2012 NFL Draft: 3-4 Defensive End Rankings

The top 2012 3-4 defensive end prospects available for the 2012 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2013 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2012.

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Fletcher Cox*, DT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 298.
40 Time: 4.79. 10-Yd Split: 1.63.
Bench: 30.
Vertical: 26. Broad: 8-7.
Arm: 34 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): Top 15.
4/25/12: Cox has come out on top as the top ranked defensive tackle. Teams are compelled by his capacity to pressure the quarterback. Cox’s pass-rushing ability sets him apart from the other defensive tackles. He is fast, strong and plays with a steady motor. Cox shouldn’t fall further than 15 and stands a good chance to go in the top 10.

Cox had an excellent Combine. He featured phenomenal speed with good strength. Cox would have been labeled as the most impressive defensive tackle there if Poe hadn’t grabbed all the headlines. In the weeks since the Combine, Poe’s lack of production has hurt his stock while Cox has continued to move up draft boards as teams study his tape.

Cox was suspended for the first game of the 2011 season. He didn’t have much production in the first five games of the year, but came alive with four sacks in Mississippi State’s two games against South Carolina and Kentucky. Late in the season, Cox had quality performances against Alabama and Arkansas. He totaled 56 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and one forced fumble in 2011.

Cox has a nice combination of speed and playmaking ability. He has the power to push linemen back and get them off balance along with the speed to shoot by them and get to the quarterback. His length and versatile skill set make him a fit at tackle and a potential five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense.

8/21/11: Fletcher Cox broke into the defensive tackle rotation as a true freshman in 2009. He had 29 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss that season. Last year, Cox had 29 tackles again with 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He also blocked two kicks. Cox is a good athlete with the ability to make strides in 2011.

Michael Brockers*, DT, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 322.
40 Time: 5.33. 10-Yd Split: 1.77.
Bench: 19.
Vertical: 26.5. Broad: 8-9.
Arm: 35.
Projected Round (2012): 1.
4/25/12: Brockers’ stock was rising into the top 10 before a disappointing showing at the Combine. He had a startlingly low total on the bench press and ran slowly. The big defensive tackle is a one-year wonder, so his stock is fluid. Sources have revealed that he is grading out in the 10-30 range. As a result Brockers took a ton of pre-draft visits.

Brockers was one of the leaders of a group of future NFL defensive linemen at LSU. He was a disruptive force this year, totaling 54 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Brockers didn’t see a ton of action as a redshirt freshman in 2010, assembling only 25 tackles, one tackle for a loss and zero sacks. Brockers played well in both games against Alabama. In the National Championship game, he totaled seven tackles and a blocked kick.

There is no doubt that Brockers plays fast and strong. He could stay as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or move to defensive end in a 3-4 set. Brockers has the length and a strong enough build to fit as a potential five-technique defensive end. Entering the NFL, Brockers is a tenacious run defender who needs more work on his pass-rushing moves. However, he has a high ceiling to develop into a good pass rusher.
Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, Connecticut
Height: 6-4. Weight: 299.
40 Time: 4.79.
Bench: 36.
Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 9-5.
Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 9 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
4/25/12: Reyes was another defensive tackle who had a superb Combine. He was extremely fast in the 40 and looked good in the field drills. His stock has been rising since the Combine, and he has earned first-round consideration.

At the Senior Bowl, Reyes routinely beat offensive linemen in the one-on-one drills. He has a powerful bull rush to go along with some surprising speed rushes. The North defensive linemen really struggled with blocking him all week.

Reyes is fast to close on the quarterback with the quickness off the snap to be a potential three-technique pass rusher in the NFL. He played well in 2011, totaling 46 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sack. Reyes has some developmental skills.

If he gets good coaching at the NFL level, Reyes could turn into a steal. He has some nice speed and can get some pressure in the pocket.

8/21/11: Kendall Reyes is a good athlete and team leader. He has been a starter the past two seasons. In 2010, Reyes had 10 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and 39 tackles. He also had an interception returned 79 yards. Reyes has been a leader of the program the past couple of seasons. He looks like a potential three technique in a 4-3 defense or a five technique in a 3-4 defense.

Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 303.
40 Time: 5.00.
Bench: 26.
Vertical: 29.5.
Arm: 33 1/4.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
4/25/12: Still had an underrated Combine, showing nice speed in the 40-yard dash. His stock has gone down some only because of other prospects are excelling and moving up draft boards. Still had a superb senior season. He was a playmaker and the leader of the Penn State defense.

