2014 NFL Draft: Edge Defender

Solid group this year, obviously headlined by the best DE prospect in recent memory. Should be several 4-3 DE starters out of this group. Stephon Tuitt is flying under the radar a bit, but he has the potential to be a major impact player at the next level.

Jadeveon Clowney-DE-South Carolina-6’6”-266-Top 5-99

Absolute freak athlete. Number 1 recruit outta high school a couple years ago. Was unblockable as a sophomore but was hobbled with injuries and laziness this past year. Doesn’t change the fact he’s a Julius Peppers caliber athlete. 4.53 40 at 260+, 37.5” vert, and a decent 21 reps with 34.5” arms, he obviously has all the physical tools. The explosiveness shows up on the field, he closes fast on QBs. Has pretty good pass rush moves which should only get better. He’s more of a disruptive player than a ‘do your job’ guy, tends to slip blocks and get into the backfield. He just turned 21 in February. Bottom line is, this guy should be an all-pro for a decade, the only things that can get in his way are injuries and losing focus.

Scott Crichton-DE-Oregon State-6’3”-273-Day 2-85

Solid athlete with good size. Uses his hands well and shows explosiveness on the field. Would like to see him turn the corner better or leverage through a bull rush. 20 yard shuttle in a DL best 4.29 seconds with a 31.5” vert and 4.84 40 are good. 32.75” arms are a little short. He sometimes loses sight of the ball and doesn’t have the most natural instincts for the game. But there’s no reason he shouldn’t be a starter in the league. Maybe Atlanta or Minnesota would be a good fit.

Stephon Tuitt-DE/DT-Notre Dame-6’5”-304-1st-94

He’s got a real burst for 3 bills. He played at 315+ this past year and wasn’t as effective. He’s big, long (34.75” arms) and can move (didn’t run at the combine). He plays a little high, but he uses his hands well. He can hold up in the run game and get after the quarterback. Complete player and he’s only 20 years old. His measurements say he’s suited for 3-4 DE, but watching this kid play, I think he can play in any defense. Reminds me of how Jared Allen moves, but definitely doesn’t have the same pass rush skills yet. Go to the 2 minute mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgfgukWKqHI

Dee Ford-DE-Auburn-6’2”-252-2nd Round-83

Watched him play every game this past year, kid’s a menace. He was really the only focal point on the Auburn defense and he still was always crawling up the QBs ass. Has a history of back problems which will scare people away. He’s got real good burst, he bends well and accelerates to the QB. He’s got a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. Reminds me of Cliff Avril. Probably an edge rusher in sub-packages but athletic enough to play OLB on early downs.

Kony Ealy-DE-Missouri-6’4”-273-Day 2-82

2 year starter at Mizzou, 4 years at the school. Will likely add weight at the next level and play strong side 4-3 end. Solid athlete that moves well and can plant and cut (6.83 3-cone drill best among DL). People might point to his 4.92 40 but his 4.45 20 yard shuttle is much more telling of his athleticism. He played opposite Michael Sam which gave him a lot of 1 on 1 blocks. He’s a good pick in the late second round. Top end he could be like Will Smith or Adrian Clayborn, both of whom were more polished entering the draft.