The planet theory dictates that Branch is the most valuable DT in this draft. He probably won't be the first one to come off the board because of Okoye' projectability and the questions about Branch playing too high and deliberate, wearing down late in games, being out of shape during the pre-draft activities, and now new questions about stress fractures in his legs. None of those things change the fact that Branch consistently occupies two blockers and allows other players to seek and destroy. It's a bonus that Branch is an outstanding athlete for a guy his size who can pursue plays down the line and hit like a speeding mack truck. He devours QBs and RBs in the backfield when he does break free of those double teams, and you better double team him, because there are very few players who can handle him one on one. I'm not worried about Branch and think the concerns about him have been overblown

It's frightening to think about what Okoye could become in a few years as a 19 year old. For right now, he seems like that will be a much better fit for a cover 2 or under tackle role because he can be pushed around by drive blockers. His natural quicks and speed in pursuit is just not fair. Okoye is also a top notch character guy with a mature sense of confidence and perspective. He was one of the darlings of Senior Bowl week. It should be interesting to see if former Louisville and current Falcons coach Bobby Petrino can pass on this player he knows very well at #8.

Now that Harrell has shown that his torn biceps is healed by lifting 225 31 times at his pro day, he's a solid first rounder, and he might not make it deep into the 20s, if at all. He's probably the most intense DT in the draft and a great leader. Harrell fires off the snap very well for a big man, and he will consistently absorb and sometimes power through double teams. Like Branch, his value will come in the way he collapses pockets and frees up lanes for his teammates to make plays. Harrell also reads screens well, intercepting two passes in 2005. He should not fall past Kansas City.

Tyler is the classic immovable object in the middle of the line. Blockers are hard pressed to stop Tyler's push forward. He can absorb and power through double teams, but he's not just a gap clogger, Tyler also has decent quickness and a good nose for the ball. He does have some character issues that might scare teams off, but he's a classic two gapper and there's always a shortage of those guys in the NFL - he shouldn't last past the early to mid 2nd.

Thomas is massive, but cat quick and very agile. He also possesses the overpowering strength you would expect out of a such a big man. Thomas shows great instincts getting after the ball and he shows the legit moves and burst to stunt well. Yes, Thomas was thrown off the title winning Gators team after failing drug tests, but his agents have provided documentation of successful drug tests throughout the offseason, and have also said they are willing to put in a forfeiture clause of his entire signing bonus if he tests positive at any time during his contract. I'm not worried about his ability to stay clean - he was extremely sincere when we talked about what he learned at the Texas vs. The Nation game.

Turk looks like an ideal cover/tampa 2 DT. He's extremely quick off the snap and has the moves to elude offensive linemen and get free into the backfield. He will be able to create a pass rush from the inside with his experience at DE and his legit swim and spin moves, and excellent stunt ability. He pursues well and tackles soundly. McBride is not big or strong enough to hold up and the point of attack, but he won't be asked to do that in a cover 2.

Mebane is squatty, but quick and tenacious, much like Warren Sapp. He explodes off the line and displays a great punch and strong grasp that is difficult for QBs and RBs to escape. He should be able to tie up double teams and push blockers into the backfield consistently. Unlike some of the other guys on this list, Mebane could probably work in both one gap and two gap schemes, but he's would be more effective in as a one gapper.

McBean is far from a finished product, but his huge frame, great motor, and outstanding athleticism portend good things in his future. He should be able to bulk up, but maintain his quickness while increasing his power. He's good at attacking the gap in front of him and pursuing, but needs to develop more pass rush moves and the ability to hold up at the point of attack. He could be a tremendous 3-4 DE with some work.

Pitcock is a classic overachiever who won't enjoy the level of success he had in college at the next level. He gets by on intensity, motor, and effort more than tools. He plays strong with a good push and powers past blockers more than he pushes them around or outquicks them. Pitcock projects as a grinder in a rotation.

Johnson is big, athletic, and strong, and flashes the ability to be a real difference maker on the D-line. Antonio gets off the snap well, gets a good push, and he's surprisingly quick and fast. On the other hand, Johnson is raw, inconsistent, and not a cerebral or instinctive player. He should go on the first day to a team that is in love with upside.

Soliai will be a coveted player on draft day because of the planet theory and shortage of nose tackle types, especially ones that would work in a 3-4. He's huge, athletic, and strong - exactly the kind of guy who should occupy double teams with regularity. Soliai is not the most coachable player and lacks pass rush moves and instincts. He also needs to work on technique and develop football instincts. He's a boom/bust guy that a 3-4 team will feel compelled to take a flier on in the 3rd/4th round.

Echols has the classic nose tackle build and stubborn qualities, but he also flashes the quickness, moves, and instincts to frustrate blockers who just try to play him to a stalemate. He does have a big belly and all the stamina and training issues that go along with girth, but he will be an effect rotation nose tackle even if he can't overcome those issues. If he does get more motivated, he will be one of the steals of the draft.

Ryan does not have outstanding size, quickness, or strength, but he did nothing but make plays all week at the Shrine Game practices, infuriating blockers to point of committing personal fouls after plays even those it wasn't a live game.

Alford gives grade A effort, and has the frame to play DE in the 3-4, but he lacks the bulk and strength to tie up double teams. He's quick for a large man and relentless in pursuit and will contribute in the NFL at least as a pass rush specialist from the inside with his good explosion, punch, and moves off the snap.

Brown has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a solid NFL DT, but his technique, motor, and football instincts all need work. He's another player who could go higher to a team that sees what he could be, but he only really came on in his Senior season. Brown is a volatile investment, but he should contribute at least as a pass rush specialist from the inside (11.5 sacks in 2006)

Worth Mentioning

Walter Thomas, NW Mississippi CC, 6'5" 374

Joe Anoai, Georgia Tech, 6'3" 303

Keith Jackson, Arkansas, 6'0" 305

David Patterson, Ohio State, 6'2" 285

Derek Landri, Notre Dame, 6'3" 286

Matt Toeaina, Tennessee, 6'2" 307

Jeremy Clark, Alabama, 6'3" 309

Mike DeVito, Maine, 6'4" 295

Trey Lewis, Washburn, 6'3" 318

Ola Dagunduro, Nebraska, 6'2" 313

Joe Cohen, Florida, 6'3" 313

Daniel Muir, Kent State, 6'2" 303

Louis Leonard, 6'5" 322