This is a comparison of the best edge defenders of the 2014 NFL Draft. What is an edge defender? For the purposes of this article, an edge defender is someone who lines up on the line of scrimmage and outside of the offensive tackles. This includes defensive ends in an even 4-3 front and “outside linebackers” in an odd 3-4 front. In reality both of these positions have the same purpose at the core: defend the edge. The job will vary depending on scheme but the main difference is that a 4-3 end will be asked to hold the edge more often against the run as a bigger player while in a 3-4 they will almost always play standing up and will sometimes be asked to drop back into pass coverage. However, in the modern day NFL, the most coveted skill any edge defender can have is the ability to generate a pass rush. This article will analyze the skill-set of the top defensive ends in the 2014 NFL Draft.
*Side note: All of these players will be referred to as “defensive ends” in this article. Yes even 3-4 “outside linebackers”. In the old days, a “3-4” defense was called a “5-2”. The line included one nose, two tackles, and two ends. The ends were called as such because they lined up on the end of the line. Make sense? Eventually teams started having the ends stand up so they could jam tight ends or drop into coverage so at some point it became more common to call them “outside linebackers”. As I explain to my players on the field, I will call you “ends” because you line up on the end of the line of scrimmage. Being on the line makes you a lineman. Being on the end makes you an end. And yes, that is when they look down in despair at the realization that they are linemen. That is also when I welcome them to “real football” but now I’m getting off topic. On with the article…
Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Every once in a while, an athlete comes along that defies common sense. At 6’6″ and 266 pounds with the speed of a running back, Jadeveon Clowney is one of those players. Saying that he has Hall of Fame potential is not a stretch. However, saying he will make the Hall of Fame, as some people are, is a stretch. While Clowney has an unbelievable combination of size, strength, and all around athleticism, it’s these qualities that also make him such a risky pick. He has never set foot on a field where he was not the best athlete there. He has been told that he is and will be the best by everyone around him. As a result, his play does not live up to his potential. Clowney regularly takes plays off and rarely uses solid technique on the field. He doesn’t have to because he is always a better athlete than his opponent. His speed and strength has always been enough for him to get by without any other help. The problem is that he will need more than that when he reaches the NFL. The NFL’s elite offensive tackles, like Joe Thomas and Branden Albert, will easily handle him if he doesn’t become a better student of his craft. With the right mentorship, Jadeveon Clowney can become the best defensive player in the league. Without it, he could be just another guy. Buyer beware.
Scott Crichton, Oregon State
Scott Crichton has it all. Size, speed, good use of his hands, strength, and a high running motor. He could play end in either a 3-4 or 4-3. He is tough and not afraid to play the run but also excels at rushing the passer. There really is nothing to not like about him…except in this draft class where he is being compared to an otherworldly athlete.
Anthony Barr, UCLA
Anthony Barr has a lot of raw potential but unfortunately he just has not tapped into it yet. He has only played defense for a couple years and is still growing into the position. It’s obvious by looking at him that he is well built and has a lot of athletic ability. He even has the frame to add weight and play as a traditional 4-3 end. His strength and quickness are tools he can use to become a dangerous edge defender. Barr is at his best when running the arc, using his long arms and speed to get around his opponent and blindside quarterbacks. He shows flashes of what he can be, a disruptive athlete who has the vision to see through the play, and those flashes get results which shows up in his stats. What the stats don’t show is how little he does when he is not racking up sacks and tackles for a loss. He has trouble disengaging from blockers and prefers to go around people instead of through them (though he does have the strength to do it when he wants to). He is more of a container than an edge setter, preferring to come up the field rather than hold his ground. Again, if he wanted to, he could set the edge but he just needs to use his strength better. Also he is one of those guys that loves to use spin moves, which only a few guys in the history of the game have been very good with (he is not one of them). With proper coaching, Anthony Barr can be one of the more dangerous defensive players in the NFL. He just needs the right environment to help him develop.
Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech
One of the most fun players to watch in college football this year was Jeremiah Attaochu. He has a very uncommon size and skill-set package. At 6’3″ and 252 pounds, he is not the biggest of ends. However, he does wield large and powerful legs for a guy his size. He has a lot of lower body strength but only uses it on occasion. Those flashes of power indicate he may be able to play with his hand on the ground but at the moment he is best suited to play on his feet. What is interesting to watch about him is that he combines his powerful legs with great balance, coordination, and a relentless motor. Attaochu also plays with his eyes up at all times and always seems to know where the ball is on the field. As a result, he is almost always around the ball and influencing the play in his teams favor. He also has a knack for finding a soft spot in the line while stunting and blitzing. All together this forms a guy who makes a lot of plays. At first glance, Jeremiah Attaochu looks like solid player that has some potential. Upon further study, he is a guy that gives defenses headaches and has potential to be a dominant player.
Trent Murphy, Stanford
The blue collar workhorse type of player in this class of ends is epitomized by Trent Murphy. He has the strength and work ethic to play standing up or with his hand on the ground. He has the strength to set the edge against the run and a polished arsenal of pass rush moves to terrorize quarterbacks. His relentless effort allows him to play at a high level consistently. The only downside to Murphy is that he is not a quick twitch athlete. He may struggle with the speed of the NFL physically. However his strength, work ethic, and positional skill will allow Trent Murphy to be an effective player at the next level.
Marcus Smith, Louisville
Marcus Smith is one of the more underrated players in this class. His speed alone would be enough to warrant draft consideration but it’s how he uses it that makes him such an intriguing prospect. He is at his best when running the arc off the edge or being moved around to blitz from different angles. Smith also has the ability to cover either man-to-man or in zone. Right now he could play as a stand up end or a situational pass-rusher. He also has the potential to play as a linebacker if he works on his ability to read the run from that position. Marcus Smith has a diverse potential skill-set at the next level and could be a perfect fit in an aggressive scheme that will move him around the field.
Kyle Van Noy, BYU
Kyle Van Noy is another player with a diverse skill-set. Most notably is his ability to cover tight ends. He is right at home locking up with them, even when they split out in the slot. He is an experienced pass rusher as well and has the speed to close on the ball. However, Van Noy could use a lot more strength and more polished hand-work to help him disengage from blockers. His ability to cover and blitz makes him a possible prospect as a stand up end or as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
Dee Ford, Auburn
One of the most highly rated defensive ends in this draft is Dee Ford. He has blazing speed and knows how to use his hands to get to the quarterback. His skill-set makes him a master at running the arc or redirecting inside for a quick hit. Unfortunately, that is all Ford offers as an edge defender. He does not possess the strength to hold the edge and consistently gets pushed out of the way in the running game. His only use to an even front would be as a situational pass-rusher. However, in a 3-4 defense he could be right at home in a role similar to the one Aldon Smith has with the San Francisco 49ers. Justin Smith has been the powerhouse tackle who keeps linemen occupied and protects Aldon Smith so he is free to use his speed and make plays in the backfield. In a similar situation, Dee Ford can be a terror that keeps offensive coordinators up at night. Unfortunately, he does not have the skill-set to be a complete player by himself.
Michael Sam, Missouri
People were appalled by Michael Sam’s underwhelming combine performance. Why? Anyone who has actually watched him play knows that he has all the explosive quickness he needs to be dangerous on the edge. Sam was the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and he deserved it. He was a terror to opposing quarterbacks and had the speed to contain outside runs to his side. His film shows that he is blazing fast off the snap, knows how to use his hands on the run, and has the agility to redirect and take advantage of an opening in the pocket. Unfortunately, he does not have the size or strength to be very effective against against the run as a 4-3 end, his college position. He is tougher than Dee Ford but does not quite have the speed to match him. Ultimately, Michael Sam may share the same fate as Ford: a situational pass-rusher or being paired up with a monster of a tackle in a 3-4 look.
Kony Ealy, Missouri
Kony Ealy is often considered the second best end in this class but he does not possess the skill-set to be an elite pass rusher. He is at his best when setting the edge against the run. He has the size to hold up against offensive linemen and the discipline to be patient against zone runs and option plays, then flatten out to cut-off the ball carrier. His first step off the ball is quick enough but he does not have the speed to pressure the quarterback from the edge consistently. Kony Ealy can be a solid defender in the NFL but he will not be an explosive play-maker that the modern NFL covets so much.
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