As the 2008 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants showed, a dominant pass rush can disrupt any offense and potentially bring a championship to a team.  This is never more evident than in the previous drafts.  From 2002-2007, 33 Defensive ends were drafted in the first round, two were #1 overall selections, and nine were top 10 selections.  Let’s take a look at who will be trying to put the QB on his back entering the 2008 Draft.

Vernon Gholston, Ohio State – At 6’3” 265lbs, Gholston is a physical marvel unlike many because he is highly productive. Over the past two seasons he has racked up 22.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss.  This past season Gholston recorded multiple sacks against great offensive lines, including Wisconsin (four sacks) and Michigan (three sacks).  After Gholston tests out at the top of all defensive ends at the combine, he will be the most sought after defensive end in the draft.  That athleticism is going to allow Vernon to play a 3-4 outside linebacker, or a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. 

Chris Long, Virginia – Long has a great passion for the game and work ethic, both of which put him high on the lists of a lot of NFL teams.  Chris Long is a very polished defensive end as far as on field discipline, strength at point of attack, and knowledge of the position, but lacks top athleticism and physical tools are like Adam Carriker.  The knock on Long is that athleticism and timed speed.  His hard work throughout his college career showed up in a 14 sack senior season including 19 tackles for loss.  Long’s pedigree certainly helps his stock, but the fact that he doesn’t have a plethora of natural pass rushing skills and athleticism makes one think that he has reached his peak as a player.  Long can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4, but his best fit would be a 4-3 DE.

Calais Campbell, U of Miami – At 6’8” 283 pounds, Campbell is an imposing force on the defensive line.  Recruited as a tight end, Campbell grew into a very threatening defensive end.  Campbell’s production was off the charts in 2006 when he recorded 84 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.  He followed that up with a solid season in 2007.  Physically Campbell has a great frame where he could support another 20 pounds, which makes him a good candidate for a defensive end in a 4-3, or 3-4 defensive tackle.  Campbell’s long wingspan and overall athleticism will make him a top selection come April.

Sleeper:  Bruce Davis, UCLA – Davis will most likely play more linebacker in the NFL than DE, but in college he was a DE so he’s the sleeper pick here.  Davis has a great motor and will have very good timed speed at his pre-draft workouts.  Davis is a standup guy and off the field problems will not be an issue with him.  With Davis NFL team’s are getting a strong member of society and a productive athlete that can play multiple positions.  Davis is a first round talent that will be looked over because of his 230lb frame and weight room strength, but the intangibles like leadership, work ethic, and defensive mind will make him a productive NFL player for years.  Marcus Howard, Georgia - Howard threw up a great 40 time at the combine (4.47) and also was very productive in the Sugar Bowl against Hawaii.  Howard can be had in the 2nd round and could be as productive as the top two DE's in this draft.

Biggest Bust Potential:  Derrick Harvey, Florida – Harvey is 6’4” 291 pounds.  He has a large frame to build onto and his production in big games is undeniable.  Harvey, by many scouts, has no flaws in his game as he is quick and has good strength, but if that’s true, why did he only record 15 sacks in the past two seasons?  Harvey was surrounded by top talent and although he faced double teams, was limited in sack numbers.  Harvey will be drafted much higher than a guy like Tommy Blake or Phillip Merling, but all three players are equal in ability and next level projection.

Top 10 Defensive Ends in 2008 Draft:

1. Vernon Gholston – OHIO STATE
2. Chris Long – VIRGINIA
3. Calais Campbell – U of MIAMI
4. Marcus Howard - GEORGIA
5. Bruce Davis - UCLA
6. Derrick Harvey – FLORIDA
7. Phillip Merling – CLEMSON
8. Lawrence Jackson – USC
9. Tommy Blake – TCU
10. Chris Ellis – VIRGINIA TECH