Underclassmen Watch: Defensive Line

Declared

Chris Baker, DT, Hampton – After being kicked off from the Penn State football team for two separate fights, Baker dominated at Hampton, playing the 3-4 end position. His production from the position was incredible and he has the NFL tools. After a good season he is declaring and could go as high as the 3rd round. Projected Round: 3rd-4th.

Everette Brown, DE, FSU - Brown announced his intentions of leaving school a year early on Tuesday. He earned his undergraduate degree in December and is ready to face the challenges of the NFL. Florida State’s freak defensive end recorded 13.5 sacks this season and scouts project him to go very high with his athletic ability combined with his knack for get around end. By the time the Combine’s over, he could easily be a top ten lock. Projected Round: Top 15 Selection.

Maurice Evans, DL, Penn State - Evans is following in teammate Aaron Maybin’s footsteps by declaring early. The 6’2, 265 pound Evans, though, doesn’t have the soaring stock that his teammate does. He was considered a hot commodity preseason, but has seen his stock plummet since. He was suspended for three games after being caught with small amounts of marijuana. Evans looks like a good candidate to be the yearly disappointing prospect that goes undrafted. As of now, he’s a mid to late round selection. Projected Round: 4th-6th.

Ricky Jean-Francois, DT, LSU – It was a tough season for Francois who only recorder 18 tackles and 2 sacks on the season only to battle a groin injury after making news on wanting to knock Tim Tebow out of the game. However, coming into the season, scouts considered him to be a first round pick based on potential. Though he’s an incredible athlete and has flashed dominance, he’s yet to piece together his game for stretches. He’s the type of athlete that could shoot up from a junior season that filled to reach expectations. Projected Round: 2nd-3rd

Paul Kruger, DE, Utah - Sophomore defensive end, Paul Kruger, will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. After having an outstanding season and Bowl game, Kruger becomes yet another redshirt sophomore to declare. However, he’ll be 23 shortly after having served a year on a church mission. That probably weighed heavily into his decision along with a first round projection he’s receiving from some draft analysts. Kruger, at 6’5, 265, is pretty NFL ready despite having played only two seasons of football at Utah. Projected Round: 1st-2nd

Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn - Even though Marks still hasn’t received an official word from the Draft Advisory Committee, he’ll be leaving Auburn a year early. He’s an undersized defensive tackle with a knack for making plays in the backfield. Many project him to be selected in the second round while a select few have him as high as the late first round. This was good enough for Marks who feels it’s time for him to move on. Projected Round: 2nd-3rd

Aaron Maybin,DE, Penn State - After a spectacular season for one of the nation’s best defenses, Maybin has reached a decision to enter the NFL draft. With speed pass rushers heavily coveted on draft day, look for Maybin to get looks at the end of the first round. However, at this point Maybin lacks NFL ability with a lean frame and plays an unpolished game. He informed Coach Paterno Thursday night. Projected Round: 1st-2nd.

Brandon Williams, DE, Texas Tech - 6’5, 246 pound defensive end, Brandon Williams, filed his paperwork to enter the NFL Draft on Monday. Williams comes off a productive season where he recorded 13 sacks for an impressive Texas Tech defense. Though he lacks the size of an every down end, Williams will be heavily pursued in the pass-rushing roles that teams are finding a niche for. He leaves with a 3rd round projection and says that the departures on offense (Harrell and Crabtree) weighed into his decision, as well as the risk for injury. After discussing it with his family, Williams is going pro. Projected Round: 2nd-3rd.

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