New NFL Draft Positional Prospect Rankings-DE

With all the different types of defenses run in the NFL today, certain teams are looking for specific types of players, while others are looking for a different type. This makes it difficult to properly rank prospects, especially at positions such as defensive end. I have decided to give my top 5 overall defensive end prospects, and then also split them up into a 3-4 defensive end category and a 4-3 defensive end category.

My Top 5 NFL Draft Prospects at DE

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1. Da'Quan Bowers-6'4,280-Clemson
Bowers is my new number one defensive end prospect based entirely on his physical abilities. He is an elite physical specimen. He combines size, speed, and strength to create the perfect defensive end prospect. This year he has combined production along with his potential. Teams looking for a pro-bowl 4-3 defensive end for the next ten years are drooling over Bowers. Read More

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2. Adrian Clayborn-6'3,285-Iowa
Adrian Clayborn is slightly stockier than Bowers and might be just as strong. He is another physical specimen that has NFL scouts excited. He is not quite as quick as Bowers, but his size and strength are comparable. Clayborn is probably the more NFL-ready prospect and could play in either the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. However, he is rated behind Bowers because his ceiling is slight lower. Read More

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3. Marcell Dareus-6'4,306-Alabama
Dareus is strictly a 3-4 defensive end, but his ability to excel at that position is what makes him my #3 DE prospect. Dareus has the perfect body for the 3-4 DE position. He combines good length with excellent strength. Dareus is not quite as explosive as Clayborn or Bowers, but he is still very quick and effective. Dareus will make some 3-4 team very happy. Read More

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4. Robert Quinn-6'5,270-North Carolina
Quinn has prototypical size for a 4-3 defensive end prospect. Some scouts believe he can also play the 3-4 OLB position, but I think he is best suited for the RDE end spot in the 4-3. He has excellent speed of the edge, and is probably the most athletic of the top DE prospects. However, he lacks the strength of some of the other DE prospects, and he needs to develop some more pass rush moves. Read More

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5. Nick Fairley-6'5,300-Auburn
Fairley, like Dareus, currently plays tackle at the collegiate level. He could definitely play UT in a 4-3 scheme in the pros, but his ability to fit in as a 3-4 DE has him ranked as my #5 DE prospect. His length,  strength, and quickness are all very comparable to Dareus; however, I give Dareus the nod right now due to consistency. They will both be first round picks, and it will be interesting to see who turns out to be more effective. Read More

Top 5 4-3 Defensive End Prospects

1. Da'Quan Bowers-Clemson
2. Adrian Clayborn-Iowa
3. Robert Quinn-North Carolina
4. Allen Bailey-Miami
5. Ryan Kerrigan-Purdue

Top 5 3-4 Defensive End Prospects
1. Marcell Dareus-Alabama
2. Nick Fairley-Auburn
3. Adrian Clayborn-Iowa
4. JJ Watt-Wisconsin
5. Cameron Heyward-Ohio St