeafer is again needed to fill out the OLB depth with youngsters Brown and Davis plus most likely another rookie, since Berry will most likely not be re-signed, and even decent 3-4 OLB’s that can also rush the passer are very hard to find in free agency, in fact almost impossible.

 

[Doug]

Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers (29) – Reported to actually want to play in a 3-4 defense like he see’s Ware and Suggs playing in. Dude is an athletic freak but I have my doubts he can play standing up a hole game at 285 pounds. Plus every year someone is calling him out for not playing, taking plays off, and it is clear to see that he does in face become invisible for long stretches at a time. I think he goes the way of Albert Haynesworth, work his butt off the year before he gets to get a new contract, collects 40 mill guaranteed then disappears. I keep my 40 mill guaranteed he will command and get and spend in on someone else.

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos (25) – He will be franchised and it will be easy for Denver to do considering they will only have to pay him LB franchise tag tender and not DL franchise tag tender. 8 to 9 mill is pretty easy to swallow for this guy and Denver will do it.

Everyone else on the list are either done, proven they don’t work in a 3-4 already, or completely ill-suited to play the 3-4. But there are some interesting ones on the list to bring in as swingman DL depth, depending on what we do with the old Robinson who will be a FA as well.

I would also like to bring back Okeafer at the same low price as Haggans to continue to start until a rookie, Will Davis, or Cody Brown are ready to start then become a key backup. Haggans can also play WILB if we don’t find a replacement for Dansby which means Okeafer is again needed to fill out the OLB depth with youngsters Brown and Davis plus most likely another rookie, since Berry will most likely not be re-signed, and even decent 3-4 OLB’s that can also rush the passer are very hard to find in free agency, in fact almost impossible.

Thankyou for your ALWAYS incitefull and almost overly informative reply post Joe.You are by far the biggest asset to any message board that has you posting on it you big meanie.I agree with everything you said above.I did'nt write the post above but thought it had over a ton of bigtime names that are coming to big decision time to hangem' up or continue to play for less.

I'd like to see same list of Free Agent 3-4 linebackers before I make my final belief that there is no one we can seek out for help if certain things don't go our way in the offseason.Depth is gonna be key and I know Whiz does'nt want to go back to a 4-3 after what he knows what we can do in a good schemed 3-4.Like you said its so tough to keep and find the linebackers to fit the system.Plus keeping depth,since so many are running it.A talented team scout is worth his weight in gold to find the right guys in the draft.With the rising price of gold thats saying a lot.

I'm sure your wife has told you a million times you should have been a scout or coach.Hope we can let bygones be bygones.I really enjoy reading what you have to say.You just don't do it enough.Would love to see your evaluation on the other LB Free Agents for 2010.Thanks.

 

[Catfish]

Doug and Joeshmo-----what are your thoughts on the Bears, Mark Anderson ??????? I don't know anything about him, but thought he had a decent game against us.

 

[SuperSpck]

Doug and Joeshmo-----what are your thoughts on the Bears, Mark Anderson ??????? I don't know anything about him, but thought he had a decent game against us.

He'd have to be an OLB in the scheme. Not sure if he's ever played LBer at any level.
It depends how he'd be in coverage.

 

[joeshmo]

Doug and Joeshmo-----what are your thoughts on the Bears, Mark Anderson ??????? I don't know anything about him, but thought he had a decent game against us.

I think I would rather draft a rookie at that point in time. Has the body type to be a 3-4 OLB, but none of the skill sets since he has never played LB before. Add to that after his huge breakout rookie year he has done nothing three years straight. Not sure how a guy can go from rookie phenom to non existence in such a short time, something is wrong there mentally or physically, not sure which.

 

[Early]

3-4 OLBs best/most wanted passrush move is the bullrush.

You get left alone with RBs much much much more often than DEs ever try, and quiet many sacks come from these situations altough not all offcourse, the O-Line sometimes succesfully shift and assignments still many times get it correctly with the blitzing OLB being blocked by a lineman and not RB. But still it occurs every game that the OLB ends alone with the RB. For that, the bullrush has by far always been the most dominant, cause there is no time to make the other moves + you are on the run which makes them much harder to execute than when you just get off the line with your hand down. Look at Harrison for example. Its all about speed and power.

That's why we drafted Cody Brown in the first place = Bullrush and potential to drop back

A freak at that is Kampan and i'd love to see him being a Cardinal. There is no RB that can block him

Julius Peppers is more a finess type of lineman, but i wouldnt be worried about him dropping back, i dont care he is 285, the way he reads screens and covers flat zones, i mean no defensive end in NFL can do it like that with that athelticism. He is really a great great allaround DE

Offcourse our OLBs are also asked to play with a hand down sometimes, we are no exclusive 34 team, and a sure battle with a tackle results in those situations, and they need to have that ability as well offcourse.