Still has good size, surprising speed and real power. He played Alabama tough early this season. Still had 55 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, a pass batted away and a forced fumble in 2011. His last few games, especially against Ohio State and Wisconsin, were his worst showings of the year.

Entering the NFL, Still has an good combination of power, speed and athleticism. He beats offensive linemen with strength as well as quickness. Still has the versatility to play the three-technique or nose tackle in a 4-3 defense. He also could be a 3-4 defensive end.

8/21/11: Devon Still had a strong 2010 season with 10 tackles for a loss and four sacks. He saw frequent double teams, and still was a difference maker for Penn State. As a sophomore, Still had 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. He has scheme flexibility and could fit a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.

Jerel Worthy*, DT, Michigan State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 308.
40 Time: 4.97. 10-Yd Split: 1.64.
Vertical: 28.5. Broad: 8-11.
Arm: 33.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
4/25/12: There has been a lot of divided opinions on Worthy and if he is a first-rounder. Some love his potential while the detractors point to how inconsistent he was in college. Worthy is a wild card in the 2012 draft.

Worthy ran well at the Combine with a fast 40 and 10-yard split. However, he still had an inconsistent junior season. There were many games where Worthy has held in check, but there were other games where he was extremely disruptive. Worthy played well against Ohio State, but he did not play well against Nebraska. Worthy also had many mixed outings where he flashed occasionally after being quiet for stretches. That could be said for his outings against Wisconsin and Notre Dame.

Worthy needs to improve his conditioning as he came out of games at times when the Spartans needed some big plays. To finish the regular season, he had a strong showing against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship. Worthy followed that up with an impressive Outback Bowl against Georgia. He had 3.5 sacks with 30 tackles and 10.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.

Worthy gets extra attention from offensive lines at times. He could stay as a 4-3 tackle, but would be better as a gap-shooting three-technique. Worthy also has the power to play the edge as a 3-4 defensive end. Some rate him as a first-round pick while others think he is a second-rounder. There is a lot of variety in the opinions about Worthy.

8/21/11: Jerel Worthy is the consensus top defensive tackle in the draft class. As a prospect, he has some similarities to 2011 first-rounder Corey Liuget. Neither had big stat lines in 2010, and both are considered to be game-changers. Last year, Worthy had eight tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Worthy has a good get-off and is disruptive. Offenses showed their respect for him by sending frequent double teams his way. Entering his junior season, Worthy could move his stock towards the very top of the draft if he is able to increase his production.

Jared Crick, DE/DT, Nebraska
Height: 6-4. Weight: 279.
40 Time: 4.94. 10-Yd Split: 1.69.
Vertical: 31. Broad: 8-8.
Arm: 32.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/25/12: Crick was having a mixed season before a torn pectoral muscle ended his year. He had six tackles with a sack against Washington. It was his first sack of the season, and the senior played really well. Crick was close to a number of other sacks and was having his way with the Huskies’ offensive line. Against Wisconsin, he played well against the Badgers’ powerful offensive line.

Crick had 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one pass broken up in just five games in 2011. It is unclear if he was healthy enough to participate in pre-draft team workouts. Although Crick ran at the Combine, but wasn’t ready to do the bench press. Crick looks like he has lost about 10-15 pounds from his playing weight. Until his health status is cleared up, his draft stock is very fluid.

8/21/11: Jared Crick got noticed in 2009, when he had a strong season next to Ndamukong Suh. Crick recorded 9.5 sacks with 12.5 tackles for a loss with 73 tackles. In 2010, Crick started out slowly as he adjusted to life without Suh. As the season progressed, Crick picked up his play with seven sacks in the final eight games. For the season, he totaled 9.5 sacks with 14.5 tackles for a loss and 70 tackles. At the pro level, Crick looks like he could fit as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense, or stay as a 4-3 defensive tackle.

Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 275.
40 Time: 4.81. 10-Yd Split: 1.62.
Bench: 28.
Vertical: 33. Broad: 9-5.
Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 9 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/25/12: Crawford is a heavy defensive end who is a solid presence at the point of attack. He had a quality week at the East-West Shrine and fared well in the one-on-ones. Crawford totaled 44 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2011. In his junior season, he totaled seven sacks, 32 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.

Crawford is not the best athlete, but it looks like he has the potential to be a solid depth player. Crawford was solid at the Combine and his pro day. His stock has gone up into the second day after being a third-day pick earlier.

