NFP Senior Defensive End Breakdown

FROM WES BUNTING:

The 2010 senior defensive end class possesses some talent toward the top end and may see one or possibly two prospects sneak into the first round. However, the calling card of this year’s class is the overall depth it features.

The senior defensive end class looks extremely deep and offers a very talented group of undersized pass rushers known for getting after the QB. But there are also some intriguing base ends who can hold the point of attack and make plays consistently in all facets of the game. Here’s a first look at the senior defensive end group.

(Note: I left some talented defensive ends off this list after projecting them as outside linebackers in a 3-4. They’ll be included in a separate breakdown.)

Click HERE to check out the National Football Post’s 2010 rankings. 

The Top Three

Greg Hardy, Mississippi (6-4, 265)

Hardy considered entering the 2009 draft after posting 8½ sacks in only nine games last season. Instead, he decided to come back, get healthy and increase his draft stock. Hardy looks like the clear-cut top senior defensive end in the 2010 draft, but he’s been forced to deal with some nagging injuries, which have taken away from his effectiveness on the field. He had foot surgery this offseason and is expected to be 100 perecent healthy for fall practice. When he’s healthy, Hardy displays an explosive first step off the ball and has an ability to consistently reach the corner and get on top of tackles quickly. However, it’s his body control, lateral mobility and understanding of leverage that consistently allow him to shed blocks and close on the ball. He’s one of the more polished pass rushers in the class and, paired with his pure athleticism, is an absolute bear to slow down off the edge.

Corey Wootton, Northwestern (6-7, 265)

Wootton was one of my favorite defensive end prospects during the 2008 season as he combined size, length and quickness to consistently shed blocks on the outside and make plays vs. both the run and the pass. However, a torn ACL he suffered in the 2009 Alamo Bowl has some wondering how effective he can be in 2009. He was downright dominant at times in 2008, showcasing good technique, flexibility and instincts in all areas of his game and used his big, long frame to consistently make plays on the ball. He lacks a great first step off the edge but exhibits a polished pass rush arsenal and is a gifted lateral athlete. He also is a stout run defender who finished 2008 with 10 sacks, 42 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss. Wootton’s ability to successfully play the run and pass is a rare trait in the defensive end class. The question is whether he can be the same player in 2009 that he was in 2008.

Willie Young, NC State (6-4, 250)

Young is another defensive end I like because of his athletic ability, burst and growth potential. Like most DEs in this class, he’s a bit undersized and lacks the girth to play the run consistently and hold the point of attack at the next level. However, he possesses a long, lean frame and should easily be able to pack on the additional weight without losing any of his athleticism. Young is an explosive lineman who fires off the ball and can make plays up the field. He uses his hands well to keep tackles off his body and plays a lot stronger than his frame indicates. He has a tendency to get too high in his pass rush and will lose sight of the ball too easily, but he’s a raw product who possesses the physical and athletic tools needed to develop into a successful three-down player at the next level.

The New Two

Brandon Lang, Troy (6-4, 250)

Troy has a track record for sending elite pass rushers to the next level (DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora), and Lang could be the next in line. He’s become an absolute force off the edge over the past year, finishing 2008 with 10½ sacks, 17½ tackles for loss and an impressive 28 quarterback hurries -- all that while being the main target for opposing offensive game plans to slow down. He’s a fluid athlete who displays a nasty punch on contact and does a nice job creating space for himself and using his quickness to slip blocks. Lang possesses a decent first step but at times has a tendency to get too upright in his pass rush, which slows him down when trying to turn the corner. But he consistently wins his initial hand battles and does a good job keeping offensive linemen off his frame and closing quickly on the ball.

George Selvie, South Florida (6-4, 252)

Selvie burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2007, finishing the year with 14½ sacks, an astonishing 31½ tackles for loss and appearing headed toward a lofty first-round grade. However, he struggled in 2008 with some nagging injuries and with the constant double-teams that where consistently thrown his way. Selvie still gave consideration to entering last month’s draft, but when he received a less-than-stellar grade from the NFL advisory committee, he elected to come back for his senior year. He’s a gifted pass rusher who might possess the most explosive first step off the edge of any defensive end in the country. He consistently fires off the ball on time and can reach the corner vs. the most athletically gifted offensive tackles. However, he isn’t a real laterally fluid athlete and struggles changing directions on his pass rush. He also lacks the power to shed blocks and is considered more of a one-trick pony at this stage who might be best suited to a 3-4 OLB role in the NFL.

The Rest

Brandon Graham, Michigan (6-2, 268)

Graham displays good power in his lower half and knows how to play with natural leverage. He isn’t flashy but showcases a burst off the edge and demonstrates the ability to make plays vs. both the run and pass.

Jermaine Cunningham, Florida (6-3, 252)

Has all the tools to become an elite SEC pass rusher, but needs to continue to polish his overall technique and enhance his pass-rushing repertoire.

Auston English, Oklahoma (6-3, 254)

A tough, lunch pail-type defender who exhibits impressive overall athletic ability for the position.

Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6-4, 242)

Sapp is a gifted athlete who’s still raw but offers as much upside and growth potential as any defensive end prospect in the nation.

Jeremy Jarmon, Kentucky (6-3, 279)

A physical SEC defensive end who can hold the point of attack and shed blocks on the outside.

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