2018 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

The top 2018 Defensive End prospects available for the 2018 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2019 prospect. ** – denotes 2020 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2018. 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

Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 269. Arm: 34.
40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2018): Top-10.
4/25/18: Chubb is considered one of the elite prospects of the 2018 NFL Draft. He is a lock to be a top-10 pick, and the only reason he would slip out of the top five is because of quarterback-needy teams taking signal-callers.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Chubb worked out really well and showed excellent speed in the 40-yard dash. He also has interviewed well with teams. In 2017, Chubb totaled 73 tackles with 25 for a loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes batted. A survey of league sources revealed Chubb to be considered among the elite talents in this draft class.

For the NFL, there is a ton for evaluators to fall in love with when watching Chubb. He is an excellent run defender. Chubb is a dangerous pass-rusher with a non-stop motor and a skill set that makes him a skilled quarterback hunter. Unlike many college players, Chubb has a repertoire of pass-rushing moves and developed technique. Chubb has active hands that he can use at the same time as his feet. He uses a rip move and can go up and under offensive tackles. Chubb uses speed around the corner and his power to bull rush through tackles. Chubb has natural speed to power that makes him very difficult to single block. His powerful hands are maybe his best trait as he uses that to shed blocks in the pass rush and ground game. Chubb dominated tight ends and was able to beat double teams during his senior year.

Chubb looks like a potential difference-maker as a base end in the NFL. He is a perfect candidate to be a 4-3 defensive end. He could line up in a variety of spots in a 3-4 defense.

9/1/17: Chubb was a tough defender for the Wolfpack in 2016, totaling 58 tackles with 22 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass batted. As a sophomore in 2015, he collected 5.5 sacks. Chubb has scheme flexibility along with a nice combination of size, speed, and instincts at the point of attack.

Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Height: 6-5. Weight: 259. Arm: 34. Hand: 9.
40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2018): 1.
4/25/18: Davenport totaled 55 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four passes batted and three forced fumbles in 2017. Davenport recorded 6.5 sacks as a junior after racking up four as a sophomore. Davenport is an excellent run defender because he is long, strong, and physical at the point of attack. He stacks the line, holds his ground, and is adept at shedding blocks to chase down backs for tackles. Davenport’s run defense is exceptional.

Davenport is another prospect from a non-Power Five FBS school who earned a Senior Bowl invitation. In Mobile, Davenport put his impressive skill set on display with the speed to rush the passer off the edge, plus functional strength and length. He did have some lowlights though and needs to learn more pass-rushing moves for the NFL, because he is too dependent on speed or bull rushes. He also was not firing off the ball and needs to stop himself from standing and looking at blockers rather than firing out of his stance. Considering his level of competition, it isn’t surprising that Davenport is raw. However, he clearly has the length and athleticism to play on the edge in the NFL.

Edge defenders with length are always in demand, so even though Davenport needs development, he could be a mid- to late first-rounder. Scouts from over a handful of teams have told me that Davenport is a good player and impressed them in 2017, but they thought a top-16 pick is too high for him. They think the back half of the first round is more appropriate, but the 2018 NFL Draft is weak at edge rusher, so Davenport could go in the top half of the first round.

Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 270. Arm: 33.13.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
4/25/18: In speaking with multiple team sources, they say that Hubbard is on the bubble of the first round. He could go late on Thursday night or might slip to the second round, but shouldn’t last long if he does.

In 2017, Hubbard collected 43 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. He had good moments, but still didn’t always play up to his great skill set and wasn’t consistent enough. Hubbard has an excellent combination of size, speed, and good technique, but he never produced up to it in college. He had a mixed outing at his pro day.

9/1/17: In 2016, Hubbard collected 46 tackles with eight for a loss, 3.5 sacks and two passes batted. While rotating into the game as a sophomore, he showed his potential with 6.5 sacks. Hubbard also had 28 tackles with an interception. The senior could explode in 2017 as he has an early round skill set. Hubbard has a lot of physical talent, but he hasn’t produced up to it. He could rise high if that changes as a senior.

Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College
Height: 6-2. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.88.
40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
4/25/18: Multiple teams sources told me that Landry belongs on the second day of the 2018 NFL Draft. They labeled his senior year tape as not impressive. His run defense was poor, and he looked disinterested in making an effort in the ground game at times. Landry had a big drop in his pass-rush production year over year and put together some ugly games in run defense. Teams that run a 4-3 defense have concerns about Landry holding up on the edge because he is very undersized to be a base end. Multiple teams have told me they have Landry graded as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, there aren’t 32 players who merit first-round grades, so some second-round talents will go on Thursday night, and Landry has a shot at being one of those players given the pass-rush ability he displayed in 2016.

In 2017, Landry had 38 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and two passes broken up. The senior missed a few games with an ankle injury late in the year.

Landry was a liability versus the run against the Fighting Irish, recording only one tackle while Notre Dame ran for seven touchdowns and had two players exceed 200 yards rushing. On the vast majority of his plays, Landry went against a freshman right tackle, yet was ineffective. Landry also lost his few reps against Mike McGlinchey, plus got rag dolled by Quenton Nelson. It was an ugly performance for Landry. He was slightly better against Clemson, although still underwhelming.

9/1/17: Landry had an impressive junior season as an edge rusher for Boston College, recording 16.5 sacks, 22 tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles, four passes batted and 51 tackles. He contributed as a sophomore with 60 stops, and 4.5 sacks. Landry could fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. A general manager told me they thought Landry would have been a late first- or second-round pick if he had entered the 2017 NFL Draft.

Arden Key*, DE, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 238. Arm: 33.5.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2018): 1-3.
4/25/18: Team sources think Key has high first-round talent and that he could be a devastating pass-rusher in the NFL, but is likely to fall to the second-day of the 2018 NFL Draft because his off-the-field issues are too dangerous to gamble a first-round pick on him. In a survey of league sources, Key was considered to be among the elite talents of this draft class. However, the major off-the-field concerns with Key are said to be similar to Randy Gregory or Tim Williams. While there are concerns, scouts also say that Key loves football and has worked on his own with pass-rushing guru Chuck Smith to develop his skills.

Key had a slow start to the 2017 season. He missed two games and had to work himself back into playing shape after shoulder surgery limited his offseason training. Midway through the year, Key started to return to being a dynamic speed rusher off the edge. A late-season knee injury also knocked him out of a few games. In 2017, Key totaled 33 tackles with four sacks and a forced fumble. He put together impressive games against Mississippi State, Auburn and Florida. Key made a sack to clinch the comeback win over Auburn. He was very good against Alabama, and the Crimson Tide couldn’t block him.

9/1/17: Key was one of the best players in college football in 2016. He recorded 56 tackles with 14.5 for a loss, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes broken up on the year. He flashed a ton of potential as a freshman for LSU, totaling 41 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, five sacks and one pass broken up. Key is a dangerous pass-rusher with excellent speed and the ability to bend around the corner. He is lightning fast off the edge and has a ton of upside to develop.

Rasheem Green*, DE/DT, USC
Height: 6-4. Weight: 275. Arm: 33.75.
40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
4/25/18: At the NFL Scouting Combine, Green was impressive with an incredible 40-yard dash time. Green also played well for the Trojans in 2017. The junior recorded 43 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, one forced fumble and four passes broken up on the year. As a sophomore, he totaled 55 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four passes batted and two forced fumbles.

Green has good instincts and play recognition. He can use those skills to bat a lot of passes to prevent completions downfield. Green played defensive tackle for USC, but in the NFL, he could play end as well. Green needs to get stronger to hold up in run support. Right now, he could be a base end in a 4-3 defense who moves inside in passing situations. Once he gains weight and strength, Green could play tackle every down, but he’s undersized at the moment. Green also could be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense.

Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
Height: 6-4. Weight: 264. Arm: 34.88.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
4/25/18: Ejiofor played well for Wake Forest in 2017, totaling 43 tackles with 16.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass batted. Ejoifor is a solid, sturdy base end with size and quickness on the edge. Sources say they are grading him on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft. They would have liked to see a more steady motor and consistency from Ejiofor. He may not have the skill set or consistency to be a first-rounder, but he could be a solid second-round pick. Ejiofor missed the combine workout due to his recovery from a torn labrum.

