Now that my early offensive rankings for the upcoming NFL Draft have been wrapped up, it's time to transition to the defensive side of the ball. To start with, we're going to look at a big area of need for the Vikings as they sit right now: defensive line.
There's plenty to get excited about with this crop of players, especially when it comes to its headliner, Jadeveon Clowney. Behind the South Carolina product though there is a ton of top-notch talent, especially at the tackle position.
The most intriguing thing about this class will end up being its order, as 10 different rankings at this position group could turn out 10 different ways. There is a good mix of more finished products and high upside guys, and it will be interesting to see how all of these careers end up stacking up in a decade or two.
Without further ado, my top ten defensive lineman for the 2014 NFL Draft. As with offensive lineman, 40 yard dash times will not be listed in their measurements as it's largely inconsequential for the position.
1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'5, 266
There isn't much that hasn't been said about Clowney already, and it's hard to not get tired about the over-analysis of Clowney's game. In essence, Clowney is a once in a generation talent with the potential talent to be the best pass rusher in the league for a long time. However, questions about his work ethic are rampant. If I'm the Vikings, I pray that causes him to fall to No. 8 because no one slacks under Mike Zimmer.
Draft Projection: Top 10
2. Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'1, 285
As one draft evaluator commented on Twitter, the only thing Aaron Donald hasn't done so far to help his stock has been measured at 6'5. Donald dominated at the Senior Bowl, and he blew up the Combine as well. While Donald is undersized for a tackle, his quick steps could terrorize interior lineman similar to the also undersized Geno Atkins. Donald may not be the perfect size, but his talent in undeniable.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
3. Kony Ealy, Missouri (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'4, 273
A pro-ready defensive end out of the SEC, Ealy has not gotten as much buzz as a former teammate of his but his NFL future is much clearer from a talent standpoint. Ealy has a quick first step, and can get around the edge as well as anybody in this class outside of Clowney. While Ealy is not generating nearly the amount of buzz as some of the other players on this list, that doesn't matter because his play speaks for itself.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
4. Louis Nix III, Notre Dame (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'2, 331
Nix has been an absolute beast in the middle for the Golden Domers throughout most of his career, though a knee injury last season cut his year short. The injury may concern some teams and keep him lower on some boards, but that is the only factor causing him to not be a top 15 lock. Nix best projects as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme stopping the run and freeing up linebackers, and he's by far the best one in this class.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
5. Ra'shede Hageman, Minnesota (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'6, 310
Hageman is not going to be drafted based on his play, he'll be drafted based on his potential. Hageman is a freak of an athlete for his size, and one of the most exciting things about him is that he's versatile enough to potentially play every single spot on the defensive line. The problem is right now his technique is sloppy and underdeveloped, and he's going to need a pro coach to teach him the basics if he wants to be successful.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
6. Timmy Jernigan, FSU (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'2, 299
The most noticeable defensive player on this year's national championship team, Jernigan is a quick defensive tackle who could be an impact pass rusher in the middle. Jernigan has received some heat about his stamina, but it doesn't figure to be a big concern when he enters a pro locker room. More concerning is his tendency to get out of position against the run, something he'll have to fix to be an every down player in the NFL.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
7. Dee Ford, Auburn (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'2, 252
A riser late in the season, Ford had an incredible national championship game and a great week of practice leading up to the Senior Bowl. Ford is a bit of a tweener, meaning he could project to either be a lineman or a linebacker at the next level, though I think he fits best as a 4-3 edge rusher. Ford is fast and has a nasty motor, though his size may make it difficult for him to hold up against the run.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
8. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'5, 304
Coming into the season, Tuitt seemed to be the better prospect between the Notre Dame lineman, but a disappointing junior season hurt his stock. Tuitt is also likely to switch positions at the next level, as he isn't quick enough to run around the edge at the next level. Tuitt will have to answer questions as to why his sack totals plummeted last year, and he may not have the motor to be consistent against better competition.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
9. Scott Crichton, Oregon State (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'3, 273
Crichton does not measure off the charts athletically, but he should be a great contributory player early in his career and he has the potential to grow into more. Crichton has a relentless motor, and is a player that gives consistent effort on every single play. Crichton may not put up gaudy statistics in his career, but he is likely to end up as a polished all-around player who provides plenty of value to his team.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
10. Trent Murphy, Stanford (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'5, 250
A leader on one of the top defenses in the country, Murphy is a polished edge rusher who should be ready to rush the passer from day one. Murphy has a variety of pass rush moves he can use to get to the quarterback, and his technique is highly refined compared to some of the other prospects in his class. Murphy is not an incredible athlete, however, meaning his NFL potential may have a ceiling.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Those are my rankings for the top ten defensive lineman for the upcoming NFL Draft, though plenty of amazing players were left off this list! Check back soon for linebackers!
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