DEs will be well-represented in first round

Updated: March 21, 2005, 12:32 PM ET
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.
For the second year in a row, there's a good chance the top 10 picks will come and go without a defensive end – or any defensive lineman for that matter – hearing his name called.

You won't find a Terrell Suggs (Ravens' 10th overall pick in 2003) or Julius Peppers (Panthers' second overall pick in 2002) in the 2005 defensive end class. However, what makes this year's group stronger than last year's is the potential for six members to come off the board in the first round. In comparison, the 2004 class had just two: Will Smith (16th overall, Saints) and Kenechi Udeze (20th overall, Vikings).

Predicting which end will be drafted first is made even more difficult than usual by the wide array of style, size and speed.


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Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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