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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

The top 2014 defensive end prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft. * - denotes 2015 prospect. ** - denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 18, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2012 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2013 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2014 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | 3-4 DE | NT | 3-4 OLB | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 272.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): Top-Five Pick.
5/18/13: Clowney is NFL-ready phenom who head coach Steve Spurrier has said was ready to turn pro coming out of high school. Clowney has been as good as advertised after dominating the SEC in 2012. He has a rare skill set with elite speed, strength and athleticism. He could turn into the "Andrew Luck" of defensive draft prospects; a high-pick lock who is extremely coveted by every team in the NFL and a safe selection to turn into an elite franchise player.

Clowney was one of the best players in college football last season. The sophomore amassed 54 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, two passes batted and 13 sacks. He finished sixth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.

Clowney has incredible explosion off the snap. He is lightning fast coming off the edge and has the power to shed blocks. Plus, Clowney has already developed an arsenal of pass-rushing moves. He wrecks game plans and constantly requires double- or even triple-teams. Clowney also seems to have the ability to get some of his sacks shearly on the basis of intimidation.

Clowney is extremely strong against the run in taking on offensive linemen. He is a stout defender at the point of attack and maintains his gap.

After being a prep superstar, Clowney was the top recruit in the nation and didn't disappoint as a freshman in 2011. He was the SEC Freshman of the Year and a Second-Team All-SEC selection. He totaled 36 tackles with eight sacks, 12 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles. Clowney did well against top competition including a good game against Georgia's Cordy Glenn.

As Clowney ages and enters an NFL strength and conditioning program, he will continue to add more functional strength. While Clowney already is an impact player, the scary part is he has immense upside and seems to be just scratching the surface. Clowney has the physical talent to be a dominant NFL player and is the best defensive prospect to enter the next level since Ndamukong Suh.

Personal: Son of Josenna Clowney. Raised by Josenna and maternal grandparents John and Josephine Clowney. His father, David Morgan, served 12 years in prison for robbery.

Stephon Tuitt*, DE, Notre Dame
Height: 6-6. Weight: 303.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2013): Top-25 Pick.
5/18/13: Tuitt was one of last season's breakout stars who led Notre Dame to the National Championship game. He was a dominant force for the Fighting Irish with his combination of power and surprising quickness. Tuitt recorded 12 sacks with 47 tackles, three forced fumbles, one pass break up and a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown (against Navy) in 2012.

Manti Te'o received all the headlines, but Tuitt and Louis Nix were phenomenal for the Fighting Irish. Like the rest of the Notre Dame defense, Tuitt had a disappointing performance to end the season against Alabama.

Tuitt was a backup as a freshman, yet had 30 tackles with two sacks. The junior could be even more of a force in 2013 now that he has a year of starting experience, but he will see a plethora of double-teams. Tuitt has the size to play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or defensive end in a 3-4 set.

Trent Murphy*, DE/OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-6. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
5/18/13: Murphy was perhaps the best player on Stanford's tough defense in 2012. That is saying something with other good prospects like Ben Gardner, Henry Anderson, Ed Reynolds, Chase Thomas and Shayne Skov all being legitimate pro prospects.

Murphy is a physical force who beats linemen with power and technique. He also has speed and explosiveness to get by as an edge-rusher. Murphy totaled 56 tackles with 10 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, one interception and a forced fumble last season. He racked up 40 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2011. Murphy is a versatile player who has lined up in a variety of spots in Stanford's 3-4 defense.

Personal: Majoring in science, technology and society.

Will Sutton, DT/DE, Arizona State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 288.
Projected 40 Time: 4.95.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
5/18/13: Sutton enjoyed a breakout season for the Sun Devils in 2012. He was one of the best pass-rushers in college football last year, recording 13 sacks. Sutton also had 63 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, five passes broken up and three forced fumbles. Unfortunately, an injury knocked him out for the vast majority of the game against Oregon. Sutton presents a real speed mismatch against guards with the ability to fire by them to collapse the pocket. He totaled 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 2011.

