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by IDP Rookie Breakdown
Highly drafted rookie defenders are often counted on by their teams to start. But for IDP owners it's essential to find out which have landed in high-production positions and which rookies will be every-down players. Linebackers that are removed on passing downs lose big-play potential. Defensive linemen that rotate lose tackle and sack opportunities to their teammates. Defensive backs' stat lines can be affected greatly by the players in front of them.
Here's a look at 30 rookies' situations after the first round of minicamp season.
Top Ten Defensive Linemen
1. Redskins DE Brian Orakpo
The unfair Vernon Gholston comparisons aside, Orakpo can play. He tore up the Combine like Gholston, but the 2008 Nagurski Award winner (given to D-I's best defender) is a proven senior with stats to back up his big name. The IDP risk is that he'll only have position eligibility at linebacker, where his tackle count would likely fall well short of LB standards. Orakpo practiced as a stand-up strong-side 'backer this spring, moving to left end on passing downs.
2. Bengals DE Michael Johnson
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