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Mel Kiper Jr.’s Top 10 Defensive Ends | Latest Rankings, Combine Results

John Canady

Host · Writer

Unranked: Ethan Burke, Texas
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Ethan Burke's Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 259 lbs.
- Hand: n/a
- Arm: n/a
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.

Ethan Burke's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defensive End
As the 2026 NFL Draft process hits its home stretch, Mel Kiper Jr. has released a significant shake-up of his defensive end rankings, drastically altering the landscape for edge rushers. His update describes this year’s group as possessing impressive length and physical dominance, yet it also reveals a surprising drop for several high-profile collegiate stars.

While the names within the top 10 remain the same, their positioning is anything but stable. With the draft less than a month away, six prospects in that premier tier have seen their stock fluctuate. Despite the overall depth available, elite edge talent remains scarce at the peak of the class, with only two defensive ends currently securing a spot on Kiper’s Top 25 Big Board.

Kiper has also widened his scope to highlight rising defensive linemen who are gaining late-season momentum and eyeing early-round selections. Follow the link to view the complete Top 10 rankings and see which five prospects are on the verge of breaking into the list before the draft begins.
1) Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Previous Rank: 1

Mel's Big Board: 15

Mel's Mock Draft: 8

Rueben Bain Jr.'s Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 263 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
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.

Rueben Bain Jr.'s Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
2) Zion Young, Missouri
Previous Rank: 2

Mel's Big Board: 25

Mel's Mock Draft: 25

Zion Young's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 262 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 33"
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.

Zion Young's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
3) Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Previous Rank: 3

Mel's Mock Draft: 26

Keldric Faulk's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 276 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 34 3/8"
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.

Keldric Faulk's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: 35"
- Broad Jump: 9'9"
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
4) Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Previous Rank: 5

Mel's Mock Draft: 31

Akheem Mesidor's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 259 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 32 1/8"
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.

Ahkeem Mesidor's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
5) T.J. Parker, Clemson
Previous Rank: 4

Mel's Mock Draft: 39

T.J. Parker's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 263 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 33 1/8"
T.J. Parker is a powerful edge defender who brings physicality and consistency to Clemson’s defensive front. In 2025, he recorded 37 total tackles, five sacks, and a pass defense, showcasing his ability to disrupt both the run and pass game. Parker uses his strength and leverage well at the point of attack, with the power to set the edge and the burst to pressure quarterbacks, projecting as a well-rounded defensive end at the next level.

T.J. Parker's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.68
- 10-Yard Split: 1.61
- Vertical Jump: 34”
- Broad Jump: 10’0”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
6) Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Previous Rank: 7

Mel's Mock Draft: 58

Gabe Jacas's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 260 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 33"
Gabe Jacas is a relentless pass rusher who made a major impact for Illinois in 2025, finishing with 43 tackles, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a pass defense. His blend of size, power, and motor allows him to consistently pressure the backfield and create game-changing plays. Jacas shows a knack for attacking blockers with force and closing on the quarterback, giving him the tools to develop into a disruptive edge presence.

Gabe Jacas's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 30
7) Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Previous Rank: 6

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Dani Dennis-Sutton's Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 256 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/8"
- Arm: 33 1/2"
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.

Dani Dennis-Sutton's Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.63
- 10-Yard Split: 1.63
- Vertical Jump: 39.5”
- Broad Jump: 10'11"
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.9
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
8) LT Overton, Alabama
Previous Rank: 9

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

LT Overton's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 274 lbs.
- Hand: 10 5/8"
- Arm: 33 1/4"
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.

LT Overton's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.87
- 10-Yard Split: 1.70
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
9) Caden Curry, Ohio State
Previous Rank: 8

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Caden Curry's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 257 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 30 1/8"
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.

Caden Curry's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
10) Max Llewellyn, Iowa
Previous Rank: 10

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Max Llewellyn's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 258 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 32 1/4"
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.

Max Llewellyn's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.81
- 10-Yard Split: 1.64
- Vertical Jump: 32.5”
- Broad Jump: 9’7”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Unranked: Jack Pyburn, LSU
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Jack Pyburn's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 258 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
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.

Jack Pyburn's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Unranked: Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Vincent Anthony Jr.'s Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 258 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 34 1/8"
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.

Vincent Anthony Jr.'s Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.84
- 10-Yard Split: 1.67
- Vertical Jump: 32.5”
- Broad Jump: 10’3”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Unranked: Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Tyreak Sapp's Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 273 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2’’
- Arm: 32’’
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.

Tyreak Sapp's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: 28
Unranked: Logan Fano, Utah
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Logan Fano's Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 257 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8’’
- Arm: 31 3/8"
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.

Logan Fano's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Unranked: Ethan Burke, Texas
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Mock Draft: n/a

Ethan Burke's Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 259 lbs.
- Hand: n/a
- Arm: n/a
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.

Ethan Burke's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defensive End
As the 2026 NFL Draft process hits its home stretch, Mel Kiper Jr. has released a significant shake-up of his defensive end rankings, drastically altering the landscape for edge rushers. His update describes this year’s group as possessing impressive length and physical dominance, yet it also reveals a surprising drop for several high-profile collegiate stars.

While the names within the top 10 remain the same, their positioning is anything but stable. With the draft less than a month away, six prospects in that premier tier have seen their stock fluctuate. Despite the overall depth available, elite edge talent remains scarce at the peak of the class, with only two defensive ends currently securing a spot on Kiper’s Top 25 Big Board.

Kiper has also widened his scope to highlight rising defensive linemen who are gaining late-season momentum and eyeing early-round selections. Follow the link to view the complete Top 10 rankings and see which five prospects are on the verge of breaking into the list before the draft begins.