EDGE RUSHER
Jalon Walker LB/ER Georgia
Jaylon reminds me of a bigger version of Troy Polamalu. Jalon is listed as 6’2” and Troy was listed at 5’9” or 5’10” and was a safety but the truth is, like Jaylon, Troy played all over the field with the instincts of a linebacker and the speed and quickness of a safety. Jaylon can play multiple positions in your front seven and I know in my gut, that he could play as a safety in a two deep zone situation if you chose to use him that way. Jaylon is very smart and is a leader and because of his high football intelligence, and quick feet, can analyze the crap out of a play as it is unfolding before him. When Jaylon is lined up on the edge he is one of the best in this draft at holding the edge and shedding blocks to make a tackle. On passing downs, he is like a heat seeking missile causing disruption with his speed into the backfield and making a sack. As an off the line linebacker, Jaylon is like a sniper calmly setting up his target and waiting for just the right moment to make his play on that target. He’s not perfect. He is tight in the hips and does struggle on his pass rush to turn the corner but he compensates for that lack of perfection using leverage. Jaylon is a weapon and the biggest concern for the team in selecting him is how the hell to replace his impact on the field if he gets injured. It won’t be easy to find another weapon like him for sure.
Talent Grade: 1.27
Abdul Carter ER/DE Penn St
Abdul is a natural pass rusher with the athletic attributes to become a franchise DE for the team that selects him. He has those long arms and explosiveness off the line that gives him the advantage and forces offensive linemen be off balance at the snap of the ball. He is a lean, mean, rocket firing off the line of scrimmage with very little effort allowing him to surprise offense linemen before they can get set. Although Abdul has been an impact Defensive End for his team, he is just learning the position and right now all of his impact is directly related to his athletic ability. He must learn to get off blocks, hand fight better, develop a second move, and do a better job holding the edge. He must also learn offensive line schemes better and anticipate who will block him on sweeps and screens. That being said, considering this is his first year playing this position he has been remarkable and has improved from game to game this year. Abdul is tough, smart, and learns quickly. He has the strength, size, and athletic talent to play as a DE in a 4/3 front or in a 3/4 defense. If Abdul has the same work ethic that former Cowboys Demarcus Ware had, Abdul can have similar impact as DeMarcus had, for the team that selects him.
Talent Grade: 1.64