Mike Mayock's take on the defensive crop

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock breaks down the defensive players available at each position for the Daily News in advance of the April 26-27 NFL draft. A Haverford School product, Mayock played at Boston College and was a defensive back in the NFL before beginning his broadcast career. Mayock offered his analysis to Daily News pro football writer Paul Domowitch.

Defensive end

 

Chris Long, Virginia

6-3, 272

40 time: 4.75

Projected round: 1

Mayock: "He's got the best motor I've ever seen on a defensive lineman. He's a freak athletically. I like him as a 3-4 rush linebacker, but you could literally line him up at any [3-4] position. It gives whoever drafts him ultimate scheme versatility. The defensive coordinator that ends up with this kid is not going to be constrained by anything but his own imagination.''

The Riser

Cliff Avril, Purdue

6-3, 253

40 time: 4.51

Projected round: 2

Mayock: "He's another one of those situational pass-rush guys that Purdue seems to crank out. He's stronger than people think. Did 27 reps at 225 [bench press]. Runs in the 4.5s. He's one of those kids who has the ability to get to the quarterback. In the NFL, that's money. I don't think he gets out of the second round because of his measurables and his production and what people think he can be.''

The Sleeper

Alex Hall, St. Augustine (N.C.)

6-4 3/4, 238

40 time: 4.71

Projected round: 6-7

Mayock: "Has 38 career sacks. Only weighs 240, but has the frame to go up to 270 to 275. He's a smart, tough kid who could either be a defensive end if you want to put the weight on him, but is also athletic enough to stand up and play outside linebacker.''

Defensive tackle

 

Glenn Dorsey, LSU

6-1 1/2, 297

40 time: 5.12

Projected round: 1

Mayock: "The medical was the only concern about him and he passed all of those tests. He's a legitimate, top-5 pick. He's explosive. He's quick. He's a one-gap penetrating tackle who will immediately make plays. Best suited as a three-technique guy in a 4-3 where you can let him get upfield and make plays. If you're going to ask him to two-gap as a nose tackle in a 3-4, you're basically taking away the thing that makes him so special. You're taking away his quickness and his penetration.''

The Riser

Dre Moore, Maryland

6-4, 305

40 time: 4.84

Projected round: 2