Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long, Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan are all CAA clients.

FORBES: Magazine Article

He often has the Giants' defensive back play a "cover-2 shell, " a soft zone coverage that takes away deep routes and gives New York's defensive line time to harass an opposing quarterback.

WSJ: Again, Giants Are Brady Kryptonite

The defensive line didn't get to the quarterback as much, and it certainly didn't stop the run.

WSJ: Determined Giants on the defensive as draft nears

Since it's generally accepted that quarterback, left tackle (who blocks the quarterback's blind side) and defensive end (the big pass rusher) are the premier positions in the game, managers feel pressured to draft them high in order to keep big salaries tied to those positions.

FORBES: Magazine Article

In 1986, when I was a quarterback at Syracuse University, we installed a defensive formation called Cover 8.

CNN: Junior Seau was hurting and didn't know how to say it

Last year's top five picks--LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas, Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams and Penn State tackle Levi Brown--took just under a third of last year's rookie money, while the top 10 picks accounted for half.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons both hurt their knees during that game.

WSJ: NFL could eliminate tuck rule

It kept track of how many seconds elapsed before the quarterback released the ball, where each player stood at the start of the play, which defensive player applied pressure and which blocker allowed it.

WSJ: In Super Bowl, Giants Go Long for a Number Cruncher

Dallas went for defensive end Jim Jeffcoat, who lasted 12 seasons with the team, including five with 10-or-more quarterback sacks, and won two rings.

FORBES: The Draft That Almost Wrecked The NFL