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Scouting The 2017 Draft: "My Guys" On Defense

Not too long ago, I listed out the prospects on offense that I have the biggest connection to. If I left some big names off the list, it isn't because I feel they won't make it in the NFL. I just don't have that gut feeling of confidence watching them. Here are "my guys" on defense. Please, let us know who are your guys on defense.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Edge

1. Charles Harris, Missouri - 6'3", 260 lbs, 4.82 40 Time - Round 1/2

Charles Harris is one of my favorite edge rushers in the draft. His spin move is a thing of beauty. I have seen a couple mocks where Harris falls to the 2nd. I wouldn't hesitate to grab him at the beginning of day 2.

2. Carl Lawson, Auburn - 6'2", 261 lbs, 4.67 40 Time - Round 1/2

Lawson was one of the most productive edge rushers. If it wasn't for his injury history, Lawson would be a shoe in for the first round.

3. Derek Rivers, Youngstown State - 6'4", 248 lbs, 4.61 40 Time - Round 2/3

At the Senior Bowl, Rivers confirmed what scouts have been raving about all year. Don't let his small school status fool you, Rivers is a beast.

4. Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic - 6'4", 266 lbs, 4.65 40 Time - Round 3/4

Hendrickson is a special talent on the edge. He will offer great value for any team looking for an edge guy in the mid level rounds. He has a vast resume of pass rush moves, and switches them up often.

5. Hunter Dimick, Utah - 6'3", 269 lbs, 4.68 40 Time - Round 4/5

Every year there is an edge guy that won't blow anyone away with his numbers or or athleticism, but does everything right. He is a workhorse that just does his job. I really like those "high effort" players.

Interior Defense

1. Solomon Thomas, Stanford, 6'3", 278 lbs, 4.69 40 Time - Top 10

The only interior defender to really get under my skin was Thomas, and he might not even be used as an interior defender at the next level. Thomas' explosion and athleticism will make him a terror along the D-line.

Off-Ball Linebacker

1. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State - 6'2", 240 lbs, 4.61 40 Time - Round 1/2

McMillan is very athletic, and has elite speed for the position. Raekwon also has the solo tackle market share that you desire in an off ball linebacker. We can grab him in the second, and he could wind up being better than Darron Lee.

2. Anthony Walker Jr., Northwestern- 6'1", 231 lbs, 4.65 40 Time - Round 2/3

Walker checks all the boxes for character, production and effort. Anthony might not be the most athletic linebacker in this class, but he is willing to do all the dirty work... Much like Harris.

3. Calvin Munson, San Diego State - 6'1" 241 lbs, 4.67 40 Time - Round 6/7

Munson might not have the range most teams look for in their off ball linebackers, but he is extremely aggressive, and stands his ground. Calvin also adds value as a pass rusher.

Safety

1. Jamal Adams, LSU - 6'0", 214 lbs, 4.56 40 Time - Top 10

Adams is a complete safety that can play both positions if asked to. He can play man, roam center field, or play in the box. He is exactly the kind of safety Bowles and Macc would love.

2. Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech - 5'11", 198 lbs, 4.54 40 Time - Round 3/4

Woods is another complete safety. He is a cornerback convert, so he is no stranger to man coverage. He is very versatile when it comes to defensive scheme. That is something Bowles would love.

3. Chuck Clark, Virginia Tech - 6'0", 201 lbs, 4.54 40 Time - Round 4/5

Clark is one of my favorite sleeper picks in the whole class. He has the athleticism and flexibility of a future pro bowler. He's not going to blow anyone away with his stats, but has some tremendous upside that can't be ignored.

Cornerback

1. Ahkello Witherspoon Colorado - 6'3, 198 lbs, 4.45 40 Time - Round 2/3

Witherspoon is my favorite defender in this year's class. He has his flaws against the run, but has star potential in coverage. His length and speed made him menace for opposing quarterbacks. He had the most passes defensed out of everyone.

2. Sidney Jones, Washington - 6'0", 186 lbs, 4.47 40 Time - Round 2/3

I feel horrible for Sidney Jones. He finished off an amazing career at Washington, and worked his way into the 1st round. That all came to a crashing halt with his pro day injury. I for one would be willing to give him a redshirt year in 2017 if he is around in the 3rd.

4. Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado - 6'0", 202 lbs, 4.43 40 Time - Round 3/4

Witherspoon might be my favorite defender in the class, but his teammate, Awuzie, was equally as impressive. He is tough, and a pest to any receiver matched up against him. He can play in the slot or on the outside and be successful.

5. Corn Elder, Miami - 5'10", 183 lbs, 4.55 40 Time - Round 3/4

Elder might not be the biggest defensive back, but don't tell him that. He plays big, and is as tough as they come. He won't back down from a fight, and is the kind of teammate you want next to you.