2013 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

The top 2013 defensive end prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2013 prospect. ** – denotes 2014 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2013.

1. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 274. Arm: 34 5/8. Hand: 10.
   40 Time: 4.63.
   Projected Round (2013): Top-20 Pick.
   4/24/13: There is a lot of variety in the opinions on Ansah. Some see him as a legitimate top-10 pick while others view him as a mid-first-rounder. There is the possibility for him to slide on draft day.
   
   Ansah is this year’s version of Chandler Jones or Jason Pierre-Paul; great athletes with little college production who go in the first round of the draft. Like those two edge-rushers, Ansah is a tremendous athlete with a rare combination of size, speed and power.
   
   The Senior Bowl week could be indicative of how Ansah’s career will trend in the NFL. He was quiet early in the week while getting his bearings against the higher level of competition. Ansah steadily improved from there to flash his superb athletic skill with the size, power and speed to be a force. By the end of the week, he was dominant.
   
   Ansah can beat offensive tackles with speed or power. Once he develops more pass-rushing moves and the ability to use his hands in combination with his feet, he could be deadly. The senior totaled 62 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, nine passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception in 2012. He exploded on the scene after making a grand total of 10 tackles as a junior and sophomore.
   
   Ansah showed off his superb athleticism at the Combine with a great 40 time and explosiveness. He could function as an end in a 4-3 defense or an outside linebacker in a 3-4.
   
   



2. Bjoern Werner*, DE, Florida State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 266. Arm: 33.28.
   40 Time: 4.83.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: Werner seems to have slid down draftboards in this last few weeks. Some think that he could even fall out of the first round and go on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft.
   
   The junior received extra blocking attention in 2012 following Brandon Jenkins exiting the lineup due to injury, and that helped teammate Tank Carradine have a breakout season. Werner started 2012 with four sacks in a dominating performance against Murray State.
   
   Werner saw extra blocking attention from Clemson. He was active and had some pressures on quarterback Tajh Boyd. Werner totaled four tackles and one pass breakup. When Florida State needed a pass rush badly late in the game against N.C. State, he was a non-factor in the upset loss.
   
   Werner recorded six tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery and 3.5 sacks in this year’s rivalry battle with the Gators. Prior to that, he had cooled down some in the second half of the year after a hot start to his final season.
   
   Werner amassed 42 tackles, 13 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, seven passes batted and a forced fumble in 2012. He had an underwhelming Combine performance with a slow 40 time, but that is not an event that suits what he does well on the football field.
   
   8/27/12: Werner is strong, physical beast at the line of scrimmage. He pushes offensive line around and plays with violence. The Berlin, Germany product combines a good motor with a mean streak. Werner is a tough run defender at the point of attack.
   
   The sophomore occasionally outplayed teammate Brandon Jenkins last season. Werner (6-4, 273) broke out with some dominating games and seven sacks in 2011. He also had 37 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble and eight pass breakups.
   
   Werner had 3.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2010. Don’t be surprised if Werner has a massive 2012 season.



3. Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 276. Arm: 34.68.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: Carradine was finally able to workout for scouts in just the last week that was said to be very impressive. He ran well and showed that he is ahead of schedule in his rehab. That workout helped improve his chances of being a first-round pick.
   
   Carradine totaled 38 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks as a backup to Brandon Jenkins and Bjoern Werner in 2011. Carradine made the most of his opportunity to start as a senior. He took over as the starter after Jenkins was lost for the season in Week 1.
   
   Carradine had 80 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks and a forced fumble in 2012. He regularly beat one-on-one blocks as teams sent double-teams against Werner.
   
   The season ended terribly for Carradine. He was destroyed by Florida as the Gators had a ton of success running straight at him. Then, late in the game, Carradine blew out an ACL, so he wasn’t able to participate in the Senior Bowl or the NFL Scouting Combine. Some still project him as a first-rounder.



4. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 280. Arm: 32 1/8. Hand: 9 3/4.
   40 Time: 4.80.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: It sounds like Jones stands a good chance of being a late first-round pick. he has generated interest from a lot of 3-4 defenses due to his power and physicality.
   
   Jones had 62 tackles with 5.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss in 2012. The senior has a nice mix of speed and strength, but needs to refine his pass-rushing moves. UCLA also played him out of position at defensive tackle.
   
   Jones had a dominant week at the Senior Bowl. He showed that he is dedicated to the weight room and has put in a lot of time in developing a serious NFL body. Following the weigh-in, the powerful defensive end had a superb week of practice. Jones showed off a great skill set with which he can defeat offensive linemen with either strength or agility. Jones has the power to move offensive linemen to the side and the speed to close in a hurry. He won his one-on-one reps using both power and speed.
   
   Jones also had a solid performance at the Combine. There is a debate about his position for the NFL, and many consider him to be a tackle/end tweener. He looks like a perfect fit as an NFL power left defensive end in a 4-3 defense who can move inside on passing downs. Even if Jones is played exclusively on the edge, he has the strength to stuff the run and can contribute as a pass-rusher. He also would fit well as a 3-4 defensive end.
   
   Jones had 6.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2011. He missed all of the 2010 season with a fractured right foot. Jones made 30 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and four sacks in 2009 playing next to Brian Price.



5. Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
   Height: 6-8. Weight: 277. Arm: 33 3/8. Hand: 9 5/8
   40 Time: 4.60.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: There is variety in where Hunt is being projected to go, but he could be a late first-round pick.
   
   Hunt used the Combine to put on a tremendous display of strength, speed and athleticism. He tied for the the bench press lead with 38 reps and ran a lightning 40 time. Hunt gave further proof that he is a freak athlete.
   
   The senior started out poorly in 2012 with a bad game against Baylor. He played better after that, including quality showings against Texas A&M, Houston, Southern Miss and TCU. Hunt was a force in SMU’s bowl game, picking up two sacks and two forced fumbles. He had 31 tackles, eight sacks, an interception, two passes batted and three blocked kicks in 2012.
   
   Hunt’s technique in run defense and executing pass-rushing moves have really improved, but he is still extremely raw. Hunt flashed at times at the Senior Bowl, yet needs some more development for the next level. He could turn into a perfect 3-4 defensive end in the mold of Justin Smith.
   
   8/27/12: Hunt is a physical freak. The Karksi-Nuia, Estonia product is a raw player who really came on strong at the end of his junior season. He recorded all three of his sacks for 2011 against Pittsburgh in the Bowl game. Hunt also had 28 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss. He totaled 5.5 sacks across his freshman and sophomore seasons.
   
   Hunt uses his height to be a dangerous weapon on special teams. He blocked seven kicks as a freshman, three kicks as a sophomore and four kicks as a junior. It is entirely possible that the senior could end his college career with nearly 20 blocked kicks. Hunt may be best as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense for the NFL.



6. Damontre Moore*, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
   4/24/13: Recently, scouts told WalterFootball.com that they believe Moore’s off-the-field problems will sink his chances of being a first-round pick. It only takes one team to fall in love with him, but he looks likely to be a second-day selection. A draft-day free fall out of the top-60 picks is very possible.
   
   The 20-year old junior was one of the most consistent pass-rushers in college football in 2012, amassing 12.5 sacks – one of the larger totals in the country. Perhaps even more impressive than that, Moore led his team with 85 tackles – four more than the next closest defender. He had 21 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, a blocked kick and a forced fumble, too.
   
   Moore was moved to defensive end before the season, and he took to the position quickly. Moore has demonstrated ability as a pass-rushing terror, and his speed around the edge is a mismatch against offensive tackles.
   