Billy Winn, DE/DT, Boise State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 294.
40 Time: 4.95. 10-Yd Split: 1.70.
Bench: 24.
Vertical: 27. Broad: 8-11.
Arm: 32 1/2. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
4/25/12: Winn got his senior season started with a good game against Georgia. He recorded four tackles and a .5 sacks to help the Broncos beat up on the Bulldogs� offensive line. Winn is strong at the point of attack and has some pass-rush ability to collapse the pocket. He was a disruptive player for Boise State, and impacts the game more than his stats illustrate.

Winn had 34 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble this season. He did not have an impressive Senior Bowl, but did reasonably well at the Combine.

8/24/11: Billy Winn looks like a very good fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He is a quality run defender with the ability to contribute some pass rush. He was an AP All-America third-teamer last year when Winn recorded 10.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Winn had a quality sophomore season with 12.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks. Winn is strong at the point of attack and would be a good five technique.

Derek Wolfe, DE/DT, Cincinnati
Height: 6-5. Weight: 295.
40 Time: 4.94. 10-Yd Split: 1.70.
Bench: 33.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-0.
Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 10 3/4.
Projected Round (2012): 2-4.
4/25/12: Others rate Wolfe as a third-day pick while ESPN’s Mel Kiper projected him to go in the first round. Wolfe could be a second-day pick but his stock is difficult to project.

Wolfe performed well, yet flew under the radar at the Combine. He also had a quality week at the Senior Bowl and had his share of wins. The senior had an excellent season with 70 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 9.5 sacks.

At the point of attack, Wolfe overwhelms offensive linemen with his strength and speed. He closes on the quarterback quickly and plays the run extremely well. Wolfe has a nice repertoire of pass-rushing moves, and he uses a strong rip move.

Entering the NFL, Wolfe has very good technique with a steady motor. He could be an ideal 3-4 defensive end. If Wolfe stays as a 4-3 defensive tackle, he should add some more weight if he is going to be inside on every down. Some 4-3 teams could play him at left defensive end on running downs and move him inside in passing situations.

8/21/11: Derek Wolfe has had two quality seasons for Cincinnati. In 2009, he recorded 41 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and five sacks. Last year, he had 48 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. If he can stay consistent as a senior, it would ensure his status as a mid-round pick. If Wolfe has a big senior season with his scheme flexibility to play either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense, his could raise his stock.

Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
Height: 6-1. Weight: 306.
40 Time: 4.84. 10-Yd Split: 1.69.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-5.
Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/25/12: Martin had 64 tackles with six tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2011. He has a good motor and defends the run well. Martin looks like a potential nose tackle in a 4-3 defense, or a 3-4 defensive end. The senior didn’t produce as much as he seemed capable of.

That became especially clear after Martin had a phenomenal week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Throughout the week, he was powering offensive linemen straight back into the quarterback marker during the one-on-one scrimmages. When Martin would suspect that the linemen were prepared for his bull rush, he would hit them with a speed rush and rip move to get by the tackles.

There were many plays in the run nine-on-nine scrimmages and the team scrimmages on which Martin would burst through the line and blow up plays in the backfield. Of all the prospects at the Senior Bowl, he may have helped his stock more than any other player.

At the same time, one has to wonder why Martin didn’t show more of that skill and intensity during his collegiate career. He continued his upward trend with a strong Combine. Martin was fast and explosive.

8/21/11: Mike Martin broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and recorded 51 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Entering the 2010 season, many thought that Martin was poised for a big year, but he didn’t improve his production. Martin recorded 37 tackles with six tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He looks like a mid-rounder for a 4-3 defense.

Trevor Guyton, DE, California
Height: 6-3. Weight: 285.
40 Time: 5.03.
Vertical: 31. Broad: 8-9.
Arm: 33.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/25/12: Guyton may be best as a five-technique 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. In a 4-3 defense, he could do well to be a power, run-stuffing left defensive end. The senior made 46 tackles with seven sacks and, 15 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles this year. He had decent production as a junior with 29 tackles, five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.

Guyton didn’t run well at the Combine, but he wasn’t expected to.

Kheeston Randall, DE/DT, Texas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 293.
Projected 40 Time: 5.00.
Bench: 28.
Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-3.
Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 9 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
4/25/12: Randall had a disappointing season. The senior pushed the pocket more than his numbers indicate, but he didn’t have an impact as needed. Randall struggles to finish plays and doesn’t close on ball carrier well. He had 31 tackles with one sack and four tackles for a loss in 2011. His stock has fallen significantly.

Randall performed well at the Senior Bowl and was being disruptive. He fared well in the one-one-ones and looked a lot better than during the regular season. At the Combine, Randall showed off some speed and athleticism. He looks like a boom-or-bust pick.

