NIU’s Larry English is projected by many NFL mock drafts to be a first-round draft pick. If he goes anywhere in the first two rounds, he will be the highest draft pick in NIU history. Staff writers Steve Nitz and Derrick Smith debate the best fit for English.

Steve Nitz: So Derrick, NIU has a chance to have a player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time ever with defensive end Larry English. What are the chances he goes in round one?

Derrick Smith: His chances are looking pretty good. Any time a player earns the conference MVP in two consecutive years he increases his stock.

SN: I think a lot of it depends on what he does at the combine next week. If he performs well, I think he’s a lock for the first round.

DS: I definitely agree. But much talk has been going around about what position he will play. Some say at 6 feet 3 inches, 255 pounds, he isn’t big enough to play defensive end.

SN: I think he is a classic example of a college defensive end who moves to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system in the NFL. The Steelers’ LaMarr Woodley, who is 6 feet 2 inches, 265 lbs., and Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs, who is 6 feet 3 inches and 260 lbs., are two perfect examples.

DS: Once again, I’m going to have to agree with you. The move to linebacker shouldn’t be much of a problem, given English’s athleticism and versatility. His quick first step led him to an NIU Huskies career high 31 1/2 sacks.

SN: English would be a good fit for the Dolphins, who play a 3-4, at No. 25. If everything goes well at the combine it’s possible he could go to Denver at No. 12. The Broncos are switching to a 3-4 this year.

DS: I’m hoping he stays right at home with the Bears picking him at No. 18. Chicago could use a big-time pass rusher after finishing in the bottom third of the QB sacks category.

SN: I wouldn’t be against the Bears taking English. I think they have bigger needs though. I would love for WR Jeremy Maclin to fall to No. 18, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Another wide receiver like Darrius Heyward-Bey might not be a bad fit. They could also go offensive line with the pick.

DS: That is also true. Well, I think the general consensus here is that English will go in the first round. Wherever he goes and whatever position he plays, he’ll be making an impact on an NFL field come this fall.

SN: I think one thing is for certain in that he’ll go in the first 63 picks, which will make him the highest NFL draft pick in NIU history.