2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2015 defensive end prospects available for the 2015 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2016 prospect. ** – denotes 2017 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2015. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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

Leonard Williams*, DE/DT, USC
Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 4.91.
Projected Round (2015): Top-10 Pick.
4/25/15: In speaking with NFL teams, they like Williams, but don’t grade him in the same range as Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy or Jadeveon Clowney when they were coming out. Teams aren’t as high on Williams as some in the media have rated him. They feel that Williams wasn’t consistent or dominant enough to be the No. 1-rated player on their draft boards.

At the Combine, Williams solidified his standing as the top defensive lineman for the 2015 NFL Draft. He ran well in the 40 and looked good in the field drills.

Williams would fit a 3-4 or 4-3 defense in the NFL. He would be an excellent five-technique for the former since he has the strength and length to set the edge while also being able to rush the passer. Williams could play three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 or be a power left end who moves inside to tackle in passing situations. Really, Williams can be lined up anywhere on the defensive line.

With his combination of speed and strength, Williams looks like a first-day NFL starter. He is very strong to shed blocks and is fast off the snap. Williams consistently blows by tackles or guards on the pass rush. He is well suited for left defensive end as he gives right tackles a lot of problems. Williams is generally a tough mismatch against all offensive linemen. He is too strong for most left tackles and too fast for right tackles or interior linemen. Off the snap, Williams has a fast burst to fire his gap and achieve penetration into the backfield.

In the ground game, Williams can burst into the backfield to blow up runs and can hold his ground at the point of attack. However, there are areas that Williams can improve. He gets in trouble when he stands up too high, which allows offensive linemen to get under his pads and push him back when they run downhill at him. Williams also had some quiet games where he seemed to disappear in stretches.

Williams totaled 80 tackles, seven sacks, 8.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, three forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2014. He had an excellent game against Arizona with two sacks, eight tackles and a forced fumble. Williams turned in other impressive games, including performances against Oregon State and Washington State. He seemed to take his foot off the pedal in the regular-season finale against Notre Dame, but played well in his bowl game.

Williams rolled his ankle in practice a few days before the game against Stanford, but he still played versus the Cardinal. Williams showed his toughness and battled hard for four quarters. In the third quarter, he contributed to a huge stop on a fourth-and 1 at USC’s own three-yard line. Williams picked a great time for his first sack of the season late in the fourth quarter. He beat the guard to get penetration into the backfield. While Williams wasn’t 100 percent, he gutted it out and found a way to make some big plays to help his team pull off the upset.

Williams played well against Fresno State with a number of tackles at the point of attack. He also batted some passes and made an interception for the Trojans.

8/23/14: Williams played well for USC in 2013. He recorded 74 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and five sacks. The sophomore generated more pass rush than the numbers indicate.

In the long term, Williams may prove to be a defensive tackle, but that depends on the defensive scheme. He is at his best when he’s working to get upfield and penetrate the backfield. Williams can get into trouble when he stands up too high while defending runs coming straight at him. As a pass-rusher, Williams could stand to add and refine his moves. It would be good if he could add a rip move.

Williams took the Pac-12 by storm as a freshman in 2012. The Daytona Beach, Florida product excelled for defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. Williams recorded eight sacks, 64 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, four passes batted, an interception and two fumble recoveries that season.

Dante Fowler Jr.*, DE/OLB, Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2015): Top-16 Pick.
4/25/15: Fowler put together an excellent Combine. He ran well with a 4.61-second time in the 40-yard dash, plus recorded one of the fastest times in the first 10 yards of any front-seven defender at 1.59 seconds. In the field drills, Fowler showed he had quick feet and athleticism. Sources say they were impressed with Fowler in the meetings and he has good leadership and character.

For the NFL, Fowler looks like he has the potential to become a double-digit sack-artist. Fowler is very fast and athletic off the edge. He beats tackles around the corner with his speed and can dart back to the inside or use a spin move. Fowler also is tough. He has some shock to his hands and uses them to shed blocks and bull rush effectively on occasion. Fowler is a versatile edge rusher who can rush standing up, putting his hand in the ground, or moving over the interior linemen. Florida moved him all over the front seven, and he was tough for offensive linemen to block.