   Moore picked up 10 tackles and three sacks against Florida in the Aggies’ 2012 opener. He later collected a sack and five tackles against Alabama. The junior was banged up some this season, but played productively through the injuries. Moore had a great game against LSU. He played well despite an injury with 10 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack and a pass batted.
   
   Moore needs to add more weight to be a 4-3 end in the NFL. That was visible at the Combine when he put up a disappointing total of 12 reps on the bench press. He also ran slowly in the 40. Moore did better at his pro day, but still there are a lot of questions around him.
   
   Scouts told WalterFootball.com that Moore has a lot of off-the-field issues. They believe that he is going to enjoy the lifestyle of the NFL with parties, money and women. They also felt that Moore gets pushed around in run defense at times. However, they said he plays balls to the wall and has natural pass-rushing ability. Figuring out Moore and where to draft him has been a challenge.
   
   8/27/12: Moore was initially beaten out for a starting spot entering the 2011 season. Still, the sophomore worked his way into the lineup and showed his natural pass-rushing skills. He totaled 72 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2011. That exceeded his excellent production as a freshman – 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 40 tackles.
   
   Moore is a speed-rusher off the edge who combined with Sean Porter to produce a tough Aggies pass rush last season. They saw a lot of pass-rushing opportunities in the pass-happy Big XII, but those should be reduced with Texas A&M now in the more balanced SEC.
   
   Moore is very fast and is adding size. He could push his stock into the first round, but he may be best off to stay for his senior season. Moore was arrested for marijuana possession prior to his sophomore season. His best fit in the NFL would probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.



7. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 261. Arm: 33 1/8. Hand: 9.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   4/24/13: Okafor had a good senior season and was a consistent pass-rusher. His job got harder after Jackson Jeffcoat went out for the season with a torn pectoral, but Okafor remained productive. The senior totaled 54 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, a blocked kick and a pass batted in 2012.
   
   Okafor performed well at the Senior Bowl. He started out the week on fire before cooling down some. Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson told WalterFootball.com that Okafor was the best pass-rusher he went against in college; NFL teams value that kind of feedback.
   
   Okafor went out with a bang this season as he dominated Oregon State with 4.5 sacks, eight tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. Okafor came close to a few other sacks and set up his teammates to sack the quarterback. He was dominating the right tackle with speed rushes and bull rushes.
   
   Johnson and Oklahoma held Okafor in check, and it was his worst game of the season. However, he was Texas’ best defensive lineman and a more consistent producer of splash plays than teammate Jackson Jeffcoat was. Okafor beats offensive tackles with speed, strength and a repertoire of pass-rushing moves.
   
   Okafor made two massive plays to help his team almost pull out a win against West Virginia. He beat the right tackle with a speed rush just before halftime, dropped his shoulder to get leverage and planted Geno Smith on his back. The hit forced the ball out and Jackson Jeffcoat recovered it just over the goal line for a Longhorns’ touchdown.
   
   In the fourth quarter with Texas down by three, Okafor made a game-changing play. He bull-rushed the right tackle straight into Smith. Okafor reached out while falling to the ground and slapped the ball out of Smith’s hand. The Longhorns recovered the ball at West Virginia’s 12-yard line, but they missed their field goal attempt. Okafor also registered a blocked kick in the game and a number of other pressures on Smith.
   
   8/27/12: Okafor was one of the top defensive ends in the Big XII in 2011. He was a First-Team All-Big XII selection. Okafor totaled 58 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three passes batted and two forced fumbles. He had 2.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2010.
   
   Like Jeffcoat, Okafor has a nice skill set with speed and physicality. Plus, he is adept at getting upfield and is a disruptive rusher. Okafor is very solid as a run defender. He holds his ground at the point of attack and does not get pushed around.
   
   The Longhorns have lined Okafor up in a variety of places. He has done a lot of stand-up edge rushing over the tackle as well as blitzing over interior linemen as a linebacker. Okafor definitely has the length and athleticism to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
   
   Okafor should be primed for a big season and could be an early-round pick. He will get plenty of opportunities to rush the passer given the passing-driven nature of the Big XII. With teammate Jackson Jeffcoat on the other side of the line, Okafor should still see plenty of one-on-one pass-rushing opportunities.