Sutton would be higher in the rankings if he were bigger. Sutton is listed at 6-foot-1, 288-pounds and who knows if that is exaggerated. At that size, he is a tweener end/tackle. Sutton could play in a 4-3 defense as an end on running downs and move inside to tackle in the sub package. If Sutton can reach, and maintain, 300 pounds; he could be a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense.

Personal: Majoring in communications and sociology. His father, Mickey, played defensive back and was a punt returner for the Rams, Packers and Bills (1986-1990).

Scott Crichton*, DE, Oregon State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
5/18/13: Crichton displayed some natural pass-rushing and play-making ability over the last two years for Oregon State. The sophomore had an impressive 2012 season with nine sacks, 17 tackles for a loss, 44 tackles and a forced fumble. He had six sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles and 74 tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2011.

Crichton needs to improve his hand usage and the ability to shed blocks. He has some quickness and strength, but needs his repertoire of pass-rushing moves to get better. Crichton is too reliant on a bull rush.

Personal: Majoring in human development and family sciences. Son of Lucky and Malama Crichton.

Aaron Lynch**, DE, South Florida
Height: 6-6. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
5/18/13: The Notre Dame transfer was forced to sit out the 2012 season, but he may only need one more season of college to prove that he is a first-round prospect. As a freshman, he played really well for Notre Dame in 2011, recording 33 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Lynch was just scratching the surface of his talent.

Lynch left the Fighting Irish due to homesickness for Florida and landed with the Bulls. He should dominate the Big East in 2013.

Personal: Majoring in interdisciplinary social science. Son of Alice Lynch.

Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
5/18/13: Attaochu is fast and is very athletic. He has some natural pass-rush ability as he enters his senior year with 19 career sacks. Attaochu is moving from outside linebacker to defensive end for 2013. He should gain weight for the NFL and looks like he would fit well as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Attaochu totaled 69 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and one forced fumble last year. He had solid sophomore season with 59 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one interception, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles.

Personal: Majoring in science, technology and culture. Son of Paul and Comfort, originally from Nigeria.

Henry Anderson*, DE/DT, Stanford
Height: 6-6. Weight: 282.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/18/13: Anderson is a strong and physical defender at the point of attack. He totaled 51 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2012. It was Anderson's first season of playing time and he could be even better in 2013. Trent Murphy and Ben Gardner will demand a lot of blocking attention, so Anderson should see some favorable matchups. He's a good fit in a 3-4 defense.

Personal: Majoring in political science. Won the Tommy Vardell Award epitomizing excellence in both athletics and academics.

Morgan Breslin, DE, USC
Height: 6-2. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/18/13: The junior college product Breslin had a breakout year for USC in 2012, his first season on campus. He totaled 62 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, four passes batted and a forced fumble. The biggest issue keeping Breslin is his size. He is a tweener defensive end/outside linebacker. It will be interesting to see how Breslin performs in the Trojans' new defense, but he looks best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Personal: Majoring in sociology.

Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA
Height: 6-3. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/18/13: Marsh quietly put together an impressive 2012 season. The junior collected 40 tackles, eight sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and two forced fumbles. He was red hot in the middle of the year with 5.5 sacks in a 4-game stretch.

Marsh was wise to return for his senior season. It wouldn't be surprising if he has a big year with edge-rusher Anthony Barr demanding double-teams and forcing quarterbacks to move towards the other side.

Marsh also had a solid sophomore season with 22 tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks. He has some real quickness and with upside to improve his production in 2013. Marsh received playing time as a freshman and made 23 tackles.

Personal: Son of Curtis Marsh and Holly Ann LeBlanc.

Dominique Easley, DE, Florida
Height: 6-2. Weight: 282.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/18/13: Easley had 26 tackles in 2012 and led the Gators with four sacks. He also had 8.5 tackles for a loss and one pass batted. Easley missed two games with nagging injuries. He was quiet in the first half of the season but finished the season well. Easley was strong, fast and disruptive. He is very capable of a huge senior year to rise high in the 2014 NFL Draft. The junior made a good decision to come back to school.