Fowler is physical with blockers while being a violent hitter at times. Routinely, he would put quarterbacks and running backs into the turf hard while showing the ability to make some momentum-changing plays.

Fowler can get the job done in the ground game as well. He is strong and does well in pursuit, though he could use more power to shed blocks and hold his ground when runs come downhill straight at him.

Fowler racked up 60 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and a forced fumble in 2014. He fought his tail off versus LSU, recording 11 tackles with a sack. Fowler also should have drawn some holding and face-mask calls going against LSU left tackle La’el Collins, but the officials were terrible. Fowler had six tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack against Kentucky. He caused a lot of havoc for Kentucky and was very impressive. Fowler nailed the quarterback for a sack and had a good game against Tennessee. He gave the Volunteers right and left tackle a lot of problems. Against Alabama, Fowler had some issues in run defense, but also forced a fumble and caused some disruption in the backfield.

8/23/14: Even though Florida had an awful 2013 season, Fowler was excellent for the Gators. He showed his special ability early on in the season with a sack-fumble against Tennessee left tackle Antonio Richardson. Fowler racked up 50 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass batted and three forced fumbles for the season. He was more disruptive and put more heat on the quarterback than the numbers indicate. Fowler also played well against good competition as a sophomore.

Fowler was a First-Team All-SEC freshman in 2012 even though he was only a rotational backup. Fowler had 30 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks for the year. He was one of the top recruits in the nation and could be poised for a huge senior season.

Alvin Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Height: 6-4. Weight: 269.
40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round (2015): 1.
4/25/15: Dupree has a good skill set with speed, strength and athleticism. He needs to keep refining his pass-rushing moves. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that Dupree could go from the mid-first to the early second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He used the Combine to put his freakish skill set on display with a ridiculously fast 40 time and athleticism in the field drills.

The senior recorded 74 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, one pass batted, one interception, two forced fumbles and 7.5 sacks in 2014. He was much more disruptive than the numbers illustrate, and his sack production was hurt by going against eight read-option offenses. Even though Dupree didn’t have a huge stat line, he was very good against Florida as he caused a lot of disruption with pressure. Dupree had a huge pick-six against South Carolina in Kentucky’s seven-point upset win. He did not impress against Georgia.

8/23/14: Dupree is a quick, strong and physical defender who can play defensive end and outside linebacker. For the NFL, he would be an interesting 3-4 outside linebacker or right end in a 4-3 defense.

Dupree played well in 2013 and was a nice weapon in Mark Stoops’ defense. Dupree recorded 61 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one pass broken up and seven sacks for the season. The junior was disruptive off the edge. He was wise to return for his senior year.

It was nice to see Dupree build on his impressive 2012 season, when he totaled 91 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and a pass batted. It was his first year of significant playing time. Dupree totaled 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two passes broken up and a blocked kick as a freshman.

Personal: Majoring in community and leadership development. Son of Sophia Stephens and Alvin Dupree Sr.

Shane Ray*, DE/OLB, Missouri
Height: 6-3. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2015): 1.
4/25/15: Sources say that Ray could slide in the 2015 NFL Draft. They feel that he is a stiff pass-rusher who will have to be on the sidelines on running downs. Ray has demonstrated a real burst off the snap with the agility to turn the corner. He needs to get stronger for the ground game, but he has speed-rushing skills and edge-rush athleticism. Against the run, Ray does well in pursuit, but he can have problems when teams run straight at him. Ray lacks length, but he has good pass-rushing moves and is fast off the snap.

An injury prevented Ray from working out at the Combine. He recorded 14.5 sacks, 65 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles in 2014. Ray had multi-sack games against Toledo, Central Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina. He also did well against Florida and offensive tackle D.J. Humphries.

