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View Full Version : Kiper's Top 5 sack artists and run stuffers



Tatonka
03-13-2003, 07:22 PM
Sack Artists
1. Terrell Suggs*, DE, Arizona State (6-4, 262): As a pass rusher, he took over games all season long. In 2002, he recorded an NCAA single-season record 24 sacks and led the nation in tackles for loss (31½) while tying for the Pac-10 lead in forced fumbles (six). He also has the size to hold up against the run. Athletic and fast, Suggs was recruited as a tailback.
2. Rien Long*, DT Washington State (6-5, 291): He's as good as any DT prospect at getting up field and causing havoc in the backfield. He had 13 sacks and 21½ tackles for loss in '02. Despite playing only two years of high-school football, he excelled at the collegiate level.

3. Dewayne Robertson*, DT, Kentucky (6-2, 312): Strong and explosive, he led the Wildcats in sacks in '02 (five). He's tough to block because he gets such good leverage. He's a handful for an offensive lineman to handle.

4. Jerome McDougle, DE, Miami-Fla. (6-1½, 264): He possesses a quick takeoff and good closing speed. A natural pass rusher, he recorded seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss in '02. He has short arms but he's very strong. He wasn't always consistent, but when he turned it up a notch he could really get after the quarterback.

5. Chris Kelsay, DE, Nebraska (6-4, 270): He's a relentless, impressive talent, a hustler who takes advantage of any lapse in concentration by the offensive lineman. In '02, he led the Cornhuskers in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (13). But Kelsay would have posted even better numbers had he not missed four games late in the season due to a hamstring injury. He goes all-out on every play.

5a. Michael Haynes, DE, Penn State (6-3 1/4, 275): He had an outstanding college career with superior production. And he topped it off by being the top player in the Senior Bowl game (with two sacks and two forced fumbles). In '02, Haynes led the Nittany Lions in sacks (15) and tackles for loss (23).

5b. Tully Banta-Cain, DE, California (6-2¼, 260): He has great pass-rushing technique -- he's as good technically as anybody getting after the quarterback. He doesn't have ideal size, but he finds a way to make life difficult for the OT he works against. He recorded 14 sacks, which is impressive in the Pac-10, where D-lineman face top-notch pro-style offensive tackles.



Run Stuffers
1. Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State (6-4¼, 335): He's gifted physically and possesses good quickness. Besides being a run-stopping line-clogger, he also has the ability to explode up field. He's the best defensive lineman in this draft at shutting down the run.
2. Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State (6-4, 300): He's tough to block because he's so athletic. He bulked up from 280 to 300, but he retained his quickness. He's very effective at working through the double team. Teams knew that containing Williams was the key to beating the Cowboys' defense, but he still excelled.

3. William Joseph, DT, Miami-Fla. (6-4, 290): He combines strength and quickness, and his speed and athleticism enable him to make plays outside. He can hold his own when double-teamed, maintaining a strong base. His performance level in 2002 was up and down, but he's a talent.

4. Kenny Peterson, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 294): Bulked up from 280 pound, he can play any position on the defensive line. He works well within the defensive scheme. One of his trademark games was a superior effort against Miami in the national-championship game.

5. Antonio Garay, DE, Boston College (6-4, 293): When he was at full strength, BC's defense played at a different level. He struggled some with some injury, but he was a huge factor whenever he was 100 percent. Garay was the glue that held the Eagles' D together.

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