2010 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

The top 2010 4-3 defensive end prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2011 prospect.

This page was last updated April 12, 2010.

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Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 266.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Combine 40 Time: 4.72.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): Top 14 Pick.
1/12/10: Derrick Morgan has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Morgan is pretty much a top-15 lock, so he would have been a complete idiot if he returned to school.

11/14/09: Derrick Morgan, who can play on either side of the line, is having a great season; through 10 games, he has 43 tackles, 16 TFL and 11.5 sacks.

2/12/09: An All-ACC honorable mention with 9.5 TFL and seven sacks as a sophomore.
Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida – Scouting Report
Height: 6-5. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 31.5.
Projected Round (2010): Top 16 Pick.
4/1/10: Didn’t run at his Pro Day, but managed a 31.5-inch vertical and a 9-9 broad jump.

3/2/10: There’s not that much tape on Jason Pierre-Paul, so the Combine was his time to shine. Pierre-Paul ran a breath-taking 4.64 at 6-5 270. If Al Davis needed a defensive end, Pierre-Paul would be the No. 8 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Instead, he’s likely to land in Jacksonville.

1/7/10: Jason Pierre-Paul has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. I don’t get the hype with Pierre-Paul; he’s a one-year wonder who accumulated only 6.5 sacks despite the fact that George Selvie was drawing tons of attention on the other side. Is Pierre-Paul really gifted athletically? Absolutely. Would I take a shot on him in Round 2? Definitely. But I wouldn’t want to spend a first-round selection on a one-year wonder.

11/15/09: Has 31 tackles, 11 TFL but only three sacks for South Florida in nine games.
Brandon Graham, Michigan – Scouting Report
Height: 6-1. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: 4.69.
Benchx225: 31. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): Top 25 Pick.
3/2/10: Despite bulking up to 268 pounds, Brandon Graham ran an impressive 4.69 at the Combine. He also posted 31 reps of 225. It’ll be very difficult for the Falcons to pass on him at No. 19.

1/22/10: Brandon Graham finished his senior campaign with an amazing 25 TFL and 9.5 sacks.

11/14/09: A projected solid right end or 3-4 linebacker in the NFL, Brandon Graham has 17 TFL and 6.5 sacks in 2009.

5/18/09: Brandon Graham finished the 2008 season with 20 TFL and 10 sacks.

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 definitely turn some heads. Through nine games, Graham has 15.5 TFL and nine sacks.
Everson Griffen, USC – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
Benchx225: 32. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): Top 32 Pick.
3/31/10: Everson Griffen ran an impressive 4.59 40 at his Pro Day. Measuring in at 6-3, 268, Griffen looked like he was in great shape.

1/3/09: Everson Griffen has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Griffen is a 4-3 left end in the pros whose production hasn’t quite matched the hype. I think going back to school and rebounding with a strong senior campaign would have been the right move. He could still be drafted in the top 20, but it’s not anywhere near a lock.

11/14/09: Everson Griffen put on a lot of weight this year, but he’s actually playing better. He has 8.5 TFL and seven sacks in eight contests.

2/12/09: Everson Griffen didn’t really meet expectations as a sophomore, notching six TFL and 4.5 sacks. However, his athleticism will get him some looks in the first round.

7/30/08: A beast of a defensive end, Everson Griffen is extremely quick for his imposing size. If he runs a 4.5, he could go in the top five. As a measuring stick, Vernon Gholston, chosen sixth overall in 2008, ran a 4.65 at about the same size. As a true freshman, Everson Griffen had 5.5 sacks despite starting only two games.
Carlos Dunlap, Florida – Scouting Report
Height: 6-6. Weight: 279.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: 4.66.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.61.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
3/17/10: No surprise that Carlos Dunlap ran a 4.61 at his Pro Day (and on a wet field, no less). Though Dunlap likes to fall asleep at intersections at 2 o’clock in the morning, some team will probably reach for him in the second half of Round 1.

1/12/10: Carlos Dunlap has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Dunlap was charged with a DUI earlier in the year and has bouts of laziness. His athleticism and upside could get him drafted in the first round.

11/14/09: Has major bouts with laziness and lethargy. Matt McGuire goes them into detail in his blog entry about why Carlos Dunlap is overrated.