8/23/14: Ray contributed to Missouri’s fierce pass rush during the 2013 season. While he didn’t have as big of an impact as Kony Ealy, Michael Sam or Markus Golden, Ray made some plays for the Tigers in their rotation. He had 39 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the year. With Ealy and Sam in the NFL, Ray should see more opportunities. He needs to add weight for the next level.

Personal: Son of Wendell Ray and Sebrina Johnson.

Randy Gregory*, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Height: 6-5. Weight: 235.
40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
4/25/15: Gregory admitted to failing the drug test at the Combine and said that he was smoking marijuana constantly at Nebraska. In speaking with teams sources, they have major off-the-field concerns about Gregory that go beyond the positive drug test. Teams feel that Gregory will slide at least to the middle of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, and some think that it’s possible he slips out of the first day completely. They also said that he didn’t impress in the interviews.

At the Combine, Gregory ran fast and did well in the field drills. However, his weight was a concern and projects that he could only be a situational defensive end in a 4-3 defense while spending the majority of his time at outside linebacker. Gregory needs to add more bulk to his frame.

Gregory should be a dynamic NFL pass-rusher. Many college speed rushers don’t have a repertoire of moves as they rely on their speed 100 percent of the time. Gregory, however, has been very well coached. He uses a spin move, swim move and bull rush effectively. Gregory is really smart about when he deploys those moves. He seems to diagnosis his blockers in an instant to know what type of rush will work best. For example, he doesn’t mess around by using the bull rush on heavy offensive tackles. Gregory catches smaller blockers by surprise with his bull rush and uses his speed moves on the slower tackles.

Gregory could use more weight and strength to hold up in run defense. If he is drafted into a 4-3 defense, he could be used like the Broncos’ Von Miller as a linebacker in running situations and a pass-rusher. Gregory looks like a great fit in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker.

There is no doubt that Gregory is a tremendous pass-rusher, and he looks like he has the potential to be a franchise player on the defensive side of the ball. Gregory is deserving of a top-20 grade on his skill set and looks like he has Pro Bowl potential for the NFL.

It was disappointing that Gregory didn’t play to close out the regular season as he would have taken on Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff. Gregory missed the game because of an ankle injury and a concussion. Nebraska was destroyed by Melvin Gordon, and Gregory started the game well before getting tired out. He had five tackles with 1.5 for a loss. In 2014, Gregory totaled 56 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble, three passes broken up and one interception while basically missing three games.

8/23/14: Gregory was one of the breakout stars of the Big Ten in 2013. The speedy edge rusher was an immediate problem for offenses as he made a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Gregory also has some strength to shed blocks. He is an excellent pursuit defender with closing speed and agility.

Gregory was a beast for Nebraska in 2013. The sophomore had just 10 starts, yet racked up 66 tackles with 19 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, one pass batted and an interception. His freshman season saw him dominate the junior college ranks. Gregory is a natural pass-rusher. Many college speed rushers don’t have a repertoire of moves as they rely on their speed 100 percent of the time. Gregory, however, has been very well coached. He uses a spin move, swim move and bull rush effectively. Gregory is really smart about when he deploys those moves. He seems to diagnosis his blockers in an instant to know what type of rush will work best. For example, he doesn’t mess around by using the bull rush on heavy offensive tackles. He catches smaller blockers by surprise with his bull rush and uses his speed moves on the slower tackles.

For the NFL, Gregory’s pass-defense skills look ready. He could use more weight and strength to hold up in the ground game when runs come straight at him. If he’s drafted into a 4-3 defense, he should add more strength to hold up as a base end. For Nebraska, Gregory has lined up as a linebacker standing up and dropped into coverage as well as playing defensive end. That experience will have a big appeal to 3-4 defenses. Gregory could fit either scheme, but a 3-4 could be the best fit.

Eli Harold*, DE/OLB, Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
4/25/15: Harold was very impressive in 2014. He totaled 54 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, two passes batted, one interception and a forced fumble. The junior had strong showings against UCLA, Louisville and North Carolina. Harold is fast and athletic on the edge. He needs to add weight to remain in a 4-3 defense in the NFL. Harold worked out well at the Combine, but needs to get bigger. There is buzz that Harold could be a late first-round pick.

