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Todd McShay, senior NFL draft analyst 15y

Plenty of pass-rushers to choose from

NFL, Insider College Football, NFL Draft

There will never be enough pass-rushers to make all 32 NFL teams happy, but there should be no complaints regarding the supply found in the 2009 draft class. Here's a brief breakdown of the top-eight hybrid defensive ends/outside linebackers -- all of which possess first-day draft potential.

1. Aaron Maybin -- He's the least experienced of the bunch, but owns the quickest first step. He made up for poor his combine showing with an excellent Pro Day workout.

2. Everette Brown -- He is short and needs experience dropping into coverage, but he's a true speed rusher with great intangibles.

3. Larry English -- He's a quicker than fast playmaker with toughness and an competitive edge.
4. Paul Kruger -- A tough, high-effort overachiever with good, but unspectacular speed and athleticism.

5. Connor Barwin -- This former tight end is unpolished, but has the versatility to contribute in multiple areas.

6. Lawrence Sidbury -- He's the top small-school prospect. He explodes off the ball, has good closing speed and surprisingly posted the fastest 40-yard dash time out of all the defensive ends at the combine (4.64 seconds).
7. Michael Johnson -- He is a true boom-or-bust prospect because he possesses rare tools, but plays soft.
8. David Veikune -- He's a smooth athlete for his size and his best football should still be ahead of him.

A name conspicuous in its absence from the above list is Brian Orakpo, who some feel fits best at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. We are not of that opinion because we are concerned about his fluidity. However, there's no questioning his ability to get to the quarterback and he should make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher, regardless of the scheme.

Orakpo isn't the only conventional defensive end prospect expected to come off the board in the first round either. Robert Ayers is expected to join him. Ayers can play inside and outside, but we think he's best suited as a traditional defensive end in the 4-3 scheme. He's a bit of a one-year wonder, but the potential he displayed in 2008 -- especially versus Alabama OT Andre Smith -- is enough to earn a spot in the top 20 picks.

To see which players Scouts Inc. thinks are the best of the defensive tackle and end classes; those who could become midround sleepers; and which defensive linemen are best against the run, as pass rushers and more, become an ESPN Insider. Insider

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