2015 NFL Draft Rankings: 3-4 Defensive End
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6.) Anthony Chickillo, Miami (6’3 | 271 | 4.82)
Scouting report – Had an awesome Shrine Bowl performance which boosted his draft stock after a disappointing college career for the former 5-star recruit. Chickillo has an impressive burst off the line of scrimmage, a non-stop motor, and the size and strength to hold up vs the run. He could be a priority target for teams that run a hybrid 3-4 / 4-3 scheme.
Projection: 4th-5th round
7.) Darius Philon, Arkansas (6’2 | 272 | 4.93)
Scouting report – A productive 3-tech DT who probably should have stayed in school for another season. Philon is a little small for an NFL 3-tech, but could be a great fit in a 3-4 scheme that uses an under tackle as one of it’s ends like the 49ers scheme the last few years (Ray McDonald role). Philon has a quick first step, a strong punch, and good closing speed. It may take a year or two for Philon to develop into a productive NFL player, but if he stayed in school another year would likely have been a day 2 pick so he’s a good value pick on day 3 if a team can be patient with him.
Projection: 5th-6th round
8.) Corey Crawford, Clemson (6’5 | 270 | 4.83)
Scouting report – Would have been drafted higher if he declared after his junior year, but had a down season as a senior. Crawford has great length, extremely long arms, and surprising strength. He doesn’t have much burst off the line which is why I think he’s a better fit in a 3-4 and he’s also shown good instincts against the run. Crawford uses his arm length well to keep blockers off him and disengage to attack ball carriers. He’s probably going to fall to day 3, but has the potential to eventually be an NFL starter. Crawford could have helped his draft stock with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, but he withdrew for unknown reasons.
Projection: 5th-6th round
9.) Travis Racitl, San Jose St (6’5 | 285 | 5.13)
Scouting report – Good length and long arms to keep separation from blockers and disengage vs the run. Raciti is strong and holds his ground well, but doesn’t have much closing speed or change of direction ability. He was a promising prospect as a sophomore but has lost quickness as he’s gotten bigger the last two years. Could be a decent rotational 3-4 DE but doesn’t have much upside.
Projection: 5th-6th round
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10.) Frank Clark, Michigan (6’2 | 271 | 4.76)
Scouting report – Very long arms allow Clark to maintain space from taller blockers and keep himself in plays. He has a good motor, decent quickness off the snap, and a few crafty pass rush moves. Some fairly serious off-field issues could keep Clark out of the draft all together, but he has the talent to be a starter in the NFL.
Projection: 7th – UFA
11.) Ray Draw, Georgia (6’4 | 284 | 4.79)
Scouting report – Like Crawford, he was better as a junior than a senior. Drew would have been a mid-round pick last year, but was a non-factor this season. He has the size, strength and length to be much better than he’s shown in college. Drew has a good first step, the long arms to keep blockers at bay, and enough strength to anchor against the run. For some reason he just didn’t play well as a senior and lost his starting position. The former 5-star recruit, who had 6 sacks as a junior, will get a chance from somebody due to his athletic upside.
Projection: 6th-7th round
12..) Martin Efedi, Memphis (6’3 | 274 | 4.87)
Scouting report – Very productive DE who broke the Memphis record for career sacks with 22.5. Ifedi came into the 2014 season expecting a big year after 10.5 sacks in 2013, but missed four games with injury and only had 2.5 sacks on the season. His down year statistically could knock him out of the draft, but Ifedi is a solid defensive end with good power and polished pass rush moves. He’s doesn’t have a quick first step and isn’t going to beat NFL tackles with a speed rush which could limit him to 3-4 schemes despite playing in a 4-3 at Memphis. Whichever scheme Ifedi ends up in, he could be a solid end who provides good run support and the occasional sack at the next level. Ifedi projects as a quality back up at the next level.
Projected: 7th – UFA