8. Corey Lemonier*, DE/OLB, Auburn
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 255. Arm: 34.48.
   40 Time: 4.60.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   4/24/13: Lemonier totaled 34 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked kick in 2012 while playing through an ankle injury. He added weight before the Combine and it helped him to have a good performance. Lemonier ran a fast 40 and did well on the bench press (27 reps). He did his part to confirm a second-day grade.
   
   8/27/12: Lemonier broke out as a sophomore with 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2011. He is a speed-rusher who is a superb athlete and rushes with nice leverage.
   
   Lemonier should gain weight for the NFL because he gets pushed around at times in the ground game. He could return for the 2013 college season, and that may be a good idea. Lemonier is raw; he could use more experience to develop his awareness, run defense, pass-rushing moves and strength.



9. Malliciah Goodman, DE, Clemson
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 276. Arm: 35 7/8. Hand: 10 1/8.
   40 Time: 4.87.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
   4/24/13: Goodman produced 20 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles this season. He flashed some nice pass-rushing ability at times, but was a weak run-defender. The senior also wasn’t consistent enough. He had three sacks as a backup as a junior and sophomore. Goodman had a mixed week at the Senior Bowl, but he could at least be a situational pass-rusher in the NFL.
   
   Scouts told WalterFootball.com that they expect Goodman to be drafted on the second day.



10. Cornelius Washington, ILB/DE, Georgia
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 264. Arm: 33 7/8. Hand: 9 1/4.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
    4/24/13: Washington became a hot prospect late in the prospect and stands a chance of cracking the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft. As an inside linebacker, Washington recorded just 22 tackles, three tackles for a loss and .5 sacks in 2012. In 2011 and 2009, he had five sacks and four sacks, respectively. His highest tackle total was 24 in 2010. Washington had an excellent Combine performance in which he showed off that he is a size/speed specimen.
    
    4-3 defenses are projecting Washington to defensive end in the NFL. A 3-4 defense would play him at outside linebacker.



11. Sam Montgomery*, DE/OLB, LSU
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 262. Arm: 33.78.
    40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
    4/24/13: Montgomery didn’t stand out at either the Combine or his pro day. There are a lot of concerns about his work ethic. Montgomery admitted to taking plays and entire games off. Some teams feel that he is lazy, so he could fall to the third day of the draft.
    
    Montgomery put together a decent season. The redshirt junior was more disruptive than his totals indicate. He recorded 37 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and eight sacks in 2012.
    
    Montgomery played well against Alabama, totaling three tackles and a sack, plus recovered a fumble. On the other hand, he was shut down by Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel. The Aggies tackle kept Montgomery from getting any pass rush and moved him out of the way in the ground game. He totaled just two tackles and a pass batted.
    
    Montgomery played a lot better against South Carolina compared to his performance versus Florida. He had two sacks and a forced fumble against the Gamecocks. Montgomery looked much better in run defense, as well.
    
    The added bulk that Montgomery packed on over the 2011-2012 offseason assisted him in shedding blocks this year.
    
    8/27/12: Montgomery had a breakout sophomore season and led LSU’s talented defense in sacks. The Tigers’ defensive line was comprised of future NFL linemen with the potential for multiple first-round picks. He totaled 49 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and one forced fumble in 2011.
    
    Montgomery was a key cog in LSU having the second-ranked scoring defense in the nation and the second total defense. He considered entering the 2012 NFL Draft, but decided to finish his degree.
    
    Montgomery had 18 tackles with six tackles for a loss and two sacks as a freshman. He is a dangerous speed-rusher who needs to add weight for the NFL. Montgomery has a big frame, so he shouldn’t have any problem adding more bulk for the next level. Montgomery is another year removed from knee surgery, so he could be even better in 2012.





