NFL · 2 hours ago

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Ranks Top 10 Defensive Ends for the 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

Just Missed: Logan Fano, Utah
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 249

Logan Fano finished 2025 with 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, standing out for his quickness and ability to penetrate gaps. He’s an active, twitchy defender who can create backfield disruption, showing potential as a situational pass rusher early in his pro career.

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1) Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 275

Rueben Bain Jr. brings a powerful, pro-ready presence off the edge, producing 54 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one pass defense, and one interception in 2025. He wins with strength at the point of attack, heavy hands, and the ability to collapse the pocket, projecting as a sturdy three-down defensive end capable of impacting both the run and pass game.

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2) Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 285

Keldric Faulk offers rare length and size on the edge, totaling 29 tackles, four pass defenses, and two sacks in 2025 after posting seven sacks in 2024. He uses his frame to disrupt passing lanes and set a firm edge against the run, flashing developmental pass-rush upside with the physical tools teams covet at defensive end.
3) Zion Young, Missouri
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 262

Zion Young emerged as a disruptive presence up front, recording 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass defenses in 2025. He combines length with active hands and bursts off the edge, showing the ability to create splash plays while holding up as a steady every-down defender.
4) Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 280

Akheem Mesidor delivered one of the more productive seasons in the class, finishing with 63 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He plays with power and urgency off the edge, consistently collapsing the pocket and finishing plays. However, some evaluators remain hesitant because he is an older prospect than others in the group.
5) Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 265

Dani Dennis-Sutton was a consistent disruptor in 2025, recording 42 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three pass defenses. He combines size, length, and physicality with a quick first step, showing the ability to pressure quarterbacks and hold up against the run.
6) Caden Curry, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 260

Caden Curry had a dominant 2025, recording 66 total tackles, 11 sacks, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble. He combines twitch, effort, and power off the edge, consistently disrupting the backfield and showing the ability to impact both the run and pass game.
7) LT Overton, Alabama
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 278

LT Overton recorded 40 total tackles, four sacks, and one pass defense in 2025. He pairs length and strength to set the edge, consistently applying pressure and holding up in the run game, showing the ability to impact both phases as a physical defensive end.
8) Jack Pyburn, LSU
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 264

Jack Pyburn posted 51 total tackles, two sacks, and two pass defenses in 2025, showing a balanced game as a defensive end. He uses length and quickness to disrupt plays, contributing both against the run and as a pass rusher while maintaining consistent effort throughout the season.
9) Max Llewellyn, Iowa
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 263

Max Llewellyn turned in a playmaking season with 26 tackles, 6.5 sacks, five pass defenses, and two forced fumbles in 2025. Known for his burst off the edge and ability to time blocks, he creates chaos in both passing and running situations, making him a high-impact, unpredictable presence on the field.
10) Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 250

Vincent Anthony Jr. used his length and athleticism to make plays in 2025, posting 34 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, two pass defenses, and a forced fumble. He flashes as a disruptive edge rusher, able to bend around the corner and get into the backfield, showing upside as a dynamic playmaker when he wins the leverage battles.
Just Missed: Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 274

Tyreak Sapp totaled 34 tackles and one sack in 2025, showing flashes as a strong edge setter. He’s physical against the run and flashes burst on pass-rush downs, but consistency and finishing plays will determine his climb up draft boards.
Just Missed: Ethan Burke, Texas
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 259

Ethan Burke posted 40 tackles, three sacks, one pass defense, and one forced fumble in 2025, using his rare length to disrupt passing lanes and edge runs. Burke is a high-upside, projectable athlete who can threaten quarterbacks when he pairs his frame with refined technique.
Just Missed: Logan Fano, Utah
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 249

Logan Fano finished 2025 with 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, standing out for his quickness and ability to penetrate gaps. He’s an active, twitchy defender who can create backfield disruption, showing potential as a situational pass rusher early in his pro career.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 275

Rueben Bain Jr. brings a powerful, pro-ready presence off the edge, producing 54 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one pass defense, and one interception in 2025. He wins with strength at the point of attack, heavy hands, and the ability to collapse the pocket, projecting as a sturdy three-down defensive end capable of impacting both the run and pass game.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.