Meet the Prospects: Elite defensive end class to dominate 1st round
Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.
Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Linemen
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties
Defensive Ends
Leonard Williams, USC
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 298 lbs.
Age: 20
2014 stats: 80 tackles, 7 sacks, 9.5 TFL, 3 FFs
Williams is a contender for the first overall selection. He excels against the run and can get into the backfield from anywhere along the defensive line. Williams would be an immediate starter for all 32 teams.
Randy Gregory, Nebraska
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 stats: 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 8.5 TFL
A likely top-5 selection, Gregory is an explosive pass-rusher who can also make plays in the backfield against the run. His ability to disrupt plays will make him an impact player from day one.
Shane Ray, Missouri
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 stats: 65 tackles, 13 sacks, 22.5 TFL, 3 FFs
Ray may be the best pure pass-rusher in the class. An athletic freak, his ability to get into the backfield and make plays will make him a valuable asset to any team.
Dante Fowler, Florida
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 277 lbs.
Age: 20
2014 stats: 60 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 TFL, 2 FFs
Fowler was a bit of a disappointment in his first two years in Gainesville, but everything came together for him in his junior season. He's not necessarily a speed guy, but has the strength to overpower blockers.
Alvin 'Bud' Dupree, Kentucky
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 267
Age: 21
2014 stats: 74 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL, 2 FFs
Dupree doesn't get a lot of press, but NFL scouts have taken notice of his abilities. He has a nose for the quarterback, and has all the physical tools needed to be successful at the next level.
Arik Armstead, Oregon
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 285 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 46 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5.5 TFL
Wherever Armstead plays along the defensive line, he'll be considered a freak. At 6-foot-8 and nearly 290 pounds, this former basketball player will represent a mismatch for any offensive lineman.
Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 270 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 stats: 59 tackles, 6 sacks, 11.5 TFL
Odighizuwa is a big, strong defensive lineman who can hold his own against the run. He has a huge frame and an impressive wingspan that will allow him to clog up passing lanes.
Danielle Hunter, LSU
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Age: 20
2014 stats: 73 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 13 TFL
Hunter's calling card is his length. He's also willing to be physical and sacrifice his body. The 20-year-old is a better pass-rusher than his 1.5 sacks would indicate, but he needs to improve his first step and get off the ball quicker.