If it has been said once, it has been said 100 times: the Dallas Cowboys need to upgrade their pass rush.
If the team takes the same approach in free agency as last season -- they only signed Benson Mayowa and Cedric Thornton -- they'll more than likely be looking to the draft to get some pass rushers.
Below are 10 defensive ends and five defensive tackles -- a grand total of 15 -- that they could target in the NFL draft.
1. Derek Barnett (DE)
College: Tennessee
Stats: 39 games played / 198 total tackles (131 solo) / 32 sacks / 52 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: 1st round
What the scouts are saying:
"Strong edge presence with NFL-caliber hand usage and play strength. Barnett is one of the most productive defensive linemen to come out of the SEC in quite some time despite lacking the length and twitch that teams usually look for off the edge. His awareness and play traits should keep him near the action and he has the talent to step into a starting base end spot right away. There could be coordinators who view him as an early down, outside backer in a 3-4 with the ability to put his hand in the ground on sub packages." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Barnett consistently put a lot of pressure on the quarterback in 2016. As a prospect, scouting sources say that Barnett is similar to Shaq Lawson, who ended up being a top-20 pick in the 2016 NFL draft." -- Walterfootball.com
2. Caleb Brantley (DT)
College: Florida
Stats: 31 games played / 80 total tackles (33 solo) / 5.5 sacks / 20.5 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Brantley's initial quickness and raw power help him create some highlight reel plays and he plays with the dogged determination and toughness that scouts will appreciate. His lack of ideal size and sustained speed, however, are significant limitations which complicate his projection to the NFL." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports
"Elite two gap run defender. Powerful base and strong hands, and extremely disruptive. Possesses quick initial burst that allows him to penetrate as well. Very active hands, and strong footwork. More of a run defender at this point, but could develop to an all around defensive tackle." -- DraftBuster
3. Josh Carraway (DE)
College: TCU
Stats: 37 games played / 132 total tackles (63 solo) / 18 sacks / 26.5 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"He is a speed rusher off the edge with some athleticism. Carraway had a quality performance against Arkansas tackle Dan Skipper, a right tackle prospect for the NFL." -- Walterfootball.com
"Several boxes go unchecked for Carraway, but his outstanding athleticism and potential as an edge rusher will provide draft value. His instincts are a long way off and he lacks the functional strength and toughness at the point of attack that most teams require on the edge, but a big combine could heat his draft stock up. He will require patience and much more technique work, but he does possess NFL traits as a developmental prospect." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
4. Taco Charlton (DE)
College: Michigan
Stats: 33 games played / 91 total tackles (56 solo) / 28 sacks / 19 tackles for a loss
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Compares to: Justin Tuck -- Similar to Tuck when he entered the NFL out of Notre Dame, Charlton has a large and long body type with the body flexibility and strength potential to be grow into an above average defensive end in a four-man front." -- Dane Brugler, CBS Sports
"Charlton is an ascending prospect with the size, length, athleticism and pass-rushing potential that NFL general managers dream of. What you see today might not be what you get. While his production coming out of college will be modest, he could become a substantially better player as a pro if he's committed to the weight room and willing to absorb coaching. High-impact defensive end with all-pro potential is his ceiling. His floor is solid starter." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
5. Charles Harris (DE)
College: Missouri
Stats: 35 games played / 136 total tackles (80 solo) / 18 sacks / 34.5 tackles for a loss / 5 forced fumbles, 5 pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"High-cut pass rusher with good athleticism but concerns regarding his ability to drop anchor against the run. Ironically, Harris might be best suited as a penetrator which is something he fought against this season. His hands can be improved as pass rush weapons, but he has agility and footwork that can't be taught. Harris can play on the edge in a 4-3 or 3-4 front and should be the next in a line of early contributing defensive ends coming out of Missouri." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Harris was up and down in 2016. The highlight of his season was his effort in the Tigers' loss to Georgia in September. He was tremendously disruptive, with three sacks, a tackle for loss and a batted-down pass, and he showed off a variety of pass-rushing moves. That's how he can perform when he's at his best. Harris had nine sacks this season. A 6-3, 255-pound pass-rusher, Harris can stand up in a 3-4 or put his hand on the ground in a 4-3. He even moved inside to defensive tackle a few times to rush the quarterback." -- Mel Kiper, ESPN