9/1/17: Ejiofor goes under the radar playing at Wake Forest, but he was a real force in 2016. On the season, Ejiofor totaled 10.5 sacks, 50 tackles, four passes broken up, forced fumbles and one interception. He had 4.5 sacks as a sophomore.

Da’Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 282. Arm: 34.25. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
4/25/18: Hand totaled 27 tackles and three sacks in 2017. At the Senior Bowl, Hand was playing well before an injury knocked him out early. He impressed teams at the Senior Bowl with his athleticism, movement skills, strength, and ability to set the edge. He won’t be a quarterback sacker in the NFL, but he could be a good run defender.

In talking to team sources, Hand is a love/hate prospect. Some sources think he is one of the best five-techniques in the 2018 NFL Draft. Other area scouts say that Hand is just a guy and have graded him as a late-rounder. Despite the discrepancy, evaluators feel Hand is likely to be a second-day pick who could go in Round 2.

9/1/17: Hand has never lived up to the hype after being the No. 1 recruit in the nation coming out of high school. He was more of a rotational player for Alabama in 2016, but he was playing better late in the season. Hand totaled 21 tackles and two sacks in 2016. With Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson and Ryan Anderson all moving on to the NFL, Hand should take on a bigger role as a senior. As a sophomore in 2015, he totaled 16 tackles with three sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss.

Dorance Armstrong Jr.*, DE/OLB, Kansas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 257. Arm: 34.75.
40 Time: 4.87.
Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
4/25/18: Armstrong has an excellent skill set, but it was hard for him to illustrate in 2017 because the team around him was so bad. Opponents were able neutralize him with double teams and plays going away from him while taking advantage of the lack of talent elsewhere on the Kansas defense. As a result, Armstrong may be more of a second-day talent for the 2018 NFL Draft. In 2017, Armstrong totaled 63 tackles with 9.5 for a loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles and four passes batted. He is a fast edge defender with very good athleticism. At the combine, Armstrong looked smooth and athletic in the field drills.

9/1/17: In 2016 as a sophomore, Armstrong had some serious production with 10 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, 56 tackles and three forced fumbles while being a First-Team All-Big XII selection. One general manager told me that they think Armstrong is a stud and can’t see him staying for his senior year in 2018. They said that Armstrong could be on a par or better than Boston College senior edge rusher Harold Landry. That general manager thought Landry would have been a late first- or second-round pick if he had entered the 2017 NFL Draft.

Breeland Speaks*, DE, Ole Miss
Height: 6-3. Weight: 283. Arm: 33.75.
40 Time: 4.87.
Projected Round (2018): 2-4.
4/25/18: Speaks is strong at the point of attack and also has some speed with athleticism. He illustrated those attributes at the NFL Scouting Combine. Speaks is sleeper who could be one of the nice value picks from the 2018 NFL Draft. He could play end or grow into a defensive tackle in the NFL. Speaks finished the 2017 season in impressive fashion with a strong performance against Mississippi State. All night, Speaks was in the backfield, putting heat on the quarterback and playing the run well. Speaks recorded 67 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted in 2017. He could get second-day consideration in the 2018 NFL Draft as a base end for a 4-3 defense.

Josh Sweat*, DE, Florida State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 251. Arm: 34.64.
40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2018): 2-4.
4/25/18: Sweat was solid in 2017 with some good performances and some quiet games. He had 56 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and three passes batted on the year. One positive for Sweat was staying on the field and avoiding injury. Sweat decided to skip his senior year to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. He had a good combine workout with an excellent time in the 40-yard dash.

9/1/17: Sweat has a lot of talent and was starting to flash as a sophomore in 2016. He had seven sacks, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 41 tackles and one forced fumble on the year. Sources say that Sweat has a first-round skill set and could explode as a junior.

Sweat comes with major durability concerns, however. He still has instability in a few locations in his knee from an injury he suffered early in his senior year of high school. Sources say Florida State has tried a variety of methods to rehab the knee, which hasn’t responded. Because he could have his NFL career limited to one contract, sources say they hear that Sweat is going to skip his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. The knee injury could cause him to slide even though he has Thursday-night edge-rushing talent.

