2018 NFL Draft – Defensive End

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – DE:

You are currently viewing the 175 best defensive ends in the 2018 NFL Draft. Our top defensive end prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best edge rushers in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft sleepers, draft stars, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2018 defensive end prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 26, 2018)

2018:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Bradley Chubb was the best player on one of the best defensive lines in the nation this past season. He has prototypical size for a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker, incredible athleticism for his size, and a nose for making big plays. Chubb also comes from a football family, and has a high IQ. Best of all, Bradley Chubb is ALL effort, never quitting on plays and playing sideline to sideline even from his d-line spot. There aren’t many players who can near his production against the pass. He also holds the edge well and blows up running plays.

2017 Stats

12 games played, 72 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 2 passes defended.

Marcus Davenport is a phenomenal athlete who shows flashes of stardom. At 6’6" 264 pounds, he has a great frame to play 4-3 defensive end, and is expected to put on more healthy weight. He played as a stand up edge rusher in college, and will need to improve technique to play 4-3. He has great acceleration to get around the edge, and has the stop-and-start ability of an offensive player. Davenport finally started producing his final season by improving his speed rush. While he wasn’t very consistent, he had a good senior bowl and showed he can get it done against tough competition.

2017 Stats

11 games played, 55 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 4 passes defended.

Rasheem Green is plenty big for the defensive end position, measuring 6’4", 275 pounds. He is a smooth athlete who moves his feet really well, allowing him to draw penalties by getting offensive linemen out of position. He’s got a powerful punch but doesn’t display consistent power, often having a poor base. Green played DT at USC and will want to shift outside at the next level. He has great initial quickness that helps him disrupt plays, but consistency will be the key for Green. He had 10 sacks this past season, as guards couldn’t handle his bull rush when his technique was proper.

2017 Stats

14 games played, 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 4 passes defended.

Hubbard is a smart, hard-working defensive end that excels at diagnosing plays and does a lot of the little things right. He was a safety in high school who grew and added 70 pounds of muscle to transition to defensive end, and has continued to refine his body in an ideal NFL size at 6’6" 270 pounds. Hubbard always plays with the right pad level, sinks his hips well, and in general has great form to help maximize his quickness and power. This is necessary for Hubbard because he lacks top end speed and quickness when mirroring offensive players. His athleticism isn’t awful for his size, however, and his form helps make up for it.

2017 Stats

13 games played, 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks.

Josh Sweat is a former five star recruit who made an immediate impact his freshman season at Florida State. He is a smooth athlete who bends well and has incredible closing speed to stop outside runs. His 4.53 speed and 39.5" vertical were the best at the position, and allow him to excel as a linebacker if asked to play there. Sweat has the frame to add a little more weight, and his long arms help him bat passes down. He wraps up runners very well and rarely misses tackles due to his mirroring ability and closing speed. He will need to improve his get off, and get a more consistent motor to take full advantage of his potential.

2017 Stats

12 games played, 56 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 4 passes defended.

Complete draft rankings for 2018 – Defensive End

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2018:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |