Top Defensive End Prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft
25. Nick Perry, USC, 6’3″ 250 (Junior)
So far, Nick Perry hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he still has time to prove he is a dominant pass rusher. Perry is a redshirt junior with big goals for the 2011 season. 15. Nick Perry wants to get more then 15 sacks this year. It sounds like a pipe dream considering he had just 4 last year, but do not underestimate him. Perry is unique specimen. He stands at 6 ft 3, 250 pounds and runs a 4.6 40 yard dash. He collected 9 sacks his freshman year, but was hampered by a lingering high ankle sprain in 2010. Perry’s unique blend of size and athleticism makes him a player to watch for this year. He could be the breakout player of the year if he is able to stay healthy. He’s a very quick player who uses his hands well. It’s hard to tell where his draft stock currently is. He has a ton of potential. If he breaks out this year, he could be a 1st round pick. Look out for Perry in 2011. (scouting report via Nick Castillo)
26. Kentrell Lockett, Ole Miss, 6’5″ 248 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
27. Shea McClellin, Boise State, 6’3″ 262 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
28. Brad Madison, Missouri, 6’4″ 265 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
29. Darius Nall, UCF, 6’3″ 246 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
30. Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy, 6’2″ 252 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
31. Craig Roh, Michigan, 6’4″ 252 (Junior)
Roh, like Robinson and Roundtree, would really benefit by staying for his senior season. He was simply moved around too much under Rich Rodriguez and will need to use the extra year to improve his skills as pass rusher from the defensive end spot. His 6’5″ frame, as well as his speed, suggests that he has the potential to be an elite pass rusher, both in college and at the next level. If he goes pro after this season I would expect him to be a late 5th round selection. (Michigan and Northwestern analysis provided by Big Ten Nation’s Nick Hlebichuk)
32. Oliver Vernon, Miami, 6’4″ 265 (Junior)
Vernon returns for his junior season after leading the Hurricanes last year with six sacks (50 yards). He started 11 games last year opposite Allen Bailey at defensive end, and he finished fourth on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss. He has a good NFL body at 6’4″ 265 pounds, and with another season or two in a big time weight program, he could develop into a strong-side defensive end prospect with a lot of upside. Six sacks as a sophomore is very encouraging for Hurricane fans, and with a talented crew around him, he should be able to build off of that. He needs to continue to improve his technique and overall pass rushing skills, so he could be slated for two more years in Miami.
33. Wayne Dorsey, Ole Miss, 6’6″ 262 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
34. Adewale Ojomo, Miami, 6’4″ 270 (Junior)
Another interesting pass rush prospect with great NFL size, Ojomo will be entering his first year as a full time starter for the Hurricanes in 2011. Last year as a key reserve, he had five sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss to go along with a career high 38 tackles. He’s another guy who is really just coming into his own as a player. With Allen Bailey moved on to the NFL, Ojomo will now have his chance to shine as a starting defensive end, and should really see a spike in his pass rush numbers. I think he’s a candidate to really break out this year.
35. LeBron Daniel, Iowa, 6’2″ 250 (Senior)
Another slightly undersized defensive end prospect who is in the same boat as the aforementioned Binns. Daniel has been a rotational player for the last three years, and will now have his time to shine as a starter. Daniel has the athletic ability to play at the next level, but he will really have to show his quickness and ability to get to the quarterback this year. Iowa’ defensive line is its source of pass rush, so he will need to be on top of his game.