February 20, 2008

With the offense done, it is now time to look at the guys up front trying to bring the backs down. This year's group features several who could get drafted and plenty of priority free agents to choose from.

The top 5 includes 5 All-Americans, one Hendricks Award finalist, and two Buck Buchanan Award finalists.

The headliners are Kendall Langford, Brian Johnston, and Curtis Johnson while sleepers such as Alex Hall, Jacob Owens, Derrick Gray, and Vincent Redd also make the list.

Below is a look at the top 5 ends along with some other names to remember on draft day and a look at the top prospects in the 2009 Draft class.

TOP 5 SMALL SCHOOL DEFENSIVE ENDS

1. Kendall Langford, Hampton , 6053, 275lbs, 4.99 40

Langford was one of the most productive ends in recent small school memory. He finished his career as a three-time 1st team All-MEAC and two-time All-America selection. Langford weighed around 295 pounds as a junior but measured in at 275 pounds during the all-star games. He lacks the ideal strength and bulk to play inside but should end up playing the 3-4 end. He is a raw player who still must develop pass rush moves but shows he can effectively stop the run right now. He should come off the board in the 3rd-5th round range.

2. Curtis Johnson, Clark Atlanta , 6024, 237lbs, 4.61 40

Johnson is a tweener who lacks the size to play a pure DE but hasn't played LB in his career. Johnson could fit in a 3-4 scheme as an end or outside linebacker. He finished his career as a two-time 1st team All-SIAC selection with 5 sacks as a junior and 13.5 sacks as a senior. He also posted a nation leading 27 tackles for loss as a senior. The biggest reason he is listed as an end now is his lack of pass drop and coverage skills. He does have the pass rush skills and speed off the edge to stay at end. He is projects as a 5th-7th round pick.

3. Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb, 6050,