This is not the ideal year when it comes to drafting game-changing defensive ends.
While there are several serviceable players at the position who should make solid contributions throughout their careers, it looks like North Carolina State’s Bradley Chubb is far and away the best at the position. He's someone who could come through with an impactful rookie season and a stellar career.
The difference between Chubb and second-ranked Marcus Davenport of Texas-San Antonio is significant, and it should show up on draft day. Chubb is likely to go in the first five picks, while Davenport should get drafted in the 21-25 range.
There are several other productive defensive ends who will likely be selected in the second and third rounds. Here's a look at the five best at the position:
BRADLEY CHUBB, NORTH CAROLINA STATE
At 6-foot-4½, 270 pounds with 4.65 speed in the 40-yard dash, Chubb has the ideal size and speed for the position. He has the kind of relentless motor that makes him a dangerous player from whistle to whistle, and while his speed is always going to be a factor that allows him to get to the quarterback, he has excellent moves, delivers a terrific punch and simply will find a way to defeat the blocker so he can get into the backfield.
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What makes Chubb truly special is the degree of polish and expertise there is to his game. He should be able to step right into the NFL without much fine-tuning.
Chubb recorded career highs in tackles (72), tackles for losses (23) and sacks (10) in 2017, and he showed quite a bit of consistency with 56 tackles, 21 tackles for losses and 10 QB traps in 2016.
MARCUS DAVENPORT, TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO
Close to 6-6, 264 pounds, Davenport has impressive size. He is an excellent athlete with impressive power, and once he engages with a blocker, his strength will be the telling factor that allows him to get away and make the play in the backfield. He had 17½ tackles for losses and 8½ sacks in 2017.
Davenport started his career on the other side of the ball as a wide receiver, but he has gained explosive strength and improved significantly in his technique. He is not the sophisticated or finished product that Chubb is, but he has game-changing potential and has an excellent chance to develop into an impact player at the next level.
ARDEN KEY, LOUISIANA STATE
Key is not a sure thing at this point in his development, but he has explosive speed getting off the line of scrimmage and remarkable flexibility as he comes around the corner. Those are his best attributes, but he lacks the consistency scouts would prefer to see.
In an injury-plagued 2017 season, Key had 33 tackles, 5½ tackles for losses and four sacks. A year earlier, however, he amassed 55 tackles, 12½ for losses and 11 sacks. Some teams will be concerned because he was not available for personal interviews during the Combine, but his play indicates he has a chance to become a dominant presence on Sundays.
RASHEEM GREEN, USC
Green is a prototype for the position when it comes to size and speed, but he has not been the most consistent player.
Green had 16 sacks and 19 tackles for losses over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder has size and strength. He also has the initial quickness to disrupt gaps, and he can get rid of his blocker, drive into runners and QBs and go lateral in a flash.
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Green has the potential to take over a game, and he should be able to show quite a bit of improvement in the first few years of his career.
SAM HUBBARD, OHIO STATE
While the other top prospects mentioned here have exceptional athletic ability, quickness and flexibility, the 6-5, 270-pound Hubbard is more of a technician and instinctive player who will continue to work at his craft. He has excellent instincts and is a maximum-effort player who is not going to let up until after the whistle.
Hubbard can also drop into coverage and make plays in the running game, but he may be vulnerable in that aspect because bigger, stronger blockers can push him around.