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2009 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

The top 2009 defensive end prospects available for the 2009 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * - denotes 2010 prospect.

This page was last updated Nov. 16, 2008.

2009 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2010 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Brian Orakpo, Texas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2009): Top 5 Pick.
11/16/08: Brian Orakpo has been dominant this season, registering 13 TFL ands 8.5 sacks in nine games. He'll thrive at the combine as well, so it's likely he'll be a top-three selection come April.

5/7/08: Notched five sacks in 2007. Brian Orakpo's freakish athleticism will get him noticed.

2007: Brian Orakpo recorded 4.5 sacks despite starting just one game as a sophomore. He is now the full-time end, taking Tim Crowder's place. Orakpo will have a role in someone's 3-4 defense.
Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-7. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
11/16/08: Athleticism has never been Michael Johnson's problem; it was the lack of production on the field. However, that has changed. In 10 games, he has 12 TFL and six sacks. He could go top 10.

5/7/08: Best suited for right end in the 4-3, but he's so physically talented he should be able to play rush linebacker in the 3-4. Michael Johnson had just four sacks in 2007, but he has the skillset and athleticism to improve upon that figure. The fact that he's 6-7 doesn't exactly hurt his draft stock.

2007: Any 3-4 hybrid linebacker who has a 4.6 and weighs 250 or more pounds definitely has a shot to go in the first round. Michael Johnson is a solid pass rusher, accumulating four sacks in 2007. He considered leaving school early but decided to return for his senior campaign, showing intelligence and character.
George Selvie*, South Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2009): Top 25 Pick.
11/16/08: Facing countless double teams this year, it's amazing George Selvie has been able to put up 11 TFL and five sacks through eight contests.

5/7/08: George Selvie made huge strides as a sophomore, notching 14.5 sacks for the South Florida Bulls. Selvie needs to put on a bit more bulk, but he's probably a top-10 pick regardless, barring a horrendous junior campaign.

2007: Easily the top 3-4 rush linebacker in the class of 2010, George Selvie had 5.5 sacks as a fresman. What's more impressive is that Selvie equaled that total in his sophomore year after only two games.
Everette Brown*, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2009): Top 25 Pick.
11/16/08: Everette Brown's production has been amazing this season. In nine games, he has 15 TFL and nine sacks, which could prompt him to declare early.

7/30/08: A future right end or 3-4 rush linebacker, Everette Brown has proven to be a terror to quarterbacks; as a sophomore, Brown registered 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. As an added bonus, Brown is reliable; he has yet to miss a game in his career as a Seminole.
Greg Hardy*, Ole Miss
Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2009): Top 25 Pick.
11/16/08: A bit disappointing that Greg Hardy hasn't played much all year because of a foot injury. He has 4.5 TFL and three sacks in just four games.

5/7/08: Greg Hardy's a lock to go in the first round if he repeats what he did in 2007; Hardy had 10 sacks and 18 tackles for losses, both of which are incredible numbers when you factor that he did this in the SEC. With a great 2008 campaign, Hardy could crack the top 10.
Clint Sintim, Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 254.
Projected Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
Also listed in the outside linebacker section.

11/16/08: Playing rush linebacker in the 3-4, Clint Sintim has been a pass-rushing machine, owning 12.5 TFL and 11 sacks in 10 games.

5/16/08: Clint Sintim should be able to play strongside or middle linebacker at the next level. After struggling through injuries in 2006, Sintim had an outstanding junior campaign. One more great season, and we could be talking second round.
Tyson Jackson, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 292.
Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
11/16/08: Tyson Jackson has 4.5 sacks this year, but he won't provide much of a pass rush in the NFL. He'll be great against the run.

5/7/08: Still the best 4-3 left end or 3-4 end available in this class.

2007: Tyson Jackson has announced that he'll be returning for his senior season.

