Draft analysis: Defensive linemen (1 Viewer)

[Dan in Lafayette]

Frank Cooney / Special for USA Today

To gauge the value of NFL defensive linemen, just recall the New York Giants' front four harassing New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady en route to the team's surprising Super Bowl victory.

Need further evidence? Placing a franchise tag on a defensive end this year cost $8.9 million; only quarterbacks and cornerbacks were pricier. Tommy Kelly, who has produced 13 sacks in four seasons and is coming off a major knee injury, received a contract in excess of $50 million to stay with the Oakland Raiders.

Against that backdrop, the 2008 NFL draft is expected to include more than 10 defensive linemen in the first two rounds. And that includes the draft's top two prospects — Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey, respectively — according to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com. Full Story – USA Today