Packer Plus What might distinguish this one from so many other defensive line classes as well is the prospect of fewer wasted high picks than usual. Finding big men with speed and athletic ability has never been easy. That's why no fewer than five defensive linemen have gone in the first round every year since 1990. The risks are rampant but the search is endless because to succeed means winning. Besides talent, two others factors have led to a bust rate that probably is unequaled at any other position.
Offensive linemen have it easy in the era of the pass.
They set, then slide a few yards. It takes stamina and heart to rush the passer full throttle down after down, and the group this year seems more energetic than usual. Almost all of them play real hard. Most years you can't say that. In fact, of the eight players generally rated as first-round selections, only Shaun Rogers of Texas gets ripped for taking downs off.