2019 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2019 defensive end prospects available for the 2019 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2020 prospect. ** – denotes 2021 prospect.

This page was last updated April 20, 2019. 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

Nick Bosa*, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 266. Arm: 33.00. Hand: 10.75.
40 Time: 4.79. 10-Yd: 1.60. Three Cone: 7.10.
Bench: 29. Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-8.
Projected Round (2019): Top-5.
4/20/19: Bosa is a lock to go as a top-four pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and that was only assisted by his strong combine performance. Showing up healthy and doing the workout well was important for Bosa after his injury-shortened 2018 season.

In September, Bosa went out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a core-muscle injury. The junior’s timetable to return was uncertain, but rather than returning to the Buckeyes, he withdrew from Ohio State to start preparing for the 2019 NFL Draft.

In 2018, Bosa totaled four sacks, 14 tackles with six for a loss and one forced fumble. His total playing time was roughly two games. In his final collegiate game taking on TCU, Bosa had a strip-sack that was recovered by Ohio State for a touchdown, but later was forced from the game with his core-muscle injury.

In Week 1, Dre’Mont Jones and Bosa formed a lethal tandem who Oregon State was incapable of blocking. After coming close on a few plays, Bosa used his speed and strength to get to the quarterback for multiple sacks in the first half. The Beavers’ offensive tackles were incapable of blocking Bosa, who constantly used speed to get upfield and active hands to knock down the blockers trying to get a hold of him. Bosa totaled two sacks, two fumble recoveries, one touchdown and four tackles for the contest despite only playing in the first half. He showed that he is an elite talent and a tremendous edge rusher.

8/29/18: Like his older brother Joey, Nick Bosa looks like an elite edge defender. He is fast off the edge with the ability fire by tackles to get upfield. Bosa has excellent hands with functional strength to fight off blocks, a burst to close, and puts quarterbacks down hard. In the ground game, Bosa is solid, but it is his pass-rush potential that excites.

Bosa had 34 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two passes batted and one forced fumble in 2017. He was the Buckeyes’ best defensive end even though he rotated with Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes. Bosa could explode as a junior now that those other three left for the NFL, which should leave Bosa playing every down in 2018. As a freshman, Bosa played well for Ohio State, recording 29 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and five sacks.

Montez Sweat, DE/OLB, Mississippi State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 260. Arm: 35.63. Hand: 9.88.
40 Time: 4.41. 10-Yd: 1.55. Three Cone: 7.00.
Bench: 21. Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-5.
Projected Round (2019): Top-20.
4/20/19: Sweat made combine history by running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, which set a record for a defensive lineman. With his long and athletic body type, Sweat showed that he can fit as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. Team sources have said that Sweat has some minor off-the-field issues, but having a minor heart condition could cause him to have slight slide in the top 20. In late April, team sources picking in the top 20 did not seem prohibitively concerned about the heart condition.

Sweat was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl, performing excellently in the pass-rushing one-on-ones. He used his speed, length, and strength to consistently get the better of offensive linemen.

Sweat totaled 53 tackles, 14 for a loss, 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2018. He was a dynamic pass-rusher over the course of the season. He dominated Auburn with a three-sack performance in the second half of the year. He was also dominant against Florida left tackle Martez Ivey and was excellent against Kansas State. Sweat had a solid game against Alabama.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Sweat checks in at 6-foot-6, 241 pounds with 35.5-inch arms, 10.13-inch hands, and a wingspan of 85.75 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Sweat debuted for the Bulldogs with an excellent 2017 season as a dynamic edge defender. He totaled an SEC-leading 10.5 sacks, with 15.5 tackles for a loss and 48 tackles for the year. To start out his collegiate career, Sweat played at Michigan State before some disciplinary issues led to him leaving for the junior college ranks at Co-Lin Community College. Sweat could add weight to become a defensive end, stay as an outside linebacker, or be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Sweat is a dangerous pass-rusher who shows good instincts and natural feel as an edge rusher. He has good play recognition and uses his instincts to get in the right position to affect the quarterback or disrupt plays. For a tall defender, Sweat has a nice ability to redirect, and he uses that to get after the quarterback or defend the perimeter. As a pure pass-rusher, Sweat is quick off the edge with the speed to turn the corner and run around offensive tackles. One of his most impressive traits is his active hands to fight off blocks while using his feet at the same time. Sweat has some functional strength that he uses to get off blocks and shows impressive hand placement to get under the pads of blockers or rip them away from him. Sweat’s excellent length helps him to do that and also makes it harder for offensive tackles to get into his chest. Once he gets free, Sweat has burst to close on the quarterback.

