MY VIEWS ON DEFENSIVE LINE DRAFTING
Year after year I watch many NFL GM's just blindly draft DE's with little or no regaurd for the type of defense their team plays or the defense the players is best suited for. Some players are clearly better suited for a 4-3 defense, some will excel in a 3-4 set, yet again NFL types insist on stuffing round pegs in square holes! Yes sure some can crossover but even those will be far more valuable at the position they are best suited for. This is why I separate the two position and rank both. When it comes to DT's I consider this the most overdrafted and overpaid position ion the defensive side of the ball, the list of failures and wasted money is endless. As for NT's check history, there have been a few EXTREMELY RARE individuals who could be considered playmakers the other 99.9% were just space eaters, not belittling the job, it is a skill, and absolutely a better skillset will make the player more valuable and productive but often pure mass will be adequate to complete the job.
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION DEFENSIVE END
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 10/15 year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, dominant against run and an elite pass rusher. High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected, 10+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF disscussion. Must excell at all aspects of the game, run stuffing , and pass rush and be elite at one, team leader, character important no injury concerns 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Very good but only occasionally great. Looking for a player dominant as a Run stuffer OR Pass rusher, Very solid and dependable player but team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Likely a quality back up/role player for several year after that, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft mid 3rd/Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team,, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Late 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. The player could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, The player has basic skill set needed for position, could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career.Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary.Free Agents only.(UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
. 4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS / AKA "EDGE"
Classic old school outside pass rush 1st specialists, some run defense separates the Elite, good, role player tags. Must have ability to disrupt the backfield on a regular basis. Pressure on QB is vital, these players can change the pace of a game.
2024 4-3 DEFENSIVE END OVERALL CLASS RATING A
2024 4-3 DEFENSIVE END OVERVIEW/OVERALL CLASS RATING
Very similar to last season so my assessement is the same. Strong and deep class with both elite prospects and numerous with starter potential.
But NEVER FORGET since '12 such names as Quinton Coples #16, Shea McCleilin #19,Dion Jordan #3, Barkevious Mingo #6, Jarvis Jones #17, Bjoern Werner #24, Shane Ray #23, Soloman Thomas #3 Clelin Ferrell #4, have all been drafted in the Top 25 and underachieved or flat out flopped to different levels, this position only trails QB for players who were wildly overraated.
4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS/EDGE RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Jared Verse FlaSt 6-4 252 96 Top 10
Can be as good as he wants to be. Ridiculous skill set. Still leaning how to use his abilities. Sky is the limit.
2.Dallas Turner Ala 6-4 242 95 Top 10
He can excell here or at OLB in some defenses. Has everything you want.
3.Laiatu Latu UCLA 6-5 265 93 Mid 1st
GREAT SIZE, GREAT ATHLETE.He really took the next step this past season and has more upside to go.
4.Cria Braswell Ala 6-3 255 92 Late 1st
Solid at all phases but a step behind the top 3.
5.Chop Robinson PennSt 6-3 255 89 Early 2nd
Geat athlete, shows wild burst at times but doesn't always play with max fire.
6.B Jackson WashSt 6-4 255 88 Mid 2nd
SLEEPER ALERT!! He'll gp lower than this and some team will be thrilled. Consistent, rock solid in all phases.
7.Bralen Trice Wash 6-3 250 85 Early 3rd
I thought he would be higher, light not aleways on
8.M Kneeland WMich 6-3 275 85 Early 3rd
Small conferenc stud with crazy skill set, he could surprise, GREAT VALUE here.
9.Gra Murphy UCLA 6-3 262 84 Mid 3rd
The best of the twins, more consistent.
10.Moh Kamara ColSt 6-1 250 83 Late 3rd
SLEEPER ALERT!! GREAT MOTOR, never quits on play. Size is only drawback.
11.Adisa Isaac PennSt 6-4 248 82 Early 4th
Very athletic, could end up as OLB in 3-4.
12.Gabe Murphy UCLA 6-3 262 82 Early 4th
13.X Thomas Clem 6-3 255 81 Mid 4th
One time LOFTY RECRUIT who never put it all together consistently.
14.Soloman Byrd USC 6-3 250 78 Early 5th
15.Taylor Upshaw Az 6-3 255 77 Mid 5th
16.Z TupolaFetui Wash 6-4 251 76 Mid 5th
17.Ced Johnson Miss 6-3 265 75 Late 5th
Showed flashes of excellence, but to few.
18.JJeanBaptiste NDam 6-5 255 74 Early 6th
19. E Okie Anoma Char 6-4 260 72 Late 6th
Has some nice upside.
