Daniel Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan
Bazuin is an interesting prospect out of Central Michigan that has put up excellent numbers over the past two seasons. He registered 26.5 sacks during that timeframe, which the scouts cannot ignore. Bazuin is a leader on the field and plays with great instincts. He is constantly on the move and shows good lateral quickness in pursuit. Some question the level of competition he has faced while at Central Michigan may not translate to production in the NFL. Bazuin could be asked to move to OLB at the next level, but regardless could be a light sleeper in the 3rd or 4th round.
Noland Burchette, DE, Virginia Tech
Burchette was hindered by injuries throughout his career at Virginia Tech, but could be worth a second day pick for many NFL teams. He is an extremely hard worker on and off the field and despite the injuries, has caught the attention of several scouts. Burchette is a very good pass rusher with a motor that doesn't quit. He shows deceptive speed and is very effective pursuing the run along the line of scrimmage. If he can shake the injuries and add some bulk, Burchette could be a nice pick in the late rounds.
Jacob Ford, DE, Central Arkansas
Ford led the Bears in tackles for loss with 15.5 for a minus 73 yards last season. He also had a team-high six sacks for minus 51 yards with three forced fumbles. Ford had 32.5 tackles for loss in his two seasons at Central Arkansas, with 102 total tackles and 10 forced fumbles. Ford has excellent speed and shows exceptional athleticism. He recorded the second fastest 40-yard dash time (4.62) of any defensive linemen at the combine. He is likely to move to LB at the next level and would be an excellent fit at OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Ford will need to add bulk and strength to be an every down player, but could be a pleasant surprise for the team that drafts him next month.
Clifton Ryan, DT, Michigan State
After playing several positions during his tenure at Michigan State, Ryan appears to have found his niche at defensive tackle. He brings a big, physical presence at 6'2 and 310 lbs. in the middle against the run and has decent power as a pass rusher. Ryan has an impressive burst off the snap and is a viable threat as a pass rusher from the interior line. He caught the eyes of numerous scouts during the East-West Shrine workouts and game, which put Ryan on the radar screen for a likely second day selection. Keep an eye on this guy at the next level, he could be a diamond in the rough for several teams in need of defensive line help.
Paul Soliai, DT, Utah
Soliai is a converted offensive lineman with just two seasons under his belt as a defensive lineman. He was a mere "blip" on the NFL scouts radar screen prior to his senior season, but a solid campaign and respectable combine numbers have him getting some notice. Soliai is a 6'4, 344 pound lineman with great upper body strength. He earned an invite to the East-West Shrine game, where he dominated offensive linemen during one-on-one drills and controlled the line of scrimmage during the game. Soliai is a classic two-gap lineman who will not dazzle anyone with numbers, but will require two blockers at the point of attack, allowing teammates to make the play. His stock is on the rise and he will likely be a 5th or 6th round selection.
Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
Durant is an unheralded linebacker from Division I-AA, Hampton and is getting several looks from scouts after his impressive combine results. Durant is a three-time MEAC defensive player of the year and has dominated his competition throughout his career. He is a bit undersized at 6'0, 230 lbs, but he plays with exceptional instincts and gets the job done. During his senior season, he recorded 98 total tackles including 65 solo. Many will question his level of competition and how it will translate in the NFL, but there are no denying his talent and skills. Durant ran a 5.1 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, one of the quickest for a linebacker. His stock is rising and he may not be the deep sleeper he was earlier in the year, but he will be drafted on the second day and could be an immediate starter for his new team.
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