12. Devin Taylor, DE/OLB, South Carolina
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 266. Arm: 3.08.
    40 Time: 4.72.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    4/24/13: Taylor was underwhelming in 2012. Jadeveon Clowney commanded constant double-teams, yet Taylor didn’t take advantage of the one-on-ones. He’s a decent run-defender, but is not able to generate sacks.
    
    Taylor picked up 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, six passes batted and three sacks in 2012. The redshirt senior is frustrating because he clearly has the skill set to produce more. Taylor can cause disruption, but struggles to finish plays. He would probably be best adding weight and playing 3-4 defensive end in the NFL.
    
    Taylor was excellent at the East-West Shrine and showed his potential. He followed that up with a good day at the Combine. There is the capacity for Taylor to go sooner than expected.
    
    8/27/12: Taylor recorded 7.5 sacks with 46 tackles in 2010. The sophomore also broke up eight passes with an interception returned for a touchdown.
    
    Taylor started the 2011 season extremely slowly. Around mid-October, something woke him up and he had a strong three game stretch. Taylor recorded a sack, three tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, a pass broken up, and an interception returned 48 yards for a touchdown against Arkansas. He had 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks last year.
    
    Taylor was on the sideline at times last season as Melvin Ingram and Jadeveon Clowney logged more snaps for South Carolina. With Ingram in the NFL, Taylor should have plent of opportunities to improve his production in 2012.
    
    Clowney should draw a lot of double-teams that will allow Taylor to be single-blocked. If the senior is drafted into a 4-3 defense, he probably will need to put on some weight.



13. Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 255. Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 9 7/8.
    40 Time: 4.78.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
    4/24/13: Buchanan had a great game to start the season, making a sack, an interception, a pass broken up and two tackles for a loss against Western Michigan. He was a huge disappointment after that. Buchanan totaled 57 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, five passes batted, an interception and a forced fumble in 2012. He had a mixed week at the Senior Bowl, but held his own at the Combine.
    
    8/27/12: Buchanan was a nice complement to Whitney Mercilus in 2011 and looks primed for a big 2012 season. Buchanan had a strong junior campaign and should get better as a senior. He recorded 64 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. Buchanan had 40 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks as a sophomore.
    
    Like many of the recent prospects to come out of Illinois, Buchanan is a superb athlete who has real speed. The senior needs to add some weight and power to his game, but he could be a nice option for 3-4 defenses as well.



14. William Gholston*, DE, Michigan State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 281. Arm: 34.08.
    40 Time: 4.96.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
    4/24/13: Gholston didn’t take the next step in 2012 and was a disappointment. He didn’t develope any pass-rushing moves and struggled to pressure the quarterback. Gholston defended the run well, but was a liability as a pass-rusher. He totaled 59 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 10 passes broken up, one forced fumble and 4.5 sacks this year. His sacks came against Central Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Minnesota.
    
    Gholston would be best as a 3-4 defensive end.
    
    8/27/12: Gholston, a true physical specimen, flashed in 2011 and if he becomes more consistent, could skyrocket up draft boards. The junior from Detroit looks ready for a breakout season, although he already was a Second-Team All-Big Ten pick in 2011.
    
    Gholston broke into the lineup as a sophomore, totaling 70 tackles with five sacks, one forced fumble and 16 tackles for a loss. He was suspended for the first Wisconsin game after punching Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan and twisting the helmet of quarterback Denard Robinson.
    
    Gholston finished the season with a phenomenal game against Georgia in the Outback Bowl after playing well against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship. He is very physical at the point of attack and is one of the better run-defenders at defensive end in the draft class.
    
    The biggest thing that Gholston needs to improve is his pass rush, but he has the potential to be an excellent rusher. There are times when Gholston displays a dominating bull rush and a devastating spin move. If the junior produces on his potential this year, he could be a high first-round pick.
    
