Defensive End Rankings 2023 NFL Draft

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Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) rushes against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) rushes against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE END RANKINGS 2023 NFL DRAFT

Categorizing positions for the front seven in the NFL has become difficult of late. There used to be a clear separation between defensive tackle, defensive end, and outside linebacker – now DEs and OLBs are often lumped into a general non-specific EDGE category. We have in an attempt to provide some clarity over the position split the EDGE players into DEs and OLBs.

With this in mind, this lists prospects who are classified as defensive ends and edge players and excludes any obvious LBs. It has three players that stand out from the rest, Clemson’s Mile Murphy, Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame, and BJ Ojulari from LSU.

Murphy a junior DE displays elite power and at 275 lbs is equally able as both a run stuffer and pass rusher. Foskey possesses similar traits and could easily be selected in the top half of the draft if he continues in the same vein as 2021.

Brother of Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, BJ is a bit of a tweener at 245lbs - officially listed as a defensive end but has more linebacker traits. Despite this, he has impressive upside as a pass-rusher and will likely not make it passed the first day of the draft.
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LAST UPDATED: 04/25/2023

Player Rankings - Defensive End

All DL
DEF Tackles Only
EDGE Only
# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
6
Zach Harrison Ohio State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Zach
 Harrison

6-6 274lbs 4.41
DE
ATL Mascot
ATL Mascot
274lbs 6-6 4.41 37 85
84.9
MORE>>
 Ohio State has been a breeding ground for top-notch pass rushers - in particular, the Bosa brothers and Chase Young, and some scouts are...
5
Byron Young Tennessee Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Byron
 Young

6-2 250lbs 4.43
DE
LAR Mascot
LAR Mascot
250lbs 6-2 4.43 34 76.6
85.1
MORE>>
 Byron Young is an elite athlete and his performance at the combine was special and really got NFL Scout's attention. He...
10
YaYa Diaby Louisville Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
YaYa
 Diaby

6-3 263lbs 4.51
DE
TB Mascot
TB Mascot
263lbs 6-3 4.51 43 112.3
83.2
MORE>>
 There is no doubting YaYa Diaby's athletic ability which is sky-high - he's got the elite speed and power you look for in a pro edge...
1
Myles Murphy Clemson Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Myles
 Murphy

6-5 268lbs 4.53
DE
CIN Mascot
CIN Mascot
268lbs 6-5 4.53 62 17.2
90.7
MORE>>
 With almost unrivaled mobility and pass-rushing skills, Murphy is set to make an immediate impact in the NFL. With the freakish speed,...
17
Lonnie Phelps Kansas Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Lonnie
 Phelps

6-2 244lbs 4.55
DE
Kansas Mascot
Kansas Mascot
244lbs 6-2 4.55 59 193.8
75.0
MORE>>
 Combines excellent power with initial quickness, but one of his best attributes are his violent hands, which Phelps uses with impressive...
2
BJ Ojulari LSU Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
BJ
 Ojulari

6-2 248lbs 4.59
DE
ARI Mascot
ARI Mascot
248lbs 6-2 4.59 18 45.7
87.0
MORE>>
 Ojulari is a quality pro prospect with very good experience and production as a pass rusher, he's got an array of edge moves, and has...
13
BJ Thompson Stephen F. Austin Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
BJ
 Thompson

6-6 238lbs 4.61
DE
KC Mascot
KC Mascot
238lbs 6-6 4.61 67 242.3
78.4
MORE>>
 Thompson has the classic frame and long arms with some explosion, power and ability to close. Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List - ranked...
8
K.J. Henry Clemson Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
K.J.
 Henry

6-4 251lbs 4.63
DE
WSH Mascot
WSH Mascot
251lbs 6-4 4.63 47 119.3
83.6
MORE>>
 K.J. Henry is a solid pro prospect. He's a high-character/effort individual with a constant motor, combined with excellent speed,...
27
Tavius Robinson Ole Miss Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Tavius
 Robinson

6-6 257lbs 4.66
DE
BAL Mascot
BAL Mascot
257lbs 6-6 4.66 62 215.9
53.0
MORE>>
 With his combination of length and flexibility, Robinson can bend and turn the corner around the edge, and he has the closing speed to...
24
Durrell Johnson Liberty Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Durrell
 Johnson

6-3 237lbs 4.69
DE
Liberty Mascot
Liberty Mascot
237lbs 6-3 4.69 92 426
58.2
MORE>>
 Johnson has an excellent motor and shows the stamina to last deep into the fourth quarter. Easily gains inside leverage by shooting...
15
Ali Gaye LSU Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Ali
 Gaye

6-6 263lbs 4.69
DE
LSU Mascot
LSU Mascot
263lbs 6-6 4.69 51 167.3
77.0
MORE>>
 Gaye has long arms and displays good power in his hands, which gives him the ability to slip off blocks. As a run defender, Gaye has the...
25
Kevin Ellis Missouri State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Kevin
 Ellis

6-4 244lbs 4.70
DE
Missouri State Mascot
Missouri State Mascot
244lbs 6-4 4.70 104 499
54.0
MORE>>
 Ellis has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on. He’s very good with his...

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive End

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive End

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.