2018 NFL Mock Draft | DraftGeek’s Mock Draft

2018 NFL Draft Prospects by Position:

Offense

Defense

2018 NFL Draft Defensive End Ranking

1. Bradley Chubb, N.C. State

Height: 6-4 Weight: 275 lbs

Experienced pass rusher that efficiently converts speed to power off of the edge. Excellent strength with quickness and powerful hands… Full Profile

2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA

Height: 6-5 Weight: 259 lbs

Explosive pass rusher from the edge with a powerful initial burst and quick feet. Is able to convert speed to power effectively, and gets around tackles with good bend and balance… Full Profile

3. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State

Height: 6-5 Weight: 265 lbs

Elite pass rusher with ability to drop into coverage, making him attractive to any defensive scheme at the next level… Full Profile

A long, big frame that is starting to fill out, along with outstanding pass rush production in his limited time on the field has scouts excited about Key, and he is a potential top overall pick… Full Profile

5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma

Height: 6-2 Weight: 240 lbs

A quick-footed edge pass rusher in a 3-4 or a pass-rush specialist defensive end in a 4-3, Okoronkwo has a flair for speeding past offensive tackles… Full Profile

6. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State

Height: 6-5 Weight: 266 lbs

As part of a loaded defense the last few years, Lewis has been extremely productive, with 8 sacks and 10 TFL’s last year… Full Profile

7. Josh Sweat, Florida State

Height: 6-5 Weight: 250 lbs

Excellent in space, and when healthy, has been a very productive pass rusher… Full Profile

8. Ben Banogu, TCU

Height: 6-4 Weight: 257 lbs

After transferring to TCU, Banogu has been one of the fastest climbing defensive prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft… Full Profile

9. Carl Granderson, Wyoming

Height: 6-4 Weight: 255 lbs

Nimble defensive end that is still growing into his body, after coming into Wyoming at only 185 pounds…Full Profile

10. Chad Thomas, Miami

Height: 6-5 Weight: 278 lbs

Exceptional measurables and will be a draft process / NFL Combine stand out prospect. The body frame to speed ratio along will get the attention of scouts, and his explosion numbers (vertical + bench reps + broad jump) could be off the charts…Full Profile

Example Draft Considerations:

Very tricky thing to do is first weed out guys that are defensive ends in college that will be 3-4 OLB’s in college. We first try to identify a position, but often list both possibilities. If it is close, for example if a defensive end is a bit undersized, but moves really well in space, they very well might be an OLB in the NFL.
Most of the scouting reports we do on DE’s are for ends that have noticeable pass rush ability. There are some that are much more adept at stopping the run than getting into the offensive backfield, but that is not as much a premium type prospect trait.
The frame of the player is important. Looking for height and arm length. Many players are slowly growing into their build. Player could be 6-5 and only 250, but was 6-1 and 185 as a freshman. In the NFL, that player could grow even more.
How many sacks and TFL’s?
Can he “convert speed to power”. It is like ability to quickly build momentum to knock blockers back.
Long arms help with ability to defend against the run.
Have an array of pass rush moves? Some players just bull rush, but it is very important to have some other moves that they are developing such as the speed rush, rip, swim, etc.
Have some knocked down passes?
Does his motor run hot and cold? – This indicator most of the time carries over to the NFL, rarely fixed.
Able to chase down ball carriers?
Able to drop back into coverage.
For bigger guys, it is very valuable if they can move inside to tackle on 3rd down and obvious passing downs.

Spread the love

2018 NFL Draft Prospects – Defensive End