Chad Thomas, DE, Miami
Height: 6-5. Weight: 277. Arm: 34. Hand: 10.38.
40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
4/25/18: Thomas totaled 30 tackles with 8.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2017. Sources tell me that Thomas is really talented physically, but he never put it all together on the field. There were flashes of excellence and stretches of doing nothing while looking clueless. They say that Thomas lacks instincts as well. However because of his great skill set, grades are going to be all over the board on Thomas. Teams also wonder how long Thomas will want to play in the NFL as he is known as a star DJ in the Miami area with a future as a music producer.

9/1/17: Thomas has flashed at times for Miami over the past couple of seasons. In 2016, he collected 37 tackles with 11 for a loss, four sacks and three passes broken up. He had 18 tackles with a sack, four passes batted and one forced fumble in 2015.

Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
Height: 6-4. Weight: 252. Arm: 33.63. Hand: 9.38.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
4/25/18: Turay had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, showing some ability to rush the passer off the edge. He was able to get some wins in the one-on-ones by using his speed to run by blockers. Turay will need to get stronger in the run game. In the early going of his NFL career, he could compete to earn a roster spot as a backup designated pass-rusher – DPR – in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. In 2017, Turay totaled four sacks and 58 tackles.

Jeff Holland*, DE/OLB, Auburn
Height: 6-2. Weight: 249.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
4/25/18: Holland impressed team sources in 2017 with a strong season as an edge rusher for Auburn. He doesn’t have good size for the NFL, but he has some speed and athleticism on the edge with a nose for the quarterback. On the year, Holland collected 45 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles and a pass batted. He made some clutch sacks for Auburn.

For the NFL, Holland could fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, his role might be limited to being a situational pass-rusher, given his size.

Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 279. Arm: 34.75. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 4.82.
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
4/25/18: It isn’t easy to get snaps and playing time on the Ohio State defensive line because it is so loaded with future NFL talent. Holmes fell into that issue in 2017 as defensive ends Nick Bosa, Sam Hubbard, and Tyquan Lewis played more than he did. However, Holmes did well enough on a rotational basis to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he had a solid week of practice.

Holmes totaled 29 tackles with two sacks, one forced fumble and three passes batted in 2017. He also had two sacks in 2016. Holmes has good size and speed. His best football is ahead of him, and he could end up being a much better pro than college player.

Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 276. Arm: 33.63. Hand: 10.38.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
4/25/18: Lewis had 20 tackles, seven sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and two forced fumbles in 2017. He was part of a rotation at defensive end with Sam Hubbard and Nick Bosa. Lewis is a solid player, although sources view him as stiff and heavy-legged. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and looked good as sub-package pass-rusher lining up at defensive tackle over guards. Gaining some weight to be a three-technique could be the best fit for Lewis in the NFL.

9/1/17: Lewis totaled 29 tackles with eight sacks, three forced fumbles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and two passes batted last season. Some scouting sources say they graded Lewis as a mid-round talent for the 2017 NFL Draft before he decided to return for his senior year. In 2015, Lewis totaled 54 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and one pass broken up. It was an impressive season for the sophomore. Lewis started across from Joey Bosa and led the Buckeyes in sacks.

Hercules Mata’afa, DE, Washington State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 254. Arm: 31.5.
40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Off-the-field issues are hurting Mata’afa, as teams have concerns about his behavior, including drinking and fighting. Adding that to him learning a new position in the NFL, and Mata’afa could slide in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mata’afa played defensive tackle for the Cougars, but he will have to move to defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. Mata’afa does have a nose for the quarterback with pass-rush ability. In 2017, he totaled 43 tackles with 21.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Mata’afa had 47 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2016. He notched seven sacks in 2015. Mata’afa could get consideration for a DPR – designated pass-rusher – role in the NFL.

Marcell Frazier, DE, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Frazier put together 40 tackles with seven sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and five passes broken up in 2017. He had a slow start to the year before playing better midway through the year and closing out the season well. Sources say that Frazier’s development was hurt by Missouri losing star defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski to Miami.