    Gholston is the cousin of famed New York Jets bust Vernon Gholston, so it will be interesting to see if teams hold that against William.



15. Joe Kruger*, DE, Utah
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 269. Arm: 34.78.
    40 Time: 4.83.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
    4/24/13: Kruger had a quality junior season with 30 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, a blocked kick and a pass broken up. He definitely benefitted from playing next to Star Lotulelei. Kruger had three sacks as a sophomore. He could be best as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL.



16. Lavar Edwards, DE, LSU
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 277. Arm: 35.48.
    40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
    4/24/13: Edwards was the backup to Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, so he had a hard time standing out the past few seasons. Edwards had 26 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and one interception this year. He had 26 tackles with a sack in 2011 after recording 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks with an interception and forced fumble during his sophomore season. Edwards had a quality showing at the Combine. It wouldn’t be surprising if he turns into a better pro player than he was in college.



17. John Simon, DE, Ohio State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 257. Arm: 32 3/4. Hand: 9 3/8.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
    4/24/13: Simon looked good in 2012 and had a lot more pressure on the quarterback than his numbers indicate. He finished 2012 with 44 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble and four passes broken up. The senior has one of the best motors of any defender in college football.
    
    Simon had a dominant game with four sacks against Wisconsin, but hurt his knee late in the contest. That caused him to miss the season finale versus Michigan. He didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl in a move to outside linebacker. Simon was unable to work out at the Combine. He is very undersized and could slide on draft day.
    
    8/27/12: Simon was quiet in the early going of last season, but the junior came alive down the stretch. He recorded six sacks in his final seven games with a massive game against Illinois featuring two sacks, four tackles for a loss and eight tackles. Simon had 53 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and three passes broken up in 2011.
    
    Simon had 41 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks as a sophomore. He is a strong player who has a great motor. While Simon is not a speed-rusher off the end, he is a good run defender. Simon is short on athletic ability and speed, but he a fighter who is very physical with offensive linemen. A double digit-sack season would be huge for his draft stock.



18. Stansly Maponga*, DE/OLB, TCU
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 256. Arm: 34.18.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
    4/24/13: Maponga totaled 26 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles in 2012. He had a disappointing season and needs to develop some pass-rushing moves. Maponga made a mistake entering the 2013 NFL Draft, but he showed some good strength at the Combine with 30 reps on the bench press.
    
    8/27/12: Maponga was a play-maker for TCU in 2011, and he was a disruptive force as a pass-rusher. The speedy Maponga totaled 55 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles. Not only is he quick off the edge, he has natural pad level and leverage to turn the corner.
    
    Maponga broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and recorded 32 tackles with 2.5 sacks. TCU is planning on him being a pass-rushing force in 2012. If the junior duplicates his 2011 season, he could declare for the 2013 NFL Draft. Maponga looks like a natural 3-4 outside linebacker.



19. Mike Catapano, DE, Princeton
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 271.
    40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
    4/24/13: Catapano is an interesting prospect. He performed really well at the East-West Shrine to help get on the radar for NFL teams. The senior had 12 sacks, 41 tackles and 15.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. He had five sacks as a junior. Catapano showed some speed and strength at his pro day with good performances on the bench press (33 reps) and in the 40-yard dash.





20. Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 250. Arm: 33.28.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2013): 5-6.
    4/24/13: A late season ACL tear sunk Smith’s draft stock even though he recorded 12.5 sacks in 2012. He also had 38 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. Smith returned a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Florida Atlantic.
    
    Smith started the year well with a three-sack game against Alabama. He destroyed Crimson Tide right tackle D.J. Fluker. Smith’s sacks came in bunches this season. He has four games with sacks and eight games without any. Smith had five sacks against Florida International.
    
    In 2011, Smith totaled 7.5 sacks, 38 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss. He had 47 tackles with four sacks as a sophomore in 2010.
    
    Smith would be higher in the rankings if he wasn’t so undersized. Smith looks like he will need to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense if he can’t add a significant amount of weight.



