Five Techniques in 2013

[Direckshun]

From Draft Tek:

The Defensive Ends in a 3-4 line heads up over the offensive tackles. Their responsibilities include:

1) Outside containment on off-tackle or end sweep running plays
2) Provide inside pass rush, utilizing bull-rushing, outside speed rushing techniques

This diagram shows the DE in a standard 3-4 alignment. One prospect may be selected over another based on the following factors:

A. Prevailing defensive philosophy: In a "read and react" 3-4, the defensive line controls the offensive line to allow the LBs to flow to the ball. In "attack and penetrate", the defensive line takes more of a 1-gap approach and the LBs have more gap responsibilities.

B. Opponent's offensive philosophy: In facing off tackle plays or sweeps, the Defensive Ends have responsibility with support from the outside linebackers. Responsibilities in the passing game are 1) collapsing the pocket, 2) providing an interior pass rush and 3) increasing length (hands and arms up) to limit the opposing QB's vision of passing lanes.

In a 3-4, this is a tough position to fill. You usually want somebody who is tall, hovering somewhere near 300 lbs, strong as a bull but can still move better than most defensive tackles, the longer his arms the better.

Pretty good fit:

Sheldon Richardson, Missouri: 6'2", 294 lbs, 5.0 40, 30 bench, 32" vertical, 34" arms
Sylvester Williams, North Carolina: 6'3", 313 lbs, 5.0 40, 27 bench, 26.5" vertical, 33+" arms
Joe Kruger, Utah: 6'6", 269 lbs, 4.8 40, 24 bench, 34" vertical, 34" arms
Damion Square, Alabama: 6'2", 293 lbs, DNP at any drills at Combine, 32+" arms
William Campbell, Mighigan: 6'5", 308 lbs, not invited to Combine
Spencer Nealy, Texas A&M: 6'5", 277 lbs, not invited to Combine

Prototypical fit:

Sharrif Floyd, Florida: 6'3", 297 lbs, 4.9 40, no bench yet, 30" vertical, 31+" arms
Margus Hunt, SMU: 6'8", 277 lbs, 4.6 40, 38 bench, 34" vertical, 33+" arms
Datone Jones, UCLA: 6'4", 283 lbs, 4.8 40, 29 bench, 32" vertical, 32+" arms
William Gholston, Michigan State: 6'6", 281 lbs, 4.9 40, 23 bench, 28" vertical, 34" arms.
Quentin Dial, Alabama: 6'5", 318 lbs, DNP at any drills at Combine, 34+" arms
Nick Williams, Samford: 6'4", 309 lbs, 4.9 40, 28 bench, 33" vertical, 34+" arms
Malliciah Goodman, Clemson: 6'4", 276 lbs, 4.87 40, 26 bench, 31.5" vertical, 36+" arms

I'll add sacks and tackles for loss if I feel like it.