My sleeper of the week series. 3-4 DE

More than likely to a fault, I probably spend nearly half my awoken life browsing the web. Most of that time is spent blogging here on BTB, but I also venture off and check out transactions, other team needs, and daily sports news, trade rumors, etc. etc...My passion is, and always has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft.

From what I see, there are quite a few very knowledgable draft/player savvy guys on this site, which is why I come here to discuss  football with mature, intelligent people that can share ideas, opinions, info that may not be found elsewhere.........I'm in no way the final authority on all things draft...My opinions and views of certain players may certainly differ from some of yours, and I repect that....But if I can enlighten just one reader, and provide interesting info that someone may appreciate, it's worth it to me.

I may totally disagree with rankings of a Mayock, McShay, or Kiper, but it doesn't make me wrong, or them right.....I have called out many many many gem prospects over the years, long before any one of them were on board, or even mentioned these players, (CB-Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, from last year for instance)......This is no exact science, and they have much much more time and resources invested than me. But I don't go jumping on the bandwagon of already established, nationally known players cuz that's too easy....It's going out on a limb, and finding totally unknowns, that possess NFL caliber measurables, and intangibles that seperates the good from the also rans.

I'm going to try some new things leading up to the draft this season. I've decided just producing a Mock Draft  won't really cut it this year. We don't have two 1st rounders to speculate over, and up until just a few days ago, we had some glaring holes that could've had our first pick #51 overall going in a number of directions.We have way too many picks and variables to conclude just where we'll be picking, and how many picks we'll end up having.

 I'm going to present a completely unknown player (to the average fan), that you probably never heard about (via media coverage), but has all the physical tools, ability, and athleticism to be an NFL player, and will more than likely go in the later rounds or completely undrafted, with no fan fare leading up to his selection. With a little time and developement, will become decent NFL player or even an All Pro. That's what I call a sleeper..

OK....I realize we just recently signed Igor Olshanski (great move... btw), and we have the likes of Spears, Ratliff, Hatcher, Bowen, and a lesser known in Dixon playing the DE position here in Dallas. Problem is, Spears will more than likely command as much money as Canty after this upcoming season, and franchising him is not an option. Bowen, if not signed to a long term extention will also test the free agent market after this season is over. Hatcher has yet stood up and grabbed a hold of a position that was his to take, and seems like a in the rotation, but won't be a starter guy. Ratliff we all know should be out at DE, but until we shore up the NT, that switch won't be happening. Dixon is a marginal talent, that may develope over the next year or two on the practice squad..,,,

I believe there are quite a few projected 3-4 DE in this upcoming draft, In fact, it's probably one of the deepest positions for 3-4 teams out there...These are guys maybe leaner, a bit taller, usually quicker DT's that will be considered for a switch outside to DE in a 3-4...There are very few 280lbs plus DE's that play in traditional 4-3 college defenses, as you all surely know...anyways......I was doing my daily rounds the other day, and came across this Pro Day evaluation of a D Lineman that I thought was so off the charts, I needed to share it with somebody...lol...Lucky You Guys...

The guy is Desmond Bryant- DE - Harvard University.

Only 22 career starts - 12 Sacks, 19 Tackles for Loss

All Ivy League

Ivy League takes no Dummy's- Majored in Psychology (this team needs smarts)

Recorded Best Bench Press of All Time at Harvard Football (520lbs)

6' 5"5/8  288lbs.- perfect size for 3-4 DE

11.5 inch hands - Would have rated biggest at NFL Combine-huge asset for DE

35.5" Arm Length- Would have rated longest at NFL Combine-huge asset for DE.

225lbs Bench - 35 times / with 35"+ arms? That is super human, best of Combine.

4.92 40 yard-  4th fastest time among D Linemen over 285lbs.

2.82 20 yard- same time as 2-3rd round prospect Dorell Scott, and better BJ Raji.

1.67 10  yard- better than 1st rd 3-4 DE Tyson Jackson.

31" Verticle Jump- 21/2" better than 1st round 3-4 DE Tyson Jackson.

9' 10" Broad Jump-  Would have rated #1 Down linemen at NFL Combine.

4.45 20 yd Shuttle- Better than first day-QB-Stafford, WR Britt, TE-Casey, DE-Kruger

7.44 3 Cone- Better than 1st day prospects -

DT-Raji, OLB-Maybin, DT-Hood, DE- Ayers, DE- Gilbert, DE-Jackson, DE- Kruger

Workout Warrior or Once Hidden Gem ? That's the Question...

http://www.gocrimson.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9000&ATCLID=1603082

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=86605&draftyear=2009&genpos=DE

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/10/sperry-bell-impress-in-position-drills-at-colorado-state/