Al Davis or another clueless general manager may take Dunlap in the first round, but there’s a good chance that like Calais Campbell, he falls into Round 2.
Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Combine 40 Time: 4.89.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.93.
Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
1/28/10: Alex Carrington has been having a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl, and will be targeted in Rounds 3 or 4 as a 3-4 defensive end. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.

1/24/10: Alex Carrington finished strong with 12.5 TFL and 7.5 sacks (5 TFL and 4.5 sacks in his final four games.)

11/14/09: A bit of a disappointment in 2009; has just 7.5 TFL and three sacks in eight games.

5/18/09: The Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, Alex Carrington collected 19 TFL and 10.5 sacks. A 3-4 end at the next level.
Corey Wootton, Northwestern – Scouting Report
Height: 6-6. Weight: 272.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.92.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
1/22/10: Corey Wootton had six TFL and four sacks as a senior. He’s more of a 3-4 end, but can also play 4-3 left end.

11/14/09: Not a consistent producer; disappears during stretches. Has just three TFL and two sacks in 10 games.

5/18/09: Should be able to play up front in a 3-4 defense at the next level.

2/12/09: If you love stats, Corey Wootton garnered 16 TFL and 10 sacks in 2008. Had minor knee surgery (is there such a thing?) in January.
Jermaine Cunningham, Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 35.
Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
4/8/10: Jermaine Cunningham couldn’t complete his 40 at Florida’s second Pro Day because he pulled his quad during the run.

1/22/10: Notched 11 TFL and six sacks in his senior season.

11/14/09: Through eight games, Jermaine Cunningham has 8.5 TFL and four sacks. More importantly, Cunningham actually tries, unlike the guy on the other side.

2/12/09: Jermaine Cunningham did a great job putting on some bulk this season, moving up from 237 to 250 pounds. Cunningham had 10 TFL, six sacks and four passes broken up in 2008.
Austen Lane, Murray State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 274.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Combine 40 Time: 4.83.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.89.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
1/22/10: A Division 1-AA AP All-America first-teamer, Austen Lane had 19.5 TFL and 11 sacks in his senior year. He’s primarily a left defensive end despite reports to the contrary.

11/14/09: Will draw major attention during the draft preseason; Austen Lane has 11 sacks on the year for 1-AA Murray State.
Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, Washington
Height: 6-4. Weight: 267.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Combine 40 Time: 4.72.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.72.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 37.
Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
3/2/10: Daniel Te’o-Nesheim put on a good performance at the Combine. Despite bulking about from 250 to 263, Te’o-Nesheim ran a 4.72, benched 29 reps and had a vertical of 37 inches. And he’s not some workout warrior; Te’o-Nesheim had 9.5 sacks in 2009, eight sacks in 2008 and 8.5 sacks in 2007.

1/22/10: Was impressive as a junior, and only improved himself in his senior year. Recorded 12.5 TFL and 9.5 sacks. A smart and crafty end who knows how to get to the quarterback.

2/12/09: Sure, no one can pronounce his name, but Daniel Te’o-Nesheim made his opponents pay with 11.5 TFL and eight sacks in 2008. He was an All-Pac 10 second-teamer.

7/30/08: Daniel Te’o-Nesheim (bet his school teachers had fun with that one) recorded 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks as a sophomore. He was voted as Washington’s defensive MVP.
Brandon Lang, Troy
Height: 6-4. Weight: 266.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Combine 40 Time: 4.96.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.85.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 31.5.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
3/2/10: Ran a very poor 4.96 40 at 6-4, 266. Not exactly what you want to see out of a pass-rusher.

1/22/10: Brandon Lang concluded the year with 12.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks.

11/14/09: Production is a bit down this year, but still solid (8.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks in nine games). A 4-3 end.

5/18/09: No one has ever made a movie about his life yet, but Brandon Lang is definitely on the right track. He had 58 tackles, 19 TFL and 11.5 sacks in 2008.
C.J. Wilson, East Carolina
Height: 6-3. Weight: 288.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Combine 40 Time: 4.75.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 32. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/22/10: C.J. Wilson finished his senior year on a hot streak, accumulating 10.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks.

11/14/09: Has not lived up to his huge junior campaign. Through nine games, has just 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.

