Defensive talent on display in LSU/OSU Championship Game

There will be a lot of defensive talent on display tonight for the BCS Nationa Championship Game between LSU and Ohio State. So much talent in fact, that four players on the field tonight have a chance to be selected before the Lions pick at number 15. Let's take a look at the players to keep an eye on this evening an make some notes before the 2008 NFL draft.

The four players to keep an eye on are LSU Senior defensive tackle Glen Dorsey, and three Ohio State Juniors who could declare, defensive end Vernon Gholston, linebacker James Laruinaitis, and cornerback Malcom Jenkins.

DT - Glen Dorsey (LSU) #72
Senior, 6'2", 299-pounds
64 tackles (11.5 TFL), 6.5 sacks

Projected by many to be the first player taken in the 2008 NFL draft. Dorsey has the speed and power to be a disruptive force in both the passing and running games. He projects to a DT in the 4-3 or a DE in a 3-4 at the NFL level. Dorsey decided to return the LSU last season even though he appeared to be a top ten pick in the draft. He will be the first defensive lineman taken this year, the first defensive player taken, and potentially the first player taken period.

DE - Vernon Gholston (OSU) #50
Junior, 6'4", 264-pounds
34 tackles (14.5 TFL), 13 sacks

Projected by most to be the second defensive end taken after Chris Long of Virginia. A good athelete who has the speed to get to the quarterback. He projects to a DE in the 4-3, too undersized to play DE in a 3-4 scheme at the NFL level. I expect Gholston to be one of those types of players who really impresses scouts with his workouts.

LB - James Laruinaitis (OSU) #33
Junior, 6'3", 244-pounds
103 tackles (8.5 TFL), 5 sacks, 2 interceptions

Projected to go as early as the seventh pick to New England, Laruinaitis could join an interesting mix at linebacker should he declare that might include Keith Rivers (USC) and Dan Connor (Penn State). Laurinitis learned behind A.J. Hawks early in his career at Ohio State. He has excellent instincts and the ability to drop into coverage, impressive for a MLB of his size.

CB - Malcom Jenkins (OSU) #2
Junior, 6'1", 208-pounds
44 tackles (5 TFL), 3 interceptions

Projected to be one of the first cornerbacks take along with Antoine Cason. Jenkins is still a bit raw but a physical corner who can jam receivers at the line and help against the run. He would make a good fit in the Cover-2 defense the Lions employ and may still be available at pick 15 at a position the Lions have a huge need at. He

The game also features LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith #7 (6'1", 233-pounds) who could be drafted late in the first round as well. But Highsmith projects to a weakside linebacker in the NFL, one of the few spots the Lions actually don't have a need given they have Ernie Sims.