Rashan Gary*, DE, Michigan
Height: 6-4. Weight: 277. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 9.63.
40 Time: 4.58. 10-Yd: 1.63. Three Cone: 7.26.
Bench: 26. Vertical: 38. Broad: 10-0.
Projected Round (2019): Top-20.
4/20/19: Gary had a fabulous combine workout, showing off his freakish combination of size and speed. Tteam sources expect Gary to go in the top 20 and think he probably will be selected in the top half of the first round.

In 2018, Gary totaled 43 tackles with 7.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He missed three games with an AC shoulder joint sprain and sat out Michigan’s bowl game. Gary played well when on the field, showing a serious skill set of speed, athleticism, and natural size. He has a ton of upside for the NFL. With his size, strength, and speed, Gary is a great fit as a base end in a 4-3 defense. He also could be a five-technique in a 3-4 defense.

8/29/18: Gary notched 65 tackles with six sacks, one forced fumble and 12 tackles for a loss in 2017. Gary is a rare athlete who could turn into a dominant defender. Scouting sources say Gary has high first-round potential if he puts everything together. That could definitely happen during his junior season. One scouting sources who has done advance work on the 2019 class said that Gary is a rare physical talent similar to some former top-of-the-draft prospects, but Michigan doesn’t turn him loose as a pass-rusher as much as other prospects were.

Clelin Ferrell*, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-4. Weight: 264. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 10.50.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77. Three Cone: 7.26.
Bench: 25.
Projected Round (2019): 1.
4/20/19: Ferrell recorded 55 tackles with 11.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for a loss, four passes batted and three forced fumbles during 2018. Returning to school for 2018 looks like it was a wise decision on his part, because he improved in his run defense significantly and was more stout at the point of attack. However, Ferrell did not as look as fast and explosive over the course of the season. As a result, some team sources are projecting Ferrell as a mid- to late first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Some team evaluators see him as a heavy-handed, heavy-legged base left defensive end for a 4-3 defense. They think he is a safe pick to be a solid contributing end in the NFL, although not a prolific pass-rusher.

8/29/18: In 2017, Clemson fielded a defensive line that was comprised of future first-round picks, and Ferrell was arguably the most consistent of the bunch. He created a lot of the big plays for the Tigers’ other defensive linemen with the instant pressure he caused off the snap. Fellow defensive end Austin Bryant spent 2017 playing himself into an early-rounder, but Bryant did well cleaning up a lot of scrambling quarterbacks running away from Ferrell.

Ferrell has superb speed with athleticism and the ability to bend around the corner. He is very fast off the snap to get upfield and put quick pressure on the quarterback. Ferrell is more disruptive than his stat line indicates. In 2017, he totaled 66 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, one pass batted and two forced fumbles. In 2016, Ferrell had an impressive redshirt freshman season for the Tigers as he totaled 44 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks and two passes batted.

Brian Burns*, DE/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.88. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.53. 10-Yd: 1.61. Three Cone: 7.01.
Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-9.
Projected Round (2019): 1.
4/20/19: Burns has a good shot at going in the top 20, where there are a lot of teams that are looking for edge-rushing talent. Burns is a fast edge rusher who is adept at putting heat on the quarterback. However, he played much lighter at Florida State and showed a serious lack of strength and weight as a run defender. Numerous team sources say that at least early in his NFL career, he may be a rotational player only. His strength and run defense is not developed enough for him to be an instant three-down starter.

