(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
He is a straight up beast. He runs through blocks like it is his job. He will be converting from the defensive end position to outside backer, but should have little to no effect on his overall game.
His legs never stop moving, and he has a knack for coming at quarterbacks from the perfect angle. He can run down many players who try to run east-to-west and should not be overlooked as a key playmaker for certain situations.
His numbers might not reflect his overall ability and success in the future because of the PT he will have to share.
24. Cato June (HOU)
June is a proven linebacker with veteran instincts. He can still make solid plays for a defense and has some of the quickest reaction skills. His blitzing skills are not the strongest, but he is fast enough to make plays on the run or cover most players.
His overall coverage skills are greater than his hitting, but the knowledge and consistency June has displayed for the majority of his career might turn the Texans' young line backing core into a group of young and mature playmakers.
25. Curtis Lofton (ATL)
Lofton was very impressive for his rookie year in the league. I am not sure if Atlanta will move Peterson to outside or Lofton (because Lofton was inside last year), but his football talent may be used to a higher standard if he plays the outside position.
Lofton was so quick at running to the ball from the inside position. He made tackles from many angles of the field and brings an overlooked toughness to his game. He is a very mature player for his youth and delivered a confident and impressive game last season.
The only thing I see slowing Lofton down from being a top linebacker is injuries, but his consistent playing time shown last year makes me think high of what he and the linebackers playing with him can contribute this year.
26. Aaron Curry (SEA)
Curry was the most impressive defensive player I saw in the draft last year. He has great quickness when changing direction and his strength is some of the best. His awareness and reliability needs to be proven (because he is a rookie), but if he brings the talent he displayed during his time at Wake Forest and at the combine, he is already on the path to becoming a solid player at the absolute worst.
Curry's size is also overlooked, but a huge piece to his success. I think Curry has the correct mindset and character to learn the NFL game and develop into his own as a great player in the future.
27. Marcus Washington (WAS)
Washington is still a reliable player in the game, but has slowly declined in his pure athletic ability. He is not as fast or explosive as he once was, but can still produce nicely as a key role player for the Redskin defense.
His tackling skills are still impressive and his awareness to be around big plays comes as no mistake. His nasty attitude and aggressive style gives him confidence to produce, which he can, just not as consistently reliable as he used to be.
28. Danny Clark (NYG)
Clark is an underrated backer when it comes to big play capabilities. Clark does a good job of looking to create turnovers. He positions himself nicely to make a good play on the ball carrier and has the quickness physically and mentally to make smart decisions.
Clark's overall game is more effective in short yardage plays rather than plays that require him to produce while pursuing.
29. Manny Lawson (SF)
Manny's size and speed is very rare to find in most players today. He is explosive, fast, determined, aggressive, and powerful. The only thing lacking from Lawson's game is his intelligence.
Lawson should fill into his own this year, because he has some of the best overall athletic talent many linebackers would love to have. I think Singletary will do a good job of using Lawson to the fullest of his potential.
We could see a more confident and mean Manny Lawson this year, which could make him one of the most overlooked playmakers entering the '09 season.
30. Morlon Greenwood (HOU)
A reliable playmaker who has the size and speed to fill in as a great role player for many defenses. His explosiveness and all around hitting ability is often overlooked, and his knowledge at the position is some of the best.
His fundamentals come and go along with his blitzing game. Greenwood will make the tackle needed, but only if he is in position to. Greenwood has trouble being an effective player when he has to start reacting on a broken play, but for the most part comes up as a reliability more than anything.
31. Kamerion Wimbley (CLE)
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