2018 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: November 24, 2017.

Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State Projected Round Top 10 Pick

2017 Season Recap At 6-4 275 lbs Bradley Chubb is an excellent 4-3 defensive end. He's not a pure edge guy like last years first overall pick like Myles Garrett, but he's the only defensive end in the 2018 NFL Draft that can command triple teams.

Bradley Chubb dominated against Mike McGlinchey and Mitch Hyatt on tape this year. Chubb has played every game in 2017 and has dominated with 22.5 tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hurries, and 10 sacks through 11 games in 2017.

Bradley Chubb SWOT Report

Strengths: Bradley Chubb has phenomenal strength. He does a lot of the things that Myles Garrett did last year when he showed the versatility to play both 4-3 right end and 4-3 left end just like Garrett. Garrett lined up at 4-3 defensive tackle too and I saw Chubb do that. Displays phenomenal rip and swim moves. His block shedding is off the charts as well. Can sack the quarterback or stop the run effectively. Drops back into coverage well.

Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses with Chubb. There are a few areas he can improve in, but no specific threat at this time.

Opportunities: San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He needs to get drafted by a 4-3 team.

Threats: Bradley Chubb has no threats as a prospect. The only threat would be him getting drafted by a team that runs a 3-4 scheme. I see a pure 4-3 defensive end with Chubb.

Potential Grade: 98/99

Before 2017

Bradley Chubb was a 6-4 220 lb outside linebacker, who placed his hand in the dirt lining up as a 4-3 right end in High School. He managed to add up to 55 lbs of muscle since graduating from High School in 2014.

Bradley Chubb makes left tackles quiver in fear. Chubb had 12 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks as a true sophomore in 2015. He had 33 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, 57 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and 7 quarterback hurries as a true junior in 2016. Chubb domianted last year, but got a second to third round grade in such a deep pass rusher group which is why he came back to school.

Chubb can play in the 6-technique, 7-technique, 8-technique, or 9-technique in the 4-3. Having similar versatility to Myles Garrett in the 4-3 scheme certainly helps.
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson Projected Round 1st Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-5 260 lb Clelin Ferrell is a pure 4-3 defensive end. He's versatile enough to play both 4-3 right end and 4-3 left end like Bradley Chubb. He's not someone that will do well in a 3-4 scheme at outside linebacker though.

Clelin Ferrell has 14 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries in 2017. The sophomore redshirt has already improved on his 2016 play and will be a first round pick if he declares for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Clelin Ferrell SWOT Report

Strengths: Clelin Ferrell has the speed and strength you want a defensive lineman to have. He's durable and can have his moments on tape. Dominated versus Cam Robinson in the 2017 Championship Game.

Weaknesses: Appears to lack basic functional strength at times. Doesn't win battles consistently with rip and swim moves. Struggles in coverage.

Opportunities: The Dallas Cowboys seem like the ideal landing spot for Clelin Ferrell. I'm not sure if that's where he will end up though.

Threats: Clelin Ferrell has no threats as a prospect. The only threat would be him getting drafted by a team that runs a 3-4 scheme. I see a pure 4-3 defensive end with Ferrell.

Potential Grade: 92/99

Before 2017

Clelin Ferrell became Clemson's starting 4-3 right end in 2016 after Shaq Lawson declared for the 2016 NFL Draft. Ferrell had 12.5 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries, and 6 sacks in 2016. He impressed me at times versus Cam Robinson and helped Clemson win their first College Football Playoff with his defensive presence.
Harold Landry, DE, Boston College Projected Round 1st Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-3 250 lb Harold Landry has the versatility to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, or 3-4 left outside linebacker. Barnett has the body of a 4-3 outside linebacker and the technique of both a 4-3 defensive end. Harold Landry entered the year as my top ranked pass rusher. He's been disappointing with only 8.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries in 2017.

Harold Landry SWOT Report

Strengths: Harold Landry is really the only true EDGE rusher outside that can play 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker on either side. He is a sack artist that does well against the run and dominates in zone coverage. Landry is scheme versatile. Bradley Chubb and Clelin Ferrell are 4-3 only guys. Arden Key is a 3-4 only player in my opinion. That makes Harold Landry the cloest thing to a true EDGE player with his scheme versatility. Displays an explosive first step off the edge. Effective when dropping back into coverage.

Weaknesses: Harold Landry lacks the strength to go up against NFL left tackles. Needs to get stronger. Got manhandeled against Mike McGlinchey. His rip and swim moves are worse than Clelin Ferrell's. Needs to develop a spin move. May end up having to begin his career at outside linebacker before moving to 4-3 defensive end once he gains more muscle like how Khalil Mack did when he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders. Projects as a 4-3 left end in the NFL due to his struggles against opposing left tackles.