Easley played defensive tackle in 2011. The sophomore flashed real disruptive speed at the point of attack, recording 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks.

Easley suffered a torn ACL late in 2011, and that could have contributed to him starting slowly last season. The Gators play a hybrid defense, so he has experience as a 4-3 end and five-technique defensive end in a 3-4. Easley was a top recruit coming out of high school and is a good athlete.

Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
5/18/13: Jeffcoat went out for the 2012 season after six games due to a torn pectoral muscle. He totaled 25 tackles, four sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup in his shortened season. Jeffcoat needs to add strength as teams were able to run the ball at him. He also needs to become more consistent with his pass rush; he was very streaky in 2012.

Jeffcoat was a Second-Team All-Big XII selection in 2011. He had 54 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three passes broken up. Almost all of Jeffcoat's production came in the second half of the season. He was a backup as a freshman, collecting only 13 tackles with three tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup.

Jeffcoat has a real burst off the edge that puts tackles on their heels. He has the speed to turn the corner and the agility to drop his hips or shoulder to get pointed to the quarterback. Jeffcoat needs to continue to develop his pass-rushing moves for the NFL.

There is no doubt that Jeffcoat has good bloodlines. His father, Jim Jeffcoat, had a long NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.

Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford
Height: 6-4. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.87.
Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
5/18/13: Gardner had a strong 2012 season with 49 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, five passes batted and a huge forced fumble (against Notre Dame). He is a strong and smart defender. Gardner is very physical with offensive linemen and played better than his numbers indicate. He had 35 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks in 2011.

Personal: Majoring in science, technology and society.

Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
5/18/13: Martin totaled 40 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, three passes batted, one forced fumble and four sacks last year. Surprisingly, the junior wasn't as effective a pass-rusher as he seemed capable of. Many thought Martin would produce a big season with his season of experience and Coples being in the NFL.

Martin beat out Donte Paige-Moss for a starting job in 2011 despite the fact that Paige-Moss had a productive 2010 season. The sophomore provided a bigger impact early in the season for the Tar Heels than Quinton Coples. Martin recorded 40 tackles with four sacks, seven tackles for a loss and six passes batted in 2011.

Martin has upsize, and he could become a big-time prospect as a senior. Martin has good size with excellent speed. He is a physical player who really battles offensive tackles.

Personal: Public policy major.

DeAndre Coleman, DE/DT, California
Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/18/13: California had a rough 2012 season, but Coleman played solid football. The junior totaled 48 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one pass breakup. He totaled 19 tackles with six tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2011.

Coleman could fit as a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle in the NFL. He may not be quick enough to play a traditional 4-3 defensive end at the next level. Personal: Social welfare major. Son of Randy Washington and Deborah Coleman.

James Gayle*, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
5/18/13: Gayle had 43 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss and five sacks last year. He had 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks in 2011. Gayle has been a Second-Team All-ACC selection for the past two seasons. He was a backup in 2010, but still recorded four sacks.

Gayle has some athletic ability and natural pass-rush skills. He could easily improve his draft stock with a big senior year. Gayle needs to add weight and strength.

Personal: Majoring in sociology. Son of James and Michelle Gayle. Uncle, Shaun Gayle, had a solid career for the Chicago Bears.

Jeoffrey Pagan*, DE/DT, Alabama
Height: 6-4. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/18/13: Pagan came off the bench in 2012 and contributed some solid run defense. The sophomore totaled 23 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks as a rotational player. With Quinton Dial and Damien Square in the NFL, Pagan should take on a starting role in 2013 as a junior. He has the skill set to produce more as a junior and/or senior.

Aaron Donald, DE/DT/OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-0. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
5/18/13: Donald started his junior year slowly, but rebounded in the second half. He totaled 64 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes broken up last season. Donald doesn't look like the same player as in 2011 and made the right decision to return for his senior year.

Donald had a breakout sophomore season with 47 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks in 2011 after recording just two sacks as a freshman. He was a physical player with some quickness to beat offensive linemen.

Donald is a tackle and defensive end tweener for the NFL.