Burns helped himself at the combine with a fast 40 time and showing up with more weight on his frame. On top of a good workout, team sources say that Burns interviewed well with teams as they like his character. He recorded 52 tackles with 15.5 tackles with a loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2018.

8/29/18: In 2017, Burns had 48 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks and four passes batted. He put more pressure on the quarterback than the numbers indicate. Burns notched 9.5 sacks in his debut season for Florida State and finished 2016 in impressive fashion. Scouts have said that Burns has a ton of athletic ability and upside. He should gain weight as he ages and fill out to being a starting edge defender.

Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
Height: 6-4. Weight: 281. Arm: 34.50. Hand: 10.25.
40 Time: 5.00. Three Cone: 7.34.
Bench: 24. Vertical: 32. Broad: 9-4.
Projected Round (2019): 2-3.
4/20/19: Allen totaled 61 tackles with seven sacks, seven passes batted, one forced fumble and 14.5 tackles for a loss in 2018. He played well for Boston College despite extra attention. Allen is a tough run defender and steadily puts pressure on the quarterback. He has good instincts and feel, and is a well-rounded player who has versatility for a 4-3 or 3-4 in the NFL. Allen is very strong and a bully on the field. He had a decent week at the Senior Bowl that displayed his strength to bully offensive linemen, but he also showed some limitations in terms of speed and athleticism. Allen would fit best as a five-technique defensive end.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Allen checks in at 6-foot-4, 284 pounds with 34-inch arms, 9.5-inch hands, and a wingspan of 79.88 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.85 seconds.

Allen didn’t receive the hype of teammate Harold Landry, but Allen was the better pro prospect and could easily have been picked before Landry if Allen had declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. Allen is a tough run defender who is strong to hold his ground at the point of attack. He anchors well and is tough to move. As a pass-rusher, Allen has an impressive first-step and burst out of his stance for a heavy defensive end. He has the strength to get pressure on the bull rush and the speed to close. Allen could use more pass-rushing moves for the NFL, and with his size and strength, it would be nice to see him add a club or rip move.

Allen totaled 100 tackles with 15.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, three passes broken up and an interception in 2017. In the NFL, Allen will be an asset as a run defender playing end in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He looks like a potential first-rounder in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 256. Arm: 34.25. Hand: 8.50.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2019): 2-3.
4/20/19: In speaking to sources at eight different teams, none of them had Ferguson in the first round. They all projected him to be selected on the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft.

In 2018, Ferguson totaled 64 tackles with 26 tackles for a loss, 17.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes broken up. Some sources are intrigued with Ferguson, but others aren’t high on him. He is a huge love/hate prospect depending on who you ask. Ferguson had a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl, but he was disinvited from the NFL Scouting Combine over a fight from his freshman year at Louisiana Tech that resulted in charges for simple battery.

8/29/18: Ferguson recorded 39 tackles with seven sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss in 2017. Last in the season, sources told me that Ferguson didn’t have a great year and should return to school for 2018. They had Ferguson as a mid- to late-rounder for the 2018 NFL Draft if he had decided to declare. Ferguson wisely went back to school.

Ferguson had a huge 2016 season, racking up 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two passes broken up, 16 tackles for a loss and 49 tackles. Ferguson impressed as a freshman as well with six sacks, 35 tackles and two forced fumbles. He could stand to grow stronger for the NFL.

Jachai Polite*, DE/OLB, Florida
Height: 6-2. Weight: 258. Arm: 32.63. Hand: 9.75.
40 Time: 4.84. 10-Yd: 1.71.
Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
4/20/19: The combine was a disaster for Polite, who did poorly in the team interviews before pulling out of the workout with an injury after a poor 40 time. After that, his pro day was equally bad on the field and off. Sources say that Polite’s football I.Q. and character were problematic in the interviews. He is expected to slip out of the first round and would be fortunate to get selected in Round 2. Polite is more likely to be a third- or fourth-rounder.