6. Daeshon Hall (DE)
College: Texas A&M
Stats: 42 games played / 158 total tackles (67 solo) / 14 sacks / 35.5 tackles for a loss / four forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Experience reducing inside in pass rushing situations but will need to add bulk and strength to be effective at the NFL level in this role. ... Plays with a physical demeanor. Plays hard and flashes an edge to his game. Lacks elite measureables for a prototypical DE but fights to hold ground at the point of attack. Gives consistent effort chasing in pursuit." -- ESPN
"Possesses the physical traits, versatility and effort to become an intriguing Day 2 selection, but teams might have to wait on Hall as he is still learning to play with a hand on the ground and needs to continue adding mass to his frame. Hall is nothing special as an edge rusher but has the talent to become an interesting interior rusher as a 3-4 defensive end. If he has enough ruggedness to handle full-time work in the trenches, he could become an eventual starter. The arrow is pointed up, but overdrafting the traits could prove to be a mistake." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
7. Carl Lawson (DE)
College: Auburn
Stats: 30 games played / 67 total tackles (35 solo) / 14.5 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Linear player with natural power and aggressiveness, but a lack of flexibility could hamper his potential as an NFL rusher. Lawson's twitch shows up in short, controlled bursts, but he struggles to finish if the play isn't right in front of him. Lawson's ruffneck demeanor will appeal to teams looking for an aggressive edge-setter along a physical front, but his draft grade could vary quite a bit from team to team." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Tone setter. Plays a heavy and physical game. Brawler that loves to mix it up. ... Does a nice job of attacking outside leverage point and can grease blockers to run the tight loops. Quickness and power combination to reduce inside and create disruption working against interior linemen. Generates a lot of pressure but has room to become a more consistent finisher." -- ESPN
8. Malik McDowell (DT)
College: Michigan State
Stats: 32 games played / 88 total tackles (50 solo) / 7.5 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / two forced fumbles
Projected draft range: 1st round
What the scouts are saying:
"[H]e was very disruptive and put a lot of heat on the quarterback. An ankle injury cost him multiple games late in the season, and McDowell has decided to skip his senior year to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. McDowell's final games weren't as impressive, and he seemed to take his foot off the pedal. Sources have said that McDowell has a high first-round skill set and they expect him to be a top-20 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Team sources say that McDowell is a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. They think he has more athletic upside than DeForest Buckner or Arik Armstead, top-16 picks by the 49ers in 2015 and 2016." -- Walterfootball.com
"Malik McDowell possesses an extremely rare physical set of tools, allowing him to line up either inside or on the edge. He puts together a combination of speed, power, and athleticism, that makes him a fit for any type of defensive scheme. His effort is full speed all of the time, and has been very well coached. He should make an instant impact in the NFL, and could be used all over the line." -- DraftBuster
9. Takkarist McKinley (DE)
College: UCLA
Stats: 28 games played / 99 total tackles (80 solo) / 16 sacks / 28 tackles for a loss / six forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 3rd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Explosive and dynamic at the snap. Is utilizing elite speed and a combination of excellent footwork and pass rush moves to get past and around offensive tackles. Electric first burst. Lacks the length and core strength at this point to be effective as a run blocker, but could be a defensive weapon as a pass rusher with linebacker help, or designated pass rusher. Will be watched for drop back skills as the season progresses as well as through the draft process." -- DraftBlaster
"Ascending edge prospect who racked up impressive TFL and sack numbers this year despite a relatively raw approach and skill set. He's a little stiff in his lower body, but flashes good athleticism once the ball is snapped. McKinley's motor is a translatable characteristic, but improved hand usage and pass rush mechanics are what could elevate his game to another level as a starting, 3-4 outside linebacker." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
10. Dawuane Smoot (DE)
College: Illinois
Stats: 40 games played / 136 total tackles (71 solo) / 15.5 sacks / 38.5 tackles for a loss / five pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 4th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Sources say that Smoot is very athletic and explosive off the edge; however, they feel he is more disruptive than productive. Smoot is the kind of player who will have a lot of pressures on the quarterback, but only a few sacks. Sources say he could be a more athletic and twitchier version of Whitney Mercilus. In speaking to sources at multiple teams, they view Smoot as a mid- to late first-rounder." -- Walterfootball.com
