Rankings and quick lookaheads of all the defensive end prospects invited to the 2019 NFL Combine.
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2019 NFL Defensive End Combine Workout: Sunday, March 3
Here we go with the 2019 NFL Combine, with all the breakdowns and analysis of every positive and negative for all of the top prospects. This isn’t that hard. Just simplify it – who can play football well enough to make an impact at the next level?
The bigger breakdowns will come before the NFL Draft, but for now – again, from the college perspective – here are the pre-combine rankings for all of the defensive ends invited to the big workout.
Before getting into the top five breakdown, here’s a ranking of the best of the rest.
2019 Pre-NFL Combine Defensive End Best of the Rest Rankings
Number in parentheses is the projected round drafted pre-NFL Combine.
33. (OLB) Jamal Davis, Akron 6-3, 233 (7 FA)
More of an outside linebacker than a true defensive end at the next level, he’s tough, he’ll always keep coming, and he can get behind the line, but he’ll likely make a team as a special teamer.
32. Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia 6-4, 277 (6)
There’s no spot for him as more than a backup. He’s not a pass rusher, and he’s he’s not a tackle. He’ll battle, he’ll do the dirty work, and he’ll be a versatile part of a line – just without a true role.
31. (OLB) Gerri Green, Mississippi State 6-4, 250 (7 FA)
Much, much better as a defensive end than a linebacker, he’s not quite an NFL lineman. The speed and frame are great, but there’s not really a set next-level role for him.
30. Darryl Johnson, North Carolina A&T 6-5, 232 (7 FA)
While he’s likely fall through the draft as an undersized pass rusher from a small school, he’s got the make-up to start out as a top special teamer and rotational end. He’s a flier, but there’s upside once he gets up to around 245 pounds.
29. (OLB) Malik Carney, North Carolina 6-3, 231 (6)
Too small, he’s going to be more of an outside linebacker than a true defensive end. However, he flies around and has a blast of a step to get into backfield. There will be a role for him.
28. (OLB) Wyatt Ray, Boston College 6-3, 250 (5)
There’s a problem with his lack of pure pass rushing blast for his size, and there might not be a set position for him. While he’s a try-hard type who’ll make a lot of plays, he’s a special teamer who’ll get erased by NFL blockers.
27. Carl Granderson, Wyoming 6-5, 261 (6)
While he can get bumped around a bit, he’s a pass rusher with a great first step. With his frame, he has room to get a wee bit bigger and stronger, and he’s tough to get around. The tools are there, but he’s going to be a wee bit of a project.
26. (DT) Byron Cowart, Maryland 6-3, 297 (7 FA)
While he never lived up to his immense prep hype, he’s still very big, very athletic, and he still looks like he’s out of central casting – almost. He could stand to be a little bit taller, but whatever. He’ll be a late pick – if he gets taken at all – with the tools to be a mega-steal.
25. Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan 6-5, 265 (6)
Ultra-productive tone-setter for a defense that turned things around over the last few years, he’s never going to take it easy, and he might just turn out to be a fantastic steal. He’s got the frame, now an NFL strength and conditioning coach has to do something with it.
24. CeCe Jefferson, Florida 6-1, 261 (6)
The body type doesn’t quite fit. He’s a tough defender who plays a bit more like an undersized tackle than a speed rusher. Everyone would love to have players with his attitude, but he’ll likely be limited to a backup end in a 3-4 scheme. Don’t expect much behind the line at the next level.
23. (OLB) Justin Hollins, Oregon 6-5, 243 (7 FA)
An interesting prospect with a great frame and upside to grow into a tweener of a pass rusher. He’s a fantastic athletic, but he’s only a third down specialist.
22. Kevin Givens, Penn State 6-1 285 (5)
The body type isn’t right. Quick, he’s a nice playmaker in the backfield who works for his production. But he’s not a tackle, and he’s not a true end. There’s no position for him, but he’ll be a key reserve who can fill in the gaps.
21. Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma State 6-3, 241 (5)
More talent than tools, he uses his non-stop motor to get into the backfield on want-to. He’s a bit too light, and he disappeared too often, but he’ll be a great value pick that will always bring the fuel.
20. Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois 6-0, 235 (6)
Way, way, WAY too small, he’s going to have to be a jack-of-all-trades special teamer and defender. A special pass rusher who knows how to get the job done, he’s got the attitude to somehow make it and be a defensive factor.
19. (OLB) Porter Gustin, USC 6-5, 267 (4)
It looked like he’d be a superstar after a great start to his career, but he couldn’t stay healthy. He’s a pure football player who always brings the fight, but can he stay in one piece? He’s better on the field than he’ll be in workouts.
18. (DT) Charles Omenihu, Texas 6-5, 274 (3)
There’s an intriguing combination of tools to play with. He’s more of an interior tweener than an outside pass rusher, being able to play at times as an undersized tackle more than a true end. There’s a lot to work with to get drafted just inside the top 100.
