Who from the SEC will be drafted? Part two: Defense

Speed kills and the pace of the defensive game in the SEC is what sets it apart from other conferences. While the Big 12 and Pac 10 may boast great scoring offenses, they can’t make that claim very often when they step on the field to play their peers from the SEC. The players listed below are waiting to hear their name called this weekend in the NFL draft. These are the players other schools have game planned for on offense and will be glad to see go on to pro ball.

First Round

Peria Jerry, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss Rebels
Can get into the backfield, disrupt a play, and get to a quarterback.

D.J. Moore, Cornerback, Vanderbilt Commodores
Some see him slipping into later rounds because of his slow 40 times. He has shown over time the ability to cover great receivers and be physical.

Second Round

Robert Ayers, Defensive End, Tennessee Volunteers
Given his instincts and strength we think someone will take a chance early on this fast player.

Ashlee Palmer, Outside Linebacker, Ole Miss Rebels
Not as big as some people want, but is an ideal player for teams that run a 4-3 defense.

Asher Allen, Cornerback, Georgia Bulldogs
Reads plays very well and is explosive to the ball.

Derek Pegues, Safety, Mississippi State Bulldogs
His size will cause teams to pass in the first round, but he has the skills to be there. He will make some team a great player.

Third Round

Dannell Ellerbe, Inside Linebacker, Georgia Bulldogs
Has demonstrated the ability to track plays down and make a big hit when he arrives.

Darry Beckwith, Inside Linebacker, LSU Tigers
Good tackling skills and a solid athlete. Some may question his size.

Emmanuel Cook, Safety, South Carolina Gamecocks
Can make plays in the passing or running game. Gets from sideline to sideline well.

Rashad Johnson, Safety, Alabama Crimson Tide
The former walk-on is a tough, physical player, but his coverage skills are not proven.

Tyson Jackson, Defensive End, LSU Tigers
Is a versatile enough to play tackle or end, which will increase his values to many teams.

Second Day Picks

Defensive Ends
Kirston Pittman, LSU Tigers

Defensive Tackles
Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn Tigers
Rickey Jean-Francois, LSU Tigers
Corey Irvin, Georgia Bulldogs
Myron Pryor, Kentucky Wildcats
Marlon Favorite, LSU Tigers

Outside Linebacker
Merrill Johnson, Auburn Tigers
Defensive Backs
Captain Munnerlyn