Kampman on other hand has been horrible in dropping back ... Horrible is the word...

The more i look into it, the best thing to do is draft a OLB once again, and hope Cody Brown and Will Davis contribute next year. Okeafor still needs and will be in there, he is a great OLB, and Haggans is having a monster year so far. Im not so worried, it looks good

An ILB and OLB is a need for the coming draft. Add to that Highmisth and Cody/ Davis and it looks great

 

[joeshmo]

WILB - Dansby - FA - 95% chance he is gone IMO.
OLB - Okeafer - FA - 50% chance he is done either because we just want to go younger or he doesn't except a similar deal to what Haggans extended for.
OLB - Berry - FA - 75% chance he is gone.

Leaves us with this depth chart of LB's under contract or are RFA's/EFA's for 2010 -

WOLB - Empty - Cody Brown
WILB - Empty - Highsmith
SILB - Hayes - Walker
SOLB - Haggans - Will Davis

Since this thread was brought about because of the future Linebacker situation I thought this would be a good spot to mention some of the 2010 LB's I am really digging right now and some that I think are vastly overrated for the WILB and WOLB positions we need to fill.

The overated list -

DE/OLB - Greg Hardy - I like him as a prospect but while some are saying he could be a 3-4 OLB prospect I think he needs to keep his hand on the ground and stay a 4-3 DE.
DE/OLB - Sergio Kindle - Big drop off from junior to Senior years. Only has 3 sacks this season. I am very leary of guys whos production drops drastically. Tells me one of two things, its a motivational issue which is bad or they simply cant handle being the guy teams focus on now. They didnt make that jump from awesome unknown to guy who can still be productive regardless of being schemed against. They were not able to make that jump making me wonder if they can make that jump to the NFL. Not a 1st round prospect and I think he will fall just like Everette Brown, Michael Johnson, and Quinten Groves before him. All of which have proven so far why they fell out of the 1st round.
DE/OLB - Georgie Selvie - Dude isn't even on my draft board. He is Micheal Johnson part two. All the athletic ability in the world but zero production, tons of injuries, and takes most plays off.
ILB - Sean Lee - Needs to stay in a 4-3 scheme.

Guys I am digging right now -

ILB - Rolando McLain and Brandon Spikes - Both are just complete linebackers IMO. Some pass rush skills, run stuffing skills, can drop into coverage, physical abilities, and so on. I think either one would be perfect replacements to take over for Dansby as a WILB. Both being able to start and make an impact from day one.

ILB - Sean Weatherspoon - He does seem to run around a pile sort of like the same knock that Derrick Johnson of Texas had when he came out, but this guy just has a nose for the football. I like him a lot for his tackling technique, smart play, and speed. But there are some knocks that might keep me from pulling the trigger if I were the Cards, coverage ability is lacking and he is kind of short at 6 foot tall.

DE/OLB - Ricky Sapp, Jerry Hughes, Eric Norwood - All three are super productive, skilled pass rushers, all three play the DE spot and set the edge very well for their relative small stature compared to normal sized DE's (all three in the 250 range). All three just look like the play with an attitude, hard work, and hustle, but back it up with production.

ILB - AD Edds - Not the tackling machine like other LB's are but he just does every thing well. Jack of all trades type LB you look for in a WILB. Great size at 6-4 250, good speed measurables, technically sound tackler, hits with authority, good in coverage, plays smart, and always around the ball. One knock is that he could use some more pass rush work. But I like this kid a lot, maybe more then the more productive tackling machine Weatherspoon.

DE/OLB - Jermaine Cunningham - Plays opposite of the much publisized Carlos Dunlap. Personally every time I watch a gator game I think this Cunningham kid is outplaying the far more athletic and talked about Dunlap. Cunningham has more tackles, sacks, hurries, and tackles for loss then the muc more talk about guy opposite of him. Its about time people start talking more about this kid to.

Finally for some sleepers, keep an eye and ear out for three Troy linebackers - Boris Lee(ILB), Cameron Shefield (DE/OLB), and Brandon Lang a guy who is oddly similar to another Troy prospect from the past Demarcus Ware. Lang along with Shefield looks a whole lot like another Tory duo who played together for one season - Osi Umenyiora and Demarcus Ware.

I am telling you right now it looks like a great year for LB prospects in the 2010 draft.

 

[overseascardfan]

No thanks. I am fully convinced that your defensive lineman, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks need to be home grown through the draft.

