Defensive End

1. Mario Williams, North Carolina State – Without question, the single-most dominant defensive force in the draft. Size, speed, skill, Williams has the total package. Is good enough to be the first overall pick in most years and is a shoo in for the top five.

2. Tamba Hali, Penn State – Hali’s stock has dropped some after average workout numbers, but it’s important to remember he is still a raw prospect. He hasn’t been playing organized football for long. Hali is a character guy with plenty of upside. He might have slipped to near the end of the first or early in the second round, but he will make some team happy with his nonstop motor and willingness to learn.

3. Manny Lawson, North Carolina State – Lawson is undersized, everyone is aware of that, but athletically there are few defenders in the draft with his ability. Might be too small to play end on any down but third, but he could play linebacker. A classic ‘tweener, but his speed and athleticism make up for that. Regardless of position, Lawson will have success rushing the passer in the NFL.

4. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College – Once thought of as one of the top prospects in the draft, Kiwanuka has fallen some because of average workout numbers. But he certainly looks the part at almost 6’6 and 266 pounds. Solid edge speed and strength. He should land somewhere in the same range as Hali and Lawson.

5. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State – Another ‘tweener who could play rush linebacker in a 3-4 or even strong side in a normal 4-3 defense, Wimbley has good speed and athleticism. Wimbley isn’t as strong as Lawson and will need to add mass to his frame to be successful in the NFL. Wimbley’s stock is rising and he could also sneak into the first round, especially for a 3-4 team near the end of the round such as Pittsburgh or New England.

Sleeper: Elvis Dumervil, Louisville – Dumervil was one of the most dominant pass rushers in NCAA history last season, but also falls into the ‘tweener category. He was able to get by with average speed for most of the year because of a nice set of moves. He is too small to be an end in the NFL and doesn’t have the ability to move well enough to cover as an outside linebacker. Someone will take Dumervil as a pass rushing  specialist, though, and with some work in the weight room could become a nice situational pass rusher and special teams contributor.