2009 NFL Draft/Post-Combine - Defensive Ends

Where do the top defensive end prospects rank as the Combine finishes up? Along with the positives and the negatives for each top prospect, here's the initial ranking for the 2009 NFL Draft defensive end class.

2009 NFL Draft

Post-Workout Rankings

The Top Defensive End Prospects

By Pete Fiutak 

- 2009 NFL Combine Numbers
Quarterbacks | Running Backs & Fullbacks | Receivers
Tight Ends | Centers & Guards | Off. Tackles
Def. Ends | Def. Tackles | Inside LBs | Outside LBs
new  Cornerbacks | Safeties

- new  2009 NFL Draft Post-Workout Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Fullbacks | Receivers | Tight Ends
Centers | Guards | Off. Tackles | Def. Ends | Def. Tackles
Inside LBs | Outside LBs | Cornerbacks | Safeties

Full Player Breakdowns & Analysis To Come In March

- 2008 CFN Draft Central
2008 NFL Draft Breakdown and Analysis
1st Round | 2nd Round | 3rd Round | 4th Round | 5th Round | 6th Rd | 7th Rd

1. Brian Orakpo, Texas  6-3, 263
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 1
Post-Combine Skinny: The Combine was a microcosm of everything Orakpo is, for good and bad. He was a terror at times running a 4.7, benching 225 pounds 31 times, and leaping over 39 inches, but he hurt his hamstring raising even more questions about his durability.
Positives: Freakish combination of size and speed … Tremendous athlete. Unstoppable pass rusher with a variety of moves … Great burst. The offenses knew what was coming and still couldn’t stop him.
Negatives: Durability concerns … Questions about motor. Great when it’s on. … Good run stopper, but he’s a pass rusher.

2. Aaron Maybin, Penn State  6-5, 249
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 2
Post-Combine Skinny: He was even more rangy then expected, measuring taller than originally listed. While his straight-line speed was fine, running a 4.88, he lit it up in the cone and shuttle drills. The explosion came through in the vertical (38") and broad jump (10'4"), but the 22 benches was a bit of a concern.
Positives: Phenomenal athleticism … Can be used in a variety of ways on the outside. Tremendous quickness … Can cut on a dime.
Negatives: Not all that big. At 245 pounds, he might be an outside linebacker … Needs to prove he can handle himself against power running teams … Needs a few more pass rush moves.

3. Everette Brown, Florida State  6-2, 256
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 3
Post-Combine Skinny: A bit of a disappointment when he was measured smaller than expected, he made up for it with a good workout with solid numbers all across the board. He was every bit as quick and athletic as advertised, and the 26 lifts on the bench didn't hurt.
Positives: Explosive burst off the line … A tremendous pass rusher when he gets on a roll … Tremendous athlete. Way too quick for most tackles.
Negatives: Will have problems shedding blockers at the next level … Needs more moves. Has gotten by on sheer athleticism …. This is it. He’s not going to get any bigger.

4. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech  6-7, 266
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 6
Post-Combine Skinny: Everyone was expected to see a major-league workout from one of the best all-around combinations of skills in the draft, and he didn't disappoint with 28 reps, a fantastic 4.75 in the 40, a tremendous 10-8 on the broad jump, and quickness and athleticism throughout.
Positives: Has top-five overall skill set … Dream combination of size, athleticism, quickness, speed, and strength. He has it all … When the light is turned on, he’s an unstoppable difference maker.
Negatives: Stunningly mediocre against the run for a player of his size … Huge questions about his desire to be elite. Will he pay the price? … If he wants to dedicate himself to being a killer, he might be the best player in the draft. Few scouts believe he’ll put it all together.

5. Paul Kruger, Utah  6-3, 263
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 5
Post-Combine Skinny: He was fine, but hardly special. It would've been nice if he showed off a bit more athleticism and quickness, and the 40 (4.86) and bench (24) were decent. No, he didn't do anything to hurt himself, but it would've been nice to have seen a bit more.
Positives: Excellent producer at a high level … Always working. Great at getting into the backfield on want-to, and not just athleticism … Good against the run. Holds up well.
Negatives: Not explosive off the line. Takes a step or two to get going (but is fast when he gets moving) … A bit lanky. Could stand to get a bit bigger … Needs a little work on technique.

6. Tyson Jackson, LSU  6-4, 296
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 7
Post-Combine Skinny: It would've been nice if he was able to show off his strength, but he didn't lift. He ran well, coming in at under 5.0, and he measured to be every bit as big as expected. However, the average jump of 28.5" showed a lack of explosion and pop in his legs.
Positives: Tremendous size and strength. Can play inside or out, and probably would fit best in a 3-4 … Good against the run … Ramped up the intensity level last year, and it showed.
Negatives: Not a pass rusher and won’t put up flashy numbers … Was considered an underachiever at times in his career … Not explosive.

7. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati 6-4, 256
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 15 (as an outside linebacker)
Post-Combine Skinny: More questions came up about his possible position. Whatever he's going to be, he was impressive in his quickness and athleticism. He'll either be an explosive and speedy defensive end, running a good 4.66 in the 40 and blowing through the short drills better than any other defensive lineman, or he'll be a strong linebacker.
Positives: Athletic, former basketball player and tight end who moved to defensive end … Tremendous pass rusher. Surprisingly polished … Always working. Always moving.
Negatives: He needs a position. Not an NFL defensive end, and not quite athletic enough to be a star at linebacker unless he’s in the right spot … Needs more work. Only played defense for one year.

8. Robert Ayers, Tennessee   6-3, 272
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 4
Post-Combine Skinny: Ayers had a chance to make a major splash, but he went the other way with a pathetic (for his size) 17 presses on the bench. He showed good speed in the 40 (4.8) and he he was athletic, but the lack of raw strength was galling.
Positives: Playmaker in the backfield … Good combination of size and quickness … Can play in any defensive style.
Negatives: A good pass rusher, but not an elite one … Not necessarily a creative pass rusher … Has to keep the intensity rolling all the time.

9. David Veikune, Hawaii  6-2, 257
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 14
Post-Combine Skinny: He was a bit shorter than expected. That was the only knock for one of the high-risers on defense. His 4.87 40 was good enough, and his quickness and athleticism stood out in the short drills, but the real eye-popper was the bench ... 35 lifts.
Positives: Fast. Quick. Always around the ball … Could be a superior pass rusher if he has someone else of note on the other side … Productive
Negatives: An outside linebacker. He’ll likely have to be an end in a 4-3, otherwise he’s a 3-4 linebacker … Not big and doesn’t have room to get much bigger.

10. Pannel Egboh, Stanford  6-6, 276
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 16
Post-Combine Skinny: Was even bigger than expected but moved like a much smaller lineman. He shockingly moved through the short drills without a problem and ran a good 4.9. The broad jump of 9-6 was also excellent. He really helped himself.
Positives: Great when he gets on the move … A fast closer. With a little tweaking, he could be an unstoppable pass rusher … Long. Tall and big.
Negatives: Not flashy out of the box. Little explosion … Still needs work. Not refined … Plays too tall. Has to learn to do more to get down and get under pads.

11. Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin  6-5, 266
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 15
Post-Combine Skinny: It was a good weekend for the oft-injured Badger. He showed the quickness of a smaller player and ran a 4.88. The 24 bench presses were fine. Basically, he proved he can be a regular contributor, but he's not going to be a star.
Positives: A great combination of quickness and strength … Able to play just about anywhere on the line. Plays bigger than his size … Good worker.
Negatives: Has to get stronger and bigger, but might not be able to bulk up too much more without losing his quickness … Injury issues. Tore his ACL and broke his leg … Not fluid. Not a natural pass rusher.

12. Brandon Williams, Texas Tech  6-2, 261
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 10
Post-Combine Skinny: Faster on the field than in the workouts, but the 4,92 was good enough. He didn't lift, so he didn't show off his strength, but he was among the quickest and smoothest linemen in the drills.
Positives: Fast. Once he gets moving, he’s unstoppable … Is always around the ball. Has a linebacker instinct for getting to the play … Good array of moves.
Negatives: Not big. Not strong enough to hold up against the run … Might have to grow into an outside linebacker depending on the scheme … When tackles lock on to him, it’s over.

13. Michael Bennett, Texas A&M   6-2, 274
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 11
Post-Combine Skinny: With his size, he needed to show he had the athleticism go along with it. He did. While he wasn't all that great in the drills, he was under 5.0 in the 40 and he shook a little of the lack of strength rep with 24 lifts.
Positives: Excellent athlete for his size … Looks the part. Has the prototype size and quickness … Moves well. Could grow into a great pass rusher.
Negatives: No motor. Needs to have a coach or three light into him … Doesn’t play up to his talent … Needs to get stronger.

14. Mitch King, Iowa (DT)  6-1, 280
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 9
Post-Combine Skinny: Expected to be a tweener, he did nothing to dispel the notion. Too small to be a regular tackle, he might only be a 3-4 end. The 4.89 in the 40 and the quickness helped, but the 23 reps were a bit light.
Positives: Ultra-productive inside playmaker who was around every play … Nasty. Plays with a big-time attitude … Uses his leverage well. Lack of height has been an advantage so far.
Negatives: A tweener. Not fast enough to play end and not strong enough, or big enough, to be an NFL tackle … Might need the right team to be productive … Not a closer. He doesn’t get to the quarterback.

15. Will Davis, Illinois  6-2, 261
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 12
Post-Combine Skinny: Illinois players always seem to work out well. Davis came through with a good combination of speed and athleticism running a 4.88 to go along with 27 bench presses. He still might be a bit of a tweener, but he's not quick enough to be a linebacker.
Positives: Great athlete … Former wide receiver who’s still growing into his potential … Can be a dangerous situational pass rusher.
Negatives: Needs a lot of polish … He’s not a run stopper yet. He needs to keep bulking up … Needs to be consistent.

