Before Wootton fell to a torn right ACL late in the Wildcats' loss to Missouri in the 2008 Alamo Bowl, he was giving thought to entering the draft early as a probable top 40 pick last year. After he fell to the turf while chasing Tigers QB Chase Daniel, it wasn't clear whether he'd even be ready to play in '09.
Over the course of his senior season, he improved enough each week to get back into the conversation as a potential first-round pick. An honorable mention All-Big Ten pick, Wootton finished with 21 tackles, six for loss, and four sacks.
Wootton's success had been derailed once before. He started two games as a true freshman in 2005 before a neck injury forced him to redshirt. The following year, he made a strong comeback bid, making Freshman All-American and honorable mention All-Big Ten squads with 51 tackles, nine for loss and 4.5 sacks as a full-time starter. After a down year in 2007 statistically (39 tackles, seven for loss, one sack), Wootton burst on the national scene in 2008 with a first-team All-Big Ten and team MVP performance (16 tackles for loss, 10 sacks).
NFL defensive coordinators covet edge players with Wootton's length and speed because of the difficulties they present against the pass and run. Both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses could use his skills, which means several teams will consider taking him in the first round.