Pretty much the same build as Adam Carriker, only with a much faster Projected 40 Time. Will play up front in the 4-3 or 3-4. Notched 8.5 sacks in 2006.
Brandon Graham*, Michigan
Height: 6-3. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
11/16/08: It should be interesting to see if Ben Graham can run a 4.6 at the combine. If he does, he'll earn first-round consideration. Through nine games, Graham has 15.5 TFL and nine sacks.

7/30/08: Despite starting just five games, Brandon Graham recorded 9.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He'll most likely play left end in the NFL.
Connor Barwin, Cincinnati
Height: 6-4. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
11/16/08: Connor Barwin has emerged for the upstart Bearcats, registering seven sacks and 9.5 TFL. More impressively, he has three blocked kicks!
Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
11/16/08: Through 10 games, Matt Shaughnessy has three sacks and six TFL. 2007: A full-time starter as a sophomore, Matt Shaughnessy had four sacks in 2006. Yet another pure pass-rusher in this class, Shaughnessy is a high-character player that coaches love to have.
Auston English*, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
11/16/08: Coming off a leg injury, Auston English has nine TFL and 4.5 sacks in nine games.

5/7/08: Auston English led the Big XII in sacks despite missing action with a leg injury. He'll be at full strength come September.
Phillip Hunt, Houston
Height: 6-2. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
11/16/08: One of the hottest defenders in the nation this year, Phillip Hunt has 13.5 TFL and 10 sacks in nine games.
Larry English, Northern Illinois
Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
11/16/08: Larry English is not going to match the 10.5 sacks he had in 2007. He has 4.5 sacks through nine games.

5/7/2008: Despite being the only talented defensive lineman on Northern Illinois' front, Larry English still managed 10.5 sacks, giving him 22.5 the past two years. I don't care whom you're playing - numbers like that can't be ignored. Look for English to shoot up draft boards like fellow MAC end Jason Jones did in April.

2007: Larry English recorded 12 sacks as a sophomore.
Cody Brown, Connecticut
Height: 6-2. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2009): 4.
12/6/08: Cody Brown put up great numbers as a senior - 12.5 TFL, nine sacks and eight passes broken up. He'll probably succeed as a situational pass rusher in the NFL.

5/16/08: A ton of bricks at linebacker (244 pounds) with a very nice 40 (4.65) to go along with his size. Cody Brown had 7.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss in 13 starts his junior year.
Derek Walker, Illinois
Height: 6-4. Weight: 272.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2009): 4.
11/16/08: Derek Walker has six sacks this season - impressive, considering he'll be a left end in the NFL.

2007: Derek Walker has a habit of getting to the quarterback, but he also missed some action in 2006 with an ankle injury.
Pannel Egboh, Stanford
Height: 6-6. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
Projected Round (2009): 4.
5/7/2008: A potential left end or a 3-4 lineman at the next level, Pannel Egboh had six sacks in 2007. More impressively, he has 24 consecutive starts as of this writing.
Maurice Evans*, Penn State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
11/16/08: A huge disappointment. After getting into trouble this offseason, Maurice Evans has just two sacks in seven games.

5/7/08: Maurice Evans didn't do much in 2006, but he made huge strides last year, accumulating 12.5 sacks as a mere sophomore.
Tim Jamison, Michigan
Height: 6-3. Weight: 266.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
11/16/08: Tim Jamison has just three sacks in 10 games this year. Major disappointment.

5/7/08: Tim Jamison had 5.5 sacks as a junior, giving him 14.5 for his career (I previously said he had 14.5 as a junior; I was looking at his career numbers instead). He's very athletic and should be a force in the 4-3 or 3-4. He needs to work on staying healthy though.

2007: Part of Michigan's defense that suddenly can't stop anyone. Tim Jamison had five sacks as a sophomore.
Will Davis, Illinois
Height: 6-3. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
11/16/08: Though he had 10.5 sacks as a junior, Will Davis has recorded just 3.5 through 10 games in 2008.

