lamberts-lost-tooth
02-09-2008, 01:04 PM
2008 NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings
Rivals.com
This was already a good class of senior defensive ends, but the group improved significantly when several underclassmen declared for the draft in the postseason.
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POSITION GRADE B+
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This experienced and proven group of prospects should produce several early selections on draft day.
The leader of the group is Chris Long, who grades out as a top-five pick.
Several key juniors like Calais Campbell, Vernon Gholston, Derrick Harvey and Phillip Merling make this a very good class.
Defensive End Rankings
1. Chris Long, 6-4, 285, Virginia
A relentless defender, Long - the son of Hall of Fame player Howie Long - recently completed a dominant career for the Cavaliers.
2. * Calais Campbell, 6-7, 280, Miami
This huge defensive end has the athletic package to become an elite NFL player if he continues to develop.
3. * Vernon Gholston, 6-4, 260, Ohio St.
This athletic end is a force on the outside, where he has played both up and down in his short college career.
4. * Derrick Harvey, 6-4, 250, Florida
Harvey is an explosive edge pass rusher. He has the burst to make game-changing plays from the outside.
5. Quentin Groves, 6-4, 255, Auburn
This athletic outside pass rusher struggled with injuries in 2007 after a strong junior season. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine.
6. Lawrence Jackson, 6-4, 260, USC
This athletic defender had a strong finish to his career with the Trojans. His impressive play continued at the Senior Bowl, and he elevated his ranking.
7. * Phillip Merling, 6-5, 270, Clemson
This early entrant has been a force in the ACC over the past three seasons. He improves a good class of edge pass rushers.
8. Cliff Avril, 6-3, 250, Purdue
Avril is an athletic 'tweener type. If he has a strong Pro Day and/or Combine performance, he could move further up the charts.
9. Jason Jones, 6-5, 270, Eastern Michigan
Jones is an intriguing prospect who showcased his fine talent at the Senior Bowl. His performances during the week left a strong impression with NFL scouts.
10. Chris Ellis, 6-4, 260, Virginia Tech
Ellis is a quick edge rusher who has shown the necessary burst from the outside to get to the passer and make sacks.
11. Kendal Langford, 6-5, 275, Hampton
This small-college standout is a fine athlete who has shown the ability to stack against the run. He also is big and powerful enough to push the pocket.
12. * Johnny Dingle, 6-2, 265, West Virginia
Dingle is an agile junior who decided to leave the Mountaineers early. He is a strong prospect who plays the run and pass equally well.
13. Jeremy Thompson, 6-4, 265, Wake Forest
14. Kenny Iwebema, 6-4, 265, Iowa
15. Darrell Robertson, 6-4, 245, Georgia Tech
16. Ervin Baldwin, 6-2, 270, Michigan St.
17. Chase Ortiz, 6-1, 260, TCU
18. Chris Harrington, 6-5, 270, Texas A&M
19. Bryan Mattison, 6-3, 270, Iowa
20. Rob Jackson, 6-3, 255, Kansas St.
Rivals.com
This was already a good class of senior defensive ends, but the group improved significantly when several underclassmen declared for the draft in the postseason.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POSITION GRADE B+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This experienced and proven group of prospects should produce several early selections on draft day.
The leader of the group is Chris Long, who grades out as a top-five pick.
Several key juniors like Calais Campbell, Vernon Gholston, Derrick Harvey and Phillip Merling make this a very good class.
Defensive End Rankings
1. Chris Long, 6-4, 285, Virginia
A relentless defender, Long - the son of Hall of Fame player Howie Long - recently completed a dominant career for the Cavaliers.
2. * Calais Campbell, 6-7, 280, Miami
This huge defensive end has the athletic package to become an elite NFL player if he continues to develop.
3. * Vernon Gholston, 6-4, 260, Ohio St.
This athletic end is a force on the outside, where he has played both up and down in his short college career.
4. * Derrick Harvey, 6-4, 250, Florida
Harvey is an explosive edge pass rusher. He has the burst to make game-changing plays from the outside.
5. Quentin Groves, 6-4, 255, Auburn
This athletic outside pass rusher struggled with injuries in 2007 after a strong junior season. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine.
6. Lawrence Jackson, 6-4, 260, USC
This athletic defender had a strong finish to his career with the Trojans. His impressive play continued at the Senior Bowl, and he elevated his ranking.
7. * Phillip Merling, 6-5, 270, Clemson
This early entrant has been a force in the ACC over the past three seasons. He improves a good class of edge pass rushers.
8. Cliff Avril, 6-3, 250, Purdue
Avril is an athletic 'tweener type. If he has a strong Pro Day and/or Combine performance, he could move further up the charts.
9. Jason Jones, 6-5, 270, Eastern Michigan
Jones is an intriguing prospect who showcased his fine talent at the Senior Bowl. His performances during the week left a strong impression with NFL scouts.
10. Chris Ellis, 6-4, 260, Virginia Tech
Ellis is a quick edge rusher who has shown the necessary burst from the outside to get to the passer and make sacks.
11. Kendal Langford, 6-5, 275, Hampton
This small-college standout is a fine athlete who has shown the ability to stack against the run. He also is big and powerful enough to push the pocket.
12. * Johnny Dingle, 6-2, 265, West Virginia
Dingle is an agile junior who decided to leave the Mountaineers early. He is a strong prospect who plays the run and pass equally well.
13. Jeremy Thompson, 6-4, 265, Wake Forest
14. Kenny Iwebema, 6-4, 265, Iowa
15. Darrell Robertson, 6-4, 245, Georgia Tech
16. Ervin Baldwin, 6-2, 270, Michigan St.
17. Chase Ortiz, 6-1, 260, TCU
18. Chris Harrington, 6-5, 270, Texas A&M
19. Bryan Mattison, 6-3, 270, Iowa
20. Rob Jackson, 6-3, 255, Kansas St.