TOP OF THE CROP
E Chris Long, E, 6-feet-4, 275 pounds, Virginia
The best pass-rushing prospect, Howie’s son isn’t fast but he is powerful, technically sound and has a strong work ethic.
Glenn Dorsey, T, 6-2, 316, LSU
They can say all they want about Jake Long and Chris Long — Dorsey was the most dominant college player in the country.
Vernon Gholston, E, 6-4, 258, Ohio State
More speed than Chris Long, so some scouts consider him a better pure pass rusher.
Sedrick Ellis, T, 6-1, 305, USC
Mostly played nose guard, so 3-4 teams would rank him higher than 4-3 teams — except his smaller size makes him better suited for a 4-3 defense.
Kentwan Balmer, T, 6-5, 298, North Carolina
Has the speed and quickness to become a pass-rushing tackle. Disappointing scores at the combine and his pro day workout.
SLEEPER
Calais Campbell, E, 6-8, 290, Miami
His size makes the Denver South High School product intriguing enough for first-round consideration, but production may drop him to the second round.
OVERRATED
Derrick Harvey, E, 6-5, 271, Florida
Could be an outside linebacker-defensive end tweener. He is no Jarvis Moss as a pass rusher, and Moss struggled with the Broncos as a rookie.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
At defensive end, the Broncos are stacked with young players in Moss, Tim Crowder and Elvis Dumervil. But they could use another defensive tackle. This isn’t considered a deep draft at the D-tackle position, but bet on the Broncos finding one within their top four picks.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Bengals
They had a league-low 22 sacks last year and lost their best defensive end, Justin Smith, to the 49ers.
Raiders
Allowed a staggering 4.8 yards per carry last year. With Warren Sapp retired and Tommy Kelly coming off a torn ACL, a run-stuffer is needed.
Dolphins
Last a year ago in rushing defense and 24th in sacks.
Panthers
They need another pass rusher opposite fading Julius Peppers, who is a year from free agency.
Jets
They were 25th in sacks a year ago and 29th in rush defense, and are trying to deal defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson.
Area prospects
D Jesse Nading, E, 6-5, 260, CSU, free agent
Blake Smith, T, 6-2, 273, CSU, FA
Marin Richardson, E, 6-2, 262, Colo. Mines, FA