5/7/08: Will Davis probably needs one more great year to really move up the charts. In addition to his awesome size-40 combo, he managed 10.5 sacks last year. I'd like to see him put on a little more bulk, but with a great 40, he could slide into the first day.
Jamaal Westerman, Rutgers
Height: 6-3. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
11/16/08: Jamaal Westerman has 10 TFL, six sacks and a blocked kick this year.

2007: Jamaal Westerman, who made some noise as a sophomore (eight sacks), has decent speed considering his 256-pound frame.
Orion Martin, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
5/7/08: Probably a right end in the 3-4 at the next level. Orion Martin notched 78 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season.
David Veikune, Hawaii
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
11/16/08: His 40 is a problem, but David Veikune has 5.5 sacks and 11.5 TFL in 10 games this year.
Michael Bennett, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
Mitch King, Iowa
Height: 6-3. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
11/16/08: Should be a solid 3-4 reserve in the NFL for a number of years.

5/7/08: Mitch King had 4.5 sacks in 2007, and is looking like a solid, mid-round defensive end in the 2009 Draft.
Willie VanDeSteeg, Minnesota
Height: 6-4. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2009): 6.
11/16/08: Aside from his off-the-field issues, Willie VanDeSteeg is a solid player who gets to the quarterback. He has 15 TFL and 7.5 sacks in 10 games.

5/7/08: Last year, I wrote that Willie VanDeSteeg was impossible to contain. Well, that turned out to be far from the truth, as he was arrested and charged with assault in the winter. VanDeSteeg also suffered shoulder and hand injuries last year.

2007: Willie VanDeSteeg is a sack machine. As a sophomore, he recorded 10, earning himself a spot on the All-Big Ten second team. He's nearly impossible to contain.
Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond
Height: 6-3. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2009): 6.
5/7/08: Lawrence Sidbury should be able to play in any scheme. He had eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 13 starts last season.
Jairus Wynn, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
11/16/08: One game in nine sacks, but Jairus Wynn isn't much of a pass rusher anyway.
Stryker Sulak, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
11/16/08: I'm still concerned about Stryker Sulak's 40, but he has 11 TFL and 6.5 sacks in 10 games.

5/7/08: Stryker Sulak is a blue-collar defensive end with a high motor, but his 40 at his size is a bit troublesome as far as his draft stock is concerned.
Brandon Swain, West Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
5/7/08: Level of competition obviously has to be an issue, but Brandon Swain put up amazing numbers in 2007, including 14 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. A very intriguing prospect to say the least.
Jeremy Navarre, Maryland
Height: 6-3. Weight: 284.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
11/16/08: A 3-4 end who can get to the quarterback occasionally.

5/7/08: If Jeremy Navarre can get his 40 down, he'll shoot up this board. He had 4.5 sacks in 13 starts in 2007.
Kyle Moore, USC
Height: 6-6. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
5/7/08: Starting 10 games at defensive end for the Trojans, and managed two sacks and two picks.

2007: Kyle Moore appeared in all 13 games as a sophomore, recording five tackles. Moore, listed as a starter for 2007, has a pretty solid 40 at his impressive 275-pound frame.
Slade Norris, Oregon State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
12/6/08: At his size, nothing more than a situational pass rusher in the NFL. Slade Norris has a whopping 17 TFL and nine sacks to go along with his 52 tackles.
Nick Reed, Oregon
Height: 6-2. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.91.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
11/16/08: It's a shame. Nick Reed's production is off the charts again (10 games, nine sacks, 14.5 TFL), but his 40 is awful.

5/7/08: I'd like to see Nick Reed get his 40 time down a bit, but you can't say that his production isn't there; Reed recorded 12 sacks in 2007, a Pac-10 season high.
Kirston Pittman, LSU
Height: 6-4. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/16/08: From 12 sacks all the way down to 1.5 in nine games this year.

5/7/08: So much for lingering injuries. Kirston Pittman returned to LSU's lineup last year, and all he did was register 12 sacks.

