DE Ranks: Justin Smith No. 1

No need to question why Smith is No. 1 on this list

Originally Published: August 20, 2012
By Matt Williamson | ESPN Insider

After watching games and breaking down film, Scouts Inc., in conjunction with ESPN.com's Matt Williamson, has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2012 season. Here's how the top defensive ends stacked up.

Note: No rookies were included in this exercise. Age refers to player's age at start of the 2012 season on Sept. 5.

This group consists of the traditional 4-3 defensive ends who play on the edge at the line of scrimmage and 3-4 defensive ends who are asked to play almost like defensive tackles, as inside players against massive offensive linemen in tighter quarters. The 4-3 ends get all of the headlines for one simple reason: pass rush.

The 3-4 ends do more of the dirty work to free up those around them. But the 3-4 defensive ends are doing more penetrating and have become more disruptive schematically than in the past, where they were often just asked to control the man in front of them and control two gaps.

Out of the very top guys on this list, Justin Smith is probably the name that raises the most eyebrows. Although he is a very different player than someone like Jason Pierre-Paul or Jared Allen, by no means should that diminish Smith's greatness. If you haven't already, just watch Smith snap after snap before criticizing how high he is ranked on this list.

1
Justin Smith
92
AGE: 32
DOB: 9/30/79
HT: 6-4
WT: 285
POS: DE
Tackles 58
Solo 45
Sack 7.5
FF 3

Player Analysis

Smith is a seasoned veteran and a consistent producer.  He brings an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism to the position.

MORE ANALYSIS

He has lost a step over the years but has learned to compensate with excellent technique and the ability to recognize blocking schemes, locate the level of the ball and pick angles. He does a very good job of feeling pressure and using his hands to squeeze the play down.

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2
Jared Allen
89
AGE: 30
DOB: 4/3/82
HT: 6-6
WT: 270
POS: DE
Tackles 66
Solo 48
Sack 22
FF 4

Player Analysis

Allen has been an impact player his entire career. He has great length and athleticism for the position.

MORE ANALYSIS

He has excellent initial quickness as a pass-rusher with deceptive power to counter and collapse the pocket. He has great range in pursuit and plays with a relentless motor. Allen often sets the tone and brings leadership and big-play ability to the Vikings' defense.

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3
Jason Pierre-Paul
88
AGE: 23
DOB: 1/1/89
HT: 6-5
WT: 278
POS: DE
Tackles 86
Solo 65
Sack 16.5
FF 2

Player Analysis
Pierre-Paul had an outstanding season, taking over a starting role for the Giants in 2011. He is an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He has explosive speed and quickness off the edge as a pass-rusher and can bend and close well defending the run.

MORE ANALYSIS

He has deceptive power and can get larger blockers off-balance with a variety of counter moves. He has improved his hand use and ability to react quickly as blocking schemes unfold. He should continue to be an impact player in 2012.

CLOSE ANALYSIS


To see the rest of the Scouts Inc. defensive end rankings -- and get access to rankings for every NFL player -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

Matt Williamson

ESPN.com
  • Hosts "Football Today" podcast
  • Joined ESPN in 2005
  • Was an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns

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