Agreed. There are a lot of 3-4 OB/DE's in this draft:

Sergio Kindle - TEX
Brandon Graham - MICH (my vote for our 1st round pick)
Jerry Hughes - TCU
Dexter Davis -ASU (would like to see him in Cardinal red too)
George Selvie - S FLA

Let Berry & Okeafor go, draft a couple of these guys to compete with Brown & Davis.

 

[Early]

Great scouting list there, i haven't been looking much at 10 prospect. I think you are wrong about Everette Brown tough, he has played very well for Carolina, he has tons of QB pressures so far. Their fans are very impressed with him

genereally the rule is that you will have a hard time if you are a passrushing rookie in the NFL. It is extremely rare that you have a great first year.

 

[Early]

Also with the production thing. calais Campbell had a very bad last year in college, where his production fell off. We took him despite that.

Sometimes production falls of due to much focus on the kid or whatever i dont know. In general if you have one good year, you have shown that you can play.

Not that i know anything about Kindle.

 

[Catfish]

Wow !!!!! Joeshmo----I was aware that you are the world's most superb resident capologist, but this post is so far over-the-top good that I am in total awe right now. You watch games with the eye of an eagle sir. As one who has always taken pride in my powers of observation, I salute you sir. By comparison, I am but a tiny twinkle in the night while you bring down the rays of the sun. Many thanks to Doug for coaxing you to bring this out today. You really should post like this more often sir, you truly have a special gift. Thank you for your wonderful insight.

 

[Russ Smith]

What do people think of Brian Price from UCLA? He reminds me of Dockett but he's heavier, needs to get in better shape. He's a DT at UCLA but I wonder if he might be able to play some 3-4 DE in our scheme, seems to be a good athlete just not in good shape.

 

[joeshmo]

Also with the production thing. calais Campbell had a very bad last year in college, where his production fell off. We took him despite that.

Campbells production can be explained though. It went down because he played a lot of DT for Miami because of a lot of injuries. With being a DT comes less opportunity for measureable stats then DE. Campbell was also asked and obliged to gain weight to play DT. Of which did not sit well on his body.

 

[joeshmo]

What do people think of Brian Price from UCLA? He reminds me of Dockett but he's heavier, needs to get in better shape. He's a DT at UCLA but I wonder if he might be able to play some 3-4 DE in our scheme, seems to be a good athlete just not in good shape.

Got to say I don't think I have watched a single UCLA game this year yet. But I remember him from last year thinking if this kid wasn't so chunky UCLA could be on to something.

He is a junior though, do you think he would actually come out?

 

[Shogun]

WILB - Dansby - FA - 95% chance he is gone IMO.
OLB - Okeafer - FA - 50% chance he is done either because we just want to go younger or he doesn't except a similar deal to what Haggans extended for.
OLB - Berry - FA - 75% chance he is gone.

Leaves us with this depth chart of LB's under contract or are RFA's/EFA's for 2010 -

WOLB - Empty - Cody Brown
WILB - Empty - Highsmith
SILB - Hayes - Walker
SOLB - Haggans - Will Davis

Since this thread was brought about because of the future Linebacker situation I thought this would be a good spot to mention some of the 2010 LB's I am really digging right now and some that I think are vastly overrated for the WILB and WOLB positions we need to fill.

The overated list -

DE/OLB - Greg Hardy - I like him as a prospect but while some are saying he could be a 3-4 OLB prospect I think he needs to keep his hand on the ground and stay a 4-3 DE.
DE/OLB - Sergio Kindle - Big drop off from junior to Senior years. Only has 3 sacks this season. I am very leary of guys whos production drops drastically. Tells me one of two things, its a motivational issue which is bad or they simply cant handle being the guy teams focus on now. They didnt make that jump from awesome unknown to guy who can still be productive regardless of being schemed against. They were not able to make that jump making me wonder if they can make that jump to the NFL. Not a 1st round prospect and I think he will fall just like Everette Brown, Michael Johnson, and Quinten Groves before him. All of which have proven so far why they fell out of the 1st round.
DE/OLB - Georgie Selvie - Dude isn't even on my draft board. He is Micheal Johnson part two. All the athletic ability in the world but zero production, tons of injuries, and takes most plays off.
ILB - Sean Lee - Needs to stay in a 4-3 scheme.

Guys I am digging right now -

ILB - Rolando McLain and Brandon Spikes - Both are just complete linebackers IMO. Some pass rush skills, run stuffing skills, can drop into coverage, physical abilities, and so on. I think either one would be perfect replacements to take over for Dansby as a WILB. Both being able to start and make an impact from day one.