2/12/09: A monstrous defensive end who was voted to the All-Conference USA First Team. C.J. Wilson garnered 18.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks as a junior.

7/30/08: C.J. Wilson was a member of the All-Conference USA second team, thanks to his seven sacks in 2007. Looks to be a left end in the NFL.
Greg Hardy, Ole Miss – Scouting Report
Height: 6-4. Weight: 277.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Combine 40 Time: 4.87.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 35.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
3/2/10: Greg Hardy ran a hideous 4.87 at the Combine. He can’t keep his weight down in the wake of all of his injuries. I don’t see how any team drafts him in the first two days.

2/28/10: This guy can’t stop gaining weight. He was 279 at the Senior Bowl, which was high for him. On Saturday, Greg Hardy weighed in at 6-4, 281. Does he want to play nose tackle or something?

1/22/10: Greg Hardy measured in at 6-4, 279 at the East-West Shrine Game. I thought he looked fat all year, but I figured it was just my TV. Guess not. Hardy’s lethargy could pull him into Round 3.

11/14/09: Through eight games, has 6.5 TFL and five sacks. Pretty much a 4-3 end; I think he’d have problems dropping back into coverage.

1/9/09: Despite playing just eight games, Greg Hardy totaled 9.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks as a junior.

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.
Lindsey Witten, Connecticut
Height: 6-5. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Combine 40 Time: 4.71.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.70.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 36.5.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/22/10: Lindsey Witten added just one more sack to his total in his final four games, finishing with 11 TFL and 8.5 sacks in his senior year.

11/14/09: Began the year with a bang, but cooled off a bit. Lindsey Witten, strictly a 4-3 guy, has eight TFL and 7.5 sacks in nine games.

MISSING
Alex Daniels, Cincinnati
Height: 6-2. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.55.
Benchx225: 31. Vertical: 36.5.
Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
3/10/10: Ran a solid 4.55 at his Pro Day. He should be a situational pass-rusher in the NFL.

1/22/10: Finished his senior season with 11 TFL and 8.5 sacks.

11/14/09: A transfer from Minnesota, Alex Daniels has seven TFL and 5.5 sacks in nine contests.
George Johnson, Rutgers
Height: 6-4. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
1/22/10: Finished his senior year with 13.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks.

11/14/09: Has seven TFL and 4.5 sacks in eight games for underrated Rutgers.
Willie Young, N.C. State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: 4.82.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.83.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 38.
Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
1/22/10: Willie Young concluded the year with 14 TFL and eight sacks. A liability against the run.

11/14/09: Through nine games, Willie Young has 10 TFL and seven sacks.

2/12/09: Willie Young put on some bulk, but it’s still not enough. He had 13 TFL and 6.5 sacks in 2008, however, so he figures to be a pass-rushing specialist in the NFL.
Kevin Basped, Nevada
Height: 6-4. Weight: 258.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: 4.72.
Benchx225: 26. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
1/22/10: Kevin Basped, declaring as a junior for the 2010 NFL Draft, mustered 12.5 TFL and 9.5 sacks in 2009. He’ll be a situational pass-rusher in the NFL.

8/7/09: Probably suited best as a situational pass-rusher in the 4-3, Kevin Basped collected 18.5 TFL and 10 sacks as a sophomore.
Danny Batten, South Dakota State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.71.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 32.5.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/22/10: Projected as a nickel rusher in the NFL, Danny Batten notched 17 TFL and nine sacks as a senior.
Chris McCoy, Middle Tennessee State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.70.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/22/10: Chris McCoy tallied 20.5 TFL and seven sacks in 2009.

11/14/09: Chris McCoy has 13.5 TFL and four sacks this year, two of which came against Mississippi State.
Rahim Alem, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Combine 40 Time: 4.71.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 18. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/22/10: Managed just 7.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks as a senior.

11/14/09: Really disappointed this year with five TFL and two sacks. Was already a liability against the run, so the lack of production hurts his stock.

2/12/09: Earned a spot on the All-SEC First Team, thanks to 11.5 TFL and eight sacks.
Jeffrey Fitzgerald, Kansas State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.88.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.84.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 35.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/24/10: Finished the year with nine TFL and seven sacks.