17. (DT) John Cominsky, Charleston 6-5, 285 (4)
A bulked up athlete with the size to be a strong backup end, he’s got the speed and he’ll destroy the workouts. Now he has to be a better football player. The tools are there to take a mid-round flier.
16. (DT) L.J. Collier, TCU 6-2, 272 (4)
Blow off his bowling ball size and his lack of pure athleticism. He’s a lunchpail pass rusher with a great body type to hold up against the run. There’s too much tweener, but a defensive coach will love his versatility.
15. Chase Winovich, Michigan 6-3, 257 (3)
Attitude and motor aren’t a problem, and he’s always going to find his way into the backfield and keep on coming. However, he’s a bit of a tweener without NFL size for an end, and he’s just not a next-level linebacker.
14. Anthony Nelson, Iowa 6-7, 271 (3)
Where is he going to play? A great pass rusher for his size, he’s a tough defender with a big body and great frame to get around. The body is there, but he’s only a 3-4 end.
13. Ben Banogu, TCU 6-4, 249 (3)
A nice tweener of a pass rusher who should grow into a situational role. He’ll get engulfed a bit too often against the run, but turn him loose and watch out.
12. Shareef Miller, Penn State 6-5, 260 (4)
Just a good football player, he has good size and the versatility to move around where needed, but his talent doesn’t necessarily translate to the next level – there’s too much work and tweaking to do. He’ll slide, but he’ll find a way to make an impact.
11. Jalen Jelks, Oregon 6-6, 244 (3)
While he’ll never be an anchor against the run, he’s a dangerous athlete who could be unleashed into a terror on third downs. He’ll always bring the effort and motor, but his game will be all about getting around the corner.
10. Austin Bryant, Clemson 6-4, 268 (3)
There’s just enough missing to push him out of the second round. He’s got great size and he’ll get behind the line, but he’s just okay against the run. He looks the part and has the tools to be terrific with a little more power.
9. (DT) Zach Allen, Boston College 6-5, 285 (2)
Where’s his position? He’s an underpowered tackle and not quite dangerous enough as an end. He’ll have to work as a 3-4 end, and his sack numbers might not be anything special. He’ll hold his own, but he’ll be missing that one true job.
8. Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion 6-4, 252 (2)
There’s a whole lot to love about his game. A relentlessly quick pass rusher, he’ll have to find the right role, and then he’ll blow up. He’ll get eaten alive against the urn by NFL blockers, but he’s what you want from the outside.
7. Joe Jackson, Miami 6-5, 258 (2)
Let everyone else play a lot for those mufflers in the first round – Jackson will be an absolute steal outside of the top 32. No, he’s not the smoothest of pass rushers, and he probably won’t look the part in workouts, but he’s a tough guy’s tough guy who always produces.
6. (DT) Rashan Gary, Michigan 6-4, 280 (1)
If you want to count him as more of a tackle, then he’s in the top five on the DT list. But considering the class of pass rushers in this draft …
Why wasn’t he even better? The former superstar recruit is very big, very quick, very athletic, and he had all the NFL tools from the moment he signed on at Michigan.
Defensive linemen like this just don’t come around every day, and, okay, he was very, very good. He just wasn’t the jaw-dropping star – even though he earned All-Big Ten honors – who blew up on a national level. He’ll be a great pro who’ll be worth the top 15 overall pick. But again, with everyone looking for devastating pass rushers …
NEXT: Top 5 Defensive End Prospects Before the NFL Combine
5. (OLB) Brian Burns, Florida State 6-5, 227 (2)
Career Statistics: 123 tackles, 23 sacks, 38.5 tackles for loss, 7 broken up passes, 7 forced fumbles.
Why Brian Burns Is Here On The List: Florida State had its share of issues over the last few years, but the defensive front has been fine – for the most part – and Burns rented out a condo in opposing offensive backfields. When he needed to come up with a big junior season, he did just that.
Okay, so he’s really, really light on his 6-5 frame, and he’s a bit of a tweener. He’s not an outside linebacker, and he’s not big enough to be a true end, but good luck stopping him on the move. No, he might not do too much against the run, but the upside is there to become a devastating situational playmaker in the backfield.
What The NFL Types Want To See: His speed, quickness and athleticism have to be off the charts. The frame and build are going to be too much to overcome for some scouts, while others will put a first round grade on his upside. If he’s smooth as glass in the drills, the stock goes through the roof.
Bottom Line: Yeah, he’s a specialist, and he’ll be a big call for someone after the first round. But guys like this with his combination of quickness and relentless playmaking ability are rare. He’s going to be well worth the risk.
NEXT: No. 4 Pre-NFL Combine Defensive End
4. (OLB) Montez Sweat, Mississippi State 6-6, 240 (1)
Career Statistics: 105 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 30.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
Why Montez Sweat Is Here On The List: A blowout pass rusher over the last two seasons, the former Michigan State transfer was a beast in the backfield for a special Bulldog D. He came up with 22.5 sacks over the last two years as a consistent disruptive force whose game translates well to the next level.
