Assessing the Draft Options at Defensive End

Assessing the Draft Options at Defensive End Mar 18, 2015, 8:04pmThe Buccaneers have gone through the offseason without addressing one of their biggest needs: Defense End. Now, to the untrained eye, the "Defensive End" position is an umbrella term for a guy who is lines up typically outside the defensive tackle(s) on the d-line.Some quick basic explanations on the difference in types of D-Ends - humor me because this is important while analyzing prospects. The 4-3 defense typically uses a DE in a 5-tech (the D-Line number positioning that is given to the outside shoulder of an Offensive Tackle). The 3-4 Defense typically uses a D-End in either a 3-tech (outside shoulder of the guard) or 4-tech (head up on the OT), and sometimes a 5-tech as well, depending on the strength call - where the defender is reading/reacting while covering 2 different gaps. For those of you that are oblivious, the Bucs run a 4-3 defense. The 4-3 DE is typically more of an "edge-rusher" type that is used to rush the passer and set the contain on the edge of the line. A 3-4 Edge rusher is typically taking on 1-2 OL because of their "2-gap responsibility" to create a rushing advantage for the OLB coming around the edge. Coincidentally, 4-3 DE's and 3-4 OLB share more similar qualities, as typically the 3-4 OLB's main job is to be the edge-rush. Now, in Lovie's Tampa 2 system, the DE's job is really to do one main thing: Get. To. The QB. The rest of the defense is predicated on the DE's success and ability to rush the passer. Why is that sentence in bold? Because it identifies the single most important aspect of how we should be looking at draft prospects in determing who could be a fit. Not what scheme they play in, not their effectiveness against the run, not their athletic "freak-ness". Currently, the Bucs Defense has an INCREDIBLE inside presence, while a good supporting cast on the outside. Of the Bucs current DE's, Jacquies Smith is the only true pass rusher, and we saw how his abilities came alive last year in comparison to the run-stuffing DE's in Gholston and Fatinikun - as well as the ex-Buc Michael Johnson. Johnson didn't have the impact we were hoping simply because his pass rushing skills weren't good. That's not what the Bucs need at DE.So, with that in mind, I felt it'd be highly beneficial to start analyzing the early round (rounds 2-4) prospects that the Bucs could look to to fill those pass rushing needs. I'll break down each true edge-rusher, then follow that analysis up by listing out the "other" DE options that aren't really fits for what the need.2015 Rounds 2-4 Edge/Pass-Rusher ProspectsThis list is not comprised of guys who simply had gaudy stat numbers or just had histories of playing only in a 4-3. I've taken the time to watch film on each of them and filtered a list that we should hopefully stick with. When looking for a quality pass-rusher, it's necessary to look for a couple things: burst off the ball (quick-twitch movement), hands/technique, athleticism and speed. Those traits are necessary to become an above-average pass-rusher that the Bucs need.As always, I recommend that each of you go and watch whatever game film you can find on these guys. It's extremely enlightening.Nate Orchard, DE Utah2014 Stats: 84 Tackles, 21 TFL (Tackles for Loss), 18.5 SacksLet me say this: no projected DE outside the 1st round has a quicker burst off the line than Nate Orchard. It's not even close. I was actually DOWN on Orchard for a few weeks, but after going back and watching his film again - the man knows how to do one thing really well, that's use his quick-twitch athleticism to get by o-lineman and get to the QB. After going through and watching each of these players, no player stands out to me more as a potential dominant pass-rushing specialist than Nate Orchard.What causes scouts' concerns over Orchard is simply this: he's not great against the run. The film supports that. He'll have to develop into a 3-down D-End and improve on his run-stopping skills and that's what has cause his "dip" in the rankings lately. But that shouldn't deter Bucs fans much. The Bucs need 1 type of DE right now - as evidenced by their interest in Trent Cole, Jabaal Sheard, and even Greg Hardy - they need a pass-rushing beast. Orchard can be that guy.Projected round: Late 2nd, Early-Middle 3rdHau'oli Kikaha, 3-4 OLB, WAS2014 Stats: 72 Tackles, 25 TFL, 19.0 SacksHau'oli has played primary as an outside linebacker in Washington, but his made primary has been one thing: you guessed it, rushing the pass rusher. Kikaha has an incredible ability and motor to burst off the line and keep fighting until he beats his guy. He uses his hands very well, and is considered by some scouts to arguably be the best