Meet the Prospects: Elite defensive end class to dominate 1st round

Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.

Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Linemen
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties

Defensive Ends

Leonard Williams, USC

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 298 lbs.
Age: 20

2014 stats: 80 tackles, 7 sacks, 9.5 TFL, 3 FFs

Williams is a contender for the first overall selection. He excels against the run and can get into the backfield from anywhere along the defensive line. Williams would be an immediate starter for all 32 teams. 

Randy Gregory, Nebraska

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Age: 22

2014 stats: 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 8.5 TFL

A likely top-5 selection, Gregory is an explosive pass-rusher who can also make plays in the backfield against the run. His ability to disrupt plays will make him an impact player from day one.

Shane Ray, Missouri

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age: 22

2014 stats: 65 tackles, 13 sacks, 22.5 TFL, 3 FFs

Ray may be the best pure pass-rusher in the class. An athletic freak, his ability to get into the backfield and make plays will make him a valuable asset to any team. 

Dante Fowler, Florida

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 277 lbs.
Age: 20

2014 stats: 60 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 TFL, 2 FFs

Fowler was a bit of a disappointment in his first two years in Gainesville, but everything came together for him in his junior season. He's not necessarily a speed guy, but has the strength to overpower blockers.

Alvin 'Bud' Dupree, Kentucky

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 267
Age: 21

2014 stats: 74 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL, 2 FFs

Dupree doesn't get a lot of press, but NFL scouts have taken notice of his abilities. He has a nose for the quarterback, and has all the physical tools needed to be successful at the next level.

Arik Armstead, Oregon

Height: 6'8"
Weight: 285 lbs.
Age: 21

2014 stats: 46 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5.5 TFL

Wherever Armstead plays along the defensive line, he'll be considered a freak. At 6-foot-8 and nearly 290 pounds, this former basketball player will represent a mismatch for any offensive lineman.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 270 lbs.
Age: 22

2014 stats: 59 tackles, 6 sacks, 11.5 TFL

Odighizuwa is a big, strong defensive lineman who can hold his own against the run. He has a huge frame and an impressive wingspan that will allow him to clog up passing lanes.

Danielle Hunter, LSU

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Age: 20

2014 stats: 73 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 13 TFL

Hunter's calling card is his length. He's also willing to be physical and sacrifice his body. The 20-year-old is a better pass-rusher than his 1.5 sacks would indicate, but he needs to improve his first step and get off the ball quicker.