Chiefs first round draft pick...

[Chiefnj]

Draft preview: Pollack isn't perfect, just a player
April 10, 2005
By Clark Judge
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
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Georgia end David Pollack isn't the top defensive lineman in this year's NFL Draft. But if you're holding a first-round pick and, say, Wisconsin's Erasmus James and Maryland's Shawne Merriman are off the board, how can you pass on the guy?


David Pollack is earning flattering comparisons to scrappy Tedy Bruschi. (Getty Images)
"You can't," said an NFC scout I know and trust.

James is considered the best of this year's defensive linemen. Merriman is the most intriguing, mostly because he's a perfect fit for anyone that plays a 3-4 defense. But then there's Pollack, and you won't find anyone anywhere with more outstanding credentials.

As a sophomore he was the SEC defensive player of the year and set a school record for sacks in one season. As a junior he was the Hendricks Award winner as the best defensive end in college. As a senior he became only the second player in Georgia history to become a three-time All-American (Herschel Walker was the other); was the SEC defensive player of the year; set a school record for career sacks; won a second Hendricks Award and picked up the Bednarik Award as the nation's best defensive player and the Lombardi Award as its best lineman.

But this is what I like most: In four years as a starter he suffered no major injuries, had 45 consecutive starts and in his senior season was recognized for demonstrating the most hustle and desire during spring practice.

"I saw him three times last year," said our scout, "and every time opponents were double and triple-teaming him. If they weren't blocking him, they were chipping him before releasing downfield. Well, I swear to God, the guy still made the play, and he always did it at the right time. When his team needed a sack, he made the sack; when it needed an interception, he pressured the quarterback into making a bad throw; when it needed a turnover, he forced it.

"I'm telling you, he knows when it's time to make plays, and he knows how to set people up. The kid is one of the most competitive and instinctive players I've seen in a long time."

It's that quality that should have Pollack off the board by the middle of the first round. He would go higher except at 6-feet-2, 265 pounds he lacks the size the pros look for at his position. He is neither as heavy nor as tall as they would like, but don't mention that to his supporters. They know what they see, and what they see is someone our scout likens to New England's Tedy Bruschi -- an impact player who produces monster plays.

Look no farther than the 2005 Outback Bowl for evidence. Pollack was named the game's MVP after he had three sacks, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and deflected a pass.

"He's as fine a player as you'll find," said our scout.


NFL Draft: Schedule
Date Pos.
April 4 Receivers
April 6 Quarterbacks
April 8 Special Teams
April 11 Defensive line
April 13 Running backs
April 15 Linebackers
April 15 Updated Mock
April 18 Offensive line
April 20 Secondary
April 22 Tight Ends
April 22 Final Mock
What makes Pollack's story so compelling is that he stayed at Georgia to complete four years of play. A year ago he considered declaring himself eligible for the draft, just as the University of Miami's Kellen Winslow Jr. and Sean Taylor and Pitt's Larry Fitzgerald had done. But he declined, opting to stay another year while juniors Winslow, Taylor, Fitzgerald, Virginia Tech's Kevin Jones and USC's Kenechi Udeze became first-round picks.

Pollack would have been a first-rounder, too, if he left Georgia, but he didn't -- and he doesn't regret the decision.

"It's the best decision I made in my adult life," he said. "You can't come back and have that college season back again. I learned so much about myself, it's amazing. In just one year I grew up so much more. It was awesome. I learned how to take care of myself a little better. It was a rewarding year."

OK, so when you compare him to the blueprint for a defensive end, you wish Pollack were bigger. You wish he were heavier, too. You wish his reach were longer and, maybe, that he were a little faster. But listen to our scout who studied the guy, interviewed him, then watched him demolish opponents.

"This is the kind of guy you're looking for," he said. "Sure, you'd like to see him 6-5 or 6-6, but guys with his talent and that size are sure Hall of Famers. This kid is going to make someone happy in the middle of the first round. Maybe he won't be a dominant pass rusher, but he's going to be productive because his instincts are off the charts and he gets better as games go on. Would I draft him? In a heartbeat."

[KCChiefsMan]

trading for Hall pretty much ruled out the possibility of drafting a D lineman with our first pick. CB or WR are more realistic for us, I'm not sure if there will be a LB available worthy of the 15th pick when we are on the clock, unless we trade down, which I do not see happening.

Another thing, why the hell is Hall pushing Jared Allen for the starting job??? I mean, why is Hicks slated as the for sure starter! We need somebody to push Sims' fat worthless ass

[htismaqe]

Personally, I'd take Pollack WAY AHEAD of Erasmus James.

[Mr. Kotter]

I'd be okay with this pick....as long as we add a good CB and OLB before then.

[StcChief]

Get Surtain and this guy would be OK for D

Chiefs profile. Smart, more mature player.

[Mr. Laz]

what's up with these Pollack homers



passionate bunch... i give 'em that.

[eazyb81]

Why is anyone even considering Pollack after we traded for Hall? We have four DEs in the rotation now, there is no need for another.

We need to draft a CB or an OLB in the 1st, period. Anything else would be a waste.

[the Talking Can]

he's produced consistently at the highest level in college....which is why we won't take him, he's not a tweener....I'd be thrilled if we took him

[Tribal Warfare]

I feel that a trade for Derrick Johnson now is a realistic possibilty though.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

he's produced consistently at the highest level in college....which is why we won't take him, he's not a tweener....I'd be thrilled if we took him

ahh ... but at 6'2" and 265lbs, with short arms, he is a bit of a tweener

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

I feel that a trade for Derrick Johnson now is a realistic possibilty though.

how is it more realistic now than it was say 3 months ago?

[ct]

Article sounds great, but doesn't change the fact that we have huge needs at OLB and CB. If you like to go BAA approach, this may be a good guy to pick, but I don't see us doing that with our current roster.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by Laz

how is it more realistic now than it was say 3 months ago?

the plausibity is if Miami accepts the 4th this year and the 2nd next year . It could go down , that KC could spend a #1,#2,#5 for Johnson when he's in range. Apparently the Vikings the only threat of this breaking this up are really enamored with Braylon Edwards

[Spicy McHaggis]

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Personally, I'd take Pollack WAY AHEAD of Erasmus James.

Amen to that. Why is every "expert" so high on James. Reasons why Pollack is easily superior to James are as follows IMO.

1.Pollack has basically been a beast since his sophomore year and James is more of a senior year guy.
2. Pollack has no significant injuries in his past and James had the hip in '03 and the ankle in '04.
3. Pollack is known for his high-motor, consistency and never taking plays off. James takes plays off and disappears against better quality opponents.
4. James played next to a possible first rounder in Hawthorne (who I also believe is over-rated.)

I guess the scouts see potential in James but I see no reason that a stud DE like Pollack shouldn't excel in the NFL. Pollack > James hands down.

[whoman69]

I saw a program this weekend that states that Pollack is considered a tweener. That means he sure to be on DVs wish list so we can get another player that is below average at two different positions. James should be moving down the boards because of concerns about playing hard and injuries. I fully expect Merriman and Spears to be the first DEs off the board.