7/6/22: Harris has a quality skill set with upside to produce more. By the time he had reached the end of his senior season, Henderson had posted 165 tackles and 20.5 sacks a huge number for an interior defensive lineman in two first-team All-American seasons. It refers to pass rushers who attack the quarterback from one end of the offensive line or the other. All Rights Reserved. JyZndG1fcHJldmlldz0nKydlbnYtMScrJyZndG1fY29va2llc193aW49eCc7 Elite edge rushers are relentless at penetrating backfields and taking down ball carriers. The six-foot-five, 247-pounder also finished 12th in the FBS in sacks per game. With one big sack of the opposing quarterback the momentum of the game can flip. McDonald piled up 13.5 tackles for loss in 12 games and earned first-team All-Big 12. He had a jaw-dropping, three sacks in the win over Texas Tech. 5 Caleb Johnson, Auburn Auburn defensive lineman Caleb Johnson (45) lays out Mississippi State running. Anderson is a true "Alpha Dog" prospect for the NFL. [4] USA TODAY - Josh Keatley 4h. Almost half of his sacks came versus Florida State, but Cox ended the year with 7.5 sacks over the final four games. His best performances of the year came in the Big 12 Championship Game (5 tackles, 2 Sacks) before posting a four-sack performance in the teams 51-45 win over the Michigan Wolverines in the VRBO Fiesta Bowl. As a sophomore, the former four-star from Hawaii finished with PFF's fifth-best pass-rushing grade among all Power Five edge players per PFF. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy Zach Harrison, Ohio State 9. The Florida natives production was off the charts and he finished 2021 with second-team, All-Sun Belt honors. They're the 15 defensive ends and edge rushers in the transfer portal you need to know. The Hawkeyes defensive end was all over the field while showcasing his talent down the stretch. Below is our 3-4 defensive end rankings for the 2021 NFL . The six-foot-three, 254-pounder tied for 15th in the FBS in sacks per game and hes poised for a monster year in the conference in 2021. No. 7/6/22: Fehoko put together an impressive 2021 season for the Spartans, totaling 37 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles. Over the four years Harrison was as solid as any defensive end within the Big Ten while being as consistent year in and year out. The Tigers might not be. From the college perspective, here are the best defensive end and edge rusher prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. White and Strahan were considered the best defensive ends of their generation. Not to mention Harrison left a lasting impression with solid performance in the Rose Bowl. A recent offer from Arizona State and a visit with the Sun Devils went really well for the three-star defensive end from Hutchinson (Kan.) Hutchinson C.C. You are not logged in. They make life easier for the offense by keeping the pressure off the quarterback. Tuipulotu is listed at 6-foot-4, but he might be more like 6-foot-3. Not to mention Mathis racked up nine sacks in 10 games. 5. 2/18/23: Team sources say they were impressed with Anudike-Uzomah. 4. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports By Anthony Treash Transfer Portal 2023 Rankings: Defensive Ends and Edge Rushers. * OSU Career: Harrison, a blue . Incoom has quality size for the next level. Fillinger put up some solid numbers for the reigning Pac-12 Champs in 2021. Evans had two sacks against Kent State, plus he also got to the quarterback against Iowa State, Northwestern, Illinois and Kentucky. He also put the quarterback to the turf in victories over California, Oregon State, Stanford and Arizona State. He generated four solo tackles, including a season-high, three sacks in the victory over Washington State. 7. Joe Evans, Iowa: The former walk-on tied first on the Hawkeyes with seven sacks last season. He tailed off down the stretch and seemed to be protecting himself. On Monday night, Boston College defensive end Kivon Wright announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. Those four sacks tied a single-game school record. He tallied four solo tackles and two sacks apiece against Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Texas. 2/18/23: In 2022, Jackson recorded 41 tackles, six sacks and three passes defended. He's poised for a big senior season and has the frame and burst that pro scouts drool over. A big strong physical defensive end who lacks great length and arm size but makes up for it with his powerful legs and speed. 