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The Ultimate Guide To The Top Defensive Ends In The 2024 NFL Draft

Trends January 10, 2025

Who are the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft is still a long way away, but there are already a number of players who are generating buzz as potential first-round picks. Among the most impressive players at the defensive end position are Shemar Stewart of Texas, David Bailey of Stanford, and Kelvin Banks of Texas A&M. These players have all shown a combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability that has scouts drooling.

Stewart is a 6'3", 260-pound defensive end who has been a force for the Longhorns. He has recorded 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his first two seasons at Texas, and he is expected to be even better in 2023. Bailey is a 6'4", 275-pound defensive end who has been a key part of Stanford's defense. He has recorded 7 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his first two seasons with the Cardinal, and he is expected to be a major contributor in 2023. Banks is a 6'5", 290-pound defensive end who has been a force for the Aggies. He has recorded 8 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in his first two seasons at Texas A&M, and he is expected to be a major contributor in 2023.

These three players are just a few of the top defensive ends who are expected to be available in the 2024 NFL Draft. With their combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability, they have the potential to be impact players at the next level.

Here is a more personal and detailed look at each of the three players:

	Shemar Stewart	David Bailey	Kelvin Banks
Height	6'3"	6'4"	6'5"
Weight	260 lbs	275 lbs	290 lbs
Hometown	Houston, TX	San Francisco, CA	Houston, TX
High School	North Shore	Bellarmine College Prep	North Shore

Top Defensive Ends 2024 Draft

Athleticism
Pass-Rushing Ability
Size
Strength
Speed
Tackling
Versatility

These are just a few of the key aspects that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who can excel in all of these areas have the potential to be impact players at the next level.

1. Athleticism

Athleticism is one of the most important qualities for a top defensive end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends need to be able to move quickly and change direction quickly in order to get to the quarterback or running back. They also need to be strong enough to shed blocks and tackle ball carriers. In addition, defensive ends need to have good endurance in order to play at a high level for four quarters.

There are a number of different athletic drills that can be used to assess a defensive end's athleticism. These drills include the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, the broad jump, and the three-cone drill. Defensive ends who perform well in these drills are more likely to be successful at the next level.

Here are some examples of top defensive ends who have excelled in the NFL due to their athleticism:

Julius Peppers
Von Miller
Khalil Mack
Joey Bosa
T.J. Watt

These players are all known for their ability to get to the quarterback and make big plays. They are all also excellent athletes who have performed well in athletic drills.

Athleticism is a key factor that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who can excel in athletic drills are more likely to be successful at the next level.

2. Pass-Rushing Ability

Pass-rushing ability is one of the most important qualities for a top defensive end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends are responsible for getting to the quarterback and putting pressure on him. The ability to rush the passer is a combination of strength, speed, and technique. Defensive ends need to be strong enough to shed blocks and get to the quarterback. They also need to be quick enough to get around offensive linemen and get to the quarterback before he can throw the ball. Finally, defensive ends need to have good technique in order to be able to get to the quarterback without getting blocked.

There are a number of different pass-rushing moves that defensive ends can use to get to the quarterback. Some of the most common pass-rushing moves include the bull rush, the speed rush, and the spin move. Defensive ends need to be able to use a variety of pass-rushing moves in order to be successful. They also need to be able to adjust their pass-rushing moves based on the blocking scheme of the offensive line.

Pass-rushing ability is a key factor that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who can excel in pass-rushing drills are more likely to be successful at the next level. Here are some examples of top defensive ends who have excelled in the NFL due to their pass-rushing ability:

Julius Peppers
Von Miller
Khalil Mack
Joey Bosa
T.J. Watt

These players are all known for their ability to get to the quarterback and make big plays. They are all also excellent pass rushers who have performed well in pass-rushing drills.

3. Size

Size is an important factor for defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends need to be big and strong enough to handle the physicality of the game. They need to be able to take on offensive linemen and shed blocks in order to get to the quarterback or running back. Defensive ends also need to be tall enough to reach over offensive linemen and get their hands on the ball.

There are a number of real-life examples of top defensive ends who have succeeded in the NFL due to their size. Some of these players include:

Julius Peppers (6'7", 287 lbs)
Von Miller (6'3", 250 lbs)
Khalil Mack (6'3", 252 lbs)
Joey Bosa (6'5", 266 lbs)
T.J. Watt (6'4", 252 lbs)

These players are all known for their ability to get to the quarterback and make big plays. They are all also large and strong players who can handle the physicality of the game.

Size is a key factor that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who are big and strong are more likely to be successful at the next level.

4. Strength

Strength is an essential quality for a top defensive end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends need to be strong enough to handle the physicality of the game. They need to be able to take on offensive linemen and shed blocks in order to get to the quarterback or running back. Defensive ends also need to be strong enough to tackle ball carriers and force fumbles.

Upper Body Strength
Upper body strength is important for defensive ends in order to shed blocks and get to the quarterback. Defensive ends need to be able to use their hands and arms to push offensive linemen away and create space to get to the quarterback.
Lower Body Strength
Lower body strength is important for defensive ends in order to generate power and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. Defensive ends need to be able to use their legs to drive off the line of scrimmage and get to the quarterback quickly.
Core Strength
Core strength is important for defensive ends in order to maintain balance and stability when shedding blocks and tackling ball carriers. Defensive ends need to be able to use their core muscles to keep their balance and stay on their feet when they are being pushed and pulled by offensive linemen.
Grip Strength
Grip strength is important for defensive ends in order to hold onto ball carriers and force fumbles. Defensive ends need to be able to use their hands to wrap up ball carriers and prevent them from breaking free.

Strength is a key factor that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who are strong in all of these areas are more likely to be successful at the next level.

5. Speed

Speed is an essential quality for a top defensive end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends need to be able to get off the line of scrimmage quickly and chase down quarterbacks and running backs. They also need to be able to change direction quickly to avoid offensive linemen and get to the ball carrier.

There are a number of drills that can be used to measure a defensive end's speed. The 40-yard dash is a common drill that measures a player's speed over a short distance. The 10-yard split is another common drill that measures a player's acceleration over a shorter distance. Defensive ends who perform well in these drills are more likely to be successful at the next level.

Here are some examples of top defensive ends who have excelled in the NFL due to their speed:

Julius Peppers
Von Miller
Khalil Mack
Joey Bosa
T.J. Watt

These players are all known for their ability to get to the quarterback and make big plays. They are all also very fast players who can chase down ball carriers and make tackles from sideline to sideline.

Speed is a key factor that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who can excel in speed drills are more likely to be successful at the next level.

6. Tackling

Tackling is an essential skill for defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends need to be able to tackle ball carriers effectively in order to prevent them from gaining yards and scoring touchdowns. Tackling is also important for defensive ends in order to force fumbles and create turnovers.

There are a number of different tackling techniques that defensive ends can use. The most common tackling technique is the open-field tackle. Open-field tackles are made when the ball carrier is not near any blockers. Defensive ends need to be able to use their speed and agility to chase down ball carriers and make open-field tackles.

Another common tackling technique is the gang tackle. Gang tackles are made when multiple defenders tackle the ball carrier at the same time. Gang tackles are often used to bring down ball carriers who are larger and stronger than the defensive end. Defensive ends need to be able to work well with their teammates in order to make effective gang tackles.

Tackling is a key factor that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who are good tacklers are more likely to be successful at the next level.

7. Versatility

Versatility is a key trait that NFL teams look for in top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Defensive ends who are versatile can line up at multiple positions and perform a variety of tasks. This versatility is important because it allows teams to be more flexible with their defensive schemes and matchups.

There are a number of different ways that defensive ends can be versatile. Some defensive ends are able to play both defensive end and defensive tackle. This versatility allows teams to use them in different situations, such as on early downs or passing downs. Other defensive ends are able to play both on the edge and inside. This versatility allows teams to use them in a variety of different pass-rushing schemes.

Here are some examples of top defensive ends who are known for their versatility:

Julius Peppers
Von Miller
Khalil Mack
Joey Bosa
T.J. Watt

These players are all known for their ability to play multiple positions and perform a variety of tasks. This versatility has made them valuable assets to their teams and has helped them to become some of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Versatility is a key trait that NFL teams will be looking for when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who are versatile can be used in a variety of different ways and can help their teams to be more successful.

FAQs about Top Defensive Ends 2024 Draft

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft:

Question 1: Who are the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Answer: The top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft are Shemar Stewart of Texas, David Bailey of Stanford, and Kelvin Banks of Texas A&M.

Question 2: What are the key qualities that NFL teams look for in defensive ends?

Answer: NFL teams look for a combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability in defensive ends.

Question 3: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Answer: Shemar Stewart is a strong and athletic defensive end with a good pass-rushing ability. David Bailey is a quick and agile defensive end with a good ability to shed blocks. Kelvin Banks is a large and powerful defensive end with a good ability to stop the run.

Question 4: What are the projections for the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Answer: Shemar Stewart, David Bailey, and Kelvin Banks are all projected to be first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Question 5: What are the key factors that will determine the success of the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Answer: The key factors that will determine the success of the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft are their ability to stay healthy, their ability to produce on the field, and their ability to adapt to the NFL game.

The 2024 NFL Draft is still a long way away, but the top defensive ends in this draft class have the potential to be special players. They have all shown a combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability that has scouts drooling. It will be exciting to see how these players perform in the NFL and how they contribute to their teams' success.

For more information on the top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft, please visit the following websites:

NFL.com
CBSSports.com
ESPN.com

Conclusion

The defensive end position is one of the most important positions in the NFL. Defensive ends are responsible for getting to the quarterback and putting pressure on him. They also need to be able to stop the run and force fumbles. The top defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft have the potential to be impact players at the next level.

NFL teams will be looking for a combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability when evaluating defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. Players who can excel in all of these areas have the potential to be successful at the next level.