2021 NFL Draft defensive end rankings: Ronnie Perkins leads a deep class
By John Blair
13. Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame
6-foot-4, 261 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
Notre Dame defensive end Daelin Hayes had a nice bounce back this season after missing most of the 2019 season with a shoulder injury. On the year Hays accounted for 17 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. Hayes shows a nice burst off the edge and overall is a very good athlete.
When looking at Hayes’s weaknesses the first one is a lack of production. He has only accounted for nine sacks during his career and has not been a force vs the run. In fact, his lack of success against the run will likely force Hayes to be a 3-4 outside linebacker or a situational pass rusher in the NFL.
14. Tarron Jackson, Coastal Carolina
6-foot-3, 260 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
One of the more underrated defensive ends in the 2021 NFL Draft is Coastal Carolina’s, Tarron Jackson. During his career for the Chanticleer’s Jackson, has set several records including tackles for loss with 44.5 and sacks with 26.5. His production goes to show he knows how to get after the passer as does his quickness off the ball and consistently high effort. Yet another area he does well in his hand use as he does a good job of getting off blocks.
The area Jackson needs to improve the most is vs. the run. He sometimes has trouble diagnosing run plays and can also be pushed off the ball. Another issue with him is he has been injury-prone during his college career. Despite these concerns, Jackson is someone who should be able to make an impact in the NFL, even if it is just a situational pass rusher.