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2015 NFL Draft defensive end rankings: Something for everybody

Nebraska junior Randy Gregory tops the rankings, but if he’s gone there are plenty of options in one of the draft’s deepest positions.

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The defensive end class for the 2015 NFL Draft features a little something for everyone.

For those looking for a potential terror of a pass rusher, the class starts with Randy Gregory of Nebraska. The junior often commands double and triple teams because of his burst off the line of scrimmage and closing speed. With his length and athleticism combo, Gregory looks to be what the Cleveland Browns hoped they were getting in Barkevious Mingo.

If teams are looking for potential, there is none greater in the entire draft than Shawn Oakman of Baylor. Despite being a senior, Oakman is still raw in his fundamentals. But his athleticism for such a big player is rare. Sure, that term can be overused in the world of the draft, but for Oakman it rings true.

Those looking for a safe choice can go with Owamagbe Odighizuwa of UCLA. He may not have the pure athleticism of Gregory or Oakman, but he's an efficient pass rusher and plays the run well. The same can be said for players like Markus Golden of Missouri and Michigan State's Shilique Calhoun.

Complicating these rankings is what to do with some of the players who are college ends that project to outside linebackers in the NFL. For now, until there are sure indications that a player is moving to linebacker at the next level, players like Shane Ray of Missouri, Dante Fowler of Florida and others will remain in the defensive end rankings.

If time allows, rankings specific to the 3-4 will be put up. That will give the true value of someone like Arik Armstead of Oregon or even Preston Smith of Mississippi State.

*denotes underclassman

1. Randy Gregory | 6’6, 240 pounds | DE | Nebraska *
2. Shawn Oakman | 6’9, 280 pounds | DE | Baylor
3. Shane Ray | 6'3, 245 pounds | DE/OLB | Missouri *
4. Owamagbe Odighizuwa | 6’3, 270 pounds | DE | UCLA
5. Bud Dupree | 6'4, 264 pounds | DE/OLB | Kentucky
6. Dante Fowler | 6’3, 260 pounds | DE | Florida *
7. Markus Golden | 6’3, 260 pounds | DE | Missouri
8. Shilique Calhoun | 6’5, 256 pounds | DE | Michigan State *
9. DeForest Buckner | 6'7, 290 pounds | DE | Oregon *
10. Mario Edwards | 6’3, 294 pounds | DE | Florida State *
11. Nate Orchard | 6'4, 255 pounds | DE/OLB | Utah
12. Lorenzo Mauldin | 6'4, 252 pounds DE/OLB | Louisville
13. Preston Smith | 6’6, 270 pounds | DE | Mississippi State
14 Arik Armstead | 6’8, 290 pounds | DE | Oregon *
15. Trey Flowers | 6’4, 268 pounds | DE | Arkansas
16. Hau'oli Kikaha | 6'3, 246 pounds | DE/OLB | Washington
17. Eli Harold | 6'4, 250 pounds | DE/OLB | Virginia *
18. Danielle Hunter | 6’6, 240 pounds | DE | LSU *
19. Za'Darius Smith | 6’6, 263 pounds | DE | Kentucky
20 Henry Anderson | 6’6, 287 pounds | DE | Stanford
21. Devonte Fields | 6’4, 250 pounds | DE | Trinity Valley Community College *
22. Cedric Reed | 6’5, 272 pounds | DE | Texas
23. Shaquille Riddick | 6’6, 244 pounds | DE | West Virginia
24. Jermauria Rasco | 6’3, 247 pounds | DE | LSU
25. Dadi Nicolas | 6’4, 231 pounds | DE | Virginia Tech *
26. Corey Crawford | 6’5, 275 pounds | DE | Clemson
27. Ray Drew | 6’5, 284 pounds | DE | Georgia
28. Frank Clark | 6’2, 277 pounds | DE | Michigan
29. Anthony Chickillo | 6’4, 282 pounds | DE | Miami
30. Martin Ifedi | 6’3, 275 pounds | DE | Memphis
31. Terrell Hartsfield | 6’3, 246 pounds | DE | Cincinnati
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