Defensive End Rankings 2023 NFL Draft

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Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) rushes against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) rushes against the Boston College Eagles during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE END RANKINGS 2023 NFL DRAFT

Categorizing positions for the front seven in the NFL has become difficult of late. There used to be a clear separation between defensive tackle, defensive end, and outside linebacker – now DEs and OLBs are often lumped into a general non-specific EDGE category. We have in an attempt to provide some clarity over the position split the EDGE players into DEs and OLBs.

With this in mind, this lists prospects who are classified as defensive ends and edge players and excludes any obvious LBs. It has three players that stand out from the rest, Clemson’s Mile Murphy, Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame, and BJ Ojulari from LSU.

Murphy a junior DE displays elite power and at 275 lbs is equally able as both a run stuffer and pass rusher. Foskey possesses similar traits and could easily be selected in the top half of the draft if he continues in the same vein as 2021.

Brother of Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, BJ is a bit of a tweener at 245lbs - officially listed as a defensive end but has more linebacker traits. Despite this, he has impressive upside as a pass-rusher and will likely not make it passed the first day of the draft.
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LAST UPDATED: 04/21/2023

Player Rankings - Defensive End

All DL
DEF Tackles Only
EDGE Only
# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
1
Myles Murphy Clemson Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Myles
 Murphy

6-5 268lbs 4.53
DE
CIN Mascot
CIN Mascot
268lbs 6-5 4.53 62 17.2
90.7
MORE>>
 With almost unrivaled mobility and pass-rushing skills, Murphy is set to make an immediate impact in the NFL. With the freakish speed,...
3
Will McDonald IV Iowa State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Will
 McDonald IV

6-4 239lbs 4.70
DE
NYJ Mascot
NYJ Mascot
239lbs 6-4 4.70 13 35.3
87.0
MORE>>
 Will McDonald IV a sold NFL prospect who has consistently performed at the highest level while at Iowa. He possesses a wide array...
2
BJ Ojulari LSU Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
BJ
 Ojulari

6-2 248lbs 4.59
DE
ARI Mascot
ARI Mascot
248lbs 6-2 4.59 18 45.7
87.0
MORE>>
 Ojulari is a quality pro prospect with very good experience and production as a pass rusher, he's got an array of edge moves, and has...
4
Felix Anudike-Uzomah Kansas State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Felix
 Anudike-Uzom...

6-3 255lbs 4.73
DE
KC Mascot
KC Mascot
255lbs 6-3 4.73 20 47.7
86.2
MORE>>
 Anudike-Uzomah is an edge rusher who has a nice repertoire of moves with the requisite speed for the position and has dominated...
5
Byron Young Tennessee Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Byron
 Young

6-2 250lbs 4.43
DE
LAR Mascot
LAR Mascot
250lbs 6-2 4.43 34 76.6
85.1
MORE>>
 Byron Young is an elite athlete and his performance at the combine was special and really got NFL Scout's attention. He...
6
Zach Harrison Ohio State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Zach
 Harrison

6-6 274lbs 4.41
DE
ATL Mascot
ATL Mascot
274lbs 6-6 4.41 37 85
84.9
MORE>>
 Ohio State has been a breeding ground for top-notch pass rushers - in particular, the Bosa brothers and Chase Young, and some scouts are...
7
Tuli Tuipulotu USC Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Tuli
 Tuipulotu

6-3 266lbs 4.97
DE
LAC Mascot
LAC Mascot
266lbs 6-3 4.97 30 62.8
84.3
MORE>>
 Tuli Tuipulotu is a solid prospect who put up elite numbers in 2022 while dominating PAC 12 offensive lines. He's got an excellent...
8
K.J. Henry Clemson Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
K.J.
 Henry

6-4 251lbs 4.63
DE
WSH Mascot
WSH Mascot
251lbs 6-4 4.63 47 119.3
83.6
MORE>>
 K.J. Henry is a solid pro prospect. He's a high-character/effort individual with a constant motor, combined with excellent speed,...
9
Colby Wooden Auburn Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Colby
 Wooden

6-4 273lbs 4.79
DE
GB Mascot
GB Mascot
273lbs 6-4 4.79 41 103.7
83.5
MORE>>
 As a pass rusher, Wooden shows quickness off the line and has the fluid athleticism and flexibility to bend the edge. Combines excellent...
10
YaYa Diaby Louisville Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
YaYa
 Diaby

6-3 263lbs 4.51
DE
TB Mascot
TB Mascot
263lbs 6-3 4.51 43 112.3
83.2
MORE>>
 There is no doubting YaYa Diaby's athletic ability which is sky-high - he's got the elite speed and power you look for in a pro edge...
11
Ochaun Mathis Nebraska Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Ochaun
 Mathis

6-5 250lbs 4.74
DE
LAR Mascot
LAR Mascot
250lbs 6-5 4.74 57 191
80.8
MORE>>
 His spin move is already NFL-caliber, and Mathis displays a very good motor. Mathis shows impressive speed and overall athleticism when...
12
Tyler Lacy Oklahoma State Thumbnail - NFLDraftBUZZ.com

DE
Tyler
 Lacy

6-4 279lbs 5.11
DE
JAX Mascot
JAX Mascot
279lbs 6-4 5.11 52 167.6
79.6
MORE>>
 He’s very good with his hands, a technician with the violence, quickness, and the long arms to ward off blockers. Lacy has a great motor...

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive End

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2023 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive End

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.