Gators sources told me different things and they said that Polite was a good guy off the field and was well liked by his teammates, but a number of NFL sources say that they have significant maturity and accountability concerns with Polite. They don’t like how he conducted himself with the outgoing coaching staff that was fired during his sophomore year. Team sources also say that Polite was weighing in the 235-240-pound range during 2018, and they wonder if he can maintain the necessary weight at the NFL.

WalterFootball.com was first to report that Polite planned on entering the 2019 NFL Draft. The junior was a force on the edge for Florida in 2018. Polite was a fast edge rusher who terrorized quarterbacks with a repertoire of moves and natural pass-rush ability. On the year, he totaled 11 sacks with six forced fumbles, 45 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss and four passes batted. Polite has natural feel as a pass-rusher with speed, athleticism, moves, and a nose for the quarterback.

Polite flashed as a run defender despite the body type of lacking length and weight on the edge. He made some impressive plays, but he didn’t always seem to want to play the run. At times, Polite looked like a fearless defender to set the edge, and his plays come in pursuit, especially from the back side.

8/29/18: Polite is a bit of tweener in that he has the height of a tackle but the weight of a defensive end. Polite has good speed and athleticism at the point of attack. In 2017, he totaled 22 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Polite had two sacks as a freshman.

Chase Winovich, DE/OLB, Michigan
Height: 6-2. Weight: 256. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.59. 10-Yd: 1.57. Three Cone: 6.94.
Bench: 18. Vertical: 30.5. Broad: 9-8.
Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
4/20/19: At the combine, Winovich had a fast 40 time to help his draft grade, but his interviews left a mixed impression. Teams are worried that Winovich’s personality would be over the top in a NFL locker room and are concerned with his focus on celebrity. He has been dropped lower on many draft boards because of concerns about him being good in the locker room. Some sources thought he could go late in the second round and others had him going in the mid-rounds.

In 2018, Winovich totaled 68 tackles with 17 for a loss, five sacks and a pass batted. He dominated Notre Dame to open the season. All night, Winovich showed serious speed off the edge with the athleticism to dip underneath blockers and the strength to fight off the hands of blockers. Winovich is able to use his hands and feet at the same time while seeing the field well. With his non-stop motor, Winovich pursues plays all over the field. His physical look and style of play resembles Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. Sources are projecting Winovich to the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Winovich checks in at 6-foot-2, 258 pounds with 31.88-inch arms, 10-inch hands, and a wingspan of 78.63 inches. They him running the 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds.

Winovich was a gritty defender who was always around the ball for the Wolverines in 2017. He had an excellent season, totaling 79 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. He had five sacks in the previous season. Given his length and weight issues, Winovich might be better off moving to 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Height: 6-3. Weight: 253. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.38.
40 Time: 4.78. 10-Yd: 1.72. Three Cone: 7.13.
Bench: 24. Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 3-4.
4/20/19: Ximines totaled 58 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles, two passes batted and one interception in 2018. He received some first-round hype from some in the media, but multiple team sources say they see Ximines as a second- or third-rounder. He did not have an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, although he wasn’t terrible.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Ximines checks in at 6-foot-3, 252 pounds with 32.75-inch arms, 9.5-inch hands, and a wingspan of 78.5 inches. He is said to run the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds.

Sources have told me that Ximines earned a preseason selection on teams’ watch lists as a prospect for the first four rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2017, he recorded 44 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, three passes batted and four forced fumbles. He had 7.5 sacks as a sophomore and five as a freshman. Ximines might fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL given his body type.

Ben Banogu, DE/OLB, TCU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 8.50.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd: 1.56. Three Cone: 7.02.
Bench: 23. Vertical: 40. Broad: 11-2.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Banogu ran fast times at the combine, and that should help his draft stock. In 2018, he totaled 57 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Sources say Banogu is a good athlete with a long linear body that passes the eye ball test. He has big arms, but could add more weight for the NFL in his chest and lower body. Banogu has some speed to go with athleticism and some natural ability to get after the quarterback. As a run defender, Banogu is extremely soft. He is okay in pursuit, but he really struggles with downhill runs coming straight at him.

