2026 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Defensive End

12/6/25: Faulk had 29 tackles with two sacks and three passes batted in 2025. Faulk was a beast for Auburn in 2024, with a big-time presence behind the line of scrimmage. He had seven sacks, 45 tackles, and one forced fumble. He has shown speed and power as a pass rusher while being a big-bodied lineman to defend the run. The 6-foot-6, 288-pounder has upside to develop as he gains experience. He could grow into being a full-time tackle or drop weight to be a full-time end. Faulk is very versatile with the ability to line up at end, tackle, and play a variety of techniques. On top of being a very talented player, sources say he is a great kid and has good character.

12/6/25: In 2025, Woods has 27 tackles with two sacks and a pass batted. He has not been as good as the media hype suggests. Woods got his season off to a strong start against Georgia, and he was disruptive for Clemson all year. In 2024, he had three sacks and 26 tackles. Woods has upside to be better in 2025. He is strong, quick, and athletic at the point of attack.

12/6/25: In 2025, Overton has 33 tackles and four sacks. He played really well against Missouri to help Alabama win a close game over the Tigers. Overton is a tough defender at the point of attack with height, length, quickness, and athleticism. In 2024, he totaled 42 tackles with two sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass defended.

12/6/25: In 2025, Jackson had 44 tackles with one sack. In 2024, Jackson had a quality season for the Seminoles as one of the replacements for Braden Fiske. Jackson totaled 31 tackles with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His 2023 season was lost to NCAA transfer rules after Jackson left the Miami Hurricanes for the Seminoles. He had 27 tackles and three sacks in 2022.

12/6/25: Banks injured his foot in September and missed over two months. He has three tackles in 2025. In his second season with the Gators, Banks is a large interior defender who flashed some pass-rush ability in 2024. He recorded 4.5 sacks with 21 tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass defended. He had 19 tackles with a sack in 2023. Prior to that, Banks had two tackles with a sack while playing at Louisville. Banks has a good skill set with upside.

12/6/25: Thus far in 2025, McKinley has nine tackles with a sack and a pass batted. McKinley was a reserve as a sophomore in 2024, but he flashed a special skill set with excellent physical talent. He had three sacks as a backup and could be poised to rise high in the years to come.

12/6/25: Thus far in 2025, Miller has 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He has some talent, but has not produced much on the field. In 2024, he had 27 tackles with 1.5 sacks. Miller needs to show more pass-rush ability to close out the season.

12/6/25: In 2025, Orange has 18 tackles and a pass batted thus far. He is a heavy gap-plugging nose tackle at the point of attack. In 2024, Orange totaled 24 tackles with one sack and one pass batted. Orange is a big nose tackle. Team sources say that he has talent but is not a good worker.

12/6/25: Thus far in 2025, Cleveland has 35 tackles and two sacks. In 2024, Cleveland had a quality season as a run defender for the Wolfpack, notching 36 tackles. He had only .5 sacks, but he did have three sacks and 28 tackles in 2023. Cleveland needs to produce more in the pass rush to rise as a senior.

12/6/25: In 2025, Ball had 27 tackles. Ball had 46 tackles with 1.5 sacks in 2024. He was a heavy nose tackle and run lane plugger at the point of attack. If Ball can increase his pass production, he could be a riser.

12/6/25: In 2025, Benny has 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Benny had 29 tackles with 1.5 sacks and two passes defended. In 2023, Benny flashed NFL ability as a rotational player with 27 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass batted. He is expected to take on a bigger role in 2025 with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant off to the NFL.

12/6/25: In 2025, Burke has 40 tackles with three sacks and a pass batted. Burke had 27 tackles, two sacks, four passes defended, and an interception. He is a tough defender at the point of attack, but is not very productive. Burke played better in 2023, recording 41 tackles, one forced fumble, and 5.5 sacks. He ate up the Alabama offensive line in Week 2. Burke needs to improve his pass-rush production in 2025.