NFL Mock's Top 25: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings plus position rankings & analysis
By John Blair
2024 NFL Draft defensive end rankings
Underrated: Brennan Jackson, Washington State
A high-effort player who has produced at a high level is Washington State defensive end Brennan Jackson. Last season, Jackson accounted for 12.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks and was named second-team All-Pac-12.
Overrated: Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
No prospect on the defensive side of the ball is more overrated than Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland. Kneeland has average production never posting more than 4.5 sacks in a season and just being a one year starter. He also lacks the great burst off the ball that makes you think he can translate to the next level. At the NFL Combine, he ran the 5th worst 40-yard dash and 10-yard split.
Non-Power Five player to watch: Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
A player who impressed me at the East-West Shrine Bowl was Colorado State defensive end Mohamed Kamara. During this event, he displayed an unreal first step off the ball and the flexibility to get around the edge. These traits helped him account for 17 tackles for loss and 13 sacks this year.
NFL team who needs this position: Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons spent big in free agency on the offensive side of the ball bringing in Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney. Now look for them to address the defensive side of the ball starting with drafting a pass rusher in the first round.
Overall Rankings (NFL Draft grade I give the player)
1. Chop Robinson, Penn State (first round)
2. Jared Verse, Florida State (first round)
3. Darius Robinson, Missouri (second round)
4. Bralen Trice, Washington (second round)
5. Brennan Jackson, Washington State (fourth round)
6. Adisa Isaac, Penn State (fourth round)
7. Gabriel Murphy, UCLA (fourth round)
8. Jonah Elliss, Utah (fourth round)
9. Braiden McGregor, Michigan (fourth round)
10. Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State (fifth round)
11. Austin Booker, Kansas (fifth round)
12. Nelson Ceaser, Houston (fifth round)
13. Xavier Thomas, Clemson (sixth round)
14. Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (sixth round)
15. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington (sixth round)
16. Javon Solomon, Troy (sixth round)
17. Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss (sixth round)
18. Jalen Green, James Madison (seventh round)
19, Myles Cole, Texas Tech (seventh round)