NFL Draft Rankings: Defensive Lineman

1. Chris Long [Virginia] Flex:Defensive end/linebacker
The son of Howie Long, Chris has had a huge rise in his stock after his senior season. He is a overpowering flex linebacker/defensive end who could blow past an offensive lineman on the corner and explode on a running back for the tackle.

2. Glenn Dorsey [LSU] defensive tackle/nose tackle
Going into this season, Dorsey was the best defensive player in the country. However, injuries limited his effectiveness this year. Dorsey played through many of his injuries this year and is a dominating presence on the interior defensive line that requires a double team.

3. Vernon Gholston [Ohio State] defensive end
Gholston is sort of a project, but has amazing athletic tools that allow him to blow past lineman. He is unpolished as a defender after coming out of college after his junior year, but the ceiling is high on this Buckeye.

4. Sedrick Ellis [USC] defensive tackle
Ellis is a solid, safe player for this draft. He projects as an overpowering defender that requires a double-team, but lacks the invincible dominance that those above him on this list possess.

5. Derrick Harvey [Florida] defensive end
Harvey is a great all-around athlete coming off the corner. His size and speed makes him an ideal sackmaster off the edge.