Okay, so he’s a thin-legged guy who doesn’t quite look right, and he doesn’t have the base to hold up against the power NFL blockers, but he doesn’t stay blocked, he’s ultra-quick, and the upside is enormous.
What The NFL Types Want To See: How smooth is he? The athleticism and pass rushing skills are all there, but can he be quick through the short drills and can he move his hips well to change direction? He’s a top 15 overall talent who might slide with a rocky group of workouts.
Bottom Line: Nah, he doesn’t need as much work or time as it might appear considering his body type. He’s a pass rusher at a high level who turned it on and kept if all going. Give him just a little bit to grow into his body a bit, and then look out.
NEXT: No. 3 Pre-NFL Combine Defensive End
3. Jachai Polite, Florida 6-2, 242 (1)
Career Statistics: 78 tackles, 15 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss, 8 forced fumbles
Why Jachai Polite Is Here On The List: He’s an interestingly quirky prospect. The production didn’t kick in until his junior year, turning into a holy terror under Dan Mullen with 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss with six forced fumbles last season. But considering he’ll be a top 15 overall pick, and it took two years to gear up and get his chance to rock, there might be a little one-year wonder concern.
Whatever. He’s special enough to grow into the most dangerous end in the draft.
He’s built to be a tough run defender, but he’s a speed rusher who can get into the backfield in a hiccup. Is he an outside linebacker, a defensive end, or a hybrid who’ll be thrown out there and be asked to produce? It’ll be the reason …
What The NFL Types Want To See: Body type will be the talk about his prospects. He has good weight, but he might need to add a little more to become the all-around end some might project him to be. While others might look for him to get a wee bit lighter, hoping he can keep his speed and burst.
Bottom Line: He’s probably going to be the second true defensive end to come off the board, but there’s a wee bit of a risk here. The team that takes needs to have a set plan, role, and idea about what to do with him and how his body should be. The wrong call might turn him into a wee bit of a disappointment early on, but hit on all those tools, and there’s something special to unleash.
NEXT: No. 2 Pre-NFL Combine Defensive End
2. Clelin Ferrell, Clemson 6-4, 265 (1)
Career Statistics: 166 tackles, 27 sacks, 50.5 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles.
Why Clelin Ferrell Is Here On The List: The latest in the long line of Clemson defensive linemen who’ll dominate at the next level, Ferrell has everything from the size, to the quickness, to the pass rushing tools to live behind the line. Granted, he was helped by playing on a Tiger defensive front that had all-timer talent, but he was a key reason for the success.
While he might not move like a cornerback – see Brian Burns – and there might be a wee bit of a traditional period, he’s a franchise defensive end talent who might just be among the safest picks in the draft. It’s all there to be special.
What The NFL Types Want To See: How smooth is he through the short drills? Most won’t care, considering his bulk is part of what makes him so good – he can hold up more than fine against the run – but if he’s liquid around the cones, there’s no knock at that point and he makes a push to be a sure-thing top ten overall pick.
Bottom Line: Don’t overthink this one, and don’t focus on some of the things he’s not. He’s an NFL Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end who’ll be a superstar in the league for the next decade.
NEXT: No. 1 Pre-NFL Combine Defensive End
1. Nick Bosa, Ohio State 6-4, 263 (1)
Career Statistics: 77 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles
Why Nick Bosa Is Here On The List: If it’s not Kyler Murray as the No. 1 overall draft pick to the fighting Kingsbury’s of Arizona, it’s going to be the amazing prospect who appears to be the next version of his brother.
Everyone says they want a Joey Bosa type, well here you go – sort of. Nick isn’t as big as Joey, and he was nowhere near the same college player. But he’s got the pass rushing upside, the motor, and the strength to become almost as good in the NFL right away.
However, is he here if his last name isn’t Bosa? He got hurt and missed almost all of last season with an abdominal injury, but before that, he disappeared a bit too often and – even with his fight and want-to – he didn’t make a whole lot of plays. But when he turned it on and took over … boom.
What The NFL Types Want To See: Can he move? He’s back on the field again, and now we all get to see if he really does look the part of a No. 1 overall pick, or if he’s mostly hype and projection. He’s a top three pick no mater what, but he can’t look lumbering – you don’t take a defensive end in the top three unless you’re sure you’re getting a franchise-changing monster.
Bottom Line: Ehhhhhhhhhhhhh, yeah, he’s got a whole lot of parts to his game to love, but with the strange lack of consistent tackle production – at least compared to the top-shelf ends – is he really the sure-thing, no-brainer, must-have pick who deserves to be unquestionably taken as high as he’s going to go? Clelin Ferrell is a better NFL-caliber pass rushing prospect, and Montez Sweat and Brian Burns might be better value picks, but … you can’t be the team that passes on Nick if he really is another Joey.
