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Getting defensive Morgan is strongest among weak linebacker crop
A month ago, there were only two defensive backs and one linebacker considered legitimate first-round candidates. While there's still only one linebacker in the group, there are now five cornerbacks who have a chance. The biggest impact will be made by the University of Miami's Dan Morgan, far and away the best in a weak year for linebackers. Morgan, the nation's Defensive Player of the Year, had 100 or more tackles in every season of his college career and played both inside and outside 'backer with the 'Canes. The defensive back crop is much deeper, and Nate Clements, a junior out of Ohio State, has climbed to the top of the list. No one is comparing him to Charles Woodson or Champ Bailey, but Clements has run under 4.4 and at 209 pounds he should be able to match up against some of the NFL's bigger receivers. Mississippi State's Fred Smoot is the most colorful player in the draft. He talks a good game and backs up his non-stop jabbering with some top-notch cover skills. But his mouth isn't the only thing that reminds people of Deion Sanders -- Smoot's run support also leaves much to be desired. For teams that play a lot of man-to-man with no help, Smoot is a good fit. Wisconsin's Jamar Fletcher is shorter than 5-foot-9, but then again so is Aaron Glenn. The difference is that Glenn can run a 4.3. Fletcher does get the most out of his slight build. He should be able to line up on slot receivers as a rookie and eventual earn a regular cornerback job. At the combine and at his individual workout, Minnesota's Willie Middlebrooks showed off his size, 4.4 speed and excellent athletic ability. He's been rising up the draft boards these past two months as fast as anyone. Will Allen of Syracuse may be the fastest corner available, as his sub-4.4 40 showed. Allen can also return kicks; he averaged 24 yards per return in college. Safeties Derrick Gibson and Adam Archuleta are good enough to be among the top five defensive backs taken. But so many teams are in need of cornerbacks -- including the Giants at No. 30 -- that I don't see either being drafted until the top five cornerbacks are off the board. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Chat with Pat at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesdays.
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