21. David Bass, DE, Missouri Western State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 262. Arm: 33.48.
    40 Time: 4.84.
    Projected Round (2013): 5-7.
    4/24/13: Bass looked good at the East-West Shrine and flashed some pass-rush ability in the one-on-ones. He was a big part of his Division II program making a postseason run. The senior collected 61 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 2012. He had 14.5 sacks with 20 tackles for a loss as a junior. Bass could be a nice sleeper for the third day of the 2013 NFL Draft.



22. Wes Horton, DE, USC
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
    Projected Round (2013): 5-7.
    4/24/13: Horton recorded 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, two pass breakups and 5.5 sacks in 2012. He missed the opener versus Hawaii. Horton played better in the second half of the year, but wasn’t the breakout pass-rushing force who many expected. He had a solid week at the East-West Shrine, but didn’t work out at the Combine.
    
    8/27/12: Horton broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2010. He recorded 29 tackles with four sacks and a forced fumble. The junior was relatively quiet last year, totaling 22 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks.
    
    Horton has the size and speed that defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin likes in his defensive ends, so he should be part of the Trojans’ plan to replace the productive Nick Perry.



23. Brad Madison, DE, Missouri
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
    4/24/13: Madison started the year strong with three sacks through two games, but after that, he was a non-factor. Madison had 18 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and four sacks in 2012. He was dominated by South Carolina and Alabama.
    
    8/27/12: Madison had 25 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2011. He had big games against Missouri’s weaker competition, but didn’t produce much against the Big XII opponents. Madison flashed at times, but he needs to become more consistent.
    
    Madison had a breakout sophomore season recording 7.5 sacks with 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 32 tackles. He was selected as a Second-Team All-Big XII selection. However, Madison benefited from the double teams that Aldon Smith drew.



24. Cameron Meredith, DE, Nebraska
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
    Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Meredith totaled 53 tackles, six tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2012.
    
    8/27/12: Meredith is a strong run-defender who improved his pass-rush skills in 2011. The junior had 58 tackles with five sacks. He broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks with eight tackles for a loss. Meredith has to get to the quarterback more as a senior to move up the board.



25. Craig Roh, DE, Michigan
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 269.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Roh played poorly versus Alabama. He went against sophomore left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, who was making his first start, and was a non-factor. Kouandjio struggled the next week against Western Kentucky. Roh had a good game versus Nebraska. He made 38 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks in 2012.
    
    8/27/12: Roh is a strong, physical defender at the point of attack. The junior had 32 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and four sacks last season. Roh is a limited pass-rusher, given that he had .5 sacks in 2010 and two sacks in 2009. He has to get to the quarterback a lot more as a senior to improve his draft status.



26. Dan Giordano, DE, Cincinnati
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
    Projected Round (2013): FA.
    4/24/13: Giordano flashed at times during his senior year. He had 56 tackles, six tackles for a loss, five sacks and a number of pressures on the quarterback.
    
    8/27/12: Giordano had five sacks with nine tackles for a loss and 34 tackles as a junior. He cleaned up off of the disruption from tackle Derek Wolfe. As a sophomore he had 36 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. He is short on speed and athleticism but he has a great motor.



27. Nathan Williams, DE/OLB, Ohio State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 241. Arm: 30.58.
    40 Time: 4.88.
    Projected Round (2013): FA.
    4/24/13: Williams picked up 40 tackles, one forced fumble and two sacks on the season, but played better than those numbers indicate.
    
    8/27/12: Williams had two tackles against Toledo in the 2011 season opener, but blew out his knee. He has missed the rest of the season after undergoing surgery. Williams had 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss in 2010 after recording 3.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss as a sophomore. While he led Ohio State in sacks in 2010, he needs to do more than that this year to solidify his draft status.

NFL Picks - Dec. 11


2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11


NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9


2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29


Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4