NFL Draft 2011: Power Ranking the 15 Best Pass-Rushers
The Green Bay Packer and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Super Bowl, and it's no surprise how they got there. It's a technique that has been around as long as the forward pass has. It's called “get to the quarterback.” Both of these teams have done a tremendous job at rushing the passer and the rest of the NFL knows it has to be able to do that if there is any hope of hoisting the Lombardi trophy in early 2012.
So with the draft coming up there are a number of teams who will be looking to add that defensive player who has a knack for getting to the QB. Whether it's on the line, on the edge, or from the linebacker position, the 2011 NFL Draft should have a number of qualified candidates. Let's look at the best in class.
15. Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
1 of 15
Pros:
Great size. Good speed and can release from a block when he needs to get over to the outside. He's long and strong.
Cons:
While missing three games he managed to have only six sacks on the season. His production came against questionable opponents.
Bottom Line:
There isn't much of a bad thing to say about him. However, at 260 lbs. he might be a little small for the NFL.
14. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
2 of 15
Pros:
Great versatility. There isn't anything he can't do on the line. His ability to get pressure from any point is as good as any end.
Cons:
Can be stood up by tackles and did get stood up several times this season. Doesn't get off a block as well as he'd like.
Bottom Line:
While he can be disruptive, he still has a lot to learn when it comes to getting to the quarterback. His technique needs real work.
13. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
3 of 15
Pros:
Incredible power when bull rushing guys. Good initial burst off the ball.
Cons:
Lacks the physical skills and techniques that make up an elite rusher.
Bottom Line:
Paea is better against the run than the pass. But he can get to the quarterback.
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12. Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
4 of 15
Pros:
Excellent initial burst. Great footwork and can cut on a dime.
Cons:
Poor use of his hands. Will get beat by offensive lineman who know how to handle his speed.
Bottom Line:
What may stifle Houston in his draft status is his substance abuse violation in 2009. When it comes to the on the field work he's talented and should prove valuable for whatever team picks him up.
11. Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
5 of 15
Pros:
Great hand strength. Effective technique from the swim move position. One of the biggest guys at his position, but also has one of the best closing bursts.
Cons:
Hurts himself more than anything else. Allows blockers to stand him up and doesn't finish well when he's dominating a guy.
Bottom Line:
His size will get him drafted, but he will need a serious coach if he wants to take it to the next level.
10. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
6 of 15
Pros:
13 sacks in 2010 means he improved his sack total each season. He's got good mobility and power and seems to get under the tackles well.
Cons:
He's got to get more physical with his hands and quarterbacks who can move and slip him easily.
Bottom Line:
Kerrigan has versatility which should make him good on either side of the ball. He'll need to put some work in to get better, but he can be a good one.
9. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
7 of 15
Pros:
Great physical tools. Great hands. Great closing speed. Really good strength.
Cons:
Relies on his strength to much do so at the pro level. Doesn't have great counter pass rush moves and should find himself in need of them at the next level.
Bottom Line:
He's a physical freak so he'll be a first round pick in all likelihood, but Clayborn has to commit himself to the technical side of his job.
8. Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
8 of 15
Pros:
Works hard, can play in the three technique or can move to nose tackle if needed. Has good size and often required double coverage at Illinois.
Cons:
Was held in check by Illinois quality opponents this season. Recorded no sacks against them. Lacks closing speed.
Bottom Line:
Liuget is a little raw, but his versatility and his size make him a solid choice for any NFL team.
7. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
9 of 15
Pros:
Had a monster jump in production with 11 sacks last season. He's a big physical guy who can get off the ball very quickly.
Cons:
While he's got all the makeup of a talented pass rusher, he is limited in how he can get to the quarterback. He has a rip move, and that's about it.
Bottom Line:
Quinn will need some serious coaching, but if he can develop other moves then he'll be a force in a year or two.
6. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
10 of 15
Pros:
Took a huge jump with 16 sacks this season. Was one of the best pass rushers in college. Loves to overpower his opponent and is very quick when he gets past the line.
Cons:
Not the best athlete. Can come off the ball late.
Bottom Line:
He might not be as good a pick as they rate him. While Bowers has been taught the position well, there is certainly no doubt he'll have to do the little things right to be successful in the NFL, getting off late on the snap is something he will have to work on.
5. Cameron Jordan, DE, California
11 of 15
Pros:
Great club move. Real hustle when it comes to getting to the quarterback. He has good instincts and gets his hands up when he knows he won't be there for the sack.
Cons:
Didn't have a real big pass rushing game against top notch competition. Needs to be quicker off the snap to make it in the NFL.
Bottom Line:
What he lacks in some of his timing, he more than makes up for in his instincts. He understands the position and it makes his value higher than anyone will grade him.
4. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
12 of 15
Pros:
Great speed off the edge. Knows how to keep separation from the tackles. Good initial burst.
Cons:
Doesn't always present effective technique like swim move or rip move. Also lacks the kind of footwork you want to see in a edge rusher.
Bottom Line:
The things that Ayers lacks can be taught. That burst and size cannot. Teams will see that and respond accordingly.
3. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
13 of 15
Pros:
Has a great first step. Knows how to get off the block and has a great closing speed.
Cons:
Only managed 11 sacks in two seasons at Alabama. Doesn't have the best upfield burst.
Bottom Line:
It's really hard to find something about Dareus not to like. He should be a disruptive pass rusher for a long time in the NFL.
2. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
14 of 15
Pros:
Strong and fast. Maybe the most explosive athlete in the draft at any position. He knows how to slip in between the gaps.
Cons:
Lacks some power from the waist down, relies too much on upper body strength.
Bottom Line:
There is a reason Fairley looks like a lock to go first in the draft. He possesses the best combination of size, speed and technique.
1. Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
15 of 15
Pros:
Has exceptional speed off the edge. Had 28 sacks in the last two seasons. Amazing closing speed.
Cons:
A little undersized. Has a tendency to get eaten up by big tackles.
Bottom Line:
Von Miller is the very best pass rusher off the edge that the draft has. He'll make his mark in this area.
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