With the 2016 NFL draft drawing closer, here's our look at the top five defensive ends available:
1. Joey Bosa, Ohio State
A three-year starter with the Buckeyes, Bosa is the most pro-ready defensive end after leaving the Buckeyes with 51 tackles for loss and 26 sacks for his career. Equipped with an excellent blend of size, power and quickness, Bosa appears to be one of the safer picks in the entire draft. Though his production dipped a bit in 2015 – going from 13.5 sacks the previous year to five – Bosa constantly saw double teams and improved as a run defender. He comes from a pedigree of first-round defensive ends, and should be an instant contributor on defense, no matter which team takes him.
2. DeForest Buckner, Oregon
At 6-7, 291 pounds, Buckner has the massive frame fit for a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. More than just a big body, he proved to be a constant disruptive force at Oregon and overpowered his opposition for 10.5 sacks last season. Buckner's build has earned him comparisons to former teammate Arik Armstead, who was selected No. 17 overall last year by the San Francisco 49ers. But Buckner's athleticism and motor should put him in position to be a top 10 pick.
3. Shaq Lawson, Clemson
The only questions about Lawson entering the NFL scouting combine focused on his athleticism. An ultra-productive career at Clemson showed that Lawson could make plays on the field. But a 40-yard dash time of 4.7 seconds (fourth-best among DEs) and a broad jump of 120 inches (tied for fifth-best among the position) put all those concerns to bed. Lawson played at multiple spots along Clemson’s defense, which should appeal to both 3-4 and 4-3 squads. He’s thick, powerful and sheds blockers with excellent use of his hands.
4. Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky
He may be the most athletic defensive end in the entire draft, but there are serious questions about Spence after he copped up to two failed drug tests while at Ohio State, both for ecstasy. He spent time in rehab, was permanently banned from the Big Ten and transferred to Eastern Kentucky. With the Colonels, Spence recorded 22.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. His broad jump at the NFL scouting combine of 121 inches tied for third best among all DEs. He has all the physical tools franchises want in an edge rusher, but can he be trusted off the field?
5. Kevin Dodd, Clemson
Dodd may very well end up being the top defensive lineman of this class, but with only one year as a starter for the Tigers, it may be some time before he can become a consistent NFL pass rusher off the edge. The good news for Dodd is that once he entered the starting lineup – opposite Lawson – he put up monster numbers. But he was saving the best for last. In the National Championship Game against Alabama, Dodd tallied five tackles for loss and three sacks. The performance sent his draft stock soaring. A hamstring injury suffered in the 40-yard dash, however, is worth monitoring.
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