20.Andre Carter Ind 6-3 273 71 Early 7th
21.Nelson Ceaser Hou 6-3 250 70 Mid 7th
22.Ron Bothroyd Okl 6-3 275 69 Late 7th
23.John Morgan Ark 6-2 270 66 UDFA
24.A J Simon Alb 6-1 270 65 UDFA
SADLY this prospect passed away this week. I'm leaving him here. RIP! Late Bloomer, 21.5 TFL, 12.5 Sacks last season in FCS, worth a look for sure.
25.Mase Funa Ore 6-3 255 62 UDFA
26.Jalyx Hunt HouChr 6-4 252 60 UDFA
Athletic, 20.5 TFL, 13 Sack last two seasons. Camp body.
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3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS/ "5 TECHNIQUE"
Run stuffer 1st,(5 Technique) if these players excel at pass rush they are rare and can become elite(JJ Watt). Generally larger and closer to the DT body mold than the classic 4-3 DE. Rarely are these players worth more than a 2nd round pick. Many will be highly drafted and paid way to much causing salary cap issues when a second contract comes along.. Often just big guys that need to hold point of attack. VERY rare prospects worthy of a top 15 pick. Often many more are drafted that high. ANY AND ALL of these prospects can move inside and some will and have some success. That said I feel they are BEST SUITED to play here.
3-4 DEFENSIVE END OVERALL CLASS RANKING A
3-4 DEFENSIVE END OVERVIEW
An excellent season for this position, two 1st round grades and several others with wild upside if they can find the motivation to be as good as they can be.
3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS/5 TECHNIQUE RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Darius Robinson Mo 6-5 296 94 Mid 1st
He has all the tools to become elite, great power,size quickness ratios plus has the motor to get it done for many season. RARE talet at the position.
2.Ruke Orhororo Clem 6-4 295 91 Late 1st
Plenty versatile enough to move inside and play 3 TECH but he will be best if used in this manor.
3.Justin Eboigbe Ala 6-5 292 85 Early 3rd
Solid, extremely well coached. Plug and play.
4.Maason Smith LSU 6-6 310 84 Mid 3rd
SLEEPER ALERT!!! He has the UPSIDE to be the top player in the group.
4.Braden Fiske FlaSt 6-5 305 83 Late 3rd
Most likely to be overdrafted! WILDLY athletic but has only shown that in bursts. The talk of the combine. Yet another mistake from that mess.
5.Anth Goodlow OklSt 6-5 283 82 Early 4th
7.Keith Randolph Ill 6-5 305 80 Late 4th
8.Logan Lee Iowa 6-5 277 80 Late 4th
9.Leonard Taylor Mia(F) 6-3 305 77 Mid 5th
One time LOFTY RECRUIT who never fopund consistency. Victim of toxic Miami culture.
10.Br McGregor Mich 6-6 275 76 Mid 5th
11.Ja Crumedy MissSt 6-5 315 76 Mid 5th
12.Myles Cole TxTch 6-6 285 75 Late 5th
SLEEPER ALERT!! If he ever lives up to his testing he can be a star, I'm dubious!
13.Eric Watts UCon 6-6 275 74 Early 6th
14.Jam Kroma JMU 6-4 275 73 Mid 6th
SLEEPER ALERT!! Intriguing upside from small conference stud.
15.Gabe Hall Bay 6-6 296 73 Mid 6th
16.Traj Jeffcoat Ark 6-4 277 71 Early 7th
Former elite recruit who never put it together.
17.Zion Logue Ga 6-6 305 70 Mid 7th
18.Jesus Gibbs Tow 6-4 275 67 UDFA
19.Casey Rogers Ore 6-5 285 65 UDFA
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION DEFENSIVE TACKLE/NOSE TACKLE
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 10/15 year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, dominant in run stuffing and pass rush. High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, Defensive team leader, likely team Captain, no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected, 10+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF disscussion. Must excell at all aspects of the game, run stuffer, pass rusher and be elite at one, team leader, character important no major injury concerns. 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Very good but only occasionally great. Looking for a player dominant as a Run stuffer OR Pass rusher, Very solid and dependable player but team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Likely a quality back up/role player for several year after that, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft Mid 3rd/ Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team,, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Mid 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. The player could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, The player has basic skill set needed for position, could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted. .
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLES /"3 TECHNIQUE"
Classic run stuffers, (3 technique) when able to provide pass rush value increases significantly, on RARE occasions to elite level. Position is OFTEN overrated and wildly overpaid, countless long term huge cap strangling contracts have been given and soon regretted. Get a few years out of them and move on. Again VERY rare prospects worthy of a top 15 pick. Again very often many more are drafted that high and NFL execs still fail to learn!