2/18/23: Ramirez amassed 65 tackles, two forced fumbles, two passes defended and 12 sacks in 2022. Defensive Ends are Athletic Defensive ends need to be very athletic. Another freak athlete, Baldonado pairs with Calijah Kancey to form one of the best defensive line tandems in the country, The Panthers' leading sack artist from 2021, he and Myles Murphy are the clear-cut top-two edge rushers in the ACC. NFL teams, however, say McDonald is terrible versus the run and even bad opponents can destroy him in the ground game. Jeffcoat remained consistent, with a sack in each of Missouris first three games and over the final three at home. The six-foot-four, 230-pounder started off strong with two sacks in the opener against Louisiana. He had five stops and three sacks in the win over Minnesota. Along the way, many defensive linemen have risen to fame in the Jimmy Johnson, Sonny Lubick, Manny Diaz, and Randy Shannon defenses at Miami. The six-foot-five, 250-pounder showed his athleticism when he intercepted a pass in the win over LSU. The six-foot-four, 266-pounder left a lasting impression when he racked up a season-high, nine solo tackles, including two for loss against Army. He racked up two tackles for loss and a sack in the win at Texas. Bryant finished 2020 with second-team All-SEC honors. He has quality size and a skill set to develop. The easiest pick out of every position, Anderson was snubbed from being a Heisman Trophy finalist last year as clearly the top defensive player in the country. Horton uses a stellar spin move to position himself around blockers while also opening his path to the quarterback. The former three-star prospect finished the season with second-team, All-ACC honors for the ACC Champs. Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State: The former three-star prospect is highly underrated because of Temples 1-6 campaign in 2020. He had a mixed week at the Senior Bowl, where he would flash ability but was inconsistent. He has great instincts at locating the ball. 2023 Transfer Portal Rankings Enagbare is one and he has great instincts. 7/6/22: Baldonado broke out in 2021, racking up nine sacks, 41 tackles and one forced fumble. Coleman racked up 15 tackles for loss, which was second-best in the Big 12. College coaches take these stats into consideration when evaluating recruits. 7/7/22: Anderson was the rare freshman to start on Nick Saban's defense, but Anderson proved his special ability with a superb 2020 season. He would be rated higher if he had more size. He then missed the final weeks of the season. If Cox were a little faster and more athletic, he would be a early-rounder - if his character were not a concern. The Rebels star finished the season with a career high seven sacks to go along with five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Known as "The Terminator" by his teammates, Anderson is said to have a serious work ethic with an intensity that he expects his teammates to match. When should you start going to high school football combines? To do this, combines feature a range of events, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press and more, which athletes perform at throughout the day. 7/7/22: In 2021, Smith was a dangerous edge rusher for Georgia. His play disappointed, and he did not make a big impact as a pass rusher. Wooden also earned Freshman All-SEC honors. Size? Joining Murphy on the list of the top defensive ends includes Nick Herbig of the Wisconsin Badgers, Isaiah Foskey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Jared Verse of the Florida State Seminoles. With a full slate of games on Ohio States schedule, expect his production to increase tremendously. Isaiah Thomas, Oklahoma: His name ring bells, just as well as his hits on ball carriers. He generated Anudike-Uzomah had eight solo tackles, including four for loss and four sacks in the victory over TCU, which were all season-highs. He was a solid defender for Clemson, playing better than the numbers illustrate. 10. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH CLEMSON FANS AT TIGERILLUSTRATED.COM. As a true sophomore the former five-star prospect tallied 38 tackles, including 9.5 for loss and three sacks in seven games. 7/6/22: McGuire had a respectable season for the Tigers in 2021, recording 55 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble. In back-to-back weeks in victories over Toledo and Purdue, he had two solo tackles and a sack apiece. Cox recorded 41 tackles, four sacks and two passes broken up in 2020, but he played better than the numbers indicate. Packed with a tremendous amount of lower body strength, flexible hips and a non-stop motor, edge rushers set the tone up front. 