CB Jonathan Banks of Mississippi State is a flat out play maker. 15 career picks 4 of which he has returned for TD's. He isn't great/dominate in any one category but he does all things well. Great size and he processes the physicality that the Steelers like in the 3-4 corners.
DE/OLB Demontre Moore Texas A & M. 6 ft 4 205 and explosive off the edge. Had a great game versus LSU yesterday. This year he has 62 tackles. 17 TFL, and 9.5 sacks. And he has played well against elite competition (Florida/LSU), with 20 tackles 4 sacks and 5 TFL.
ILB Kevin Minter LSU. Another great game yesterday versus Texas A & M. 12 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 Sack. For the year he has 75 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and 5 PD's all of this from the ILB position. Minter is the rare combination for an ILB who can play downhill against the run and is more than adequate in pass coverage. And when they turn him lose after the QB from inside he is a force.
NT/DT Jonathan Hankins Ohio State. Yeah I know he is already a top 5 pick and maybe even the first overall but I gotta talk about this guy. Hankins is an athletic freak who can play all over the D-line. NT, DT, and can play a 5 technique. Always double teamed. I have watched him exclusively the past couple of games and never once have I seen him either pushed back or even just kept at bay at the LOS. He is always at least 2 yards deep into the opponents backfield. More times than not it's more like 5 yards deep. And this is with at least two men on him. Any time you can an opposing team has to account for a D-lineman and you can move him around at several positions, you are looking at a major force. If any team was wanting to build a defense around a defensive front player, ala Joe Greene, it's Hankins and Star Lotulelei of Utah.
CB Carrington Byndom Texas. Doesnt have the flashing stats but I am noticing teams are throwing away from him now. 4 INT's and 20 PD's in the last year and half.
CB Jordan Poyer Oregon State. Great size at 6 ft 190 and makes plays in the secondary. 11 Int's and 3 for TD's in the past 3 years. And Poyer doesn't shy away from contact.
And a look ahead to 2014, I think DE Jadeveon Clowney South Carolina is the first defensive player since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman Trophy and will be the number one overall pick. He is as good as there ever has been at his position. And he will continue to get better.
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