NFL DRAFT PREVIEW

By HOUSTON MITCHELL

April 15, 2000 12 AM PT

DEFENSIVE LINE / THE BEST

1. COURTNEY BROWN, Penn State, 6-4, 269--Gets to the quarterback quickly and is good at avoiding blocks. The most complete defensive lineman in the draft.

* Where he’s going: First round.

2. COREY SIMON, Florida State, 6-1, 297--Great athlete with quickness and intelligence. Can run down players from behind, a rare commodity in this group.

* Where he’s going: First round.

3. SHAUN ELLIS, Tennessee, 6-4, 280--Has all the physical skills, but lets his mind wander sometimes during games. His consistency is questionable.

* Where he’s going: First round.

4. JOHN ENGLEBERGER, Virginia Tech, 6-4, 260--Effective pass rusher, but he needs to learn to avoid blocks better.

* Where he’s going: First round.

5. DARREN HOWARD, Kansas State, 6-3, 281--Plays with strength and leverage and knows how to rush a passer, but he’s better at stopping the run.

* Where he’s going: First round.

THE REST

6. Jerry Johnson,

Florida State, 6-0, 293.

7. Chris Hovan,

Boston College, 6-2, 305.

8. Steve Warren,

Nebraska, 6-0, 307.

9. Byron Frisch,

Brigham Young, 6-4, 281.

10. Mao Tosi,

Idaho, 6-5, 310.

LINEBACKERS / THE BEST

1. LaVAR ARRINGTON, Penn State, 6-3, 250--Runs well and makes plays all over the field. Covers well and can rush the passer. Very competitive player who rises to the occasion.

* Where he’s going: First round.

2. ROB MORRIS, Brigham Young, 6-1, 250--Has uncanny ability to find the ball. Avoids blocks well and is a solid tackler. His age (25) is one drawback, since he’s older than the average rookie.

* Where he’s going: First round.

3. RAYNOCH THOMPSON, Tennessee, 6-2, 220--Hustles on every play, no matter what the score. Tough player who needs to bulk up.

* Where he’s going: First round.

4. BRIAN URLACHER, New Mexico, 6-3, 258--His versatility makes him a coveted player. Has played safety, linebacker, tight end, fullback, slot receiver, punt returner, kick returner and special teams.

* Where he’s going: First round.

5. JEFF ULBRICH, Hawaii, 6-0, 249--His performance in the Senior Bowl and in the combine has his value on the upswing. Extremely smart player with quick feet.

* Where he’s going: Second round.

THE REST

6. Corey Moore,

Virginia Tech, 6-3, 250.

7. Barrett Green,

West Virginia, 5-11, 233.

8. Marcus Bell,

Arizona, 6-1, 237.

9. Mark Simoneau,

Kansas State, 6-0, 237.

10. Matt Beck,

California, 6-3, 234.