The 2013 NFL Draft was said to be deep on defensive ends and, while five were chosen in the first round on Thursday, plenty of talented players are still available. The run on defensive ends started early with Dion Jordan going No. 3, Ezekiel Ansah going No. 5 and Barkevious Mingo going to the Browns at No. 6.
NFL Draft 2013 best available: Tank Carradine leads defensive ends
A number of talented defensive ends are still available, despite a run on them early. Who are the top players left on the board?
Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
The run continued late in the draft with Bjoern Werner going No. 24 to Indianapolis and Datone Jones going to Green Bay at No. 26. While the top few are off the board, defensive end depth remains, including a few who were once thought to be potential first round picks. Here's a look at the best players still on the board.
Top defensive ends available
1. Tank Carradine, Florida State
Carradine was mentioned as a possible first-round pick in a number of mock drafts, but he slid out of the first round, likely due to concerns over a knee injury. Carradine recently worked out for NFL scouts, but is still recovering from the serious knee injury suffered late in the season. If he’s able to return to form, Carradine could be a steal for a team in the second round.
2. Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
At one point, Moore was in the discussion as a potential top-10 pick. A poor showing at the NFL Scouting Combine and in workouts led to a tumble down draft boards. There is some question to where Moore fits in the NFL and he could possibly play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
3. Alex Okafor, Texas
While some defensive ends could fit as either an end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4, most view Okafor as strictly a defensive end. He has good size and was productive during his college career at Texas. An ankle injury limited him early last season, but he rebounded late in the year and should come off the board in the second round.
4. Sam Montgomery, LSU
Montgomery was an All-SEC player during his career at LSU, but some have questioned his work ethic in the lead-up to the draft. He was productive throughout his college career and is often credited for playing with a high motor. He should come off the board in the second round or possibly in the early third round.
5. Corey Lemonier, Auburn
Yet another talented defensive end from the SEC, Lemonier could be a fit in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme. He had a huge sophomore season, including 9.5 sacks, but his production dropped off as a junior.
Honorable Mention
Margus Hunt, SMU
William Gholston, Michigan State
Joe Kruger, Utah
Malliciah Goodman, Clemson
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