The 8 Debate
Jim Trotter
December 17, 2012
With college football's regular season in the books, NFL teams are intensifying their scrutiny of prospects for the 2013 draft. If there's an emerging story line, it's that the upcoming class won't be as top-heavy as a year ago, when quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were the top two choices. Says one general manager, "You definitely don't want the first pick, because there's not a 'must have' guy."
5 Star Lotulelei, NT, 6'4", 320-pound senior, Utah
"He's good, but his value is going to escalate even further because there aren't many quality defensive tackles."
6 DeMarcus Milliner, CB, 6'1", 199-pound junior, Alabama
"He's a big corner with good speed and ball skills who hits. He's got a lot of upside. He's well-coached with good fundamentals, and he's going to test well at the combine."
7 Alec Ogletree, ILB, 6'3", 232-pound junior, Georgia
"He's got a little bit of a questionable background, but he's definitely a talent. He's a converted safety who can play all three downs and could probably play any linebacker position. He plays with a nasty streak, too."
8 Jarvis Jones, OLB, 6'3", 241-pound junior, Georgia
"He's a good pass rusher, but he doesn't have elite speed—that Von Miller--type burst around the corner. He's able to win with power and just enough getting-around-the-edge quickness."