NFL draft: Top defensive players on the board
NFL teams in need of immediate help on defense will have a tricky time finding it in the first round or two of this year’s draft.
As usual, edge rushers and cornerbacks will be the most highly valued defensive players. But the best of those groups don’t quite stack up to their peers in recent drafts. Highly rated front seven players will be especially hard to find.
The result could be teams in need of defense trading down with teams looking to grab one of the many high-end receivers and offensive tackles.
x-denotes underclassman.
EDGE RUSHERS
Overview: NFL teams are always looking for pass rushers. It’s not a deep draft class, but three to five could go in the first round because NFL teams are always looking for pass rushers.
Dallas Turner, 6-2, 247 pounds, Alabama
Scouting report: Long and twitchy athlete who bursts off the edge. Wiry frame is unlikely to hold much more bulk.