2011 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

The top 2011 defensive end prospects available for the 2011 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted.

Combine 40 Times: As I explained on Twitter (@walterfootball), the official Combine 40 times are incorrect, and they’ve been proven false via the NFL Network’s simul-cam.

For the 40 times, I use the NFL Network’s unofficial times, which are more accurate. NFL teams use their own timed 40s anyway, so the official 40s are meaningless.

This page was last updated April 16, 2011.

2023 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

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 | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina – Scouting Report
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Combine 40 Time: 4.67.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.58.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 34. Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2011): Top 10 Pick.
4/1/11: Robert Quinn had a phenomenal workout at North Carolina’s Pro Day. He ran a 4.58 40 and looked great in the drills. Mike Mayock, Michael Lombardi and Steve Wyche all agreed that Quinn will be a top-10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mayock also said that Quinn can’t pass drop, but quickly added that DeMarcus Ware couldn’t pass drop either coming out of Troy. “Robert Quinn at age 20 has untapped potential,” Mayock said. “Gun to the head today, I’m taking Quinn over Da’Quan Bowers.”

3/1/11: The way Mike Mayock was ranting and raving about Robert Quinn, I was expecting the North Carolina pass rusher to turn Pepsi into Pepsi Throwback at the Combine. Unfortunately, Quinn ran a 4.67 40 and notched a 34-inch vertical. Those aren’t terrible numbers by any means, but Quinn failed to match Mayock’s expected 4.55. Prior to Monday’s workout, Mayock speculated that Quinn could contend for the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Not so much now.

10/8/10: Quinn is still out indefinitely with an NCAA eligibility issue. There is no denying Quinn’s elite talent. He’s a flexible, coordinated athlete with a tremendous first step and speed off the edge. We’re hoping Quinn plays the second half of the season for the Tar Heels.

5/5/10: Currently the No. 1 pick in Matt McGuire’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft, Robert Quinn had 19 TFL and 11 sacks as a mere sophomore in 2009.
Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri – Scouting Report
Height: 6-4. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Combine 40 Time: 4.74.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 34. Arm: 35 3/8.
Projected Round (2011): Top 15 Pick.
3/18/11: After a mediocre Combine, Aldon Smith really shined at his Pro Day. Gil Brandt described Smith during the drills as a “racehorse.”

5/5/10: Aldon Smith managed 19 TFL and 11.5 sacks as a freshman in 2009. Smith and Nick Perry will be in the top 10-15 of my 2012 NFL Mock Draft, coming this summer.
J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin – Scouting Report
Height: 6-5. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Combine 40 Time: 4.78.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 34. Vertical: 37. Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2011): Top 18 Pick.
3/10/11: J.J. Watt didn’t run the 40 at his Pro Day, but had a terrific workout. The Chargers reportedly paid very close attention to Watt during the drills. Watt will probably be gone by No. 18, so San Diego would have to trade up.

3/1/11: J.J. Watt showed off his great athleticism at the Combine, notching a 4.78 40 and a 37-inch vertical. He also recorded 34 bench press reps on Tuesday. Warren Sapp called Watt the next Mike Mamula. Mike Mayock, however, defended Watt, predicting that he could have Richard Seymour-type production in the NFL.

8/3/10: J.J. Watt notched 15.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks in 2009. He projects really well into the 3-4.
Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California – Scouting Report
Height: 6-4. Weight: 286.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Combine 40 Time: 4.71.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 31. Arm: 35.
Projected Round (2011): Top 18 Pick.
3/11/11: Cameron Jordan had an outstanding Pro Day. He was even asked to drop into coverage by one of the coaches.

3/1/11: Cameron Jordan was one of many defensive linemen who had an outstanding Combine. The 6-4, 287-pound Jordan ran a great 40 time of 4.71. The Patriots would love for him to fall to No. 17, but that’s probably not going to happen.

1/26/11: Cameron Jordan is a beast. He’s dominated the Senior Bowl practices thus far. In fact, he was so aggressive that he hit the quarterback on one occasion, prompting Marvin Lewis to pull Jordan aside and tell him, “If you do that again, they’re gonna give you a GPS and you’re gonna have to drive out of here.” Jordan won’t make it past New England at No. 17, and he could go as high as Dallas at No. 9.

10/8/10: Not many players have had a bigger rise up big boards this season than Jordan. He is among the most consistent, productive players in the nation. He is extremely strong at the point of attack and is simply mauling linemen this season. His hand use and extension is textbook and he is shedding blockers at will. Statistically, he isn’t killing it (16 tackles, 2 sacks), but he has the attention of everyone with an actual eye for talent that watches him play. He projects as a left defensive end here in the 4-3 scheme, but his best value like Allen Bailey is as a 3-4 defensive end.