2007: Actually played in 2007, but missed extensive time in 2005 and 2006 with injuries.
Antwain Robinson, Arkansas
Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/16/08: Just 1.5 sacks in 10 games. A slow 40 is going to kill him. 5/7/08: Antwain Robinson, who happens to be excellent against the run, has also shown the ability to get to opposing quarterbacks. He's also very athletic and seems to be a perfect fit for any solid defense in the NFL. So, what's the problem? Robinson was arrested for shoplifting prior to the 2007 season.

2007: Antwain Robinson, destined to be a 3-4 rush linebacker or 4-3 right end in the NFL, had 8.5 sacks and an interception as a sophomore.
Jameson Hartke, Ohio
Height: 6-4. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
2007: A member of the All-MAC first team, Jameson Hartke managed 5.5 sacks as a sophomore.
Neefy Moffett, Florida State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 254.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/16/08: I said we'd find out about Neefy Moffett. In only six games, he has three sacks. 2007: Started two games as a sophomore. We'll find out a lot more about Neefy Moffett this year.
Ian Campbell, Kansas State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
5/7/08: Ian Campbell failed to follow up on his incredible sophomore campaign; he managed 4.5 sacks, a drop from 11.5 in 2006.

2007: A rush linebacker in the 3-4, Ian Campbell notched 11.5 sacks as a sophomore - that's not a typo - obviously earning himself a spot on the All-Big XII First Team.
Cyril Obiozor, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
11/16/08: Like most Aggies, Cyril Obiozor has struggled under Mike Sherman.

5/7/08: Started 13 games in 2007 and recorded 3.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
Jake Ratliff, Texas Tech
Height: 6-6. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
2007: Jake Ratliff needs to get quicker or larger if he wants to get drafted. He recorded 3.5 sacks as a sophomore.
Maurice Lucas, Colorado
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
11/16/08: Maurice Lucas has a whopping 1.5 sacks in 10 games this year.
Jeremy Lomax, Georgia
Height: 6-4. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
11/16/08: Half a sack through nine games. Bust senior year.

5/7/08: Didn't start a game in 2007, but came in on passing downs and made an impact. Jeremy Lomax recorded 4.5 sacks last year.
Darius Davis, Wayne State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 270.
Projected Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Benchx225: 15. Vertical: .
Projected Round: FA.
5/7/08: Definitely worth a look as a late-round pick or a free agent. Darius Davis can definitely get to the quarterback, as he notched at least 7.5 sacks in 2007.
Jeffrey Fitzgerald*, Virginia (2/3)
Height: 6-3. Weight: 279.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round: FA.
3/1/08: In an odd turn of events, Jeffrey Fitzgerald has left the team for academic issues (maybe his tutor wouldn't cheat for him because he was unwilling to steal an XBOX).

2007: Can easily play end in the 4-3 and perhaps a rush linebacker in the 3-4, but probably much more suited for the former. As a freshman, Fitzgerald registered six sacks in 2006.
Eric Moncur, Miami
Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
11/16/08: Eric Moncur is out for the year with a leg injury.

5/7/08: Eric Moncur will have to become more of a factor on Miami's defense with the sloth-like Calais Campbell gone from the line. Moncur had just 5.5 sacks in 2007 despite his overwhelming athleticism.

2007: Taking advantage of playing across from Calais Campbell, Eric Moncur managed two sacks against Marshall. His sack total should be high this year.
Pierre Walters, Eastern Illinois -
Height: 6-4. Weight: 257. Projected 40 Time: 4.74. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Jarriet Buie, South Florida -
Height: 6-4. Weight: 250. Projected 40 Time: 4.69. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Robert Ayers, Tennessee -
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260. Projected 40 Time: 4.72. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Aaron Lewis, Texas -
Height: 6-3. Weight: 262. Projected 40 Time: 4.76. Projected Round (2009): FA.

2009 NFL Mock Draft

NFL Picks

2008 Defensive End Rankings