One of the most improved defenders from 2013 to last season. He was an active, hustle player as a junior, but really rounded out the flaws in his game as a senior. He gives you all he can in run defense -- he crashes through gaps without regard for his size and his movement is surgical in traffic. A tackling machine, although he'll whiff once or twice a game due to over aggression. The biggest surprise this fall was his coverage. Much better diagnostics on screens and underneath routes, plus he showed off some ball skills (one-handed pick against USC was nice).

Upside is short of a star, but it's easy to see him becoming a solid NFL starter. Second round.

+ Fearless, sideline to sideline run defender
+ Extremely high field awareness...sees run and pass plays before they develop
+ Defensive QB and team captain; made all the calls and played through significant injuries over his career
- Not the greatest size for his aggressive style (although you could slide him to the outside) and gets put on skates by linemen from time to time
- Makes plenty of good plays, but few great ones