5/5/10: Had a great junior campaign, generating 9.5 TFL and eight sacks.
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – Scouting Report
Height: 6-4. Weight: 274.
Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
Combine 40 Time: 4.67.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 31. Vertical: 33.5. Arm: 33 3/8.
Projected Round (2011): Top 20 Pick.
3/16/11: Ryan Kerrigan stood on his outstanding Combine 40 at his Pro Day, but measured in seven pounds heavier. He’s now at 274, so forget about him playing the 3-4. Predictably, Jacksonville defensive line coach Joe Cullen was at Kerrigan’s workout.

3/1/11: Almost everything I’ve heard about Ryan Kerrigan since the Senior Bowl berated the Purdue defensive end for being unathletic. However, despite putting on some weight, Kerrigan ran a 4.67 40 and notched a 33.5-inch vertical. He’s a perfect fit for the Jaguars at No. 16.

1/27/11: I thought Ryan Kerrigan was better today. He looked good standing up, and he beat Nate Solder during live action.

1/26/11: Nate Solder dominated Ryan Kerrigan in their one-on-one matchup. Aside from a nice inside move by Kerrigan on Day 1, the Purdue defensive end hasn’t been very impressive this week.

10/8/10: I love Kerrigan’s motor and competitiveness, but he doesn’t have the physical skill set that will enable him to make the same plays at the next level. He lacks explosiveness and agility to be the same player in the NFL. I also like his quickness off the ball and ability to play the run, but he’s an overrated prospect at the moment.

5/5/10: Ryan Kerrigan just put together an outstanding junior campaign, notching 17 TFL and 11 sacks.
Justin Houston, DE, Georgia – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 267.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Combine 40 Time: 4.63.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.57.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 36.5. Arm: 34 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): Top 20 Pick.
3/23/11: Justin Houston shed three pounds for his Pro Day and ran a 4.57 40, including 1.62 in the 10-yard split. Considering how valued pass-rushers are, it’ll be a major upset if Houston falls out of the first round.

3/1/11: Two arrows for Justin Houston? I’ll explain. Houston bulked up to 6-3, 270 this weekend, but didn’t lose any of his speed; he ran a 4.63 40 and also notched a 36.5-inch vertical. That’s the reason for the up arrow. The down arrow is for his scheme versatility. After watching him perform in the drills, I’d be very uncomfortable having him in a 3-4. While he’s improved his status for 4-3 teams, he also may have deterred some franchises that run the 3-4.

10/8/10: Houston is a quick-twitch athlete with good instincts and a nice motor. He needs to show more polish, consistency and a better repertoire of pass rush moves, but he’s had a solid season for the Bulldogs and he should get better as the season goes along.
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 276.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.95.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 34.5. Arm: 33 1/8.
Projected Round (2011): Top 25 Pick.
4/2/11: Da’Quan Bowers murdered his draft stock at his personal Pro Day. Bowers fatigued during the positional drills. His measurables were terrible. He ran a 4.95 40, and his broad jump was a lackluster 9-2. His knee is a huge concern, and onlookers cited that he was “hobbling out there.” Michael Lombardi and Bucky Brooks agreed that teams in the 11-25 range need to do their homework on Bowers because he’ll probably be available.

1/26/11: Write-ups for these rankings will be added later; there were “personnel complications” on the site, which is why these rankings haven’t been updated in a while.

10/8/10: Bowers has all of the physical skill in the world, but he is still a bit inconsistent and he will disappear for stretches. He could be more powerful at the point of attack, but there is a lot of upside here in his athleticism and ability to bend off the edge.

5/5/10: Da’Quan Bowers hasn’t been able to live up to his measurables yet; as a sophomore, Bowers had 10.5 TFL but only three sacks.
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 278.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Combine 40 Time: 4.81.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 17. Vertical: 35.5. Arm: 32 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
3/22/10: Adrian Clayborn had a very good Pro Day, save for his bench press (17 reps). However, that can be attributed to his Erb’s Palsy disorder.

10/8/10: Clayborn has a great motor and terrific hand use, and shows some burst off the edge. He lacks an elite first step, but he plays very hard and defensive ends like him don’t come around very often.