8/23/14: Harold made a big impact as an edge rusher for Virginia in 2013. The first-year starter totaled 8.5 sacks with 15 tackles for a loss, 51 tackles, two forced fumbles and a pass broken up. His season was highlighted by a three-sack game against rival Virginia Tech.

Harold is a fast and athletic edge rusher, but probably will have to move to linebacker if he can’t gain a significant amount of weight. As a freshman backup in 2012, Harold had two sacks.

Owa Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
Height: 6-3. Weight: 267.
40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
4/25/15: Odighizuwa has a nice skill set with size, speed and athleticism. That was apparent with his impressive performance at the Combine. He also showed the agility and flexibility to move as a standup outside linebacker. Odighizuwa would need some development for that role, but he has the potential to do it.

At the Senior Bowl, Odighizuwa had a quality week and did well in the one-on-ones. He looks like a solid base end for a 4-3 defense. Odighizuwa totaled 61 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks and five passes batted in 2014, He was phenomenal against Virginia in the season opener and was far more disruptive than the numbers indicate during the season. Odighizuwa also had a good game against Washington with a ton of heat on the quarterback.

Odighizuwa missed the 2013 season with an injury and was a backup in in 2012. He totaled 44 tackles and a sack as a backup. Odighizuwa hasn’t played a lot of football for a senior and has upside to develop in the NFL.

Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 271.
40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
4/25/15: At the Combine, Smith had a quality 40 time and workout. He looks to have solidified his stock as a second-day pick between his Combine, Senior Bowl and final season of tape. Smith looks like a solid base end in a 4-3 defense.

Smith was one of the Bulldogs’ top defenders who led a tough defense in 2014. For the year, he had 48 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, three passes broken up and two interceptions. Smith looked greatly improved over his junior year when he had 44 tackles and 2.5 sacks. As a sophomore, Smith totaled 35 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

Nate Orchard, DE, Utah
Height: 6-3. Weight: 251.
40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
4/25/15: Orchard was one of 2014’s breakout players. He was a pass-rushing animal for the Utes with huge amounts of pressure on quarterbacks. Orchard has a fast first-step with the speed to turn the corner. He also has strength to shed blocks and holds up well in run defense.

Orchard’s pass-rushing ability was on display all year. In 2014, the senior had 17.5 sacks with 84 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. He notched four sacks against UCLA.

As a junior, Orchard had 50 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks, so he demonstrated a huge improvement as a senior. Orchard recorded 48 tackles with three sacks as a sophomore.

At the Senior Bowl, Orchard had a strong week of practice and showed that he might have the athleticism to move to 3-4 outside linebacker, although he prefers playing end in a 4-3. Orchard’s time at the Combine put his fit for a 3-4 into question as he didn’t run well in the 40 or move that well in the field drills.

Personal: Son of Ana Fakahafua and stepfather is Leti Fonhemia, guardians are Dave and Katherine Orchard. Married with a daughter. Graduated with a degree in economics in the fall of 2014.

Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas
Height: 6-2. Weight: 266.
40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
4/25/15: Flowers totaled 68 tackles with six sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and six passes batted in 2014. He needs to develop more pass-rushing moves for the NFL, but he has a nice skill set with upside to develop. Flowers finished the year well and was solid at the Senior Bowl.

8/23/14: Over the past three seasons, Flowers has been a steady contributor for the Razorbacks. He was a Second-Team All-SEC selection in 2013 after totaling 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and two passes batted. The junior put more heat on the quarterback than his sack total indicates.

Flowers had 50 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore after chipping in 28 tackles and a sack as a freshman. Flowers has some quickness to go with size. It would help him if he could break through with a double-digit sacks season as a senior.

Personal: Son of Robert and Jacqueline Flowers. Majoring in economics.

