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Enough to go around First two rounds will be rich with OLB's and DB's
Posted: Friday April 14, 2000 03:38 PM
The consensus among NFL coaches is that outside linebacker LaVar Arrington is the best player available in this draft. It's his big-play potential that makes him the premier difference-maker out there. Outside linebacker is considered one of the game's elite positions, and there are four other outside backers besides Arrington who could go in the first round.
The rising star of the offseason circuit has been Brian Urlacher, a converted safety whose employer will create unusual schemes to maximize his versatility. He's a rarity that could play 100 percent of the defensive snaps, line up as a tight end in goal-line situations, and perhaps take a turn on kick return units. There's a drop-off to the next level, where Raynoch Thompson didn't distinguish himself in his individual workout. At only 220 pounds, he needed to run faster than he did to compensate for his size. But Thompson, who wouldn't be a first-rounder in a better draft, has enough upside to warrant some attention this year. Coaches are still trying to figure out Keith Bulluck, who has all impressive measurables, but they wonder how to get more out of him than he's shown. And John Abraham's effectiveness will be dictated by whether he goes to a 40-defense or a 3-4. As far as defensive backs go, it's considered a good year when two cornerbacks go in the top 10. That won't happen this year, though safety Deon Grant is a top-notch ballhawking centerfielder who would go higher if he'd shown any desire to tackle. Deltha O'Neal and Ahmed Plummer are the best man-to-man corners in the draft. Plummer is the safer pick, but O'Neal is more intriguing because he'll bring exceptional kick-return skills to the table while he develops. There may be only three DBs drafted in the first round, but that doesn't mean it's a dry well this year. As many as 12 could be taken by the end of round two, and since second-rounders are expected to start in today's NFL, that's a dozen starting jobs that will be filled in secondaries across the league. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years in the NFL as a coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer.
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