[milkman]

Originally Posted by nicfre2006

Hey guys...first post in here.

Personally, I really like Justin Houston. Living down south and being married to a family of Georgia fans, I have had an opportunity to watch Houston closely. I really think he has the potential to be a very good all around 3-4 outside linebacker. Keep in mind that both Aldon Smith and Ryan Kerrigan have experience as college 4-3 defensive ends, while Houston played 4-3 defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker (last year), so he has some familiarity with the basic assignments and responsibilities. While he is known for his pass rushing, I do think he has an underrated all-around game. He has sideline-to-sideline range and very good athleticism to track the play and get through the trash. I do think he could improve in disengaging from blocks while moving toward the ball carrier.

Aldon Smith arguably has one of the highest ceilings of the 4-3 defensive ends that also project to 3-4 outside linebacker. His is very raw and has relied on his explosiveness and superior athleticism to make plays. He doesn't have the understanding of technique yet largely due to his inexperience, so there is some caution that he may never reach his substantial potential if he doesn't make the necessary adjustments and grasp the mental aspects of the position. As you guys mentioned, I don't think Smith will be on the board when we select at #21 because in the end, I think he could fit in either the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Personally, I think he could possibly be a better fit as a pass rushing 4-3 defensive end provided a team has some patience with him and can use him in pass rushing situations.

Ryan Kerrigan is an intriguing prospect. He doesn't jump out at you with his athleticism like Smith, but he has an excellent motor and has a good awareness of how the play is unfolding around him. Some might call me crazy, but I could see him fitting in as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the scheme that the Chiefs and Patriots employ. He reminds me of a more athletically gifted Mike Vrabel. I wouldn't be shocked if the Patriots grabbed him with their higher first round pick - if he is still on the board. I am very interested in seeing how he does at the combine in the agility drills as that will go a long way in showing if he has the versatility to play in either scheme. He did show up at the Senior Bowl at around 255 lbs., and that shows me that he is trying to showcase his abilities to play in either scheme.

An option I wanted to throw out there outside of the first round is Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed. He showed very good explosiveness and athleticism at the Senior Bowl and actually has some very good workout numbers coming to Arizona out of high school. Like Kerrigan, he is known for his motor and tenacity along with a pretty good repertoire of pass rush moves for a college player. If he performs well at the combine in agility drills, I could see him moving into solid second round territory. I think he is a name to keep an eye on should the Chiefs go in a different direction in the first round.

Good first post.

Who ya got at NT, WR and along the O-Line?