Saturday, April 28, 2007
Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State, 6-1, 234, No. 15 overall pick. An out-of-ordinary pick for the Steelers because he started only one season in college; normally, they place a premium on players who have had productive careers. A Florida State backup in 2004 and 2005 to Ernie Sims, the Lions' first-rounder in 2006. ... Started every game last season at strong side linebacker, making 79 tackles, 18 behind the line of scrimmage, with five sacks. Scored three touchdowns on an interception, fumble return and blocked punt return. Also blocked two kicks last season and four in his career. ... Finished his career with eight sacks. ... Is 20, making him only one year older than Louisville defensive lineman Amobi Okoye, the youngest player drafted in the first round since the NFL-AFL merger. ... Positives: strong potential for improvement and athletic; finished sixth in the long jump in South Carolina as a high school senior. Negatives: Not always instinctive, sometimes takes overly long routes to the quarterback, needs to get stronger. ... Also was a tight end at Wilson HS in Florence, S.C., making 14 touchdown catches as a junior and five as a senior. ... His father, Lindsley, was a Duquesne University scholarship player and letterman in 1976.
LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Michigan, 6-2, 269, No. 46 overall pick. One of the nation's most productive defensive players last season, chosen as the Lombardi Award winner (best lineman) after making 16 1/2 tackles for losses, 12 sacks, recovering four fumbles and causing four. Returned a fumble for a TD. ... Second in school history with 25 sacks, despite switching from the defensive line to right outside linebacker and, for his senior season, back to right defensive end. ... Was one of the nation's mostly highly recruited high school players at Saginaw (Mich.) High. ... Teamed with DT Alan Branch to lead the best rush defense in NCAA Division I-A last season (43.88 yards per game). Defense averaged 3.23 sacks per game. Positives: relentless drive, never gives up on a play, physical and aggressive. Negatives: Shorter than some scouts prefer.
Matt Spaeth, TE, Minnesota, 6-7, 267, No. 77 overall pick. The leading receiver among tight ends in school history with 109 catches for 1,291 yards. ... Made all-Big 10 his final two seasons. ... Doctors said he would miss the rest of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury just past the midpoint of his senior season, but returned to play three more games -- helping the Golden Gophers rally from a 3-6 start and make the Insight Bowl. ... Was chosen for the Big Ten sportsmanship award. ... Had 47 catches for 564 yards and four TDs as a senior. ... Positives: Good hands, excellent size, won't back down when he's needed to block or take on a lineman. Negatives: Lacks exceptional moves, and questions remain following his shoulder injury.
Associated Press