2011 NFL Draft Preview : 4-3 Defensive Ends

The Super Bowl is now over which means it's time for the 2011 NFL Draft.  This year's class is loaded with defensive talent, particularly at the defensive end position.  Let's delve into the top 3 prospects whose objective is to whip around the corner into the backfield.

4-3 Defensive Ends

1. Da'Quan Bowers
At 6'4" and 280 lbs, Bowers is a nightmare coming off the edge.  He has incredible speed for his size and a knack for shedding blocks with an arsenal of moves.  Leading FBS pass rushers with 15.5 sacks, Bowers has proven his ability to get into the opposing backfield.  In addition to his tenacity a pass rusher, Bowers's size allows him to stuff the run effectively by clogging up running lanes.  His best fit is as 4-3 defensive end with his flexibility against both the run and the pass.

(See how quickly Bowers comes around the edge.  I'm glad I'm not Russell Wilson.)

2. Robert Quinn
Though he didn't play a single down of the 2010 season, Quinn has still manages to find himself in first round conversation based on his body of work in previous years.  Standing 6'5" and weighing in at 270 lbs, Quinn has the size to collapse the edge of the offensive line.  He has also has surprising quickness for an end of his size based on his 19.0 tackles for a loss and 11.0 sacks during the 2009 season.  Quinn best fits as a 4-3 defensive end but has the versatility to stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

(Quinn is so incredibly physical and his motor never stops running.  ACC quarterbacks must have been rejoicing at his suspension this past season.)

3. Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan is not the most physically gifted defensive end prospect in recent years but he makes up for those deficiencies with his incredible work ethic.  Despite playing on a less than stellar 4-8 Purdue team, Kerrigan still managed to led the Big Ten with 12.0 sacks and led the nation with 26.0 tackles for a loss.  His 6'4", 263 lbs frame is not the most impressive but Kerrigan's array of pass rushing moves and consistent tackling technique will lead some team to overlook his physical aspects.  Kerrigan projects best as a 4-3 defensive end because of his physicality against the run and his non-stop motor when chasing down the passer.

(Scouts need to pay attention to this video carefully because it is no small task to bring down Terrelle Pryor given the quarterback's incredible size, speed, and balance.  Yet Kerrigan accomplishes this so effortlessly.)