2013 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

The top 2013 defensive end prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * - denotes 2014 prospect. ** - denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated May 16, 2012.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
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1. Sam Montgomery*, DE/OLB, LSU
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
   Projected Round (2013): Top 15 Pick.
   5/14/12: Montgomery had a breakout sophomore season and led LSU's talented defense in sacks. The Tigers defensive line was comprised of future NFL linemen with the potential for multiple first-round picks. Montgomery totaled 49 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. He was a key cog in LSU having the second-ranked scoring defense in the nation and the second total defense. He considered entering the 2012 NFL Draft, but decided to finish his degree.
   
   Montgomery had 18 tackles with six tackles for a loss and two sacks as a freshman. He is a dangerous speed rusher that needs to add weight for the NFL. Montgomery has a big frame, so he shouldn't have any problem adding more bulk for the next level.





2. Barkevious Mingo*, DE/OLB, LSU
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 240.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
   Projected Round (2013): Top 20 Pick.
   5/14/12: Mingo is a fabulous athlete and a pure speed rusher. He was constantly making plays in the backfield during his sophomore season. Mingo recorded 46 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and a forced fumble. The lower weight gave Mingo some problems in run defense and he needs to add strength for the next level. As a freshman he had 35 tackles with 2.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and six passes batted.
   
   Like Montgomery, Mingo should be able to add weight as he has a tall frame. Mingo and Montgomery are capable of producing huge seasons that vault them to the top of their draft classes.



3. Bjourn Werner, DE, Florida State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 273.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
   Projected Round (2013): 1.
   5/14/12: Werner is strong, physical beast at the line of scrimmage. He pushes offensive line around and plays with violence. The Berlin, Germany product combines a good motor with a mean streak. Werner is a tough run defender at the point of attack. At times in 2011, Werner, a sophomore, outplayed teammate Brandon Jenkins. Werner (6-4, 273) broke out with some dominating games and seven sacks in 2011. He also had 37 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble and eight pass breakups. Werner had 3.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2010. Don't be surprised if Werner has a massive 2012 season.



4. Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/14/12: Jenkins had a breakout season in 2010. As a first-year starter at right end, he led Florida State in sacks while the Seminoles led the nation in sacks. Jenkins notched 13.5 sacks with 21.5 tackles for a loss. He had five multi-sack games and was voted the team's MVP.
   
   As a junior Jenkins started out the season slowly. Jenkins drew extra blocking coming off his stellar 2010 season, but that helped defensive end Bjoern Werner have a breakout year. Jenkins didn't play well against Oklahoma, but he bounced back against Clemson with a sack and a number of pressures on quarterback Tajh Boyd. In 2011, Jenkins has 39 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. Jenkins played better down the stretch as he adjusted to the double teams and also drew more one-on-one blocking. Jenkins's strength is his pass rushing. He hasn't been a real standout as a run defender.
   
   Jenkins is a speed edge rusher coming around the corner. He has a nice repertoire of moves to throw at offensive tackles. He is an excellent athlete who could fit well in a NFL 3-4 defense as an edge rusher. The biggest negative about Jenkins is that he could be more physical at times. His athletic ability is enough of a mismatch for Jenkins to record at least seven sacks and probably will approach double digit sacks if not record 10+. That would give him a total of 30 sacks over three seasons and that kind of production usually spells first-round pick.



5. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/14/12: Okafor was one of the top defensive ends in the Big XII in 2011. He was a First-Team All-Big XII selection. Okafor totaled 58 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three passes batted and two forced fumbles. He had 2.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2010. Okafor has a nice skill set with speed and physicality. Plus, he is adept at getting upfield and is a disruptive rusher. He should produce a good senior season and be an early-round pick.



6. Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/14/12: Jeffcoat was a second-team All Big 12 selection in 2011. He had 54 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three passes broken up. As a freshman, Jeffcoat was a backup he had 13 tackles with three tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup.
   
   Jeffcoat is fast and athletic. He should only get better as he gains experience and strength. Jeffcoat has good bloodlines. His father Jim Jeffcoat had a long NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.



7. William Gholston*, DE, Michigan State
   Height: 6-7. Weight: 275.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/14/12: The physical specimen Gholston flashed in 2011 and if he becomes more consistent he could skyrocket up draft boards. The junior from Detroit looks ready for a breakout season, although he already was a Second-Team All-Big Ten pick in 2011. Gholston broke into the lineup as a sophomore, totaling 70 tackles with five sacks, one forced fumble and 16 tackles for a loss.
   
   To end the season, Gholston had a phenomenal game against Georgia in the Outback Bowl and played well against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship. Gholston is very physical at the point of attack. He needs to show a relentless motor as a junior. He is the younger brother of famed New York Jets bust Vernon Gholston, so it will be interesting to see if teams hold that against William.



8. Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 240.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/14/12: Buchanan was a nice complement to Whitney Mercilus in 2011 and looks primed for a big 2012 season. Buchanan had a strong junior campaign and should get better as a senior. He recorded 64 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. Buchanan had 40 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks as a sophomore. Like many of the recent prospects to come out of Illinois, Buchanan is a good athlete who has real speed. Buchanan needs to add some weight and power to his game, but he could be a nice option for 3-4 defenses as well.






