Defensive ends are always a difficult position to rank. Depending on the scheme a team plays, what the front office is looking for in a defensive end will vary. Some of these players fit better into the 3-4 than the 4-3. Some can play standing up, while others have to have their hand in the dirt. More than any other position, defensive line is dependent on scheme fit.
2014 NFL Draft defensive end rankings
Jadeveon Clowney is the obvious No. 1, but then who?
Tyler Smith
Our top ranked defensive end is one of the few prospects in recent memory who can do it all. South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney started the season as our No. 1 defensive end and has held onto the distinction with relative ease. After Clowney, things get crowded and tough to call.
Versatility is a big plus, which is why players like Vic Beasley, Stephon Tuitt and Kony Ealy find themselves highly ranked. Defensive end rankings will be a topic of a lot of debate, but there is a ton of talent in this class.
Here are our top 26 defensive ends.
| 1. Jadeveon Clowney | 6'6, 272 pounds | Defensive end | South Carolina * - Preseason notes |
| 2. Vic Beasley | 6'2, 235 pounds | Defensive end | Clemson * |
| 3. Stephon Tuitt | 6'5, 303 pounds | Defensive end/tackle | Notre Dame - Preseason notes |
| 4. Shawn Oakman | 6'9, 275 pounds | Defensive end | Baylor ** |
| 5. Kony Ealy | 6'5, 260 pounds | Defensive End | Missouri * |
| 6. Jackson Jeffcoat | 6'5, 250 pounds | Defensive End | Texas - Preseason notes |
| 7. Aaron Lynch | 6'6, 244 pounds | Defensive end | South Florida ** |
| 8. Za'Darius Smith | 6'6, 254 pounds | Defensive end | Kentucky * |
| 9. Scott Crichton | 6'3, 265 pounds | Defensive end | Oregon State * |
| 10. Ed Stinson | 6'3, 282 pounds | Defensive end | Alabama |
| 11. Michael Sam | 6'2, 255 pounds | Defensive end | Missouri |
| 12. Demarcus Lawrence | 6'3, 245 pounds | Defensive end | Boise State * |
| 13. Chris Smith | 6'2, 266 pounds | Defensive end | Arkansas |
| 14. Kareem Martin | 6'5, 260 pounds | Defensive end | North Carolina - Preseason notes |
| 15. Cassius Marsh | 6'2, 270 pounds | Defensive end | UCLA |
| 16. Chaz Sutton | 6'4, 248 pounds | Defensive End | South Carolina |
| 17. Ben Gardner | 6'4, 277 pounds | Defensive end | Stanford |
| 18. Deion Barnes | 6'4, 249 pounds | Defensive end | Penn State ** |
| 19. Trevor Reilly | 6'5, 255 pounds | Defensive end | Utah |
| 20. James Gayle | 6'4, 255 pounds | Defensive end | Virginia Tech |
| 21. Henry Anderson | 6'6, 295 pounds | Defensive end | Stanford * |
| 22. Martin Ifedi | 6'3, 265 pounds | Defensive end | Memphis * |
| 23. Jamil Merrell | 6'4, 255 pounds | Defensive end | Rutgers |
| 24. Darryl Cato-Bishop | 6'3, 266 pounds | Defensive end | North Carolina State |
| 25. Jonathan Newsome | 6'3, 236 pounds | Defensive end | Ball State |
| 26. Ryne Giddins | 6'3, 253 pounds | Defensive end | South Florida |
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