Hau’Oli Kikaha, DE/OLB, Washington
Height: 6-2. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
4/25/15: Kikaha did not participate in the field drills at the Combine. In 2014, he led college football in sacks with 19. Kikaha also had 66 tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two passes batted. He was extremely consistent, recording a sack in every game. At the Senior Bowl, Kikaha illustrated that he needs some work for the NFL as an outside linebacker and isn’t big enough to be more than a situational defensive end for obvious passing plays.

Kikaha is quick off the edge with good moves and agility. He needs to get stronger for the NFL though. Kikaha would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker. For a 4-3 defense, Kikaha would need to have to move from linebacker to end. If Kikaha were bigger with more explosiveness, he’d be a higher draft pick.

8/23/14: After missing the 2012 season with a knee injury, Kikaha took the Pac-12 by storm as a junior. He ripped off 13 sacks with 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and three passes batted. He had only 15 tackles in 2011 and 49 stops in 2010. Kikaha is a dangerous edge rusher who could rise high if he can stay consistent with his 2013 performance.

Personal: Former champion in judo.

Markus Golden, DE, Missouri
Height: 6-2. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
4/25/14: Sources say that Golden is likely to be a third- or fourth-rounder. It didn’t help him that he ran slower than expected at the Combine. In 2014, he recorded 10 sacks, 78 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and three forced fumbles. Early on, Golden opened things up for teammate Shane Ray to have a breakout season.

Golden was slowed by a hamstring injury at points in 2014 and missed the game against Indiana. He played through it against South Carolina and Georgia. When healthy, Golden is very fast off the edge with good hands to go with his speed. He has an excellent motor as well. Golden looked slowed down by the transition to outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl.

8/23/14: Many believe that Golden is poised for a massive season as a replacement for Michael Sam and Kony Ealy. Golden had a solid debut for Missouri in 2013 with 55 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

Golden has speed off the edge with some size to him. It wouldn’t be surprising if he improves his production as a full-time starter. Golden started out in the junior college ranks.

Personal: Son of Markus Eberhart and Rhonda Golden.

Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Stanford
Height: 6-6. Weight: 287.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
4/25/15: Anderson notched 62 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and two passes broken up in 2014. He didn’t have a big presence in Stanford’s upset loss to USC or against Oregon, but played well in other games. Anderson was excellent with huge late-season performances against Utah and UCLA. He showed some real pass-rushing ability versus the Utes and Bruins. Anderson needs to get more consistent, especially with putting pressure on the quarterback.

Anderson had a decent week of practice at the Senior Bowl and looked more athletic than one would’ve expected at the Combine. He will likely fit best in the NFL as a 3-4 defensive end. Anderson could be a nice value pick in the mid-rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.

8/23/13: Anderson is a strong and physical defender at the point of attack. He totaled 51 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2012. It was Anderson’s first season of playing time. He was banged up in 2013 and missed six games, but he played well while in the lineup. Anderson had 19 tackles with five tackles for a loss and three sacks. With Trent Murphy and Ben Gardner in the NFL, Stanford needs Anderson to step up in 2014.

Personal: Majoring in political science. Won the Tommy Vardell Award epitomizing excellence in both athletics and academics.

Deon Barnes*, DE, Penn State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.7.
Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
4/25/15: Barnes totaled 34 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted in 2014. He should probably have returned for his redshirt senior year, but he had a quality performance at the Senior Bowl and did well in the pass-rushing one-on-ones. Barnes has a nice skill set and is effective at putting heat on the quarterback. He didn’t work out at the Combine.

8/23/14: Barnes had an impressive freshman season, but his production dropped as a sophomore in 2013. He totaled 24 tackles with four tackles for a loss, two sacks, two passes broken up and a forced fumble for the year. In 2012, Barnes made a nice impact with three forced fumbles, six sacks, 10 tackles for a loss and 26 tackles. He needs to improve his production and add some strength.

Za’Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky
Height: 6-4. Weight: 274.
40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
4/25/15: Smith totaled 61 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up and 4.5 sacks in 2014. He was solid against Florida and a contributor for a talented Wildcats’ defensive line, but he still didn’t play up to his skill set. Smith had strong weeks at the East-West Shrine and the Senior Bowl. He showed more pass-rushing skills than his 2014 totals indicate and did well in the one-on-ones at both all-star games. Smith definitely helped himself on the field and was solid at the Combine.