Personal: Communications major. Son of Anita Goggins and Archie Donald.

Vic Beasley*, DE/OLB, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/18/13: Beasley had a breakout sophomore season with eight sacks, but he was only a situational pass-rusher with 14 total tackles on the year. Beasley must add weight to play defensive end. He should receive more playing time in 2013 with Malliciah Goodman in the NFL.

Personal: Majoring in sociology.

Ed Stinson, DE/DT, Alabama
Height: 6-4. Weight: 292.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/18/13: Stinson was a tough run-defender at the point of attack, but doesn't offer much pass rush. He had 30 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks last season. The sophomore he had 19 tackles with five tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and a pass broken up. Stinson was part of a rotation, but should play more in 2013 with Quinton Dial and Damien Square in the NFL.

Anthony Chickillo*, DE, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 269.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/18/13: Chickillo was a five-star recruit before breaking into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2011. He totaled 38 tackles with five sacks and one forced fumble. Chickillo totaled four sacks with 45 tackles and 6.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. He needs to increase his production as a junior and senior to live up to his billing. Chickillo has a combination of strength and speed to produce more.

Ray Drew*, DE/DT, Georgia
Height: 6-5. Weight: 273.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/18/13: Drew is expected to step up with the Bulldogs losing the stars of their defense to the NFL. He had 23 tackles with one tackle for a loss last year as a sophomore backup.

Drew worked his way onto the field as a freshman in 2011; no easy accomplishment as Georgia had a lot of experienced defensive linemen ahead of him. Plus, the Bulldogs utilize a 3-4 defense, so it is harder for linemen to get snaps. Drew totaled eight tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.

Drew looks a natural five-technique defensive end for a 3-4 defense, but he has the quickness and the frame to be a 4-3 tackle if he puts back on the 10-20 pounds that he previously lost.

Personal: Mass media arts major.

Chaz Sutton, DE, South Carolina
Height: 6-5. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2014): 6-7.
2 5/18/13: South Carolina has had a lot of good defensive line talent in recent years, so it has been hard for Sutton to see the field. He is slotted to replace Devin Taylor as a starting defensive end on the other side from Jadeveon Clowney. With the monster Clowney drawing double- and triple-teams, Sutton should see a ton of one-on-one blocks in 2013. He totaled 25 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, five sacks, one pass broken up and one forced fumble as a junior last season.

Personal: Majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management.

Kony Ealy*, DE, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2014): 6-7.
5/18/13: Ealy contributed a decent sophomore season with 37 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, seven passes batted and a forced fumble. However, he had Sheldon Richardson causing a lot of disruption on the line. Missouri needs Ealy to step up and produce more as a junior now that Richardson is in the NFL.

Personal: Majoring in business management. Son of Willie Ealy and Nettie Jones.

Ryne Giddins, DE, South Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/18/13: Giddins disappointed last season as his production was down. The junior recorded 25 tackles with four tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He played in 12 games, but only started seven. Giddins became a starter during his redshirt sophomore season in 2011. He had a solid debut for the Bulls with 66 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Giddins could have a big senior season in 2013 with Aaron Lynch playing on the other side from him.

Personal: Majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

LSU fan 05-18-2013 12:09 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 1)

Even if Clowney were to get hurt he'd have a shot at 1.he is to the 2014 NFL draft as Nerlins Noel is to this year's NBA draft.

will 05-15-2013 01:26 am xxx.xxx.xxx.212 (total posts: 1)

Where is Trey Flowers on this list? He had a very good souphmore season and is poised to have a better Jr. year for the Razorbacks. His Freshman year was not bad either, getting 5 starts as a true freshman in the SEC.

??? 05-06-2013 09:23 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.56 (total posts: 1)

if this was updated post draft why are you rankings players who have already been drafted this ranking isnt valid

Morgan Breslin 11-17-2012 05:09 pm xxx.xxx.xxx5.56 (total posts: 1)

you need to look at Morgan Breslin, DE from USC. Juco transfer, first year with team. 10.5 sacks in 10 games. Guy is a beast.

Pages: 1

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 20

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

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