8/21/11: Kheeston Randall will be a starter for his third season in 2011. he is strong at the point of attack and is a good run defender. Last year, Randall had 39 tackles, one sack, 13 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up and two blocked kicks. He is similar to Liuget and Worthy in that Randall effects the game more than his stats indicate. As a sophomore, he had 4.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. Randall could be a 4-3 tackle and potentially a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4.

Brett Roy, DT, Nevada
Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
40 Time: 5.03.
Bench: 32.
Vertical: 30.5. Broad: 9-0.
Arm: 32 3/4.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
4/25/12: Roy had an excellent senior season. He collected 66 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. In his first season as a starter, in 2010, Roy recorded 50 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks. He was a force in the WAC this year, notching sacks against Oregon and Boise State.

For the NFL, Roy will need to add a lot of weight and strength to stay inside at tackle. He had a disappointing Combine with a slower time for a light defensive tackle.

Travian Robertson, DE/DT, South Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 302.
40 Time: 5.19.
Bench: 30.
Vertical: 26. Broad: 9-6.
Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 10.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
4/25/12: Robertson was somewhat disappointing in 2011. He had 49 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Robertson had a lot of talent around him, but he did not take advantage of favorable matchups. At the East-West Shrine Game, Robertson was dominant, destroying offensive linemen all week long. He needed to show more of that in the regular season.

At the Combine, Robertson did not do particularly well.

8/21/11: Travian Robertson could be in store for a big 2011 season. With Devin Taylor, Melvin Ingram, and Jadeveon Clowney applying pressure from the outside Robertson could clean up with quarterbacks stepping up in the pocket. Last year, he had 10 tackles for a loss with four sacks and 42 tackles. Injuries knocked him out of all but four games in 2009. Robertson has some upside and needs to produce in 2011.

Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa
Height: 6-0. Weight: 291.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Arm: 32 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
4/25/12: Daniels is an undersized but active defender. He had a massive game against Purdue with three sacks and five tackles for a loss this year. For the season, Daniels recorded 67 tackles with nine sacks, and 10.5 tackles for a loss. He had quality games against Pittsburgh and Northwestern but struggled against Michigan and Michigan State.

Daniels is a tweener for end and tackle. He could play left end in a 4-3 defense and move inside to tackle on passing downs. Daniels did not work out at the Combine because of an injury, but he did earn an invite.

8/21/11: Mike Daniels had an all right junior season with 11 tackles for a loss and four sacks and 40 tackles. He had a lot of good players around him in Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard and Karl Klug. It will be interesting to see how Daniels performs without all three of those players. Like Klug, Daniels is a bit of an end/tackle tweener. He may be best adding some weight and playing the five technique in a 3-4.

Logan Harrell, DT, Fresno State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 278.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
4/25/12: Harrell had a quality season even though Fresno State struggled and failed to qualify for a Bowl. He totaled 71 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up and three forced fumbles this year. Harrell was held in check by Nebraska but played tough against Boise State. He plays physical football, has a fabulous motor and gives maximum effort.

At the next level, Harrell’s best fit might be to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense and move inside to rush the passer on passing downs. If Harrell bulks up, he could be a potential five-technique. Harrell did not work out at the Combine.

8/21/11: Logan Harrell is undersized, but he is a tough and physical football player. His motor never quits and he was an excellent pass rusher in 2010. Harrell finished the season with 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss with 46 tackles and one forced fumble. It was a breakout year for him, as he had not produced much in his previous two seasons. Harrell could be moved to right end in a 4-3 in the NFL, unless he can add 12 or more pounds to be able to play on the inside. Playing as a five technique in a 3-4 is a possibility as well.

Tony Jerod-Eddie, DE/DT, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 301.
Projected 40 Time: 5.06.
Arm: 34 3/8. Hand: 9 1/4.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
4/25/12: Jerod-Eddie started the year extremely well with three sacks against SMU. After that, he recorded only one more sack during the regular season. Jerod-Eddie had 56 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2011. He had good pass-rushing opportunities, but did not get a lot of heat on the quarterback.

At the Senior Bowl, Jerod-Eddie fared better in the one-on-ones. He did not work out at the Combine.

8/21/11: Tony Jerod-Eddie was expected to produce more in 2010, but had only 2.5 tackles for a loss with 49 tackles last season. He still was named an All-Big XII honorable mention for his run defense. Jerod-Eddie made some bad headlines for grabbing the groin of Nebraska’s Ben Cotton in a pile. He has some athletic ability and could fit as a 3-4 defensive end.