5/5/10: Adrian Clayborn would have been a clear-cut top 15 prospect as both a 4-3 and 3-4 end, but was charged with assaulting a cab driver recently. He pleaded guilty. Fortunately for him, the Bengals will gladly ignore that.
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Combine 40 Time: 4.66.
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 30.5. Arm: 32 1/4.
Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
1/30/11: Along with Sam Acho and Phil Taylor, Brooks Reed helped the South destroy the North’s offensive line. Reed embarrassed Anthony Castonzo in the second quarter. Like Acho, Brooks had a sack and two TFLs.

1/28/11: I thought Brooks Reed looked very good in the drills during the South Team practice. You have to love his non-stop motor.

10/8/10: I like his hustle and instincts, but he’s a mediocre talent who looks like a rotational player at the next level.
Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-3. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Combine 40 Time: 4.66.
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: 31. Arm: 33 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): 2.
10/8/10: When Sheard brings his “A” game you see a second-round pick. However, I have seen too much bad tape to really be high on him. He isn’t consistently tough and I don’t always see an effective pass-rusher. Maybe he will pick up his game as the year goes along, but for the moment his play warrants his draft projection.

5/5/10: With Greg Romeus drawing touble teams, Jabaal Sheard was able to garner 10.5 TFL and five sacks in 2009.
Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: 4.76.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 36.5. Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2011): 2.
3/27/11: Allen Bailey somehow dropped 10 pounds since the Combine, weighing in at 275 at his Pro Day. He had an otherwise solid workout, but you have to wonder about the weight.

1/30/11: Allen Bailey sucked all week and did nothing during the game. I had to check the participation report to see if Bailey even played in the Senior Bowl. Bailey is really athletic, but he’s just a project at this point.

1/27/11: Allen Bailey has been struggling in one-on-one matchups all week. He couldn’t get by Derek Sherrod, which is understandable. But then Bailey looked helpless against James Carpenter, a mid-round prospect. Something’s wrong here.

10/8/10: Bailey has been proven to be more consistent this year. He shows excellent athleticism for a 288-pound lineman and is playing with a lot of power off the edge. He’s not going to be an elite pass rusher from the right side, but as a left defensive end he has a high upside and can be one of those guys that can simply shut down the right side of the offensive line with his ability to play the run. He gives you the best value as a 5-technique, or 3-4 defensive end.

5/5/10: Allen Bailey had been known as an athletic freak who never lived up to the hype. Well, that has completely changed. As a junior, Bailey had 11 TFL and seven sacks.
Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 274.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: 4.94.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.87.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 28.5. Arm: 34 3/8.
Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
10/8/10: I like McPhee, but he hasn’t been much of a pass-rusher this season. The culprit? I think he’s overweight – I’m not sure whether he is responsible or his coaching staff wanted him to bulk up, but McPhee would gain a lot of quickness back if he was in the high-260, low-270 range. McPhee uses his hands well and plays hard. He could have a big Senior Bowl and climb boards quickly in the offseason if he drops some weight.

5/5/10: Notched 12 TFL and five sacks in 2009.
Jeremy Beal, DE/OLB, Oklahoma – Scouting Report
Height: 6-2. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Combine 40 Time: 5.13.
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 28.5. Arm: 33.
Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
3/1/11: After a horrific showing at the Senior Bowl, Jeremy Beal needed a strong Combine. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Beal ran a dreadful 5.13 40 and was sluggish in the drills. He is looking like a late-round pick at best right now.

1/27/11: Another poor day for Jeremy Beal. He didn’t look right standing up and has been ineffective in the one-on-one drills all week.

1/26/11: Jeremy Beal had no answer for Gabe Carimi in their one-on-one matchup. Several scouts were down on Beal going into the Senior Bowl, and the Oklahoma pass-rusher is not off to a good start.

10/8/10: Beal is on a mission. He is showing good speed off the edge, and I love his second effort as a pass rusher. His stock is on the rise – he has 8.5 TFL, six sacks, and three forced fumbles through four games this season and is looking like a marginal first-rounder.

5/5/10: Finished his junior season with 19 TFL and 11 sacks. A 4-3 right end.
Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-6. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
10/8/10: Romeus has decided to have back surgery and will miss a significant portion of the season, rendering him out indefinitely. Before Romeus’ injury, he was highly productive and tough in run support, but he didn’t show much in terms of a pass rush. This injury really hurts him and he could now slide on Draft Day.

5/5/10: Greg Romeus finished his junior campaign with 11.5 TFL and eight sacks. He’s currently the No. 2 pure 4-3 defensive end in the 2011 class.
Ugo Chinasa, DE, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: 4.67.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.65.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 28. Arm: 36.
Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
3/1/11: I liked what I saw out of Ugo Chinasa at the Combine. In addition to running a 4.67 40 at 6-5, 264, Chinasa looked really fluid in all of the drills. He’s a mid-round sleeper.