2023 DEFENSIVE TACKLE OVERALL RATING C
2023 DEFENSIVE TACKLE OVERVIEW
Year in and out one of the most over drafted positions and this year will not be an exception, rest assured numerous players will be busts and underachievers in this group and from the above group.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE RANKINGS
Rnk Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.J Z Newton Ill 6-1 295 90 Late 1st
Most powerful, low center makes him a tough block. 3 year starter, 13 SACKS the past two seasons, rock solid in run game, plug and play guy.
2.Kris Jenkins Mich 6-3 285 89 Early 2nd
Powerful and consistent against the run, offers little in pass rush.
3.Marcus Harris Aub 6-3 294 86 Late 2nd
5 year player, blew up with 7 SACKS last season.
4.Michael Hall OhSt 6-2 285 85 Early 3rd
INJURY ALERT!! Quickest 1st step in the group. Crazy upside if he can stay healthy, has had trouble staying on the field.
5.Jay Hutchings TxTc 5-11 305 84 Mid 3rd
6 year player, starter the last three, very strong, consistent.
6.Mekhi Wingo LSU 6-0 295 83 Late 3rd
4.5 SACKS in just over half a season last fall, very quick and powerful.
7.Byron Murphy Tx 6-1 305 82 Early 4th
Had his best season with 5 SACKS , he should have gone back to school!! Another victim of poor advice, it will cost him plenty.
8.N Pickerington MSSt 6-4 305 81 Mid 4th
Strong run defender, offers little in pass rush.
9.J Culpepper Tol 6-4 290 80 Late 4th
He really took a major step up with 9 SACKS last season
10.Popo Aumavae Ore 6-3 304 77 Early 5th
11.Dewayne Carter Dk 6-3 303 77 Early 5th
I once thought he would be much higher than this.
12.Br Dourlus Ore 6-3 290 76 Mid 5th
College DE , he will need to make it here in my opinion.
13.Jowon Briggs Cin 6-3 305 75 Late 5th
Very strong run defender, show potential in pass rush.
14.Tyler Davis Clem 6-2 300 74 Early 6th
BUST ALERT!! Very up and down 5 year caeer, I'm betting on the more prevalent down. Many others disagree.
15.James Ester NIll 6-2 295 73 Mid 6th
16.Kyon Barrs USC 6-2 290 72 Late 6th
17.H Motu Apuaka UtSt 6-1 280 71 Early 7th
Undersized but shows some pass rush potential.
18.Branson Deen Mia(F) 6-2 280 70 Mid 7th
19.T Letulgasenca Wash 6-1 307 68 PFA
20.Jac Bristol CMich 6-1 300 67 UDFA
21.Jordan Miller SMU 6-2 315 65 UDFA
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3-4 NOSE TACKLES /" 1 TECHNIQUE"
Inside guys playing the middle on 3-4 defenses, paid to stuff up the middle at let LB's do the tackle work. RARELY a player with 1st round ability. Many will be drafted to play DT and has average at best careers or be out of the league in a few seasons.
2024 DEFENSIVE NOSE TACKLE OVERALL CLASS RATING C
2024 DEFENSIVE NOSE TACKLE OVERVIEW RATING
Only 2 players who could start right off, several could evolve into solid rotational pieces.
NOSE TACKLE RANKINGS
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Evan Anderson FAU 6-1 356 84 Mid 3rd
MASSIVE and very hard to move, showed some real burst last season, could be an immeadiate starter.
2.McK Jackson TaAM 6-2 325 83 Late 3rd
Played 3-TECH in college but would be best on the nose, let's see who can figure that out.
3.J Jefferson LSU 6-2 317 81 Mid 4th
With a limited pass rush ability he'll need to make it inside.
4.Tvondre Sweat Tx 6-4 355 79 Late 4th
BUST ALERT!!! CHARACTER ALERT! Many see him as a potential 3-TECH DT, some see him on the nose like I do. No real pass ruch, MASSIVE mauler who has had trouble with weight.
5.Kristian Boyd NIowa 6-4 317 75 Late 5th
Very active small college monster.
6.Justin Rogers Aub 6-2 340 73 Mid 6th
7.Jermaine Lole Lou 6-3 320 71 Early 7th
8.Fabian Lovett FlaSt 6-4 328 69 Late 7th
Total lack of rush skils puts him in this group for me, great size, has played outside most of the time.
9.Myles Murphy NCar 6-3 310 66 UDFA
10.Jack Daly FIU 6-3 315 64 UDFA
11.Chris Clayton UTSA 6-2 310 62 UDFA
h Clark Syr,
Ravenna, Ohio 44266, United States
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