2013 NFL Draft Big Board: Defensive Ends

Today we focus on defensive end in our position-by-position look at the best players available in the 2013 NFL Draft. This will be the last of our looks at what might be positions of need for the New York Giants in the upcoming draft. As we have throughout the series, we use Mel Kiper's Top 5 rankings for discussion.

Kiper's Top 5 defensive ends:

Here is Kiper's summary of the top defensive ends in the class:

Several of these guys could switch positions, a caveat to keep in mind. A great year by Moore should pay off. He can be a terror as a pass-rusher with his burst. Ansah is getting a close look now -- he could fit a 3-4 as a defensive end as well. The guy is a major athletic talent. Regardless of his lack of experience, scouts see a lot of promise.

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Scouting Reports

Damontre Moore

Jesse says: "Right now Moore looks like a top 10 pick. The thing Moore will have to show teams is that he either has enough athleticism to stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL and be able to drop into coverage when it's required, or that he can add some more strength to his frame to play down in at 4-3 right defensive end consistently. I'm also personally interested to see how strong he is on his bench. Moore's stock is high right now and as long as he show's he is a very good, but not elite athlete should be a lock for the first round."

NFL.com says: "Given his strength, size, and athleticism, don’t be surprised if Moore is considered one of the top two or three pass rushers selected in the first round."

Bjoern Werner

Jesse says: "Werner has good, but not great size at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. Werner possesses a terrific first step and does a great job of bending under the offensive tackle when pass rushing. Werner has good functional strength and should not be a liability against the run in the NFL. Good athlete for the position."

NFL.com says: "Werner has the frame and athleticism to win with speed or power and, although he needs to improve his motor for all four quarters, he often looks like he’s playing at a different speed than everyone else. He has proven to be much more than just a pass rusher, showing much better awareness against the run and at the line of scrimmage to swat passes down –- a possible top-five overall draft choice with the potential to be an impact starting strong-side DE in a four-man front."

Barkevious Mingo

NFL.com says: "flashed the talent and projectable skills to be a dominant NFL pass rusher ... Mingo's length, athleticism, and pass rush talent figure to make him a top 20 selection in the draft."

Dion Jordan

Jesse says: "Jordan is an athlete who doesn't come around all too often. Jordan should be selected in the first 20 picks in the NFL draft if he tests out as well as he looks on tape."

NFL.com says: "Jordan offers a unique blend of comfort in space, length, and pass rush ability. His box scores may not appeal to everyone, but Jordan was frequently asked to cover receivers or tight ends after lining up in the slot opposite them. His future appears to be at strongside linebacker in a four man front, with the ability to rush the passer, or as an outside linebacker in a three-man front."

Ezekiel Ansah

Jesse says: "In the NFL more often than not special players are special athletes. Ansah is a special athlete, which is why despite the relative lack of playing experience, despite looking absolutely lost at times, he's still 6-5, or 6-6 with an insane wing span, runs like a linebacker and he'll be coveted early in the draft. I think if he had a great Senior Bowl week he'd be a lock for a top 12 pick, and I think there's still a good chance he could be because of the recent impacts of players like Chandler Jones and Pierre-Paul."

NFL.com says: "It is amazing how far Ansah’s technique has come in such a short amount of time, not to mention how much he has transformed his body to fit the role coaches want him to play. That sizable frame coupled with outstanding closing speed and natural power will captivate many, making a top-20 selection possible. Ansah is rough around the edges, but the number of height/weight/speed athletes with positional versatility selected in that area in recent years point to a rise up draft boards."