9. Corey Lemonier*, DE/OLB, Auburn
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 240.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
   5/14/12: As a sophomore Lemonier broke out with 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2011. Lemonier is a speed rusher who is a superb athlete and rushes with nice leverage. He should gain weight for the NFL because he gets pushed around at times in the ground game. He could return for the 2013 college season, and that may be a good idea. Lemonier is raw. He could use more experience to develop his awareness, run defense, pass-rushing moves and strength.



10. John Simon, DE, Ohio State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
    5/14/12: Simon was quiet in the early going of his junior season, but came alive down the stretch. He recorded six sacks in his final seven games with a massive game against Illinois featuring two sacks, four tackles for a loss and eight tackles. For the 2011 season, Simon had 53 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and three passes broken up.
    
    As a sophomore he had 41 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. Simon is a strong player that has a good motor. He is not a speed rusher off the end, but he is a good run defender. A double digit sack season would be huge for his draft stock.



11. Devin Taylor*, DE/OLB, South Carolina
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 248.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
    5/14/12: In 2010 Taylor recorded 7.5 sacks with 46 tackles during his sophomore season. He also broke up eight passes with an interception returned for a touchdown.Taylor started the 2011 season extremely slow. Around mid-October, something woke him up and he had a strong three game stretch. Against Arkansas, Taylor recorded a sack with three tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss, a pass broken up, and an interception returned 48 yards for a touchdown. For the 2011 season, he has 42 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks.
    
    Taylor was a backup at times in 2011 with Melvin Ingram and Jadeveon Clowney staring for South Carolina. With Ingram in the NFL, Taylor should have plent of opportunities to improve his production in 2012. Taylor is fast and athletic, and if he is drafted into a 4-3 defense, he probably will need to put on some weight.



12. Aaron Donald*, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 270.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
    5/14/12: Donald is more in the mold of Jabaal Sheard rather than Brandon Lindsey. After recording two sacks as a freshman, Donald had a breakout sophomore season with 47 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks in 2011. The 6-foot, 270-pounder is extremely physical with some quickness. If Donald continues to pack on weight, he could move inside to defensive tackle. Donald had two sacks as a sophomore. He won't take anybody by surprise in 2012 and Donald will probably see extra blocking attention.



13. Damontre Moore*, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
    5/14/12: Initially, Moore was beaten out for a starting spot entering the 2011 season. He worked his way into the lineup and showed his natural pass rushing skills as a sophomore. Moore totaled 72 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2011. Moore is a speed rusher off the edge that combined with Sean Porter to produce a tough Aggies pass rush. They saw a lot of pass rushing opportunities in the pass happy Big 12, and that should be reduced in the more balanced SEC in 2012.
    
    Moore is very fast and is adding size. Moore had an excellent debut as a freshman. He had 5.5 sacks with 6.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 40 tackles as a freshman. He could push his stock into the first round and he could stay for his senior season. Moore was arrested for marijuana possession prior to his sophomore season. His best fit in the NFL would probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.



14. Stansly Maponga**, DE/OLB, TCU
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 265.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
    5/14/12: Maponga was a playmaker for TCU in 2011 and was a disruptive force as a pass rusher. The speedy Maponga totaled 55 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles. Not only is he quick off the edge, he has natural pad level and leverage to turn the corner. Maponga broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and recorded 32 tackles with 2.5 sacks. TCU is planning on Maponga being a pass-rushing force. If he duplicates his 2011 season Maponga could declare for the draft. He looks like a natural 3-4 outside linebacker.



15. Jordan Kohout*, DE, Wisconsin
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 292.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.86.
    Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
    5/14/12: Kohout is a powerful end at the point of attack. He is a superb run defender, but doesn't offer much as a pass rusher. Thus, he may be best as a five technique 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. Kohout had 22 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and zero sacks in 2011. As a freshman in 2010 he had 22 tackles with a sack.





16. Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
    Height: 6-8. Weight: 275.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/14/12: Hunt is a physical freak. The Karksi-Nuia, Estonia product is a raw player that really came on strong at the end of his junior season. He recorded all three of his sacks for 2011 against Pitt in the Bowl game. He had 28 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss. Hunt totaled 5.5 sacks in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
    
    Hunt uses his height to be a dangerous weapon on special teams. He blocked seven kicks as a freshman. In 2010 he had three blocked kicks and as a junior he had four kicks blocked. It is entirely possible that he could end his college career approaching 20 blocked kicks. Hunt may be best as a five technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense in the NFL.



17. Wes Horton, DE, USC
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/14/12: Wes Horton broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2010. Horton recorded 29 tackles with four sacks and a forced fumble. As a junior Horton was quiet as he totaled 22 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. Horton has the size and speed that defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin likes in his defensive tackles, so Horton should be part of the Trojans plan to replace the productive Nick Perry.



18. Brad Madison, DE, Missouri
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
    5/14/12: Madison had 25 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2011. He had big games against Missouri's weaker competition, but didn't produce much against the Big XII opponents. Madison flashed at times but needs to become more consistent.
    
