PACKERDRAFT 2010 DEFENSIVE ENDS

Jerry Gilbert
Given the change to a new defense only one year ago, the Green Bay Packers are surprisingly strong at defensive end. Because Ryan Picket is playing so well in the middle, rookie B J Raji plays mostly at end. Cullen Jenkins, who had many outstanding games in the old defense adapted well and should be a force this season. However, the best of the group was Johnny Jolly, who emerged from being okay as a 4-3 tackle, to being a player who regularly shut down his side of the field against the run and became perhaps the best pass tipper in the league. That is the situation now, but it changes after that. Both Jenkins and Jolly will be free agents next year. In addition, Jolly is facing drug charges in Texas, and being suspended by the league could be the least of his problems. The Packers are unlikely to invest huge dollars in both Jenkins and Jolly.

There are other veteran possibilities. Dom Capers said last year that a healthy Justin Harrell could be an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Staying healthy is the issue. Since being selected in the first round by Green Bay, Harrell has spent more time in rehab than on the field. He could really help the team, but that is not likely to happen. Jarius Wynn was drafted last year with the idea that he could add weight and strength and become a 3-4 defensive end. We will see how that is going in the preseason. Practice squad player Ronald Talley is another undersized candidate. It is reasonable to expect that a defensive end will be added in the 2010 draft.

The top two 3-4 defensive ends this year are also the top 4-3 defensive tackles, and are almost certain to be 2 of the top 4 draft choices. The Packers will not trade up to land either Ndamukong Suh 6-4 305 Nebraska or Gerald McCoy 6-4 295 Oklahoma. They will be long gone.

A player who is likely to be selected in the 20's in round one is from Penn State. Jared Odrick 6-5 304 is the right size, and he was defensive player of the year in the Big Ten. As a defensive tackle in 2009, Odrick made 41 tackles with six sacks. He was nearly always double-teamed. He clearly has the strength to anchor against the run and some ability to rush the passer against interior linemen. The betting money would tell us that Odrick will not be a Packer, however if their player is gone and no trading partner steps up, they may consider a defensive end.

It is more likely that the Packers will look for a defensive end in a later round. A strong candidate at the end of round 2 could be Tyson Alualu 6-3 295 California. Aaron Rodgers may be hoping for this choice. Unlike most of the others, Alualu played at 3-4 defensive end in college. Fighting through double teams, he registered 60 tackles with 10 for a loss and 7.5 sacks.

A round or two later Green Bay might consider Mike Neal 6-4 302 Purdue. He had 34 tackles with 5.5 sacks last season. At the combine, he was one of the faster tackles with a 4.87 forty, and his 10 yard time of 1.6 is outstanding. He showed strength and explosiveness with 33 bench reps and a 33 inch vertical.

Arthur Jones 6-3 301 Syracuse is a prospect that is difficult to evaluate right now because he was injured near the end of his senior season. A year before, Jones was a star with 60 tackles including 13 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. If he drops far enough he could be an excellent value.

A college defensive end with great bloodlines is Clifton Geathers 6-8 299 South Carolina. His father played in the league and his older brother is playing now. His size is intriguing. His immaturity is a concern.

At the end of the draft will be a small school player who appears to be a superior athlete. Sean Lissamore 6-3 297 William and Mary ran a very fast 4.82 forty at his pro day. Lissamore has been impressing scouts around the league.

Defensive end may not be addressed because it is more of a problem for next year. Nevertheless, depth in the defensive line is always worth adding.