Frazier had a solid week at the East-West Shrine. He did well as a speed rusher, but showed that he struggles in the run game. Frazier needs to get stronger and improve his run defense. He didn’t participate in the combine.

9/1/17: Missouri has been a factory for NFL defensive line talent in recent years. With Charles Harris on the other side, Frazier was able to do some damage in 2016. The junior came on strong at the end of the season. On the year, Frazier notched 7.5 sacks with 33 tackles. He had two sacks as a backup in 2015. Frazier could be poised for a big 2017 season as it looked like the light came on for him late in the 2016 season.

Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, DE/OLB, Arkansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 253. Arm: 32.75.
40 Time: 4.88.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: In 2017, Rolland-Jones collected 56 tackles with 13 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss with a pass batted and three forced fumbles. He was named the Sun Belt Conference’s best player for the second consecutive season.

9/1/17: Because of size, Rolland-Jones will have to play outside linebacker in the NFL. He has been a consistently improving pass-rusher over the past three seasons – 8.5 sacks in 2014, 9 sacks in 2015 and 13.5 sacks in 2016. Rolland-Jones also had 57 tackles with 21.5 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble last season. He notched four forced fumbles as a sophomore.

Marquis Haynes, DE/OLB, Ole Miss
Height: 6-2. Weight: 233. Arm: 33. Hand: 9.88.
40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Haynes totaled 45 tackles with 11 for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2017. The senior is a limited role player for the NFL as a designated pass-rusher – DPR. Sources say that Haynes is not the fastest of learners, so switching to traditional outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense is not being projected for him. Additionally, they note that he is extremely thin.

Scouts like Haynes’ natural edge-rush ability and think he could be a contributor as a DPR. Teams were disappointed in his effort at times during 2017, and there was talk around Ole Miss that an agent got to Haynes and pushed on him not to get hurt. Thus, Haynes took his foot off the pedal in a lot of games, which resulted in him not looking good. Sources are valuing Haynes for the third day of the 2018 NFL Draft.

9/1/17: As a junior, Haynes played well and illustrated that he can be a difference-maker as a situational defender. In 2016, Haynes had 53 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, three passes batted, one interception and seven sacks. His sophomore season was even better with 43 tackles, 16.5 for a loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes batted. He recorded 31 tackles with nine tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks as a freshman.

Haynes is fast off the edge and has some natural pass-rushing skills to him. He is a heat-seeking missile off the edge who is a natural pass-rusher. Haynes also has functional strength that was illustrated by bull rush sacks through Alabama’s Cam Robinson and Florida State’s Roderick Johnson in 2016.

However, Haynes is extremely undersized and will have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. Even for that position, he will need to get stronger, but he has a real knack for producing sacks in the clutch and had an impact in Ole Miss beating Alabama in 2015. Haynes has to get better in run defense or he will just be a situational rusher in the NFL.

Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane
Height: 6-5. Weight: 262. Arm: 34.
40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Aruna put together 25 tackles with three tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2017.

9/1/17: Scouts going to fall camps during the preseason told me that Aruna is a sleeper prospect who could end up being a steal. Aruna is said to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.65-4.75-second range, which is very fast for a defensive end. He is only in his fifth year of organized football, however, and is considered to be super raw. Sources label him as a fast, explosive athlete who is still harnessing his talent and learning the game. In 2016 as a junior, Aruna totaled 43 tackles with 10 for a loss, five sacks and one forced fumble for the Green Wave. Sources say that the senior has the frame to hold 280 pounds and could be a 4-3 open-edge defensive end.

JoJo Wicker*, DE/DT, Arizona State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 296. Arm: 31.75.
40 Time: 5.16.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Wicker was a surprise early-entry into the 2018 NFL Draft. As a junior, he totaled six sacks with 42 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass batted. Wicker had four sacks as a freshman and 2.5 in his sophomore season. At Wicker’s size, he should probably move inside to defensive tackle.

Olasunkanmi Adeniyi*, DE/OLB, Toledo
Height: 6-1. Weight: 248. Arm: 31.75.
40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Adeniyi was a surprise early-entry into the 2018 NFL Draft. In his final season for the MAC champion Rockets, Adeniyi totaled 66 tackles with 20 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. As a sophomore, he had 49 tackles with four sacks. Adeniyi is likely going to have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL.

