2024 NFL Draft: Chop Robinson tops Jared Verse and Darius Robinson as the best defensive end

2024 NFL Draft defensive end class ranking No. 17-20

17. Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss

A player who will test better on the field than he has played on the field is Ole Miss defensive end Cedric Johnson. Johnson was named Bruce Feldman’s 2022 #42 Freak Athlete due to him posting a 36.5-inch vertical jump and bench pressing 390 pounds. However, his play on the field has been inconsistent. One of the major reasons for this is his lack of pass-rushing moves which caused problems for him when trying to get off blocks. He also lacks explosion off the ball, and tends to win more with power than speed. On the positive side, he has shown smooth hips and looks comfortable so his best bet in the NFL might be as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Draft Grade: Sixth Round

18. Jalen Green, James Madison

One of the most productive players in the 2024 NFL Draft is James Madison’s Jalen Green. In just nine games this season Green had 21 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. Unfortunately, though his season ended early due to a leg injury. In addition, to having concerns about his health he also doesn’t show much explosion off the ball and his lack of athletic ability limits his upside. On the positive side he is a proven playmaker who plays with good strength. Draft Grade: Seventh Round

19. Joe Evans, Iowa

A player whose production should get him looks late in the NFL Draft, despite not having prototypical NFL tools is Iowa’s Joe Evans. This season Evans had 9.5 sacks including four in the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. He also finished his career with 28 sacks which is the fourth most in Hawkeye history. Despite these strong numbers Evans, has limited potential. He lacks the burst off the edge an NFL defensive end 6-foot-2 252 pounds needs, and he is also not athletic enough to move to outside linebacker. Draft Grade: Seventh Round

20. Myles Cole, Texas Tech

A player who has all the measurables but very little production is Texas Tech’s Myles Cole. At the Senior Bowl, Cole came in at 6-foot-6 272 pounds and had the longest wingspan of defensive end at the event by over two inches. However, he has not been able to use these tools to produce at a high level. He only has five career sacks and only started for one year at Texas Tech. The main reason for this lack of elite stats is his lack of football awareness that sees him out of position consistently. He also is very raw when it comes to using his hands to get off blocks and using different pass rushing moves which you would not expect for a player who has been in school for six years. Draft Grade: Seventh Round