I will be doing a top 5 for each position. And these rankings are pre-Combine. I reserve
the right to change my mind later this month.
Defensive End
1. Quinton Coples (North Carolina, 6’6″, 281lbs)
Great mix of size and speed. Has a good initial burst. Very long arms. Had an outstanding Senior Bowl, basically unblockable in the one on one drills. Very reliable in the running game as well. Some questions about his consistency. However, he has great potential. He is big enough to line up at end in a 3-4 playing five technique, but in my opinion that wouldn’t fit his strengths. He should be a top 10 pick.
2. Melvin Ingram (South Carolina, 6’2″, 276lbs)
A bit smaller than most defensive ends, kind of in the Dwight Freeney mold. However, he is an amazing athlete that has produced at the highest level with 9.5 sacks in the 2011 season. Lined up at end on 1st and 2nd downs before moving inside to tackle on 3rd downs that were obvious passing moments this past season for the Gamecocks. Very agile and quick, even running a fake punt 68 yards for a touchdown. Extremely versatile player (started his Gamecock career at middle linebacker). His size is going to limit which schemes he can play in. Could fit in as an OLB in a 3-4, but I don’t think that’s a great fit. Could be a great selection for Seattle at 11 or 12 (depending on that coin flip).
3. Courtney Upshaw (Alabama, 6’2″, 273lbs)
Like Ingram, Courtney Upshaw is a little undersized. Probably best suited as an OLB in a 3-4 (where he has played for Alabama) but he could also be an asset at end in a 4-3. Looked very solid at the Senior Bowl along with Coples and Ingram. Had a monster game against LSU in the BCS Championship. Very good as a pass rusher. Quick, agile and has good straight line speed. Excellent motor and will pursue plays run away from him. I have him listed as a defensive end because of his limited time spent in coverage, although he does have that ability, playing with fluid hips. Because of his versatility I believe he will be an early to middle first round selection.
4. Nick Perry (Southern Cal, 6’3″, 250lbs)
An excellent pass rusher who plays well in space. Great footwork. Above average agility and speed. However, his best attribute is probably his motor. He plays hard and fast on every down. Another undersized player who could end up as an OLB in a 3-4. But he could put on some weight and stay at DE. Played under the tutelage of Monte Kiffin for the past two seasons. Very productive junior season, racking up 9.5 sacks (led the Pac 12). Could have increased his draft stock had he returned for his senior season but I still believe he will be a first round pick.
5. Whitney Mercilus (Illinois, 6’4″, 265lbs)
The 2011 NCAA sack leader (16), Mercilus garnered much acclaim including All-American honors and a finalist for the Nagurski award. Not bad for a one year starter who received little attention out of high school. Mercilus has all the tools one looks for in a defensive end. He has elite speed. Superior agility. Great hands. Just enough strength to hold his ground against the run. And an explosive first step. He dominated the Big Ten this past season. He is athletic enough to play in space as an OLB in a 3-4. Still a bit raw as a prospect, the only question mark is if he can keep up this production or will he be one of the many one year wonders we have seen come out of college football. He should be a mid to late first round selection. The Packers would love to keep his talents in the northern Midwest.
Honorable Mention:
Andre Branch (Clemson, 6’4″, 260lbs)
Vinny Curry (Marshall, 6’3″, 265lbs)
Jared Crick (Nebraska, 6’4″, 285lbs)
Shea McClellin (Boise State, 6’3″, 248lbs)
Other positional rankings…
Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Interior Linemen
Defense
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