Anthony Winbush, DE/OLB, Ball State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 249. Arm: 32.13.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
4/25/18: Winbush is an undersized defensive end who will have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. In 2017, he totaled 51 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Winbush had 8.5 sacks as a junior and five sacks as a sophomore, totaling three forced fumbles and 39 tackles over those two years. Winbush should move to outside linebacker for a 3-4 defense and try to make a team as a designated pass-rusher – DPR. He will have to get stronger and improve his run defense for the NFL.

Justin Lawler, DE, SMU
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.97.
Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
4/25/18: Lawler didn’t get a lot of media attention previously, but he had a solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine to help his draft stock. He found a way with quickness, technique and effort to achieve wins in the pass-rushing one-on-ones, plus made his presence felt in the team scrimmage. In 2017, Lawler totaled 74 tackles with 15.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, two passes batted and two forced fumbles. He had 65 tackles as a junior and sophomore with six sacks in 2016 and five in 2015. Lawler could be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent who ends up exceeding expectations.

Mike Love, DE, South Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
4/25/18: Love has risen in the leadup to the 2018 Draft and has impressed teams in workouts. He has size, a great motor, and some quickness. Sources say that Love showed disruptive spurts and has some experience standing up, so he has some scheme flexibility. In 2017, Love totaled 28 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and three passes broken up.

Trevon Young, DE, Louisville
Height: 6-4. Weight: 258. Arm: 33.75.
40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
4/25/18: In 2017, Young totaled 62 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and five passes broken up. He had 8.5 sacks with 10 tackles for a loss, 32 tackles and two forced fumbles as a junior. Young will need to add weight and get stronger if he is to remain in a 4-3 defense. Moving to 3-4 outside linebacker could be his best fit.

Aikeem Coleman, DE, Idaho
Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
4/25/18: Coleman put together 57 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2017.

9/1/17: Coleman notched 41 tackles with 11 for a loss, eight sacks, two passes batted and one forced fumble in 2016. The senior is a junior college product who was named the Sun Belt Conference’s Newcomer of the Year for last season.

Bunmi Rotimi, DE, Old Dominion
Height: 6-3. Weight: 273. Arm: 34.88.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
4/25/18: Rotimi totaled 29 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks in 2017. As a junior, he had 44 tackles with seven sacks and two forced fumbles. Rotimi notched 4.5 sacks as a sophomore alongside 36 tackles.

Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah
Height: 6-3. Weight: 259. Arm: 32.38. Hand: 9.38.
40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
4/25/18: As a senior, Fitts collected 23 tackles with three sacks and a forced fumble. He missed the majority of the 2016 season with an injury. His best season came in 2015 when he had seven sacks with 41 tackles and 10 passes batted. Fitts had a strong showing at the combine with a fast 40-yard dash, including a fast 10-yard split.

Jarrett Johnson, DE, Texas A&M
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
4/25/18: Johnson was impressive in the Week 1 against UCLA to get his season started well. On the year, he had 16 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Johnson totaled 4.5 sacks in 2016 as a backup to Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall.

Andrew Trumbetti, DE, Notre Dame
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
4/25/18: In 2017, Trumbetti recorded 28 tackles with four for a loss and .5 sacks.

9/1/17: Trumbetti had 25 tackles with zero sacks as a junior. He notched 35 tackles and two sacks over the previous two seasons.

Jalen Wilkerson**, DE, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 273.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
4/25/18: Wilkerson declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, but he should have returned to Florida State. The converted tight end is still a project at defensive end. In 2017, Wilkerson picked up 19 tackles with six tackles for a loss and .5 sacks.

Walter Brady, DE, Middle Tennessee
Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
4/25/18: Brady notched 38 tackles with 3.5 sacks and four passes batted in 2017.

9/1/17: In 2015 at Missouri, Brady led all FBS freshman players with seven sacks. The Tigers kicked him off the team prior to the 2016 season. It will be interesting to see if Brady can get back on track at Middle Tennessee State.