pass-rusher in the draft. He's played standing up and with his hand on the ground. I have no concern over how a "switch" to putting his hand on the ground would disrupt him. The man gets to the QB.The downside to Kikaha is like, Orchard, he can struggle and too easily get locked up in the run. Tends to be a bit overaggressive with pursuit angles. And finally, has a decent amount of injury history. If not for the injury history, Kikaha would have a VERY good chance at being a solid 1st round pick. There's a myth that says Kikaha isn't "that athletic" - I honestly don't see where this is coming from. The film shows just the opposite.Projected round: 2nd RoundMarkus Golden, DE/OLB Missouri2014 Stats: 78 Tackles, 20 TFL, 10 SacksMarkus is going to be a decent 3-4th round option. He played in the "hybrid" edge role opposite Shane Ray. Now, I'm disregarding the sack totals because a lot of the attention was focused on Shane Ray, but Golden is a good prospect in his own right. He shows a nice quick-twitch burst off the ball, and routinely puts himself in the backfield while holding a solid edge against the run.He doesn't have as good as edge-moves as Kikaha and Orchard and relies primarily on the bull rush. However, watching him I see no reason to believe that he can't incorporate more skill moves to add to his pass rushing arsenal. There's some "worry" about his athetlicism and side-to-side agility which is what causes him to be a mid-round grade.Projected Round: 3-4Lorenzo Mauldin, 3-4 OLB Louisville2014 Stats: 51 Tackles, 13 TFL, 6.5 SacksLorenzo is arguably the biggest question mark out of this group. He is very athletic and quick, but doesn't seem to take advantage of it like he could. He's got a very fast straight-line burst coming off the line, but for some reason seems to "slow down" as he tries to make moves around o-lineman as he's rushing. If that gets cleaned up, he could have a very nice future as a pass-rusher. He's not good in coverage, so he'll either be drafted at a rushing 3-4 backer or a pass-rushing 4-3.I kind o already stated it, but the main negative to Mauldin is that he he just simply doesn't use his athleticism to his potential yet. He plays "too tall" which doesn't allow his strength and quickness to factor in like they should. The core traits are there (speed, quick twitch, good hands), but he just needs some solid coaching to put it all together.Projected Round: 3-4SynopsisThese 4 prospects are really the ONLY ones i can watch film on and say "yea, these guys can solve our pass-rush needs". Remember, we don't need just ANY defensive end out there, we specifically need one that can rush the QB. Orchard, Kikaha, Golden, and Mauldin are in my mind the top 4 prospects in rounds 2-4 when it comes to the ability to get to the QB.Other Early-Mid Round Defensive End OptionsNow, even though we've identified the top 4 edge rushing prospects, there are still some intriguing prospects. Here's a quick list of the "Back-up" options I'd be ok with.1. Trey Flowers, DE Arkansas - think Clayborn without the injury history. Not a great pass rusher, would need to get pulled on 3rd and long, but he has some nice technique and athleticism against the run. Projected Round: 3-42. Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU - a good "all-around" DE. Long arms, good size... The problem is his burst off the ball - it's a very slow reaction and he doesn't display the quick-twitch athleticism you'd like to see more often. Projected Round: 2-33. Za'Darius Smith, DE/OLB, Kentucky - Incredible motor and playmaker, but doesn't show as much athleticism as the others listed above. There's some concern over his numbers being a result of playing side-by-side with Bud Depree... Plays hard, has the effort and energy, but he shouldn't be our #1 option out of the draft. Projected Round: 4-5Sleeper OptionObum Gwacham, DE - Oregon StObum switched to DE in 2014 after playing WR. So what does that mean? Athleticism... check. He could be a very nice late round flyer. He's displayed the raw and natural ability to get off the ball quickly and get to the QB, he just needs time to beef up, add more muscle, and learn more of the technique. He's a project, but could be a steal in the later rounds.SummaryIf I haven't drilled it enough in this post, we need to know one thing: the Bucs need a pass-rushing DE. Nothing else. there's a reason we specifically targeted pass-rushing OLB/DE in the offseason - it's what this defense needs. We don't need guys like Owa Odighizuwa or Mario Edwards. Those guys will do nicely against the run, but they won't provide the spark that we need flying off the edge to rush the passer.My vote? If we can steal Orchard in the 3rd, I'd be ecstatic.What say you, Bucs fans, who do you want to target, and when?link