ILB - Sean Weatherspoon - He does seem to run around a pile sort of like the same knock that Derrick Johnson of Texas had when he came out, but this guy just has a nose for the football. I like him a lot for his tackling technique, smart play, and speed. But there are some knocks that might keep me from pulling the trigger if I were the Cards, coverage ability is lacking and he is kind of short at 6 foot tall.

DE/OLB - Ricky Sapp, Jerry Hughes, Eric Norwood - All three are super productive, skilled pass rushers, all three play the DE spot and set the edge very well for their relative small stature compared to normal sized DE's (all three in the 250 range). All three just look like the play with an attitude, hard work, and hustle, but back it up with production.

ILB - AD Edds - Not the tackling machine like other LB's are but he just does every thing well. Jack of all trades type LB you look for in a WILB. Great size at 6-4 250, good speed measurables, technically sound tackler, hits with authority, good in coverage, plays smart, and always around the ball. One knock is that he could use some more pass rush work. But I like this kid a lot, maybe more then the more productive tackling machine Weatherspoon.

DE/OLB - Jermaine Cunningham - Plays opposite of the much publisized Carlos Dunlap. Personally every time I watch a gator game I think this Cunningham kid is outplaying the far more athletic and talked about Dunlap. Cunningham has more tackles, sacks, hurries, and tackles for loss then the muc more talk about guy opposite of him. Its about time people start talking more about this kid to.

Finally for some sleepers, keep an eye and ear out for three Troy linebackers - Boris Lee(ILB), Cameron Shefield (DE/OLB), and Brandon Lang a guy who is oddly similar to another Troy prospect from the past Demarcus Ware. Lang along with Shefield looks a whole lot like another Tory duo who played together for one season - Osi Umenyiora and Demarcus Ware.

I am telling you right now it looks like a great year for LB prospects in the 2010 draft.

You must be registered for see images attach

Beautiful. Spot on about the linebackers in this class. Couldn't put it any better.

 

[joeshmo]

Wow !!!!! Joeshmo----I was aware that you are the world's most superb resident capologist, but this post is so far over-the-top good that I am in total awe right now. You watch games with the eye of an eagle sir. As one who has always taken pride in my powers of observation, I salute you sir. By comparison, I am but a tiny twinkle in the night while you bring down the rays of the sun. Many thanks to Doug for coaxing you to bring this out today. You really should post like this more often sir, you truly have a special gift. Thank you for your wonderful insight.

Thanks, but to be honest I have highly focused on LB's/DE's this seasons because I of my perception that LB would be a huge need for us in the 2010 offseason. Don't even ask me about other positions for the most part, especially O players, unless they really drew my eye while focusing on the LB's or just watching a game for fun.

 

[Catfish]

Thanks, but to be honest I have highly focused on LB's/DE's this seasons because I of my perception that LB would be a huge need for us in the 2010 offseason. Don't even ask me about other positions for the most part, especially O players, unless they really drew my eye while focusing on the LB's or just watching a game for fun.

Joe----just sayin' that even if I were to CONCENTRATE on linebackers only, I would not be able to produce anything close to what you have set before us today. Shogun agrees with me on this, so I know that I am not the only one who sees your talent. You Rock. I think it is onlly fitting that you are the president of the Big Bad Meanies Club.

 

[Chopper0080]

Jerry Hughes might be my favorite OLB in this draft that we should have a chance at. Man, this year is great for front 7 defensive players. Lang, Spikes and McLain are very good as well. I am excited to see who falls and helps us upgrade our LB core.

 

[Russ Smith]

Got to say I don't think I have watched a single UCLA game this year yet. But I remember him from last year thinking if this kid wasn't so chunky UCLA could be on to something.

He is a junior though, do you think he would actually come out?

Before the season he said he was coming back no matter what he promised his mom he'd graduate. But apparently he's been hinting of late that his mind isn't made up and he'll decide after the season.

I think it might depend on how UCLA's season ends, if they do well down the stretch he comes back, if they don't, he leaves?

He's overweight for sure but very productive.

 

[Cards Czar]

Thanks, but to be honest I have highly focused on LB's/DE's this seasons because I of my perception that LB would be a huge need for us in the 2010 offseason. Don't even ask me about other positions for the most part, especially O players, unless they really drew my eye while focusing on the LB's or just watching a game for fun.

Here are some more DE/OLB and ILB to add to your list.

Willie Young DE/OLB N.C. St.
Justin Cole DE/OLB San Jose St.

Daryl Washngton ILB TCU
Micah Johnson ILB KY
Quan Sturdivant ILB N.C. (Junior)
Von Miller OLB/ILB TX A&M (Junior) My favorite Junior. Hope he declares.
Roddick Muckelroy OLB TX

 

[WildBB]

Burgess could be an interesting addition.