On Thursday, we gave you the 10 best offensive prospects available in the 2015 NFL Draft.
It's now Friday, and with the start of the draft less than a week away now, we're right back with the 10 best defensive prospects available in this year's draft class — that means forced fumbles, sacks and tackles for loss ... hopefully for the teams that draft these guys.
The NFL Draft 2015 begins Thursday, April 30, and ends on Saturday, May 2.
Leonard Williams, Defensive End
USC's defensive end is known for his explosion off the line and ability to manhandle offensive linemen with his 6-foot-5-inch, 302-pound frame. His 80 total tackles — 9.5 tackles for loss — seven sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception in 2014 are just a sampling of the havoc that Leonard Williams is capable of wreaking. Williams should be a Top 3 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and the first defensive player chosen in this year's class.
Dante Fowler, Outside Linebacker
The 6-foot-3-inch, 261-pound outside linebacker is still raw, perhaps relying on athleticism over technique, but the ability is there. A total of 17 quarterback hurries and 8.5 sacks for the Florida Gators proves that Dante Fowler's game has big bite to it and his game will translate to the next level very well.
Bud Dupree, Outside Linebacker
Like Fowler, he perhaps relies on his supreme athletic ability over technique a little too much. Then again, you would too if you were able to soar 42 inches on your vertical leap and clock in at 4.56 in the 40 at the NFL Combine, while standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 269 pounds as Bud Dupree does.
Shane Ray, Defensive End
The explosiveness with a nonstop motor to match ... yeah, Shane Ray is going to make a defensive-needy team and their fans happy during the 2015 NFL season.
Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle
At 6 feet 2 inches and 339 pounds, Danny Shelton already has some of the hand techniques needed to get inside and throw NFL offensive linemen off their game — sounds like the making of a solid NFL pro nose tackle.
Trae Waynes, Cornerback
Trae Waynes, at 6 feet even, may lack the desired height to match up with big NFL wideouts, but there isn't a corner available that plays better bump-and-run defense than this Michigan State defensive back. At 186 pounds, he maximizes the size he does have to give wide receivers fits.
Randy Gregory, Outside Linebacker
Wiry at 6 feet 5 inches and 235 pounds, Randy Gregory was a human sack machine, totaling 17.5 in only two seasons with Nebraska. He hits his spots hard ... and QBs harder.
Arik Armstead, Defensive Tackle
Oregon's towering 6-foot-7-inch, 292-pound defensive tackle already has solid hand techniques and moves that will allow him to get quick separation from O-linemen and get to quarterbacks and rushers. Arik Armstead is going to accumulate plenty of tackles.
Marcus Peters, Cornerback
It's not a question of talent with Marcus Peters (pictured). He has that and plenty of it. It's more a question of discipline and willingness to take direction. Last November, Washington dismissed the cornerback after multiple run-ins and disputes with its coaching staff. That kind of stuff won't fly in the NFL and could drop his stock. How far, though?
Malcom Brown, Defensive Tackle
The main knock on Texas's Malcom Brown is his second gear. He makes initial contact hard, but when engaged and entangled with a skilled offensive lineman, he sometimes lacks the second motor to make the move necessary to sniff out a quarterback or running back. If he improves that in the NFL, he'll be able to play a long time in the league. We think he will.
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