Opportunities: The New Orleans Saints are probably the only team that would consider Harold Landry late in the first round. Landry has enough talent to get picked by someone late in the first round.

Threats: Harold Landry has missed the last two games with injuries. I wonder if durability is a minor concern with Landry even though it should be an afterthought at this point.

Potential Grade: 92/99

Before 2017

Harold Landry dominated his junior season with 22 tackles for a loss, 16.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 6 quarterback hurries in 2016. Landry had a late first to early third round grade, but chose ot return to school for his senior season.

Landry can play 6-technique or 7-technique as a 4-3 left end, 8-technique as a third defensive end near a tight end, or the 9-technique as a 4-3 right end. Landry excels the most in the 6-technique and 7-technique roles.
Justin Lawler, DE, SMU Projected Round 2nd Round

2017 Season Recap At 6-4 265 lbs Justin Lawler is an excellent 4-3 defensive end. He may be the best pure 4-3 left end in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Justin Lawler has 14.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries in 2017. He's easily SMU's best pass rusher since Margus Hunt and to be honest I like him a lot better than Hunt when watching his tape.

Justin Lawler SWOT Report

Strengths: Justin Lawler has phenomenal strength. His rip, swim, and spin moves are off the charts for a defensive end. Capable of rushing the quarterback or stopping the run.

Weaknesses: Limited to a 4-3 left end role. When watching his tape he dominated, but mainly lined up against right tackles.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Justin Lawler ends up. His draft range is all over the place. Some teams believe he could go in the first round and be a late riser as the draft process closes. Other teams believe he's a bottom 3 defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. I had him at 14 when originally composing these rankings, but was so impressed with his tape that I moved him up to 4.

Threats: Justin Lawler has no threats as a prospect. The only threat would be him getting drafted by a team that runs a 3-4 scheme. I see a pure 4-3 defensive end with Lawler.

Potential Grade: 91/99

Before 2017

Justin Lawler may be a star in the making. He broke out as a sophomore in 2015 with 9 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks. During his junior season he had 15 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks. If he can improve on his 2016 campaign, Lawler could be a riser to keep an eye on leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft.

Lawler can play in the 6-technique and 7-technique at 4-3 left end in the NFL. He's a smart instinctive player who should make an impact at some point down the road.
Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson Projected Round 2nd Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-5 265 lb Austin Bryant has 14.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and 7 quarterback hurries in 2017. Bryant only has one year of experience as a full-time starter and that's this season in 2017.

Austin Bryant SWOT Report

Strengths: Austin Bryant is a very good 4-3 left end. He's raw, but the ceiling to develop into a future starter at 4-3 left end is there.

Weaknesses: One-year starter. Struggles against quality competition at right tackle. Only faced one quality right tackle against Syracuse and struggled in that game.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Austin Bryant ends up. I currently have a second round grade on Bryant.

Threats: There are no threats with Bryant. He's got a limited ceiling though.

Potential Grade: 86/99

Before 2017

Austin Bryant enters 2017 with this being his first season as a starter. He needs a huge year to get some exposure. Can play in the 6-technique and 7-technique at 4-3 left end.
Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest Projected Round 3rd Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-4 275 lb Duke Ejiofor is a 4-3 right end. Ejiofor is effective, but hasn't matched his production from 2016 so far in 2017. His 14.5 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, and 6.5 sacks aren't as consistent as what he did in 2016. To be fair, Ejiofor has dealt with more double teams this season which may explain why he hasn't matched his production from his breakout junior campaign in 2016.

Duke Ejiofor SWOT Report

Strengths: Duke Ejiofor has great strength and speed off the edge. He's a terrific run stuffer who has the tools to be a sack artist. Posesses the rip and swim moves to dominate on tape.

Weaknesses: He's limited to a 4-3 right end role. That's how Andre Branch was coming out of Clemson as well.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Duke Ejiofor ends up. I currently have a third round grade on Ejiofor.

Threats: There are no threats with Duke Ejiofor. He's a safe prospect with a limited ceiling.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2017

Duke Ejiofor had 17 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks in 2016 as a junior. With another breakout campaign in 2017, Ejiofor may push himself into the first round discussion. Can play in the 9-technique in the NFL.
Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State Projected Round 3rd Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-5 253 lb Josh Sweat is a pure 4-3 right end. He may be versatile enough to make the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker. Florida State's junior would benefit immensely if he returned to school for his senior season. His 11 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks are sort of disappointing in 2017.