16. Kyle Moore, USC  6-5, 272
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 13
Post-Combine Skinny: A slight disappointment. He was big and wasn't stiff, but he didn't do anything special. He needs to get stronger and he has to show more explosion in short range.
Positives: One of the stronger ends … Good athleticism. Good on the move … Has all the tools. He could blossom in the right system and the right coach.
Negatives: Needs to have a fire lit under him … Underachieved. Was fine, but wasn’t special … Too soft. Will get shoved around too often.

17. Derek Walker, Illinois  6-4, 268
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 17
Post-Combine Skinny: Known for being a strong defender, the 24 reps was a bit underwhelming. However, he was extremely quick and moved in the shuttle and cone drills with ease. He helped himself and now should flirt with the third round.
Positives: Works hard. Doesn’t just rely on his size … Very strong and very physical against the run … A good football player. He wants to be good. Always working.
Negatives: Not a natural pass rusher. Might have to be in a 3-4 … Would be better as a small tackle than a true end … Decent in all areas. Not elite in any one way.

18. Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond  6-2, 266
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 23
Post-Combine Skinny: He needed to come up with a great Combine to make up for the lack of D-I experience issue. With 28 reps, a 4.64 40, and explosion and quickness in the short drills, he proved he's a prospect worthy of developing. He did everything he needed to do to be on the radar.
Positives: Good pass rusher … Long, athletic body with room to grow … Hits like a ton of bricks.
Negatives: Has to prove he can do it against top shelf competition … Needs to get bigger and stronger … Has relied on athleticism so far.

19. Phillip Hunt, Houston  6-1, 260
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 19
Post-Combine Skinny: Wasn't At The Combine
Positives: An elite pass rusher … Major-league disruptive force … Plays better than his size.
Negatives: Short. Doesn’t look the part … Held his own in the post-season circuit, but might have to be a linebacker to make a roster … Needs the right fit and won’t hold up against the run.

20. Tim Jamison, Michigan  6-2, 256
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 18
Post-Combine Skinny: The workout didn't help him. He was smaller than just about everyone else and didn't show the athleticism of some of the bigger guys. The 21 reps weren't good and the 5.03 40 was even worse. He doesn't have a position.
Positives: Frame to get stronger. Has the body … Big hitter who packs a punch … Could be a strong NFL run stopper in any defensive scheme.
Negatives: Not a pure pass rusher by NFL standards … Not consistent. Can get erased for stretches by better OTs … Doesn’t have a lot of moves, even though he’s quick.

21. Stryker Sulak, Missouri  6-5, 251
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 20
Post-Combine Skinny: He beefed up a bit getting to over 250, and now he doesn't appear to be as rangy. The 4.77 was excellent and he was tremendously quick in the cone and shuttle drills. However, if he wants to be a regular end, he has to get stronger.
Positives: Great pass rusher …. Quick off the ball. Can drop into pass coverage well … Always working. Always moving.
Negatives: Way too lanky. Not built like an end … Not quite athletic enough to be a regular linebacker … Will likely have to be a specialist.

22. Nick Reed, Oregon  6-2, 250
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 21
Post-Combine Skinny: Wasn't At The Combine
Positives: Big-time pass rusher … Always working. Great motor … Ultra-productive against everyone in the Pac 10.
Negatives: Too small … Not quite fast enough to play linebacker, too small to play end … A specialist. Will need to find the right fit.

23. Ian Campbell, Kansas State  6-4, 265
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 22
Post-Combine Skinny: He struggled at KSU when moved to linebacker, but he showed the athleticism to potentially move outside at the next level. He blew through the drills with as much athleticism and quickness as most linebackers, much less the ends. He'll have come up with one more big workout, especially in the weight room, to be assured of an early second day pick.
Positives: Tremendous pass rusher if in the right scheme … Always moving. Tries to make every play … Strong tackler.
Negatives: Never improved after breakout sophomore season …Didn’t produce in space when moved to linebacker … Not strong enough.

24. Rulon Davis, California  6-5, 281
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 24
Post-Combine Skinny: A 3-4 end, he was a major disappointment in the weight room with just 20 presses on the bench. With his size, he wasn't strong enough to make up for his average quickness in the short drills. In other words, he didn't come through like he needed to.
Positives: Very big and very athletic … Former Marine who goes 100% all the time … Tough as nails.
Negatives: While he’ll fight through injuries, he’s always hurt … Major medical issues … Old. Served in Iraq before going the JUCO route.

25. Maurice Evans, Penn State  6-1, 274
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 8
Post-Combine Skinny: A flat-out disaster. He needed to impress with his numbers, and didn't. The 17 reps on the bench were horrendous, while the 5.03 40 wasn't good for a supposed pass rusher. He wasn't quick enough and wasn't athletic enough, and now, an end considered to be a possible first rounder at the end of last year might not get drafted until late.
Positives: Elite pass rusher … Quick out of the box. Has the potential to make one big game-changing play per game … Strong. Really strong.
Negatives: Knocked down on everyone’s draft list after off-the-field issues regarding pot possession … Needs a little technique work. Not necessarily going to dominate from day one … Not tall. A bit squatty for a pass rusher.