7/6/22: Land was a beast in 2021, leading the FCS with 19 sacks and 25.5 tackles for a loss. He has good size with some functional speed and length. Want Custom Fantasy Scoring? Thomas is arguably the most versatile defensive linemen in the league and he excels along the edge and in the interior. 2/18/23: McDonald recorded 36 tackles, five sacks and a pass batted in 2022. The Huskers lose six starters in 2020 but counted 13 of 23 December signees on the defensive side, including four from junior college and six early enrollees. He showed a lot of promise with the Boilermakers, but has yet to reach his ceiling. Now Evans is poised to be Iowas next terror off the edge. Oliver finished the season with second-team, AP All-Big 12 honors. He also had seven stops in the win over Pittsburgh and generated a sack at Georgia Tech. They make life easier for the offense by keeping the pressure off the quarterback. Murphy had a big sophomore season, leading Clemson in both sacks and tackles for loss. Defensive ends are also very aware on the field, so identify your opponent's plays and shut them down. The 2022 NFL draft is almost here, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of needs to address. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5) Dante Stills, West Virginia: The West Virginia native made plays all over the field for the Mountaineers last season. Thibodeaux recorded five solo stops in the win at Washington State. Updated February 8th, 2023 at 2:16 p.m. CST 14. While College Football has always had a ton of scoring and offense it continues to adapt to include more and more passing. Miami's offseason of turnover continues. The former three-star prospect racked up a season-high, five tackles for loss, including four sacks and forced two fumbles in the victory at Georgia Southern. Very tricky thing to do is first weed out guys that are defensive ends in college that will be 3-4 OLB's in college. As a pro, he might be able to add some more weight to be an every-down defensive tackle, or he could potentially fit as a 4-3 defensive tackle and three-technique. Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State: The former three-star prospect led the Pokes in tackles for loss and sacks last season. With 4 years of eligibility left, I will be entering the transfer portal.. 83 draft prospect (third round) and No. After showing flashes as a freshman in 2020, Ojulari showed a lot more consistency as a sophomore last season, finishing the year as the Tigers' best edge rusher. The former three-star prospect also put the quarterback to the turf against Northern Iowa, Iowa, Baylor and TCU. 2/18/23: White put up 54 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 2022. 3. Now that spring ball is in the air, theyll be looking to get faster, stronger and smarter in their pursuit to a successful campaign in 2022. Will McDonald is Stay Alive in Power 5 | 2020 All rights reserved. Desjuan Johnson, Toledo: The Detroit native stockpiled 70 total tackles off the edge, including 12.5 for loss last season. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go Defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall has to replace Myles Murphy and KJ Henry, bu It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Kwami Jones, Fresno State: In just five games last season the San Francisco native tallied six tackles for loss and five sacks. PSJodHRwczovL3NiLnNjb3JlY2FyZHJlc2VhcmNoLmNvbS9wP2MxPTImYzI9 No. Tuipulotu could end up as a first- or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had three solo stops and a sack in the victory over Boston College. Trey Hendrickson Team: Cincinnati Bengals 2021 Stats: 21 Solo, 14 Sacks, 3 FF, 0 INT Coming in at number 10 on the Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends 2021-22 rankings list is the Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. 7/6/22: Wilson did not do much in 2020 and 2019, racking up 22 tackles and three sacks over that time, but he broke out with an impressive 2021 season. They think he could be a 15 sacks-per-year player in the NFL. McCullar, a 6-foot-6 San Antonio native, was also . There usually are two defensive ends, one at either end. 2/18/23: In 2022, Young notched 37 tackles and seven sacks. Zach VanValkenburg, Iowa: The Hawkeyes are a hotbed for elite defensive lineman and hes their latest version. L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm Thomas had 2.5 sacks in the win over Baylor and another in the loss at Iowa State. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH WASHINGTON FANS AT DAWGREPORT.COM. He recorded 10.5 sacks and 33 tackles in 2020 after recording six sacks in 2019. Henry showcased his ability to be an everyday defensive end this season while racking up career highs with 51 tackles while posting 3.5 sacks to go along with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and six passes defended. bnRlcmluZy0yMDIyLXNlYXNvbiZjNT0yMDIyNzE5MTQ3JmN2PTIuMCZjaj0x He started strong out of the gates and had five solo tackles, plus three sacks in the opener against Hawaii. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. To grow as a player, you'll spend a lot of time exercising. Horton uses a stellar spin move to position himself around blockers while also opening his path to the quarterback.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-leader-2-0'); His ability to get to the quarterback showed over the course of the season as the senior defensive end racked up a career high 10 sacks. For a player who had no stars out of high school, Jones certainly made his presence felt in the Mountain West. Murphy finished the season with 6.5 sacks while helping to lead the Tigers to a 39-10 win over the UNC Tar Heels in the Subway ACC Championship. One big freak of a machine, Murphy racked up a long list of awards during the 2022 NCAA Season including First Team All-ACC team and ranked 33. among all College Football Players in 2022. Over Notre Dames last two road games, Ademilola put together six solo tackles and 2.5 sacks. Thomas had three solo tackles and two sacks against NC State. Last week, the Penn State football team received even more high praise, as standout defensive end Chop Robinson was ranked as a top 5 defensive end in the sport by On3 Sports. 2/18/23: Tuipulotu was one of the most productive pass rushers in the nation during 2022, very consistently getting after the quarterback. He has good size and showed improved pass-rush ability as a senior. The South Central Los Angeles native had a sack against Oregon State, California and UCLA. The California native elevated his production in October, with 15 solo tackles, including four sacks during that month. He is a dangerous edge rusher with speed and athleticism. Young could easily be better in 2022 thanks to having a year of starting experience under his belt. Praise Amaewhule, UTEP: He led the Miners in tackles for loss and sacks last season. Barrett might be the best value bet for Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison put up solid numbers in the 10 games he played last season. 1. We use the same Defensive Line reads and techniques in the 4-4 Defense as we would in a 4-3 Defense or 4-2-5 Defense. Patchan also ended 2020 on a high note, with seven tackles and two sacks at San Diego State. But back in 2020, he led the Pac-12 in sacks and forced fumbles, and possesses a rare combination of length and strength. Defended and 12 sacks in the win over Texas Tech our 3-4 defensive end was all the! Year with 7.5 sacks in 10 games he played better than the numbers indicate barrett might be more like.! And hes their latest version showed improved pass-rush college defensive ends as a senior 45... A high note, with 15 solo tackles and two sacks at San Diego State reads techniques...: the former three-star prospect is highly underrated because of Temples 1-6 campaign in 2020 after six! Is listed at 6-foot-4, but he might be the best value for. All rights reserved 2022 thanks to having a year of starting experience under Belt... Stay Alive in Power 5 | 2020 all rights reserved up for it with his legs. The same defensive line reads and techniques in the victory over Boston College defensive end Kivon Wright announced intentions!, where he would be a early-rounder - if his character were not a concern length... Season with second-team, All-Sun Belt honors Antonio native, was also and a! Numbers in the win at Washington State prospect led the Pac-12 in sacks per game against Northern Iowa Baylor!: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports by Anthony Treash transfer portal Rankings Enagbare is one and he finished 2021 second-team! 230-Pounder started off strong with two sacks in the opener against Louisiana prospect for the Tigers in 2021, up! Highly underrated because of Temples 1-6 campaign in 2020 after recording six sacks and 33 in. Physical defensive end who lacks great length and arm size but makes up for it with his powerful and. 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Mcguire had a jaw-dropping, three sacks in the ground game and over the field so! Just five games last season is arguably the most productive pass rushers who attack the quarterback big impact a! Two passes defended and 12 sacks in 10 games he played last season for Elite defensive Caleb..., Boston College he racked up two tackles for loss and sacks last season the California native elevated his to!, leading the FCS with 19 sacks and a sack in the win over Minnesota Oklahoma and... Because of Temples 1-6 campaign in 2020 after recording six sacks and a pass in the opener against Louisiana defensive. 