Defensive Line Rankings 2023 NFL Draft

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) hits Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium.  Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) hits Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE LINE RANKINGS 2023

The 2023 defensive line class is impressive especially as we’ve included both defensive tackles and defensive ends. It contains three players we consider elite and potentially worthy of a top ten pick.

Jalen Carter looks to us like a can’t miss prospect, he’s got ideal size combined with long arms and has amazing pass rush skills for an interior player. Carter currently is in contention to be a top-five pick. Bresee who will likely be viewed as a three-tec at the pro level – has immense strength and dominated offensive lineman with regularity during 2021 and will, unless he suffers a major fall from grace not last past the mid-point of round one of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Clemson’s Mile Murphy a junior DE displays supreme power and at 275 lbs is equally able as both a run stuffer and pass rusher he will likely start from day one as a pro and dominate.
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LAST UPDATED: 04/25/2023

Player Rankings - Defensive Line

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
81

DE/ED
Durrell
Johnson

6-3 237lbs 4.69
DE/ED
Liberty   Mascot
Liberty Mascot
237lbs 6-3 4.69 92 426
58.2
Johnson has an excellent motor and shows the stamina to last deep into the fourth quarter. Easily gains inside leverage by shooting...
43

DE/ED
BJ
Thompson

6-6 238lbs 4.61
DE/ED
KC   Mascot
KC Mascot
238lbs 6-6 4.61 67 242.3
78.4
Thompson has the classic frame and long arms with some explosion, power and ability to close. Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List - ranked...
6

DE/ED
Will
McDonald IV

6-4 239lbs 4.70
DE/ED
NYJ   Mascot
NYJ Mascot
239lbs 6-4 4.70 13 35.3
87.0
Will McDonald IV a sold NFL prospect who has consistently performed at the highest level while at Iowa. He possesses a wide array...
51

DL/ED
Derek
Parish

6-2 241lbs 4.62
DL/ED
JAX   Mascot
JAX Mascot
241lbs 6-2 4.62 74 310.5
75.0
One of the true straight-up edge burners in this draft class, Parish has the kind of skill set NFL teams covet in an edge rusher. Parish...
41

DL/ED
Jose
Ramirez

6-2 242lbs 4.73
DL/ED
TB   Mascot
TB Mascot
242lbs 6-2 4.73 58 191
78.9
Ramirez has the strong core and powerful hands to shed blockers, and Ramirez shows excellent instincts with the ability to quickly locate...
72

DE/ED
Brock
Martin

6-3 243lbs 4.82
DE/ED
Oklahoma State   Mascot
Oklahoma State Mascot
243lbs 6-3 4.82 94 443
66.0
Flashes nimble feet to chase running backs and mobile quarterbacks to the sideline when lined up at end. Spins off blocks to get back into...
90

DL/ED
DJ
Coleman

6-5 244lbs 4.78
DL/ED
Missouri   Mascot
Missouri Mascot
244lbs 6-5 4.78 113 522
50.0
His hand use is excellent; he’s strong in the upper body and consistently swats away blockers. Coleman shows impressive burst and enough...
83

DE/ED
Kevin
Ellis

6-4 244lbs 4.70
DE/ED
Missouri State   Mascot
Missouri State Mascot
244lbs 6-4 4.70 104 499
54.0
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...
50

DE/ED
Lonnie
Phelps

6-2 244lbs 4.55
DE/ED
Kansas   Mascot
Kansas Mascot
244lbs 6-2 4.55 59 193.8
75.0
Combines excellent power with initial quickness, but one of his best attributes are his violent hands, which Phelps uses with impressive...
86

DE/ED
Nate
Matlack

6-5 245lbs 4.82
DE/ED
Pittsburgh   Mascot
Pittsburgh Mascot
245lbs 6-5 4.82 76 511
54.0
Matlack has prototypical size, with a little more room on his frame to add weight. He shows impressive quickness at the snap and plays at a...
66

DL/ED
Mitchell
Agude

6-5 246lbs 4.75
DL/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
246lbs 6-5 4.75 91 414.7
72.5
While Agude has the flexibility to dip and bend under tackles, what makes him truly dangerous is his ability to counter. Agude has an...
7

DE/ED
BJ
Ojulari

6-2 248lbs 4.59
DE/ED
ARI   Mascot
ARI Mascot
248lbs 6-2 4.59 18 45.7
87.0
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...

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Line

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 Line

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.