11/14/09: Remember when this guy was one of the top prospects? Jeffrey Fitzgerald has 7.5 TFL and six sacks this year, but he will have to answer questions about quitting the team a year ago.

1/9/09: Don’t worry – Jeffrey Fitzgerald’s mug is no longer on milk cartons; he has moved on to Kansas State from Virginia.

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).
James Ruffin, Northern Iowa
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Pro Day No. 1 40 Time: 4.73
Pro Day No. 2 40 Time: 4.85.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/22/10: Led the Missouri Valley Conference with 10.5 sacks.
Hall Davis, Louisiana-Lafayette
Height: 6-4. Weight: 271.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: 4.83.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.89.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 34.5.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
John Fletcher, Wyoming
Height: 6-5. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.82.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/22/10: John Fletcher finished the year without a single sack in his last four contests. Only had half a TFL in that span.

11/14/09: Could be a solid 4-3 left end in the NFL; has 12 TFL and seven sacks in nine games.

2/12/09: A member of the All-Mountain West Second Team, John Fletcher recorded 6.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks in 2008.

7/31/08: John Fletcher was extremely productive as a sophomore, registering 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
Charles Young, Hampton
Height: 6-6. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.95.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 36.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
Auston English, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.77.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 35.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
11/14/09: Was having a solid year, but is out again with a foot injury. Can this guy ever stay healthy?

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.
Aaron Morgan, Louisiana-Monroe
Height: 6-4. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
11/14/09: A tiny player, Aaron Morgan has 12.5 TFL and seven sacks in nine games. He can get to the quarterback, and some team may consider him as a nickel rusher.
Greg Middleton, Indiana
Height: 6-3. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Combine 40 Time: 4.93.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.08.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 38.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/25/10: Finished with 8.5 TFL and three sacks. The pass-rusher we once knew is now gone forever.

2/12/09: Really disappointed as a junior; had just five TFL and four sacks after notching 16 sacks as a sophomore.

5/7/08: Looking at his size and speed measurables, you may determine that Greg Middleton is pretty difficult to block. Well, opposing linemen found that out the hard way, as Middleton registered a nation-high 16 sacks in 2007.
Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
Height: 6-1. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: 4.94.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.03.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 34.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
3/2/10: Jammie Kirlew reported two inches shorter than expected (6-3 to 6-1) and ran a 4.94 at 260 pounds.

1/22/10: An All-Big Ten second-teamer, Jammie Kirlew recorded 15.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks as a senior.

11/14/09: Has 13.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks for a feisty Indiana squad this year.

2/12/09: Putting up the numbers Greg Middleton probably should have notched, Jammie Kirlew had 19.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks as a junior. Unfortunately, his 40 will scare some teams away.
Frank Zombo, Central Michigan
Height: 6-4. Weight: 269.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Combine 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/22/10: Finished his senior year strong (9 TFL, 5.5 sacks in 14 games).

11/20/09: Struggling as a senior with three TFL and 1.5 sacks.

2/12/09: Qualified for the All-MAC First Team, thanks to 15.5 TFL and nine sacks in 2008.
Will Tukuafu, Oregon
Height: 6-4. Weight: 272.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Combine 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/22/10: Finished the year with 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.

11/15/09: Just 2.5 sacks through nine games in 2009.

5/18/09: Put up an amazing 17.5 TFL as well as 7.5 sacks.
Marcus Tillman, Ole Miss
Height: 6-4. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Combine 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/22/10: Finished his senior year with 7.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.

11/20/09: Has 25 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks as a senior. A left end in the NFL.

2/12/09: Collected 6.5 TFL but just 1.5 sacks in 2008.

7/30/08: Marcus Tillman started every game as a sophomore. He had 4.5 tackles for loss.
Eugene Sims, West Texas A&M
Height: 6-5. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.74.
Benchx225: 17. Vertical: 32.5.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
Lawrence Wilson, Ohio State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 272.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.84.
Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 38.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/22/10: Injuries have killed his career. Only two sacks in 2009.

2/12/09: Tore his ACL in October. This guy just can’t stay healthy.

7/30/08: The Buckeyes had lots of hope for Lawrence Wilson last year, but he suffered a broken leg in the season opener and missed the entire 2007 campaign. If Wilson comes back at 100 percent, he will definitely soar up this list.