Adams is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Gaines turns the corner and strikes the QB like an angry cobra. He has the natural grasp and strip instincts that allow gifted pass rushers to make the game-changing sack/strip/recovery plays. Yes, he doesn't have the bulk to consistently hold up at the point of attack, and may actually work better as a 3-4 OLB (hey isn't Arizona switching to a 3-4 hybrid?). Still, everything on defense starts with the pass rush, and that makes Adams the clear premier defensive end in this draft.

Carriker is not the traditional first round DE as a pass rusher, although he's no slouch when it comes to getting after the quarterback. He's still a rare player - a behemoth who has cat-quickness (4.18 short shuttle 7.06 3 cone), smarts, and strength (33 reps) than can play inside or outside on the defensive line. He is a prototype 3-4 DE, with the ability to occupy double teams and push blockers back into the pocket while still being a decent pass rush threat when he knifes through those double teams. Carriker will go in the first not because of the plays he will make, but because the plays his teammates will make while he's doing the dirty work.

Anderson is a first rounder not so much because of who he is, but instead, who he could become. He came to Arkansas as a WR/DE, but soon dropped the WR, and many SEC quarterbacks and offensive tackles had sleepless nights because of it. He's bulked up to the ideal NFL DE frame, but has retained the WR quickness. Anderson has the moves and burst to elude blockers and get to the QB, but he needs to get stronger (only 22 reps at his pro day) and work on his technique.

Spencer is second and not far behind Adams in the pure pass rush category. He fires out of his stance with an explosive first step and pounces on quarterbacks and ballcarriers like a lion making a kill. The only reason he's not higher on this list is that he doesn't have the ideal 4-3 DE frame and could be better suited as a 3-4 OLB. He's projected to go somewhere in the 25-40 range, but the Steeler fan in me wouldn't argue if they take him at #15.

"Big Bully" doesn't have the size of Carriker or Anderson and he doesn't have the natural pass rush of Adams or Spencer, but no one in this DE class plays stronger than Johnson. He will make many plays behind the line of scrimmage and deliver punishment while doing it. Johnson's lack of a long frame and perseverence when he is initially beaten are his main weaknesses.

Moss has a classic long, lean DE frame like another Gator Moss is often compared to, Javon Kearse. He's extremely athletic, so much so that some speculate he could make a successful move to 3-4 OLB. Moss's pass rush from the edge is legit, but don't ask him to hold the line at the point of attack. He's also a terror on the field goal block unit, helping Florida avert a South Carolina upset with two blocked kicks.

Alama-Francis has as much upside as anyone on this list. You read that correctly. He didn't even play football at Hawaii until his second year on campus. Since then, he transformed from a lanky 6'5 220 basketball player to a 6'5" 280 beast of an end who is not done developing, not even close. Alama-Francis has just scratched the surface of his potential. Ikaika's athleticism is mind-boggling, he just needs to learn to how harness it with good technique. His natural size, speed, quicks, strength, motor, and intangibles are all outstanding, and with a few years of good coaching, he might make a whole slew of teams rue the day they passed on him.

Woodley was a force all year, but he failed to stand out at the Combine or Senior Bowl because of injuries. He's up there with Spencer and Adams as the best DEs at sealing the deal once they get to the QB. Woodley has a knack for making a big play at a big moment and always hits with a thump. His frame is a bit short and stubby for an NFL DE, and he might lack the agility to switch to 3-4 OLB - that's why his ranking does not match his level of production in college. No matter what scheme or position, Woodley will be a terror when he's allowed to pin his ears back and go after the QB.

Moses came into 2006 one of the top Senior DEs, but he has since been overshadowed by his teammate Johnson, and NFL teams aren't quite sure what to do with this high-cut, lean DE. He's a natural as a pass rusher and a great athlete, but Quentin just doesn't have the bulk or hard-nosed mentality to line up in a three point stance on every down. He's the most likely player on this list to be coverted to 3-4 OLB.

McDonald is a similar prospect to Adam Carriker, minus the gigantic frame. McDonald is equally comfortable playing inside and outside on the D-line, and was moved inside when Marcus Thomas was suspended. He's not a great pass rusher, and he'll need to add some heft to hang with the big uglies at the next level, but that should not overshadow the value his natural versatility, strength, and athleticism will bring to his new team.

Abiamiri has the bad luck of being in one of the best DE draft classes in recent memory. In a weaker class, a DE like Victor would go in the 2nd round, with a chance of sneaking in the late first. He flashes elite pass rush ability, but will frustrate you with his inconsistency. His frame and athleticism hint at great things if he can put it all together.

Bazuin was a prolific pass rusher at Central Michigan (just ask Doug Free), but he doesn't seem to have the ideal size, strength, or explosive first step to be a stalwart starter at the next level. Bazuin's non-stop motor and top notch intangibles give him a chance of overcoming the lack of true NFL quality tools, but otherwise he may end up being only a situational pass rusher or failed OLB convert.

Crowder is a tough, strong athlete who is battle-tested, but he seems like a rotation guy or quality backup at the next level because he lacks natural pass rush instincts. He's more of a straight line one-speed player when he's going after the QB. He could be a solid DE on running downs who gives way to pass rush specialist on passing downs.

Moore's production at Nebraska was mainly a product of his intensity and hard work, which is a nice way of saying he overachieved. He did display the ability to drop back in coverage, which bodes well for his chances if he goes to a 3-4 team. Moore's desire and energy should provide a boost to his team, even if it's just as a situational player.

Atkins is like Carriker and McDonald - his value comes in his ability to play many positions on the defensive line. He had a great Shrine Game week and seemed shrug off an up and down 2006 that saw him get benched for lack of effort at times. He's an NFL athlete in an NFL frame, but he'll need to work on his pass rush technique and overall consistency to stick as an NFL starter.

Worth Mentioning

CJ Ah You, Oklahoma, 6' 4", 274

Greg Peterson - North Carolina Central, 6'5" 286

Brian Robison - Texas; 6'3", 265

Jacob Ford - Central Arkansas; 6'4", 245

Xsavie Jackson - Missouri; 6'3", 278

Mkristo Bruce - Washington St; 6'6", 268

Antwan Applewhite - San Diego State; 6'3", 250

Noland Burchette - Virginia Tech; 6' 2", 259

Chase Pittman - LSU; 6'5", 270