Josh Sweat SWOT Report

Strengths: Josh Sweat was the number one defensive player in the nation coming out of High School. Displayed a 4.46 40-time coming out of High School. Excellent reaction time anticipating when to attack the quarterback off the snap. Displays the rip and swim moves. Knows how to play like an elite run stuffer.

Weaknesses: Josh Sweat has only gained 13 lbs of muscle since High School. He hasn't asserted himself as the leader of Florida State's defense yet. Demarcus Walker did an awesome job mentoring Sweat. Sweat hasn't shown he can have that presence or influence that Walker had despite entering the season a preseason first round pick.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Josh Sweat ends up. I currently have a third round grade on Sweat.

Threats: Josh Sweat only added 13 lbs of muscle since High School. I'm not sure he can play 4-3 defensive end at 253 lbs.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2017

Josh Sweat was Demarcus Walker's apprentice the last two seasons on Florida State's defensive line. Now he becomes the man after being the top defensive recruit in the country coming out of High School where he played 4-3 right end, 3-4 right end, 4-3 defensive tackle, and 3-4 right outside linebacker. Sweat can play the 5-technique, the 6-technique, the 7-technique, the 8-technique, or the 9-technique. A strong year makes him a first round pick in 2018 and a poor year makes him a top 100 pick at the very worst.
Marcel Frazier, DE, Missouri Projected Round 4th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-5 265 lb Marcel Frazier has excellent speed for a defensive end. It's uncertain if the Missouri junior declares for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Marcel Frazier SWOT Report

Strengths: Marcel Frazier can play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker. Outside of Harold Landry probably the only pure edge rusher that can play in either scheme. Great at stopping the run and dropping into coverage. Fast explosive off the edge.

Weaknesses: He's not a consistent sack artist. That's his one huge knock.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Marcel Frazier ends up. I currently have a fourth round grade on Frazier.

Threats: There are no threats with Frazier. Just not the upside of a long-term starter. Will still find a way to thrive as a situational pass rusher.

Potential Grade: 81/99

Before 2017

Marcel Frazier showed a lot of promise with 8.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks in 2016. With Charles Harris in the NFL, Frazier must become the leader after complimenting Harris as a run stuffer last season.

Frazier likely projects to a 7-technique player in the NFL. His pass rushing has to improve still.
Kentavius Street, DE, North Carolina State Projected Round 5th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-3 287 lb Kentavius Street is strong. He compliments Bradley Chubb off the edge at North Carolina State with the same versatility and skill set to play anywhere the defensive line that Bradley Chubb has.

Kentavius Street SWOT Report

Strengths: He has long arms and big hands and can use his feet to get by opposing offensive linemen. Can play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, 3-4 left end, or 4-3 defensive tackle. Is more versatile than Chubb and can be used in the 5-technique. Great rip move.

Weaknesses: Kentavius Street needs to work on his swim move. He can pressure the quarterback. A lot of his success is due to double teams that Chubb received when rushing the opposing quarterback. That concerns me. Struggles in coverage.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Kentavius Street ends up. I currently have a fifth round grade on Street.

Threats: There are no threats with Kentavius Street. He's a nice rotational 4-3 defensive end for depth that you can get on day 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft. Not a future starter, but a great depth player to give your defensive line more depth.

Potential Grade: 77/99

Before 2017

Kentavius Street had 9.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks in 2016 as a junior. If he can improve on that production in 2017 then he could be a riser leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft.
Aikeem Coleman, DE, Idaho Projected Round 5th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-3 275 lb Aikeem Coleman showed the versatility to play 4-3 right end and 4-3 left end in 2016. Coleman got voted team captain prior to 2017 so he possesses great leadership. His 9.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks are sort of disappointing.

Aikeem Coleman SWOT Report

Strengths: Aikeem Coleman is an outstanding run stuffer. His hands are quite powerful. Displays great speed off the edge. Possesses rip and swim moves on tape. Versatile enough to play 4-3 right end or 4-3 left end. Got by Washington left tackle Trey Adams on tape.

Weaknesses: Only capable of playing in a 4-3 scheme. Struggles in coverage.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Aikeem Coleman ends up. I currently have a fifth round grade on Coleman.

Threats: There are no threats with Aikeem Coleman. I'm not sure he has the tools be a future starter. Will make a great 4-3 defensive end for depth on either side though.

Potential Grade: 76/99

Before 2017

Aikeem Coleman had 11 tackles for a loss and 8 sacks in 2016. He can move up boards if he matches that level of play in 2017.
Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah Projected Round 5th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-4 260 lb Kylie Fitts complimented both Nate Orchard and Hunter Dimick prior to 2017. With those two gone he needed to stay healthy after dealing with injuries in 2016.

