2027 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Defensive End



The top 2027 3-4 Defensive End prospects available for the 2027 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2028 prospect. ** – denotes 2029 prospect.

This page was last updated Feb. 22, 2026. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P


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1. Ole Miss image Will Echoles, 3-4DE, Ole Miss
Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2027): 1-2.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Keldric Faulk, Auburn
  • ’25 – Mason Graham, Michigan
  • ’24 – Darius Robinson, Missouri

7/2/25: Echoles was a disruptive force for the Rebels in 2025 and made a lot of big plays for them at the point of attack. He showed run defense and pass-rush ability, totaling 68 tackles, five sacks, and five passes batted. Echoles has quickness, athleticism, and strength.



2. Oregon image A’Mauri Washington*, 3-4DE, Oregon
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Projected Round (2027): 1-2.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Peter Woods, Clemson
  • ’25 – Kenneth Grant, Michigan
  • ’24 – Kris Jenkins, Michigan

2/20/26: In 2025, Washington had 31 tackles with 1.5 sacks and seven passes broken up. Washington is known to have an excellent skill set and upside. He is very strong, physical, and has surprising speed and athleticism for a heavy defensive tackle. Last year, Washington was a rotational backup behind Derrick Harmon. In 2024, Washington totaled 10 tackles and two passes broken up.



3. Alabama image James Smith*, 3-4DE, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 297.
Projected 40 Time: 4.95.
Projected Round (2027): 1-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Caleb Banks, Florida
  • ’25 – Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
  • ’24 – Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

7/2/25: Smith has a lot of talent and could break out in 2025 or 2026. He has flashed some disruptive ability in the early going of 2025. Smith had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks.



4. Arkansas image Quincy Rhodes Jr., 3-4DE, Arkansas
Height: 6-6. Weight: 276.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2027): 1-2.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – L.T. Overton, Alabama
  • ’25 – Derrick Harmon, Oregon
  • ’24 – Justin Eboigbe, Alabama

2/20/26: Rhodes was a bright spot for Arkansas in 2025, racking up eight sacks with 43 tackles. He has good size to set the edge with height and length. Rhodes could have entered the draft but decided to return to Arkansas.



5. Clemson image Will Heldt*, 3-4DE, Clemson
Height: 6-6. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2027): 1-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
  • ’25 – Alfred Collins, Texas
  • ’24 – Maason Smith, LSU

2/20/26: in 2025, Heldt has 39 tackles with 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Heldt has played well for Clemson showing speed and athleticism off the edge. Heldt played well for Purdue in 2024, recording 56 tackles with five sacks. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has good size, a surprising burst, and plays really hard. Heldt has upside, and he could be a nice value pick in the first or second round.



6. Ohio State image Kenyatta Jackson, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 258.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2027): 1-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Christian Miller, Georgia
  • ’25 – Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
  • ’24 – Brandon Dorlus, Oregon




7. Florida image L.J. McCray*, 3-4DE, Florida
Height: 6-6. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 1-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Domonique Orange, Iowa State
  • ’25 – T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
  • ’24 – Fabien Lovett, Florida State




8. Oregon image Matayo Uiagalelei*, 3-4DE, Oregon
Height: 6-5. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
Projected Round (2027): 2-4.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Cameron Ball, Arkansas
  • ’25 – Jordan Burch, Oregon
  • ’24 – Leonard Taylor, Miami




9. Georgia image Jordan Hall, 3-4DE, Georgia
Height: 6-4. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Deven Eastern, Minnesota
  • ’25 – Landon Jackson, Arkansas
  • ’24 – Gabe Hall, Baylor




10. Arkansas image David Oke, 3-4DE, Arkansas
Height: 6-2. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2027): 5-7.

Previous Seasons
  • ’26 – Nick Barrett, South Carolina
  • ’25 – Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
  • ’24 – Eric Watts, Connecticut




2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P


New - Build your own Prospect Rankings or view other Reader's Rankings