8/23/14: Smith was a breakout performer to open the 2013 college football season. He put on a big-time performance against Miami of Ohio in Week 2 with three sacks and six tackles. Smith was credited with only three tackles and .5 sacks the next week versus Louisville, but he really had two sacks. Smith cooled off in conference play, but flashed his ability at times. He recorded 59 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks for the year.

Smith is a raw talent who didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. He played in the junior college ranks and became the No. 2-ranked defensive end junior college recruit by ESPN.

Personal: Majoring in community and leadership development. Son of Sharon Smith and Robert Meeks.

Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami
Height: 6-3. Weight: 267.
40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
4/25/15: Chickillo had 41 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, three passes batted, and three sacks in 2014. He never played up to the hype in college, but he put together a good week at the East-West Shrine. Chickillo has lost some weight from where he played at Miami and looks much faster, with more quick twitch, than what he showed in college.

8/23/14: Chickillo recorded 3.5 sacks and 46 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss in 2013. He flashed at times with a combination of strength and quickness, but he also fell quiet for stretches. Chickillo was wise to return for his senior year and get better. He was considering entering the 2014 NFL Draft and received a fourth- to fifth-round estimation from the advisory board.

Chickillo was a five-star recruit before breaking into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2011. He totaled 38 tackles with five sacks and one forced fumble that season, and totaled four sacks with 45 tackles and 6.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. Chickillo needs to increase his production as a senior to live up to his billing. He has the combination of strength and speed to produce more.

Cedric Reed, DE, Texas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 269.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
4/25/14: Reed racked up 68 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, two passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2014. Other Texas defensive linemen were more impressive, while Reed was a disappointment. He finally came alive with a massive game against West Virginia. Reed racked up 12 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and a tackle for a loss in that contest. He didn’t work out at the Combine, but was invited.

8/23/14: While Texas’ defense had some ugly performances in 2013, Reed was one of the team’s better defenders. The junior recorded 10 sacks, 68 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, four passes batted and five forced fumbles for the year. As a backup in 2012, he notched 1.5 sacks. Reed has some quickness and length. He also is the perfect size to be a base end in a 4-3 defense.

Geneo Grissom, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3. Weight: 262.
40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
4/25/15: Grissom was moved 3-4 outside linebacker for 2014 and rushed the quarterback from that position. The switch was a good fit for him and one that would work for him in the NFL. Grissom had 39 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes batted, one interception and two forced fumbles in 2014, but he put more pressure on the quarterback than the numbers indicate. Grissom missed the final three games with an injury and didn’t impress at the Senior Bowl or Combine.

8/23/14: 2013 was Grissom’s first season of serious playing time, but the junior definitely picked the right time to have a breakout game. He closed out the year by making 2.5 sacks, batting a pass and returning two fumbles 34 yards with an eight-yard touchdown run to help beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. For the season, Grissom totaled 40 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception and four passes deflected. Prior to 2013, he was a backup who also spent some time playing tight end.

Personal: Son of Eugene Grissom and Kimberly Wallace. Majoring in African-American studies.

Tavaris Barnes, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
4/25/15: Barnes was a rotational player for the Tigers as Clemson has had a loaded defensive line over the past couple of years. The senior had 19 tackles with three sacks, one forced fumble and five tackles for a loss in 2014. He impressed scouts and evaluators to earn an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Many teams have worked Barnes out privately and shown heavy interest. That list includes San Francisco, Tampa Bay, New England, Arizona, Houston, Seattle, New Orleans and Tennessee. Sources say that Barnes has a lot of physical talent and they are hoping to land him on their roster.

Corey Crawford, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-5. Weight: 283.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
4/25/15: Crawford had 22 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2014. He played well against Florida State, but was very quiet late in the year and didn’t produce as expected. Crawford would be best as a 3-4 defensive end.