As a result, Banogu is a prospect with developmental starter potential, and those guys end up going in the third or fourth round. In speaking to some team sources, Banogu received a fourth-round grade, but they would not be shocked if he went in the back half of Round 3. One source said they could see Banogu being an edge rusher like Mario Addison, if he pans out.

8/29/18: Banogu can get away with playing defensive end in the Big XII, but for the NFL, he will probably have to move to outside linebacker. Banogu is a fast edge rusher with some plus athletic ability. In 2017, he totaled 49 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He had 45 tackles and five sacks in 2016.

Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 271. Arm: 34.63. Hand: 9.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: In 2018, Bryant had 43 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks. He was a solid defender for Clemson, but clearly not of the same caliber as the other three starters on the Tigers’ defensive line. Bryant is more of a mid-round talent who could be a contributor as a backup and rotational player.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Bryant checks in at 6-foot-4, 268 pounds with 34.88-inch arms, 9.13-inch hands, and a wingspan of 82.13 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds.

Bryant was the fourth member of Clemson’s super star defensive line in 2017, and he did well cleaning up a lot of the disruption caused by Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence. On the year, Bryant totaled 8.5 sacks with 50 tackles, 15.5 for a loss, one interception and two forced fumbles. Some sources were high on Bryant, while others say they graded him as late second-day prospect heading into his senior year.

Bryant missed eight games for Clemson in 2016. As a result, he had 13 tackles with two sacks on the season. In 2015, he had 23 tackles with 1.5 sacks. Clemson feels that Bryant has a lot of ability and is excited about him for 2018.

L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 283. Arm: 34.75. Hand: 9.00.
40 Time: 4.91. 10-Yd: 1.75. Three Cone: 7.71.
Bench: 25. Vertical: 30. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Collier totaled 42 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks and four passes batted in 2018. At the Senior Bowl, Collier had a good week of practice, showing strength and performing better than expected in the pass-rushing one-on-ones. He did not work out well in the spring, but Collier has been a riser and could go on Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft.

In speaking to team sources, they feel that Collier has some late-round developmental potential. They really like his run-defense skills because he is strong and plays hard. Collier’s tape demonstrates an aggressive mentality, and he really beats up offensive linemen. Earlier in 2018, sources called his tape against Kansas State very impressive. What makes Collier a late-rounder is a terrible, soft body that needs a lot of development for the NFL. Evaluators feel that he could be a backup left defensive end to battle right tackles in the NFL if he is able to grow as a player and improve his body.

Joe Jackson*, DE, Miami
Height: 6-4. Weight: 275. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 10.00.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Bench: 22. Vertical: 27. Broad: 9-1.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Team sources were disappointed in Jackson’s play in 2018. They felt he lacked consistency and ran too hot and cold. In some games, Jackson faced a lot of one-on-ones in the pass rush that he lost to linemen who aren’t even close to being NFL prospects. In 2018, Jackson had 47 tackles with 14.5 for a loss, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes batted, and an interception returned 42 yards for a touchdown. He should have returned to school, but he decided to enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

8/29/18: Jackson is a dangerous edge defender with a nose for the quarterback. He has excellent speed off the edge to go along with length and size. With his nice build, Jackson could grow into a solid base end in a 4-3 defense. In 2017, he had 59 tackles with 11.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes batted and one forced fumble. He was impressive in his play against Notre Dame left tackle Mike McGlinchey, a first-round pick and starting tackle in the NFL. As a freshman, Jackson had 8.5 sacks with 32 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. In speaking to a general manager, they said they think that Jackson will go early in his draft class. Another national scout said they liked Jackson’s length but felt his strength and technique needed work, thus they didn’t have him high just yet.

Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa
Height: 6-6. Weight: 271. Arm: 34.75. Hand: 9.63.
40 Time: 4.82. 10-Yd: 1.65. Three Cone: 6.95.
Bench: 18. Vertical: 35.5. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Nelson recorded 45 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one pass batted in 2018. He was a solid edge rusher for the Hawkeyes and contributed to them having a tough defensive line on the other side from the talented A.J. Epenesa.

8/29/18: Nelson was a solid defender for Iowa over the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he totaled 41 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, four passes batted and two forced fumbles. He had six sacks, 33 tackles and two forced fumbles as a redshirt freshman.

Jalen Jelks, DE/OLB, Oregon
Height: 6-5. Weight: 256. Arm: 33.88. Hand: 9.50.
40 Time: 4.92. 10-Yd: 1.70. Three Cone: 7.22.
Bench: 19. Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 9-5.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Jelks totaled 57 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted in 2018. He was solid for Oregon, although not overly impressive. Jelks was decent at the Senior Bowl, but he did not do enough to send his stock higher.

8/29/18: According to NFL team preseason data, Jelks checks in at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.80 seconds. They have him with 33.75-inch arms, 9-inch hands, and an 81.63-inch wingspan. Jelks had a breakout redshirt junior season in which he recorded 59 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and seven passes batted. Jelks had totaled 40 tackles and five sacks over his previous two seasons as a backup for Oregon.

In the pass rush, Jelks is quick off the edge and shows nice vision with instincts to adjust to the offense. He has the speed to close and can run around blockers. Jelks flashes some ability to bend his long frame, and that make him harder to block. Oregon rushed Jelks from the inside over guards far too often, and his natural home is rushing off the edge. He’s a terrible misfit at defensive tackle. Lining him up on the inside suppressed Jelks sack potential, and he could produce more if he’s given the opportunity to go against offensive tackles.

As a run defender, Jelks is a good pursuit player and flows well to the ball. He reads his keys well and is able to get in good position to get in on tackles. For the NFL, Jelks is going to need to add more weight to his frame. He is lean and could have issues with downhills runs coming straight at him. He also gets into trouble in the ground game and pass rush when he stands up too high. For a pro defense, Jelks probably would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Maxx Crosby*, DE, Eastern Michigan
Height: 6-4. Weight: 255. Arm: 32.88. Hand: 9.75.
40 Time: 4.66. 10-Yd: 1.60. Three Cone: 6.89.
Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-2.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: Crosby turned in a solid junior year for Eastern Michigan, totaling 7.5 sacks, with three forced fumbles, three passes batted, one interception and 69 tackles in 2018. His best season came as a sophomore, when he had 11 sacks. Crosby needs to gain a lot of weight if he is going to be a defensive end in the NFL. His best fit would probably comes as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Byron Cowart*, DE, Maryland
Height: 6-3. Weight: 298. Arm: 34.00. Hand: 9.63.
40 Time: 5.16.
Bench: 26. Vertical: 30. Broad: 9-3.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: In 2018, Cowart totaled 37 tackles with five for a loss and three sacks. He had another year of eligibility and should have returned to Maryland, but he decided to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Cowart performed better than expected at the Senior Bowl.

8/29/18: Cowart was the No. 1 recruit in the nation from Seffner, Florida coming out of high school, but he didn’t live up to the hype in two seasons at Auburn. He had six tackles as a freshman and six tackles with one sack as a sophomore. There was talk that he would move inside to tackle as a junior, but he had only three tackles with .5 for a loss before leaving the Auburn program during the season. Cowart then transferred to Maryland.

Porter Gustin, DE/OLB, USC
Height: 6-4. Weight: 255. Arm: 33.00. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.69.
Bench: 31. Vertical: 35.5. Broad: 9-11.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: Gustin played well for USC in 2018, showing his ability to get after the quarterback off the edge. He totaled 28 tackles, seven sacks and one pass broken up before going out for the year with a fractured ankle. The injury really hurts Gustin draft’s positioning because he has major medical red flags and durability concerns.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Gustin checks in at 6-foot-4, 267 pounds with 33.5-inch arms, 10-inch hands, and a wingspan of 78.75 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.80 seconds.

