Trojans lead linemen-heavy class of potential picks

Miami defensive end Calais Campbell registered 10.5 sacks last year in 13 games. Gary Rothstein/Icon SMI

RELATED • PAULINE: 2008 draft prospects on offense

By Tony Pauline, TFY Draft Preview

The defensive players eligible for the 2008 NFL draft are significantly better than those from the other side of the ball. And a good number of these prospects reside on the roster of the USC Trojans. Here's a look at the top defensive players who will be eligible for the draft next April.

(U) indicates underclassman

Defensive Linemen

There is quality and quantity at all the defensive line positions. As many as eight hold first-round grades and that number could climb.

Calais Campbell (U)/DE/Miami-Fla.: A big, dominant player who'll draw comparison's to Mario Williams, Campbell has the potential to be the draft's first pick in '08.

Chris Long/DE/Virginia: A chip off the old block, Howie's son plays with great intensity and can fit in a number of defensive systems.

Tyson Jackson (U)/DE/LSU: Jackson is a terrific combination of size and athleticism. He could be one of the better two-gap linemen if he enters the draft.

Fili Moala (U)/DT/USC: A dominant player on the inside, Moala flashes Darrell Russell-type ability and commands double teams to prevent him from collapsing the pocket.

Glenn Dorsey/DT/LSU: An explosive yet undersized tackle, Dorsey makes plays all over the field and would be a good fit in a conventional system.

Quentin Groves/DE/Auburn: Groves is one of the best pure pass rushers in the nation and will be given consideration as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Sedrick Ellis/DT/USC: Ellis is another undersized tackle, yet plays strong and works hard. His quickness off the snap causes trouble for opponents.

Tommy Blake/DE/TCU: A terrific pass rusher who has pestered opponents the past two years, Blake may also get consideration at outside linebacker.

Phillip Merling (U)/DE/Clemson: Outplaying Gaines Adams at times last season, Merling is a developing prospect with great upside.

Lawrence Jackson/DE/USC: Jackson comes off a disappointing junior campaign, yet is still a solid pass rusher who can produce in a conventional system.

Sleeper -- B.J. Raji/DT/Boston College: A space-eater on the inside, Raji is a dominant lineman with potential at tackle or on the nose.

Overrated -- Frank Okam/DT/Texas: Okam dominates the opposition when focused, yet his effort is not always consistent.

Linebackers

While the talent at linebacker looks improved next April, it is still a very limited class.

Keith Rivers/OLB/USC: An explosive weak-side prospect, Rivers is a terrific athlete who makes plays all over the field in coverage or against the run.

Rey Maualuga (U)/MLB/USC: Maualuga is as intense as they come, sacrificing his body to make the tackle. And on top of that he is an outstanding football player.

James Laurinaitis (U)/MLB/Ohio State: A solid yet unspectacular defender, Laurinaitis is an efficient linebacker with a good head for the game.

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