2010 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

There are plenty of athletic, versatile pass rushers in this year's draft, but with so many team's switching their defensive philosophies (most notably Green Bay last year), it's important to note where each "defensive end" ranks in his appropriate category.

Read on for the top 10 defensive ends in the 2010 NFL Draft:

Note: Both Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy would probably head the 3-4 rankings if they were to play the position at the next level, but since it is widely assumed that both will play inside, they were left off the list.

Top Five 3-4 DE Prospects

1. Jared Odrick (Penn State)

Odrick has excellent size and bulk to succeed at the next level. He possesses the versatility to work on the inside, or be an effective pass rusher and run-stopper on the outside.

He has solid athleticism, along with great strength and elite versatility.

His work ethic, consistency, and slightly questionable character are concerns that might result in him not being the first 3-4 defensive end off the board. However, solely from a talent perspective, few 3-4 ends can compare with his range and skills.

2. Lamarr Houston (Texas)

There isn't much not to like about Houston, given that he has the same enticing versatility as Odrick, matching his athleticism and motor.

Houston has excellent strength and the ability to blow-up offensive linemen at the point of attack, taking great angles and using proper leverage.

His main knock is that he may be relying too much on his brute strength, passing over fundamental issues that he needs work on. He's also much smaller than Odrick, but is one of the more determined and competitive players in the entire draft.

3. Carlos Dunlap (Florida)

Some scouts suggest Dunlap could be used inside, but he is strictly an outside pass rusher, and most likely doesn't have the size to be an elite inside defender.

He does have the size and strength to be effective in either the 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme, possessing fantastic athleticism and ideal pass-rushing ability.

However, as great a prospect as Dunlap is, his character and decision-making are a slight concern, notably due to a DUI he received back in December.

4. Corey Wootton (Northwestern)

Wooton is exactly the type of defensive end NFL teams look for when building their 3-4 lines, possessing elite size, strength, and length.

He doesn't appear to have elite run-stopping ability quite yet, but there's no questioning his ability to terrorize opposing tackles to get to the quarterback. He's not bad against the run, but his expertise is using his quickness and athleticism to break through the line to get to the quarterback.

He'll need to improve his run defense to see major field time in his rookie season, but his potential is simply too great to let him slip past the third round.

5. Alex Carrington (Arkansas State)

Carrington was severely under-hyped until a few weeks ago after having a sensational Senior Bowl week and game.

He lacks ideal quickness and overall athleticism, but has outstanding size and strength that makes him an ideal fit for a 3-4 scheme. While he doesn't have the explosiveness you look for in an NFL defensive end, he is fundamentally sound with good pass-rushing mechanics, and should be fairly effective in doing so at the next level.

Honorable Mention: Mike Neal, Arthur Jones, C.J. Wilson


Top Five 4-3 DE Prospects

1. Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)

Without a doubt the top 4-3 defensive end prospect, Morgan has the perfect blend of size and athleticism for the next level.

Outmatched by Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga in his final game at Georgie Tech doesn't help his cause, but like Morgan, Bulaga is expected to be a first round pick as well.

Morgan is an elite pass-rusher (11.5 sacks in 2009) with all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level. It would be an absolute shock to see him fall out of the first round.

2. Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida)

Pierre-Paul has all the size and ability in the world to make an impact at the next level. For lack of a better word, he is an absolute freak, athletically speaking.

On the other hand, he lacks experience and his fundamentals are beyond raw. In addition, his sack totals (6.5) aren't much to brag about and they came with having great help on the other side of the line.

For the moment, Pierre-Paul may be more hype than substance, but his ability and potential still keep him very high in these rankings. His combine workouts will likely secure his position on the list.

3. Carlos Dunlap (Florida)

See above in 3-4 rankings.

4. Everson Griffin (USC)

Griffin has excellent size and strength, and is very explosive, especially considering his weight. He put on some extra weight in the past year, and although initially an issue, it doesn't look like it has negatively affected him.

Griffin is a perfect example of a player with an immense amount of talent that simply hasn't meant expectations. It's doubtful he'll ever reach the high ceiling that scouts have laid out for him, but it's also unlikely that he ends up being a failure at the next level.

He would be a catch for any team that gets him in the first two rounds.

5. Greg Hardy (Ole Miss)

Hardy has great size and strength for the 4-3 scheme, but probably doesn't have the overall athleticism or quickness to be an elite OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

Hardy performed very well in 2009 despite playing just eight games, tallying 8.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He shows a good burst and an excellent ability to penetrate the line to get to the quarterback.

Hardy has fallen after a disappointing, yet arguably productive 2009 campaign. He's drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers, but simply hasn't been able to live up to the hype.

He has the potential to explode after a subpar year. Needless to say, Hardy is a fairly underrated prospect, and could be a gem in the second or third rounds.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Graham, Corey Wootton, Brandon Lang

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