2015 NFL Draft: Best Fits for Top Defensive Prospects
By Erik Lambert
Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates after tackling against the Fresno State Bulldogs running back Dontel James (21) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Fresno State 52-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Defense is on the rebound in pro football and the 2015 NFL draft has a huge haul of talent coming. Where could the top prospects fit best?
Leonard Williams – DE – USC
A true life wrecker at the defensive end position. Leonard Williams is a nightmare to block. Not only does he have ideal length at 6’5″, he also has good size at 298 lbs with a pass rush prowess that is garnering comparisons to Ndamukong Suh. If any team could sorely use such a difference-maker on their defensive line, it’s the Dallas Cowboys. Their defense has been a mess dating back to last season and a big part is a deteriorating problem up front. Putting Williams together with Henry Melton may solve that.
Shilique Calhoun – DE – Michigan State
He has the look of a classic 4-3 right end who can get after the quarterback but Shilique Calhoun retains enough athleticism to be comfortable playing in space. Not only is he good at beating blockers to the backfield, he also holds his ground against the run, making him a rare two-way end. That sounds like a guy built to play for the New York Giants. In the style of Strahan, Umenyiora and Tuck there is no doubt Calhoun could solve so many problems for the beleaguered G-men.
Randy Gregory – DE/OLB – Nebraska
Outside linebackers, as always, are in high demand throughout the NFL. Every team is on the lookout for the next Demarcus Ware or Cameron Wake or Justin Houston. There is no doubt Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory has that look. He boasts the preferred length at 6’6″ but at 245 lbs has the weight and athleticism to play in space, attacking the line of scrimmage from different angles. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a scheme that makes great use of such players, and Gus Bradley is just the kind of coach who could coax it out of him.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu – CB – Oregon
It’s all about the big corners these days, which is a shame because there are more than a few notable corners in pro football under six feet tall who can play the game really well. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is built in that same style. What he lacks in size (5’10”) he makes up for in tenacity, instinct and athletic playmaking. Under the right coach he would be every bit as good as a guy who is 6’1″. One who would love to have him is Chip Kelly. The Philadelphia Eagles have had problems with their secondary since he took over and need more coverage ability on the back end. Kelly recruit Ekpre-Olomu, so he knows exactly what he can do.
Landon Collins – SS – Alabama
Alabama was and remains a factor for great defensive backs. Landon Collins has the look of their latest success story. Despite starting before he was ready in 2013, he still managed to make 70 tackles, force two fumbles and intercept a pass. He’s big and fast for a safety, is very proficient at dropping into the box but can flip his hips to retreat into coverage. There isn’t a tool he doesn’t have. The Chicago Bears haven’t taken a safety in the 1st round since the last millennium, and it has shown. Collin could be the savior they’ve been hoping for to fix their back end.