8/23/14: In 2013, Crawford was a solid base end for Clemson on the other side from Vic Beasley. Crawford was an honorable-mention All-ACC selection with 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception, four passes broken up and two forced fumbles. That showed improvement from his sophomore season when he had 47 tackles and only one sack in 12 starts. Crawford has potential and should see plenty of one-on-ones with Beasley drawing extra attention.

Obum Gwacham, DE, Oregon State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 251.
40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2015): 6-7.
4/25/15: Gwacham is a speed rusher who will probably have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. In 2014, he had 27 tackles with four sacks and a forced fumble, although half of his sacks came against Hawaii. Gwacham didn’t do enough to stand out at the Combine. Prior to his senior year, he was a backup.

Personal: Born in Onitsha, Nigeria. Son of Edwin and Carolina Gwacham.

Jermauria Rasco, DE, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2015): 6-7.
4/25/15: In 2014, Rasco racked up 71 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. He didn’t impress at the East-West Shrine. Rasco was not a Combine participant.

8/23/14: In 2013, Rasco recorded 56 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, five passes batted and one forced fumble. He is a good run-defender who could rise if he can improve his pass-rushing production. The junior played well last year and picked up sacks against Alabama and Texas A&M.

Rasco was a backup in 2012 and totaled 10 tackles with two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. As a freshman in 2011, he had two sacks. Rasco has undergone offseason shoulder surgery on the same shoulder each of the past two springs.

Personal: Son of Gwendolyn Rasco.

Ray Drew, DE/DT, Georgia
Height: 6-5. Weight: 284.
Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
4/25/15: Drew had 39 tackles in 2014 with 1.5 tackles for a loss. He didn’t have much of a presence and fell into backup duty. Drew didn’t participate in the Combine.

8/23/14: In 2013, Drew recorded 43 tackles, six sacks and eight tackles for a loss. He was very good for Georgia. Drew could play as a 3-4 defensive end who rushes from the inside in the sub package. In a 4-3 defense, he could play end on run downs and rush from the inside in passing situations.

Drew picked up 23 tackles with one tackle for a loss in 2012 as a sophomore backup. He worked his way onto the field as a freshman in 2011; no easy accomplishment as Georgia had a lot of experienced defensive linemen ahead of him. Plus, the Bulldogs utilize a 3-4 defense, so it is harder for linemen to get snaps. Drew totaled eight tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.

Personal: Mass-media arts major.

Marcus Rush, DE, Michigan State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
4/25/15: Rush totaled 37 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, three passes batted and two forced fumbles in 2014. He is a gritty player who is tough. I would have Rush ranked higher if he were larger. Rush did not participate in the Combine.

8/23/14: Rush was a solid contributor for Michigan State’s outstanding defense in 2013 with 30 tackles – 7.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks. However, he could be short on size and speed for the NFL.

Rush took over a starting spot on the Spartans’ defensive line in 2011. The redshirt freshman registered 58 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks, one forced fumble and five passes batted. Rush’s production dipped to 38 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one interception, five pases batted and a forced fumble in 2012.

Personal: Majoring in advertising. Son of Ginny and John Rush.

Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
Height: 6-3. Weight: 271.
40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
4/25/15: Clark sent himself into the undrafted ranks when he was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence after an altercation in a hotel. Clark could face felony charges and was immediately dismissed from the Wolverines program. He allegedly punched and threw down his girlfriend. Clark had 4.5 sacks with 13.5 tackles for loss and 42 tackles across his 10 games in 2014. He flashed pass-rushing skills and disruptiveness, and played better than his totals indicate, but the NFL’s current focus on domestic violence really hurts Clark as a prospect. Clark was fortunate he was invited to the Combine.

8/23/14: Clark flashed at times in 2013, but the junior wasn’t consistent enough. He racked up 42 tackles with 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss and one pass defended. Clark was a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection for his year.

The Wolverines are counting on Clark to step up and produce a big senior year. In 2012, he totaled 25 tackles with two sacks, nine tackles for a loss, three passes batted and a forced fumble. Clark had 10 tackles and .5 sacks as a freshman.