A Look At The Top Defensive Linemen

DEFENSIVE ENDS RANKINGS

1. Will Anderson, Alabama

6-4, 253

The lowdown: Nicknamed “The Terminator” and played like one during his time at Alabama. In three seasons, he had 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss. … Best year was his sophomore season in 2021, when Anderson had 34.5 TFLs, 17.5 sacks and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. … Two-time winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defender. … Was SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022. … Well-built player with long arms (33 7/8). … Terrific burst when ball is snapped allows him attack the corner. … Impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.60 seconds. … Outstanding athlete who can run down ball carriers or chase down quarterbacks when plays are extended. … Must do a better job of keeping motor cranked up.

Anderson says: “Being at Alabama made me very versatile. Dropping in coverage. All that type of stuff. Helping me work, pass rush moves and run. So when I dissect myself, I see myself as a versatile player who can do just about anything. But that’s thanks to Coach (Nick) Saban you know. He trusted me a lot. He’s seen a lot in me. The potential. It helped me mold the player I am today so when I look back at myself I feel like Alabama made me a very versatile player.”

Projection: Top five selection

2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

6-6, 271

The lowdown: Height and arm length (35 5/8) are what NFL teams dream of. … Foot injury that required surgery in November ended his 2022 season prematurely. … Didn’t work out or run for teams this offseason due to the foot injury. … Began career at Texas A&M, transferred to Tech in 2020, and after one season in a reserve role, had 14 sacks over the past two seasons. … Could become a nightmare for foes if he grows into his frame. … Capable of controlling tight ends and wrecking run games. … Lacks explosion getting off the line of scrimmage.

Wilson, on his message to teams: “I’m a great worker and I’m passionate about football and that I’ll take the organization to another level. At the end of the day the eye in the sky don’t lie. They can turn on the tape and tell I’m passionate about football. Get the ballcarrier down even when it’s not my play and they can tell in my tone that I’m passionate about this game.”

3. Myles Murphy, Clemson

6-5, 268

The lowdown: Instant impact player at Clemson who finished his three-year career with 37 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. … Solid motor and good quickness out of the chute. … Lacks counter moves if he doesn’t get home initially. … Height and long arms (33 3/4) are ideal. … Agility in tight quarters is average, at best.

Murphy, on what sets him apart: “The biggest thing is versatility. I have film of playing from the 3 all the way out to a wide 9, 2-point, 3-point. Dominating in every gap, honestly. Great off the ball, great speed off the ball. Great point of attack. Being 275 pounds I have the strength to go with it.”

Projection: First round

4. Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

6-5, 272

The lowdown: Left Iowa after his redshirt sophomore season and his best football is in front of him. … Never started a game for the Hawkeyes, but earned second-team all-Big Ten honors in 2022 after posting 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. … Well-developed player nicknamed “Hercules” by his teammates, but still has room to grow into his frame. … Power player with long arms (34”) who can push the pocket. … Ineffective interior rusher who will begin career outside. … Splash player who lacks consistency.

Van Ness says: “I have the ability to play all over the defensive line. As you know, last year I played defensive tackle. And then this year, I played a little bit more defensive end, but I believe I bring everything in terms to the table in terms of in terms of playing the run and playing the pass. And I I’ll play wherever a coach needs me to play.”

Projection: First round

5. Laiatu Latu, UCLA

6-4, 265

The lowdown: Transferred to UCLA after three years at Washington. … Had 10.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries and seven tackles for loss during his one season with the Bruins. … Was forced to medically retire after his freshman year due to a neck injury, but was able to return in 2022. … Above average athlete who played outside linebacker at UCLA. … Relentless motor and has a knack for finishing at the quarterback. … Somewhat of a tweener who must prove he can beat tackles around the edge and anchor in the run game. … Injury history could scare some teams away.

Latu says: “I believe my biggest knock is my strength. I didn’t feel like I played as well as a I can this year, so I’ve got to prove I come to work. That I’ll work hard every day.”