    Madison had a breakout sophomore season recording 7.5 sacks with 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 32 tackles. He was selected as a second-team All-Big XII selection. However, Madison benefited from the double teams that Aldon Smith drew.





19. Baker Steinkuhler*, DE/DT, Nebraska
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 290.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/14/12: Steinkuhler had 40 tackles with four tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2011. Against Washington, he started the game strong with some good plays against the run and pass rushes, but did not play as well in the second half. Steinkuhler struggled against Wisconsin and played better against Michigan State. He had a big game against Northwestern but was shutout by Iowa. He really missed teammate Jared Crick. Steinkuhler needs to get more consistent as a senior, especially in the pass rush.
    
    In his first season as a starter in 2010, Steinkuhler registered 46 tackles with 3.5 sacks. He is strong at the point of attack and has the frame to add more weight and bulk at the NFL level. Steinkuhler could be a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end.



20. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 241.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/14/12: Jordan is a raw prospect that has some upside. He was a tight end early in his college career before switching to defensive end in 2010. As a sophomore he had 33 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss. Jordan made real strides and produced a lot more as a junior with 42 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. He needs to fill out his frame to hold up on the edge in the NFL. If Jordan continues to improve his production as a senior he could move up higher on the second day of the draft.



21. James Gayle*, DE, Virginia Tech
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
    5/14/12: Gayle had 38 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks as a junior. He was a second team All-ACC selection. In 2010 he was a backup, but recorded four sacks. Gayle has some athletic ability and natural pass rush skills. He could easily improve his draft stock over the next couple of seasons.



22. Cameron Meredith, DE, Nebraska
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
    5/14/12: Meredith is a strong run defender that improved his pass rush skills in 2011. He had 58 tackles with five sacks as a junior. He broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks with eight tackles for a loss. Meredith has to get to the quarterback more as a senior to move up the board.



23. Dominique Easley*, DE, Florida
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 282.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
    5/14/12: Easley played defensive tackle in 2011, but is moving back to defensive end in 2012. At times as a sophomore Easley flashed real disruptive speed at the point of attack. He recorded 37 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Easley suffered a torn ACL late in the season, but is expected to be ready for the start of the 2012 season. The Gators will be going more towards a 3-4 defense so Easley will see time as a five technique defensive end. Easley was a top recruit coming out of high school and is a good athlete. He could have a breakout 2012 season.



24. Craig Roh, DE, Michigan
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 269.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2013): 5-6.
    5/14/12: Roh is a strong, physical defender at the point of attack. As a junior he had 32 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and four sacks. He is a limited pass rusher as he had .5 sacks in 2010 and two sacks in 2009. Roh has to get to the quarterback a lot more as a senior to improve his draft status.



25. Tevin Elliot**, DE/OLB, Baylor
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2013): 6-7.
    5/14/12: Elliot wasn't as productive as expected in 2011. He had 27 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. Elliot returned a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown against Iowa State. Baylor was in a lot of shootouts this season with plenty of pass-rushing opportunities, so it was disappointing that Elliot doesn't have more production.
    
    Elliot had a solid debut in 2010. He totaled 36 tackles with nine tackles for a loss and five sacks last year. He was an All-Big 12 honorable mention. The Bears play him at defensive end, but he is a better fit as a 3-4 OLB if he doesn't add weight.



26. Nathan Williams, DE, Ohio State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
    Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
    5/14/12: Williams had two tackles against Toledo in the season opener, but blew out his knee. He has missed the rest of the season after undergoing surgery. In 2010, he had 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss after recording 3.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss as a sophomore. While Williams led Ohio State in sacks last year, he needs to do more than that this year to solidify his draft status.

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   Matt 05-16-2012 06:13 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.110 (total posts: 1) 4     1 Vernon is William Gholston's cousin, not his brother. James 05-16-2012 04:45 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.56 (total posts: 1) 7     1 Where's Kareem Martin? football guru 05-16-2012 08:56 am xxx.xxx.xxx5.66 (total posts: 1) 3     1 FYI Devin Taylor started all 13 games last year while Jadeveon came in on passing situations. TheGermanKid 05-16-2012 07:20 am xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 1) 1     2 Its Bj Austin 05-15-2012 08:45 pm xxx.xxx.xxx1.50 (total posts: 1) 1     1 Are the top 6 DEs really from just 3 teams? It seems a little far fetched that 3 teams have 2 starting DEs that a better than all the others. mohammed 03-23-2012 04:07 am xxx.xxx.xxx.250 (total posts: 1) 5     5 missed the live mock draft, you can still catch the video at Ustream, or by checking out the blog here. If you'd like to danwlood the audio version of the Mock Draft, click on the Direct James lee 11-05-2011 12:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx5.21 (total posts: 1) 10     9 Where do you see Alex okaor going round wise Aspinwall 09-18-2011 02:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.13 (total posts: 1) 35     10 Where's Bjoern Werner DE FSU? He balled out against OU last night. Walter 09-02-2011 03:28 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.88 (total posts: 1) 13     13 First comment... we're going to have comment boards like this all over the site soon. We're still working out the kinks, so this is not the finished product. Pages: 1

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