Gustin had 16 tackles with three tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2017. Toe and biceps injuries sidelined him after three games. He missed five games, came back to play against Arizona State, and then missed the remaining contests. Gustin was wise return to USC for 2018 to put together a healthy season before going pro.

Gustin may end up growing into a defensive end, but he showed some edge skills as a freshman and sophomore. In 2015, he totaled 5.5 sacks while also chipping in 25 tackles with 6.5 for a loss. It was an impressive season from a freshman, and he was only a rotational player with two starts. As a sophomore, Gustin notched 68 tackles with 5.5 sacks and four passes batted. He has started at outside linebacker and could be a good fit for 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 280. Arm: 36.50. Hand: 9.50.
40 Time: 4.92. 10-Yd: 1.71. Three Cone: 7.48.
Vertical: 36.5. Broad: 9-7.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: Omenihu put together a quality senior year for the Longhorns, recording 45 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and two passes batted. He totaled four sacks as a junior with 3.5 as a sophomore. He had 55 tackles over those two seasons. Team sources say that Omenihu could be a solid backup defensive end who eventually works himself into being a starter.

Jordan Brailford*, DE, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.50. Hand: 9.13.
40 Time: 4.65. 10-Yd: 1.62.
Bench: 22. Vertical: 37.5. Broad: 10-6.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: In 2018, Brailford totaled 54 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted. The redshirt junior flashed some pass-rush skills in 2017 with five sacks, 11 tackles for a loss and 57 tackles. Brailford is undersized for the NFL, so he could be limited to being a designated pass-rusher.

Shareef Miller*, DE, Penn State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 254. Arm: 33.63. Hand: 10.13.
40 Time: 4.69. 10-Yd: 1.64.
Bench: 16. Vertical: 29.5.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: Miller totaled 41 tackles with 15 for a loss and 7.5 sacks in 2018. He is an undersized player, but has some talent and could be a sleeper who ends up being a nice value pick.

8/29/18: Miller had 37 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2017. It was his first season of extended playing time, so he could build on that year now that he has a season of experience.

Tim Ward, DE, Old Dominion
Height: 6-5. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: League sources say that Ward really impressed at the regional combine workout that was held in Kansas City. He is very long, possessing a nearly 7-foot wingspan, with a lot of upside. He had 14 sacks over his collegiate career. He’s a long, quick and athletic edge rusher who could end up getting consideration in the early rounds of Day 3 during the 2019 NFL Draft.

Jonathan Ledbetter, DE, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 280. Arm: 34.25. Hand: 9.75.
40 Time: 5.14. 10-Yd: 1.81.
Bench: 22. Vertical: 26.5. Broad: 9-0.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: In 2018, Ledbetter had 56 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, two forced fumbles and one sack.

8/29/18: In 2017, Ledbetter totaled 38 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He flashed late in the season, including 1.5 sacks in the playoff games against Oklahoma and Alabama. Ledbetter also could fit as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense.

Anree Saint-Amour, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 245. Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: On the pro day circuit this year, St. Amour stood out. He has met with the Cincinnati Bengals, and more teams are showing interest in him. Saint-Amour had 10.5 sacks over the past three seasons at Georgia Tech. He could be a late-round pick or priority free agent who surprises.

Corbin Kaufusi, DE, Brigham Young
Height: 6-9. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Projected Round (2019): 6-FA.
4/20/19: Kaufusi recorded 56 tackles with 9.5 for a loss, 8.5 sacks and two passes batted in 2018. He had an impressive game against Wisconsin, having his way with Badgers right tackle David Edwards. It was embarrassing for Edwards the way Kaufusi routinely beat him and pushed him around. He did not participate in the combine.