Matt Conrath, DE/DT, Virginia
Height: 6-7. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Arm: 33 3/8. Hand: 10 5/8.
Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Conrath had 66 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and three sacks this year. He had a solid week at the East-West Shrine and that should help him get drafted. Conrath should add weight to be a 3-4 end. He did not work out at the Combine.

8/24/11: Matt Conrath has the physical make-up and skill set to potentially be a 3-4 defensive end. He recorded 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season for Virginia. Conrath registered six tackles for a loss and three sacks as a sophomore after breaking out with seven tackles for a loss and three sacks as a freshman. Conrath has not made improvements over his time at Virginia, and looks like he could only play a 3-4 end position in the NFL.

Ryan Van Bergen, DE/DT, Michigan
Height: 6-6. Weight: 283.
Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Van Bergen had 45 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2011. He played well in stretches, but was very quiet at other times. Van Bergen did not work out at the Combine or a major All-Star game.

8/24/11: Ryan Van Bergen has the right mix of size and athletic ability to be a 3-4 defensive end. He had 8.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks last season. Van Bergen was consistent with his performance in 2009, when he had six tackles for a loss and five sacks.

Kaniela Tuipulotu, DT/NT, Hawaii
Height: 6-0. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 9 7/8.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Tuipulotu had 32 tackles with four tackles for a loss and a sack in 2011. He did not particularly stand out at the East-West Shrine or the Combine.

8/21/11: Kaniela Tuipulotu decided to transfer back to his native Hawaii after playing at Arizona. He recorded 34 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and one sack last season. Tuipulotu would be best as a 3-4 defensive end.

J.R. Sweezy, DE/DT, N.C. State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 298.
40 Time: 4.97. 10-Yd Split: 1.84.
Bench: 21.
Vertical: 36. Broad: 9-5.
Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
4/25/12: Sweezy broke his foot in the preseason and missed the first four games of the year. In nine games this season, he had 20 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for a loss and one forced fumble. Sweezy had a decent Combine.

8/21/11: J.R. Sweezy was a reserve in 2009 who had three sacks and five tackles for a loss. Last year, he earned a starting spot and broke out with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and 50 tackles. Sweezy was an All-ACC honorable mention. If he adds some muscle and power, he could be a good fit as a nose tackle in a 4-3 defense.

Patrick Butrym, DE/DT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-4. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
4/25/12: Butrym had 23 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble this season. He was stout at the line of scrimmage for the Badgers. He was not at the Combine.

8/24/11: Patrick Butrym became an every game starter as a junior last season. He recorded 28 tackles with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss. Butrym had 2.5 tackles for a loss and an interception as a sophomore. Butrym doesn’t have the size or quickness to be an interior pass rusher at the NFL level. With his size and strength at the line of scrimmage, he would probably be best as a 3-4 defensive end where he could control his gap and stuff the run on the edge of the line.

MISSING

Ethan Johnson, DE, Notre Dame
Height: 6-4. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
4/25/12: Johnson had 14 tackles with a tackle for a loss in eight games this year. He missed four games with a high ankle sprain, but played in the final three games of the regular season. Johnson would be best as a 3-4 defensive end. He did not participate at the Combine.

8/21/11: Ethan Johnson projects as a 3-4 defensive end. He started out playing that position as a freshman, moved to defensive tackle in the 4-3 as a sophomore, and went back to end in a 3-4 last year. Johnson recorded 34 tackles with five sacks as a five technique in 2010. If he can improve those numbers, he has a chance of going in the mid-rounds.

Eric Latimore, DE/DT, Penn State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Latimore had 18 tackles with three sacks, five tackles for a loss and one forced fumble this season. He should have produced more with Devon Still playing so well along the Penn State defensive line and commanding extra attention. Lattimore did not participate in the Combine.

8/24/11: Eric Latimore projects as a five technique defensive end. He doesn’t have enough pass-rushing skills to play end in a 4-3 defense. Last year, he had only 2.5 tackles for a loss and zero sacks. Latimore will need show strong run defense and the ability to hold up on the line of scrimmage to appeal to 3-4 teams.

Terrell Resonno, DE/DT, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Resonno had 19 tackles with two sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss on the season. He did not attend the Combine.

8/21/11: Terrell Resonno should benefit from some quality defensive ends playing on either side of him. Last year was his first as a starter, and he recorded 35 tackles with four tackles for a loss and a couple of sacks. Resonno will need to improve his production in 2011 to make sure he gets drafted.