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Draft preview: Defensive ends

MIKE MAYOCK'S TOP FIVE

Jadeveon Clowney
6-5, 266, South Carolina

Arguably the best player available in the draft. … Expected to be taken first overall. … Possesses rare combination of size and speed with extraordinary explosiveness. … Wowed scouts with a 4.53 40-yard dash. … Earned first-team All-America honors and finished sixth in Heisman voting in 2012 when he posted 13 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore. … Recorded three sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2013.

Kony Ealy
6-4, 273, Missouri

Big, athletic defensive end projected to come off the board in the first or second round. … Produced eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss as a junior in 2013 after posting 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a sophomore. … Has intrigued scouts with raw ability and potential.

Extremely agile edge rusher with explosive burst off the line of scrimmage. … Expected to be an early-round selection. … First-team All-Southeastern Conference performer posted 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2013. … Recorded two sacks in the BCS National Championship game against Florida State.  

Scott Crichton
6-3, 273, Oregon State

Three-year starter for the Beavers slated to be an early-round draft choice. … Finished career with 22.5 sacks and 51 tackles for loss. … Set a school-record with 10 forced fumbles. … Not as highly regarded athletically as some of the other top prospects but draws rave reviews for relentless motor.

Stephon Tuitt
6-5, 304, Notre Dame

Huge defensive end could be a first- or second-round pick. … Finished third in school history with 21.5 sacks, 12 of which he recorded as a sophomore in 2012 to help lead the Fighting Irish to the BCS National Championship game. … Not as dominant as a junior but still notched 7.5 sacks.

LOCAL WORTH A LOOK

Kareem Martin
6-6, 272, North Carolina

Three-year starter earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition after posting 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss as a senior. … Could be selected as early as round two.

COMBINE STANDOUT

Jackson Jeffcoat
6-3, 247, Texas

One of the top performers in several categories, finishing fourth among defensive ends in the 40-yard dash (4.63), fourth in broad jump (10'3'), second in three-cone drill (6.97) and first in 20-yard shuttle (4.18). … Projected to be a third-round pick.

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