Perhaps the best week leading up to the NFL draft, the Senior Bowl is slated to take place on January 25th. Until then, the North and South squads will hold practices for the players to showcase their talent. With many teams in need of a defensive end, they will look towards the draft to find a guy who can pass rush off the edge. In this article, I will rank all of the defensive ends in the Senior Bowl. Without further ado, let's get started.
6. James Gayle, Virginia Tech
James Gayle and cornerback Antone Exum created one of the best defenses in the country. At 6'3", and around 250 pounds, Gayle is an intriguing prospect that could play defensive end in a 4-3, or outside linebacker in a 3-4. When Gayle came to Virginia, he weighed in around 220 pounds. Gayle will need to continue to put on weight to become a contributor at the next level. Gayle is perhaps the best tackler in this draft class from the defensive end position. In the NFL, Gayle projects as a nice starter in either defensive scheme. The team that drives him will be getting a player who has come from a school that has produced some good NFL players. Gayle will most likely make his money as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where he will most likely be chosen around the fourth around.
5. Chris Smith, Arkansas
Chris Smith is as explosive as they come at the defensive end position. At 6'3", 270 pounds, Smith is physically-ready for the NFL. Smith is not the best pass rusher, but he gets constant pressure on opposing tacklers. Smith's ability will be best-used in a 4-3 scheme. His production in the NFL will be because of his strength, rather than his speed. The main problem with Chris Smith is his attitude. Smith has a tendency to look disinterested on the gridiron. Smith would much rather rush the quarterback than chase down opposing running backs. Smith passes the eye-test, but he is a third round talent due to his inconsistency on the field.
3. Brent Urban, Virginia
If there is one defensive end that could boost his stock the most, it is Brent Urban from Virginia. After scouting him, I believe his ceiling is similar to J.J. Watt's. In fact, the two play extremely similar. Watt is 6'5", 290 pounds. Compare that to Urban, who is 6'6", 300 pounds. His weight may look concerning, but he is all muscle. Some may even say that Urban is still a little lean. Right now, Urban is a second or third round target. But, he could sneak into the end of the first round with an excellent week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Urban has all of the makings to be an absolute freak at the next level, just like J.J. Watt.
3. Kareem Martin, North Carolina
Robert Quinn is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Quinn played his college football at the University of North Carolina. It is clear that some extremely good bloodlines have passed through Chapel Hill on their way to the NFL. The next of the bunch will be Kareem Martin. The best thing about Martin is how he can get after the quarterback and stop opposing running backs. In recent draft memory, Martin has some of the longest arms for a defensive end. In today's NFL, long arms have become important mainly for shedding blocks. Martin's floor will be a two-down defensive end. But his ceiling could very well be around the talent of a player like Robert Quinn. As of now, Martin is mid-second round pick.
2. Dee Ford, Auburn
After two days in Mobile, there has not been more buzz from a player than Dee Ford. Although Ford is only 6'2" and around 240 pounds, he makes up for his defiencies with his speed around the edge. Ford has the potential to be an immediate third-round pass rushing specialist in the NFL. Ford's skill favors the 3-4, rather than the 4-3. His frame is much more suited to play as an outside linebacker, instead of a defensive end. Regardless of which scheme he plays in, Ford needs to bulk up for the NFL. Ford will most likely go in the second round in May's upcoming draft.
1. Trent Murphy, Stanford
After day one, Murphy's stock took an immediate hit. But, he bounced back tremendously in his second day in Mobile. As expected out of Stanford, Murphy has a great football IQ. Murphy and Shayne Skov were big reasons why the Cardinal has had some of the best defenses in the past years. Another thing about Murphy is his ability to read and react. Murphy's biggest flaw is that he can sometimes get stopped by opposing linemen, just because he is not that big. At 6'6", 260 pounds, Murphy is a bit thin and lean. Within the right defensive scheme that will tailor his shortcomings, Murphy could become a really good player in the NFL.
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