10/8/10: : Jones looks like he is having his breakout season for the Longhorns out of the shadow of Sergio Kindle. Though he has great athleticism and flexibility, his instincts are questionable.
Cliff Matthews, DE, South Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Combine 40 Time: 4.78.
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: 32. Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
10/8/10: Matthews has been underwhelming this season for South Carolina. He’s too inconsistent and doesn’t show the physicality you need to work through trash and get off blocks at the next level. He needs to step it up.

5/7/10: Best suited for the 3-4, Cliff Matthews managed 10 TFL and seven sacks in 2009.
Pierre Allen, DE, Nebraska
Height: 6-4. Weight: 273.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: 35.
Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
5/5/10: Had identical 8.5-TFL, five-sack seasons as a sophomore and junior.
Rick Elmore, DE, Arizona
Height: 6-5. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Combine 40 Time: 4.91.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.83.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 34.5. Arm: 31.
Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
3/13/11: Ricky Elmore worked out with the Jaguars during his Pro Day. He improved his 40 time and vertical (31.5) from the Combine.
Ryan Winterswyk, DE, Boise State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 268.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.92.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 30.5. Arm: 32 3/4.
Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
3/25/11: Ryan Winterswyk improved his 40 by 0.07 and vertical by half an inch at the Combine. He looked pretty solid in coverage drills.

5/5/10: Ryan Winterswyk had a monstrous junior campaign, collecting 17 TFL and nine sacks.

8/8/09: Ryan Winterswyk collected 11.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore for Boise State. Broke up six passes as well.
Eddie Jones, DE/OLB, Texas
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
10/8/10: : Jones looks like he is having his breakout season for the Longhorns out of the shadow of Sergio Kindle. Though he has great athleticism and flexibility, his instincts are questionable.
Karl Klug, DE, Iowa
Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.81.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 29.5. Arm: 32 1/4.
Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
Markus White, DE, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 266.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.84.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 32.5. Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
5/5/10: Markus White, starting in place of Everette Brown, notched 10.5 TFL but only two sacks in 2009.

8/8/09: Has just one sack in his Florida State career, but will take Everette Brown’s spot in the lineup. You have to like his size and 40 time.
D’Aundre Reed, DE, Arizona
Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: 4.90.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.75.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 36. Arm: 33 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
Kentrell Lockett, DE, Ole Miss
Height: 6-5. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: 34 1/4.
Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
3/23/11: Here’s another reason to hate the NCAA – Kentrell Lockett didn’t go to the Combine and declined to work out at his Pro Day because he’s still waiting for the NCAA’s decision to grant him another year of eligibility. A competent organization would have made up their minds already, but the NCAA is just taking its grand old time. Good job, scumbags.

5/5/10: Notched nine TFL and four sacks in 2009.

8/8/09: Kentrell Lockett had 12 TFL, but only 2.5 sacks in 2008. Not good for someone who seems like he’ll be a situational 4-3 rusher at the next level.
Craig Marshall, DE, South Florida
Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
5/5/10: Craig Marshall will now have his chance with George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul gone. Marshall had 3.5 TFL and three sacks as a junior.
Lazarius Levingston, DE, LSU
Height: 6-4. Weight: 269.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
5/5/10: Had no sacks in 2009, but managed eight TFL.

8/8/09: In 2008, owner of four TFL and two sacks, and not to mention a very grim first name.
Jake Laptad, DE, Kansas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 258.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
5/5/10: Had a solid junor campaign, collecting 12 TFL and 6.5 sacks.

8/8/09: Jake Laptad was very impressive as a sophomore, accumulating 8.5 TFL and seven sacks. Some (Al Davis) will frown upon his 40.
DeQuin Evans, DE, Kentucky
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
5/5/10: A JUCO transfer, DeQuin Evans collected 12.5 TFL and six sacks in his first year at Kentucky in 2009.
Clay Nurse, DE, Illinois
Height: 6-2. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.95.
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
Scott Solomon, DE, Rice
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Combine 40 Time: .
Pro Day 40 Time: .
Benchx225: . Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
5/5/10: Had a decent junior campaign, notching 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks.
Chuks Obi, DE, Harvard
Height: 6-2. Weight: 287.
Projected 40 Time: N/A.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.98.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 31. Arm: 33 1/8.
Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
4/9/11: Chuks Obi’s height hurts him, but you have to love his 10-yard split in the 40 (1.63).