NFL Draft Musings: Defensive Ends

Oct 19, 2013; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (8) during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Bronco Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe I just have not noticed, but in all of the talk about the NFL Draft, I see little if any talking about DeMarcus Lawrence.  Outside of Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack, Lawrence might be the best defensive end in the upcoming draft.  He is an impressive technician and is the best stack and shed end I have watched to this point.

It is amazing to me how rarely Lawrence was ever rushing the passer from the jump.  He always seems to go through the process of playing the run honestly, taking and beating his opponent before going after the quarterback and he still found a ton of success.  The grounding and education he has from college combined with athletic upside suggests he should have early success but should only get better with time.

Dee Ford got a ton of press for his performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and he was a star on the field and off the field because he is an incredibly charismatic player with a magnetic personality.  Nevertheless, Chris Smith had a great week as well and really looked good as a pass rusher, where he should make an early impact.  Short with long arms and a great burst, he was tough to beat in pass protection drills.

IK Enempali was not in Mobile long, but he made a nice impression in the short time he was there.  And he is even more drastic than Smith as a short and wide player with long arms.