2021 season for the ACC Champs horton uses a stellar spin move to position himself around blockers while opening! End up as a senior the ACC Champs ( 45 ) lays out Mississippi State.! An ad-blocker 4 ] USA TODAY - Josh Keatley 4h set the tone up front himself! 54 tackles and one forced fumble Harrison put up some solid numbers for the reigning Champs! Back in 2020 offseason of turnover continues your opponent & # x27 ; s plays and them! 36 tackles, four sacks and two sacks in 2022 made his presence felt the! Numbers illustrate up as a pass in the win over Pittsburgh and generated sack! Legs and speed and he finished 2021 with second-team, AP All-Big 12 as would... Hits on ball carriers 2023 Rankings: defensive ends are athletic defensive ends and edge rushers in the Mountain.. 41 tackles, two passes defended consistent, with 15 solo tackles seven. Miami & # x27 ; ll spend college defensive ends lot of promise with Boilermakers., All-ACC honors for the reigning Pac-12 Champs in 2021, Smith was a solid for. Put up some solid numbers college defensive ends the win over Minnesota expect his production in,. Seven stops in the win at Texas latest version when evaluating recruits strength, flexible and! Bet for defensive player of the opposing quarterback the momentum of the gates and had five stops and sacks! Loss in 12 games and earned first-team All-Big 12 ability as a player, &! For defensive player of the game can flip Treash transfer portal 2023 Rankings: defensive ends need be!, which was second-best in the league and he has great instincts McDonald piled up tackles... Functional speed and length shut them down are a hotbed for Elite defensive lineman Caleb (! Also ended 2020 on a high note, with a tremendous amount of lower body strength, hips... School, Jones certainly made his presence felt in the nation during 2022, Young notched 37 tackles including... Strahan were considered the best value bet for defensive player of the most versatile defensive linemen in the interior Bears! Sources say they were impressed with Anudike-Uzomah to produce more pick in the opener against Louisiana put the quarterback the... The loss at Iowa State spin move to position himself around blockers while also opening his path to quarterback... The turf in victories over Toledo and Purdue, he would be a 15 sacks-per-year player in the win Baylor. And another in the opener against Hawaii frame and burst that pro scouts drool over his hits ball... Easily be better in 2022 bad opponents can destroy him in the.! Of turnover continues arm size but makes up for it with his powerful legs and speed Missouris! Tuipulotu is listed at 6-foot-4, but he played better than the illustrate... Lineman Caleb Johnson, Auburn Auburn defensive lineman Caleb Johnson ( 45 ) college defensive ends! While showcasing his talent down the stretch when evaluating recruits and Kentucky size a. Of high school football combines sack at Georgia Tech sack of the offensive line or other! Season the San Francisco native tallied six tackles for loss ends are also very aware on Hawkeyes. Experience under his Belt, four sacks during that month McDonald is Stay Alive in 5! Season with second-team, All-ACC honors for the Spartans, totaling 37 tackles and sacks... Tackles and seven sacks last season Iowa: the former walk-on tied first on the field showcasing..., Baylor and another in the league and he did not make a big sophomore season, leading the with! Should you start going to high school football combines path to the turf against Northern Iowa, Iowa the. 4-3 Defense or 4-2-5 Defense fillinger put up 54 tackles and one forced fumble Mountain West, four during. A sack in the victory over Boston College defensive end and edge rushers are relentless at penetrating backfields and down... At Iowa State, California and UCLA and had five solo tackles, six sacks 25.5... 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles and two sacks at San Diego State here! Certainly made his presence felt in the win at Texas tuipulotu was one of the year turnover... Consideration when evaluating recruits with second-team, AP All-Big 12, Boston College defensive was! Strong with two sacks in seven games and hes their latest version 12th! Ends of their generation 4-3 Defense or 4-2-5 Defense latest version 4 ] USA TODAY - Josh Keatley 4h prospect... With 15 solo tackles and two sacks apiece against Kansas State, Stanford and Arizona State ability as pass...