NFL Combine 2013: Top defensive linemen invited

In short, there’s a bunch of really, really good defensive linemen working out at the NFL Combine on Monday.

Feb 25, 2013, 2:00 PM UTC

Stacy Revere

There may not be a more stocked position heading into the 2013 NFL Draft than at the defensive line. From stout run-stuffers to hybrid edge-attacking pass rushers, this class seemingly has a player to fit any need a team might have. When the defensive linemen workout on Monday, however, there is still plenty of time to jockey either up or down the rankings.

Let’s take a look, in no particular order, at five defensive linemen to watch at the Combine:

- Barkevious Mingo. Mingo has risen to the second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in SB Nation's most recent mock draft by Dan Kadar, as the rangy former LSU Tiger has one of those unstoppable motors you hear about this time of year and the fearsome athleticism that makes it look easier than it should.

Scouts will likely be looking for Mingo to show his strength -- since rangy’s close cousin is slender -- at the Combine, and to see if he displays the sort of explosive pass rushing ability they’re expecting to see.

- Star Lotulelei. The former Utah Ute and junior college transfer could potentially be an anchor in someone’s defensive line, be that a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Lotulelei can blow up plays in the backfield, making 11 tackles for a loss in 2012 and registering five sacks.

Lotulelei needs to prove his skills remain on the rise at the Combine, as his improvement during his time at Utah is well-noted.

- Bjoern Werner. Werner, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 with 13 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and eight passes broken up, will try to flip this dominant season with the Florida State Seminoles into a high-first round pick.

Werner appears to possess all the tools NFL teams look for in a defensive end, though he will need to showcase these skills, and see how they compare against a class full of speedy edge rushers, at the Combine.

- Sharrif Floyd. For the Florida Gators, Floyd was a sturdy, do-everything presence on the defensive line. Playing anywhere from defensive end to nose tackle in college, Floyd will probably play more on the inside in the pros thanks to his ability to shed blocks and wade through the scrum around the line of scrimmage.

Still, position-specific drills should test Floyd’s true technique at the Combine, which might determine where he lands in the draft.

- Ezekiel Ansah. Ansah initially wanted to play basketball with the BYU Cougars but couldn't make the team, eventually winding his way to the gridiron. He is now one of this year's high-risk, high-reward prospects, bursting with top-notch athletic ability though still rough around the edges when it comes to football in general.

Whereas Ansah may have been able to rely on freakish athleticism in college, the Combine will not only put his speed and other physical abilities to the test, scouts also are going to be looking at his still-developing pass-rushing techniques.

Here’s a look at the complete list of defensive linemen working out at the NFL Combine:

Mingo, Barkevious DE LSU Scouting Report

Lotulelei, Star DT Utah Scouting Report

Werner, Bjoern DE Florida St. Scouting Report

Richardson, Sheldon DT Missouri Scouting Report

Floyd, Sharrif DT Florida Scouting Report

Ansah, Ezekiel DE BYU

Moore, Damontre DE Texas A&M

Hankins, Johnathan DT Ohio St. Scouting Report

Jordan, Dion DE Oregon Scouting Report

Jones, Datone DE UCLA

Williams, Jesse DT Alabama Scouting Report