2010 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

The top 2010 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 May 18, 2009.

1. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 270.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
   Projected Round (2010): Top 20 Pick.
   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.
   
   
2. Derrick Morgan*, Georgia Tech – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 270.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
   Projected Round (2010): Top 20 Pick.
   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.
   
   
3. Everson Griffen*, USC
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
   Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
   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.
   
   
4. Carlos Dunlap*, Florida – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 280.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
   Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
   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.
   
   2/12/09: Owning Mario Williams’ measurables, Carlos Dunlap dominated the SEC as a sophomore, registering 13.5 TFL and 9.5 sacks.
   
   7/30/08: A 290-pound defensive end who runs a 4.7… why does that sound familiar? Hint – the Texans chose that guy over Reggie Bush. Carlos Dunlap didn’t produce much as a true freshman, but he racked up four sacks in the spring game, creating some cause for excitement among Gator fans.
   
   
   
   
5. Greg Romeus*, Pittsburgh
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 270.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
   Projected Round (2010): 2.
   11/15/09: Through nine games, Greg Romeus has nine TFL and 7.5 sacks. There’s a good chance he comes out early because of a possible rookie payscale and a lockout.
   
   2/12/09: As a mere sophomore, Greg Romeus managed 15.5 TFL and 7.5 sacks. Anyone want to bet that Chris Berman will say, “Greg Romeus, Romeus, where for art thou Romeus?” whenever this guy makes a big play in the NFL? Oh wait, I forgot, no more NFL Primetime. Thanks, stupid ESPN.
   
   
6. Jeremy Beal*, Oklahoma
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 261.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   11/15/09: Having a monstrous junior campaign for Oklahoma with 16 TFL and 11 sacks in 10 contests.
   
   
7. Jason Pierre-Paul*, South Florida
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 263.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   11/15/09: Has 31 tackles, 11 TFL but only three sacks for South Florida in nine games.
   
   
8. Brandon Graham, Michigan
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 265.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   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.
   
   
9. Corey Wootton, Northwestern
   Height: 6-7. Weight: 280.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   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.
   
   
10. Brandon Lang, Troy
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 255.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    11/14/09: Production is a bit down this year, but still solid (8.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks in nine games). More of 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.
    
    
    
    
11. Austen Lane, Murray State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 258.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    11/14/09: Will draw major attention during the draft preseason; Austen Lane has 11 sacks on the year for 1-AA Murray State.
    
    
12. Lindsey Witten, Connecticut
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    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.
    
    
13. Jason Worilds*, Virginia Tech
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 254.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    11/15/09: Disappointed in 2009; has just seven TFL and 3.5 sacks as a junior.
    
    2/12/09: Despite playing with shoulder injuries, Jason Worilds garnered 18.5 TFL and eight sacks, earning himself a spot on the All-ACC Second Team.
    
    
14. C.J. Wilson, East Carolina
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 274.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
    Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
    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.
    
    
15. Jermaine Cunningham, Florida
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    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.
    
    
16. Rahim Alem, LSU
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 264.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    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.
    
    
17. Willie Young, N.C. State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    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.
    
    
    
    
18. John Fletcher, Wyoming
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 270.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
    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.
    
    
19. Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    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.
    
    
20. Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 254.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    11/14/09: Having a monstrous year for a surprising Texas Tech defense. Owns 11.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks in just eight games.
    
    
21. Alex Daniels, Cincinnati
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 259.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    11/14/09: A transfer from Minnesota, Alex Daniels has seven TFL and 5.5 sacks in nine contests.
    
    
22. Ugo Chinasa*, Oklahoma State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 255.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    11/15/09: Has lots of athleticism and talent, but has never shown it on the field. Has just three sacks as a junior.
    
    2/12/09: Ugo Chinasa has great measurables and managed 8.5 TFL as a sophomore, but collected just two sacks in 2008.
    
    
23. Koa Misi, Utah
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 263.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    11/14/09: Has 50 tackles, seven TFL and 3.5 sacks through eight games in 2009.
    
    2/12/09: Had 8.5 TFL and three sacks as a junior. Also broke up six passes.
    
    
24. George Johnson, Rutgers
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    11/14/09: Has seven TFL and 4.5 sacks in eight games for underrated Rutgers.
    
    
25. Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, Washington
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 262.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    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.
    
    
26. Auston English, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    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.
    
    
27. Will Tukuafu, Oregon
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 272.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    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.
    
    
28. Frank Zombo, Central Michigan
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 269.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    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.
    
    
29. E.J. Wilson, North Carolina
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 279.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    11/14/09: Has eight TFL and two sacks in nine games.
    
    2/12/09: Managed 4.5 TFL and a sack in 2008. Getting to the quarterback is obviously not his forte.
    
    7/30/08: A big, future NFL left end who excels against the run.
    
    
30. Marcus Tillman, Ole Miss
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 270.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    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.
    
    
31. Lawrence Wilson, Ohio State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 274.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    11/14/09: 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.
    
    
    
    

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