Projection: Second round

BEST OF THE REST

6. Andre Carter, Army, 6-7, 256; 7. Zach Harrison, Ohio State, 6-6, 274; 8. Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma, 6-2, 291; 9. Keion White, Georgia Tech, 6-5, 285; 10. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame, 6-5, 264.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE RANKINGS

1. Jalen Carter, Georgia

6-3, 314

The lowdown: Highly productive player for two-time defending national champs has had a dreadful offseason. … Arrested March 1 on reckless driving and racing charges. Entered no contest pleas and was sentenced to serve 12 months of probation, pay a $1,000 fine, perform 80 hours of community service and complete a state-approved defensive driving course. … Arrest came during the NFL Combine and Cater didn’t workout for teams. … He then showed up 10 pounds heavy to his pro day workout and couldn’t finish many of the drills. … Dominant college player, though, who most expect to remain in the top-10 of the draft. … Possesses outstanding first-step quickness and plays with violent hands. … Three down player who can blow up the run early and get to quarterbacks on passing downs. … Ran out of gas in College Football Playoff semifinals against Ohio State. … Maturity is a major issue and a gamble for whoever selects him.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper says: “You’ve got to keep in mind. Pro days are pro days. That’s not playing football. All that stuff is away from the football field. On the football field, Jalen Carter was phenomenal and Jalen Carter came back from an ankle and a knee in September to finish out the year to help this team win a national title. So, when you look at on the field, he’s the best player. As a football player, he’s the best player in this draft.

“I think teams from five where Seattle picks down to 10 where Philadelphia picks and everyone in between there from 5-10 there could use a Jalen Carter. That’s why I don’t think he’ll fall very far.”

Projection: Top-10 selection

2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson

6-6, 298

The lowdown: Solid run defender with the ability to disrupt the pocket. … Nation’s top recruit in 2020 had productive career with the Tigers, despite missing most of the 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. … Also underwent shoulder surgery in Jan., 2022. … Holds up well against double teams. … Outstanding instincts and uses his hands extremely well. … Injury history will be a concern for many teams.

Breese says: “I lean on my athletic ability and, you know, playing out on the edge as a 300-pound guy. That definitely helps, but then also playing inside I’m 6-5, 300 pounds so I’m able to kind of, you know, play the run game inside but also rush the pass from the outside.”

Projection: First round

3. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

6-1, 281

The lowdown: Highly productive player had 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss in the last two years. … Was named ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, as well as a finalist for the Nagurski and Outland Trophies after posting 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. … Undersized player, who is explosive and plays with great determination. … First step quickness allows him to blow up several plays in the backfield. … Has terrific finishing kick when pursuing quarterbacks. … Bigger guards can latch onto him if he doesn’t win on the snap of the ball.

Cancey says: “Playing defensive tackle, you’ve got to play with great pad level. No defensive linemen plays at 6’7”. I mean you’ve got to bend at the point of attack, you’ve got to play with good footwork and pad level or you’re going to get moved around.”

Projection: First or second round

4. Mazi Smith, Michigan

6-3, 323

The lowdown: Rare blend of size, quickness and strength. … Did 34 bench press reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Combine. … Arrested for possessing a concealed weapon without a valid license to carry one last October. Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to probation. … Terrific power and outstanding short area quickness. … His tank has run out of gas, meaning he’s not likely to play on many passing downs at the next level. … Struggled to anchor against double teams.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper on Smith: “Smith is the best run-stopping tackle in this class. At 6-foot-3, 323 pounds, he is so strong at the point of attack. He’ll never rack up sacks, but he can eat up blockers in the run game.”

Projection: Second round

5. Siaki Ika, Baylor

6-3, 345

The lowdown: Interior force who was made to anchor in the run game. … Has terrific initial punch and can drive right through opponents. … Quick enough off the snap to disrupt plays if he’s single blocked. … Lacks change of direction quickness. … Technique against double teams needs work.

Ika says: “I like bringing energy. I like when energy’s around me. I just like good energy. That’s how I am.”

Projection: Second round

BEST OF THE REST

6. Karl Brooks, Bowling Green, 6-4, 300; 7. Moro Ojomo, Texas, 6-3, 292; 8. Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern, 6-2, 282; 9. Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin, 6-4, 309; 10. Gervon Dexter, Florida, 6-6, 310.