Kylie Fitts SWOT Report

Strengths: Kylie Fitts does everything Nate Orchard did whether it be pass rushing, run stuffing, or dropping into coverage. Can play 4-3 right end or 4-3 left end.

Weaknesses: Is a 4-3 only player. Does not have the upside to be a future starter like Nate Orchard despite showcasing similar intangibles.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Kylie Fitts ends up. I currently have a fifth round grade on Fitts.

Threats: Kylie Fitts has durability concerns. That limits him to rotational 4-3 defensive end role.

Potential Grade: 75/99

Before 2017

Kylie Fitts best season came before his injury in 2015 when he had 8 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks next to Nate Orchard. He hasn't shown the same intensity since and got outplayed by Hunter Dimick in 2016 due to missing time with injuries.
Chad Thomas, DE, Miami FL Projected Round 5th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-6 275 lb Chad Thomas is one of the leaders on Miami's defense. Thomas needs a huge senior season in 2017 after showing some promise as a run stuffer and disappointing as a pass rusher in 2016.

Chad Thomas SWOT Report

Strengths: Chad Thomas is a natural 4-3 defensive end. Can play 4-3 right end or 4-3 left end with his versatility. Elite run stuffer. Great football IQ. Anticipates where screen passes are and reacts properly.

Weaknesses: Not a sack artist. Also struggles in coverage. Also want to see more rip, swim, and spin moves from Thomas on tape.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Chad Thomas ends up. I currently have a fifth round grade on Thomas. It would be cool to see Thomas remain in state and play for a team like the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Jacksonville Jaguars as a defensive end for depth.

Threats: No threats with Chad Thomas. He can be an effective situational pass rusher for depth.

Potential Grade: 75/99

Before 2017

Chad Thomas had 11 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks in 2016. He's a player to keep an eye on in 2017.
Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State Projected Round 6th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-4 265 lb Tyquan Lewis is Ohio State's 4-3 left end. He has 6 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks in 2017.

Tyquan Lewis SWOT Report

Strengths: Unlike his teammate Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis has three down ability. Lewis outplayed teammate Sam Hubbard so far in 2017. Great at recognizing gaps. Can play 4-3 left end and 3-4 left outside linebacker in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve rip and swim moves. This is one huge weakness with Lewis.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Tyquan Lewis ends up. I currently have a sixth round grade on Lewis.

Threats: Tyquan Lewis has no threats. He's a good 4-3 left end for depth at the next level.

Potential Grade: 72/99

Before 2017

Tyquan Lewis had 10.5 tackles for a loss and 8 sacks in 2016. Tyquan Lewis is mainly a 6-technique player.
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State Projected Round 6th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-4 265 lb Sam Hubbard is Ohio State's 4-3 right end. He has 7.5 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks in 2017. Sam Hubbard is now a rotational player thanks to the emergence of Nick Bosa.

Sam Hubbard SWOT Report

Strengths: Great speed off the edge. Versatile enough to play 4-3 right end or 4-3 left end.

Weaknesses: Sam Hubbard is a two down player. That's my big thing with Hubbard. Orlando Brown got the best of Hubbard in both of Oklahoma's games against Ohio State.

Opportunities: I'm not sure where Sam Hubbard ends up. I currently have a sixth round grade on Hubbard.

Threats: Sam Hubbard has no threats. He's a good 4-3 right end for depth at the next level.

Potential Grade: 71/99

Before 2017

Sam Hubbard had 8 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2015 as a true freshman next to Joey Bosa. Hubbard only had 8 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2016. Sam Hubbard is mainly a 9-technique player.
Dante Sawyer, DE, South Carolina Projected Round 7th Round

2017 Season Recap The 6-3 275 lb Dante Sawyer is a 4-3 right end for South Carolina. Sawyer is hands down the worst defensive end in this class.

Dante Sawyer SWOT Report

Strengths: Dante Sawyer has good strength. He's also faced quality SEC left tackles on tape.

Weaknesses: Sawyer lacks the explosion and first step quickness off the edge. That's a concern with me at this point.

Opportunities: I have a seventh round grade on Dante Sawyer. I currently have a seventh round grade on Sawyer.

Threats: Dante Sawyer has no threats. He's a good 4-3 right end for depth at the next level.

Potential Grade: 71/99

Before 2017

Dante Sawyer could be a huge riser in 2017. Dante Sawyer is mainly a 9-technique player.

2018 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

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