Star Indiana DE Greg Middleton projected to go in first round of 2009 NFL Draft

[CalebMaxson]

Now that the 2008 NFL Draft is done, the draft experts have already taken up the task of attempting to predict the 2009 NFL Draft. Normally this wouldn’t be of much interest, but some experts, including the ones at Rivals.com, are projecting that if 6’3”, 275 lb defensive end Greg Middleton forgoes his senior year at IU and declares for the draft, he could possibly find himself drafted in the middle of the first round.

Middleton was a terror off the edge last season, amassing 16 sacks

If he did break into the first round, it would make him the first player out of IU to be drafted in the first round since wide receiver Thomas Lewis was selected 14 years ago in 1994.

Of course this is all speculation, but it does bring into perspective the fact that second round 2008 picks James Hardy and Tracy Porter might not have even been the best players on IU’s team last year. The relatively under-the-radar Middleton was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, which goes to the top college defensive end, was a consensus pick for the All-Big Ten team, and led the nation with 16 sacks. The relentless pass-rush generated by Middleton and fellow end Jammie Kirlew was the driving force in an Indiana defense that generated 19 interceptions and 42 sacks.

If he can come up with a similar or better performance in 2009, he would virtually guarantee himself a spot in the first round, especially if pass rushers continue to be so heavily emphasized in a team’s success. This may be easier said than done, however, if IU’s offense struggles with the loss of receiver James Hardy and quarterback Kellen Lewis.

The potent attack gave Middleton and the d-line plenty of pass rush opportunities by putting points on the board quickly and forcing teams to come from behind through the air. The defense was notoriously weak against the run, and if opposing teams can build leads early and run down the clock on the ground, Middleton will see fewer chances to rush the quarterback, but more chances to prove that he can be a complete defensive end.

Regardless of the team’s overall success next year, Middleton has proven that he is an elite pass rusher and among the best in the nation. Next year he will need to establish himself as a leader and be the cornerstone on IU’s defense if the Hoosiers expect to have another successful season.

Discuss Middleton's NFL Draft stock in the forums.

Related links:
Rivals.com NFL Draft - Rivals.com 2009 NFL Mock Draft
FanNation | Huddle Up | 2009 Mock Draft
ESPN - 2008 NFL Draft

[IUBalla512]

Middleton is definitely underrated at IU...he makes the whole defense better, especially the d-line and secondary.

[gohoosiers60]

It's interesting, I haven't watched Middleton closely enough to know how he does against the run, even though I know he's a hell of a pass rusher. Is he a complete defensive end? Indiana's overall rushing defense would say no, but Middleton is only one player.