Kaufusi was a good college player, but in speaking to some team sources, they were down on him. Here is how one area scout described him, “In my opinion, he doesn’t have a position. Plays hard and has some length, but not truly strong enough to play defensive end, not a true pass-rusher, and not good enough athlete to play outside linebacker. Others might see him differently.”

8/29/18: The big-bodied Kaufusi has the potential to break out in 2018. He stopped playing basketball for BYU and is focused on football. He only started five games in 2017 while recording 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks, but is expected to be a starter in 2018.

Amani Bledsoe*, DE, Oklahoma
Height: 6-5. Weight: 287.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
Projected Round (2019): 6-FA.
4/20/19: Bledsoe totaled 37 tackles with two sacks, four tackles for a loss and seven passes batted during 2018. The junior should have returned to school for 2019 to improve his pass-rushing skills and production, but he decided to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Bledsoe would probably be best as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He did not participate in the combine.

Jesse Aniebonam, DE/OLB, Maryland
Height: 6-3. Weight: 259.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: Aniebonam totaled 39 tackles with two sacks for 2018.

8/29/18: Aniebonam was playing well against Texas in the 2017 season opener, getting the better of Longhorns left tackle Connor Williams, before suffering what looked like a leg injury. Maryland said Aniebonam would be out several months, and he didn’t return to the field in 2017.

Aniebonam had a quality junior year with nine sacks, 46 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass batted. He totaled four sacks over his freshman and sophomore seasons as primarily a backup. Size issues could force the redshirt senior to outside linebacker in the NFL.

Carl Granderson, DE, Wyoming
Height: 6-4. Weight: 254. Arm: 34.50. Hand: 9.50.
40 Time: 4.79. 10-Yd: 1.71. Three Cone: 7.44.
Vertical: 35. Broad: 9-11.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: After a sexual assault arrest following the Senior Bowl, Granderson would be very lucky to get drafted. He totaled 40 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, three sacks, one interception and two passes batted in 2018. Some team sources told me that Granderson impressed them in watching him at fall practice, and he showed why at the Senior Bowl, where he had a really nice week of practice that displayed speed and pass-rush ability off the edge. Sources say that the arrest was not the only off-the-field issue with Granderson.

8/29/18: Sources have told me that Granderson earned a preseason selection on teams’ watch lists as a prospect for the first through fourth rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Allen checks in at 6-foot-5, 261 pounds with 34.75-inch arms, 9.38-inch hands, and 82.13-inch wingspan. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds.

In 2017, Granderson totaled 77 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He had four sacks as a sophomore. Granderson owns a nice frame and could add weight in a pro strength and conditioning program. In the spring of 2018, Granderson had to recover from a UCL tear in his left elbow.

CeCe Jefferson, DE, Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 266. Arm: 33.63. Hand: 9.63.
40 Time: 5.02. 10-Yd: 1.73. Three Cone: 7.50.
Bench: 17. Vertical: 30.5. Broad: 9-0.
Projected Round (2019): FA.
4/20/19: Jefferson was suspended for the first two games of 2018. After that, he was more of a rotational backup for Florida, as Jachai Polite and Jabari Zuniga were the starters on the edge. Jefferson had 18 tackles with six for a loss, one sack and two passes batted in 2018.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Jefferson checks in at 6-foot-1, 241-pounds with 33.63 inch arms, 9.63 inch hands, and a wingspan of 81.75 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds.

In 2017, Jefferson notched 47 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Sources weren’t impressed with Jefferson and felt he should return to Florida for 2018, but in the spring of 2018, he did grade out with a projection of being a potential prospect for the first four rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft by the advance NFL scouts. Jefferson should be a candidate to move to 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.

Jefferson flashed for Florida over the previous two seasons as part of a rotation. As a freshman in 2015, he had 29 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Jefferson didn’t take the next step as a sophomore with 30 tackles, 6.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. The senior is capable of breaking out in 2018. His body type could make him more of a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL rather than a defensive end.