NFL Draft Prospect of the Week: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Courtesy of Google Images

After Da'Quan Bowers, Robert Quinn is the most physically gifted defensive end prospect in this draft. At 6'5, 270, he possesses the ideal frame for a dominant, pass rushing RDE in the 4-3 scheme. While not as big as fellow prospects such as Bowers and Clayborn, Quinn is more a more explosive and fluid athlete. Many believe he has the athleticism to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. No matter which scheme Quinn is drafted into, he should be able to use his first step explosion to get pressure on the quarterback and wreak havoc in the backfield. However, there is a reason Quinn is my 4th rated DE in my NFL Draft Prospect Rankings and not number one. While listed at 270, Quinn probably plays smaller than that. He sometimes gets pushed around in the run game, and at the NFL level it will only be harder to hold the point of attack. Many think he will fit best as a pass-rushing demon in the 3-4, but I do not think he will be able to handle the coverage aspect of outside backer. I believe Quinn is best suited in the traditional 4-3 defense, next to a great defensive tackle where all he has to do is rush the passer. I would love for my Detroit Lions to snatch him up if they are drafting in the 10-15 range. Here is a great video of him from his game against Boston College and highly touted prospect, Anthony Costanzo- Click Here

NFL Draft Positional Prospect Rankings-DE

Back to Blog

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

Courtesy of Google Images

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

Courtesy of Google Images

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

Courtesy of Google Images

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

Courtesy of Google Images

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

Courtesy of Google Images

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