Top 5 Defensive Ends of the 2016 NFL Draft!
1). DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Height: 6-7. Weight: 290. Arm: 34.38.
40 Time: 5.05.
This is a huge surprise at number 1 for most people, interviewed very well, high character kid. Buckner has a serious skill set with size and speed. He can beat blockers with power and has the speed to close on the quarterback. With his flexible size, Buckner can be moved around the line from end to tackle. He would fit as an end/tackle in a 4-3 and a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4. Buckner should be in the running to be the first defensive player selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. Much safer pick than Bosa, comes with no baggage.
2). Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 269. Arm: 33.38.
40 Time: 4.86.
Huge character questions with Bosa, missed the Buckeyes season opener when he refused to take a drug test. Bosa looks like another Ryan Kerrigan for the NFL and the media has totally overhyped him. After missing the 2015 season opener with a suspension, Bosa totaled 51 tackles with 16 for a loss and five sacks for the year. While he didn’t play poorly, he wasn’t as tenacious as he was in 2014, despite seeing single-block pass-rushing opportunities. Bosa looked better as a run defender. He achieved pressure on the quarterback, but wasn’t as prolific in the pass rush compared to his sophomore year. Bosa didn’t play with as much reckless abandon as in past seasons, and he wouldn’t be the first highly rated junior who was restraining his play to protect himself from injury.
3). Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-2. Weight: 269. Arm: 32.75.
40 Time: 4.70.
Lawson will be a great fit in a 4-3 defense, doesn’t really fit 3-4 scheme. Lawson is excellent against the run and solid against the pass.
4). Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-5. Weight: 277.
40 Time: 4.86.
Like Lawson fits a 4-3 defense much better than a 3-4, best fit is as a 4-3 base end.Dodd put an exclamation point on his breakout 2015 season with a tremendous National Championship game against Alabama. He abused the Crimson Tide’s right tackle with speed and power to record three sacks of quarterback Jacob Coker.
5). Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 273. Arm: 35.5.
40 Time: 4.63.
Great size and speed, could be a surprise pick in the high to mid 20’s in the first round. Ogbah was very good during the 2015 season, notching at least one sack in all but two games. He totaled 64 tackles, 17.5 for a loss, three forced fumbles and 13 sacks on the year. Ogbah can beat offensive lineman with strength and speed. He also had strong showings against Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair and Texas Tech’s Le’Raven Clark, two future NFL competitors. NFL scouts question his consistency, but has rare talent.