"An explosive first step, violent hands, speed, power, and a relentless motor. Extremely active player through the whistle. Will need to work on completely his array of pass rush moves, but should go on day 1 of the draft." -- DraftBuster
11. Vincent Taylor (DT)
College: Oklahoma State
Stats: 34 games played / 112 total tackles (71 solo) / 12 sacks / 23 tackles for a loss / two forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Taylor is a sleeper prospect who could end up being a nice value pick in the mid-rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has disruptive speed at the point of attack with the strength to fight off blockers." -- Walterfootball.com
"Taylor has consecutive seasons of good production in the pass-happy Big 12, but he lacks the consistent contact balance and anchor that teams will be looking for from an interior defender. His ability to disrupt off the snap with quickness and strength gives him a chance to get a foot in the door as a rotational tackle." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
12. Solomon Thomas (DE)
College: Stanford
Stats: 26 games played / 98 total tackles (63 solo) / 12 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / four fumble recoveries
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Knock Thomas' lack of ideal length or speed all you'd like, he was as disruptive or more than any defender in the entire country in 2016, bar none. Sure, there will be questions as to where he fits best in the NFL but, frankly, if Thomas doesn't fit an NFL team's scheme, it might be the coaches that need to adjust rather than the other way around. ... Compares to: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams: Comparing anyone to a disruptive presence like Donald (a legitimate Defensive MVP candidate, in my opinion) seems like hyperbole but it is hard not to see the resemblance to the 6-1, 285 pounder given their similar initial burst, functional power, advanced use of hands, and non-stop hustle." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports
"Explosive defender who combines strength, quickness, and a muscle-car motor to drive him around the field making play after play. Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
13. Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
College: Alabama
Stats: 38 games played / 122 total tackles (39 solo) / 4 sacks / 10.5 tackles for a loss / nine pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 2nd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Run stopper that projects as a 4-3 interior anchor, or possibly could bump outside in a 3-4. Experienced and productive against the run, proven as a two gap defender." -- DraftBuster
"Prototypical Alabama defensive tackle who wins with leverage, power and technique. Tomlinson's powerful frame and ability to stack the run between the tackles could make him a scheme-flexible target in the draft. While he is likely to be drafted as a run bully, his history of operating in Alabama's stunt-and-twist-oriented defense could help keep him on the field on third downs for teams using a similar concept. Tomlinson has a chance to become an early starter and should work into a defensive line rotation immediately." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
14. Carlos Watkins (DT)
College: Clemson
Stats: 40 games played / 110 total tackles (58 solo) / 14 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / seven pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 2nd to the 4th round
What the scouts are saying:
"While Watkins has had a productive, successful career at Clemson, it is hard to isolate the area of his game that he will call a definitive strength in the NFL. Watkins is athletic and may have rotational appeal to teams that covet active interior linemen. His top-heavy frame limits his anchor at the point of attack and if his motor isn't revved up, he gets put on skates too often against power. Watkins has some talent and his traits are NFL-worthy, but he could end up being a Day 3 selection who will need to play at a more consistent level in order to become a factor as a pro." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Watkins is not the consistently disruptive force that his statistics indicate but he shows enough quickness and power to play a variety of roles, projecting as a top 100 selection. ... He isn't likely to emerge as the star at the next level that his flashy statistics suggest but should prove a quality addition with starting potential." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports
15. Deatrich Wise Jr. (DE)
College: Arkansas
Stats: 41 games played / 112 total tackles (51 solo) / 16.5 sacks / 23 tackles for a loss / four forced fumbles, 6 pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 7th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Slow-twitch power player with rare physical attributes but a lack of functional athleticism to chalk up a stat sheet. Might have been miscast as a 4-3 defensive end considering his lack of quickness and rush talent. But his length and power at the point of attack could make him an attractive Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) draft option for 3-4 teams looking for a two-gapping defensive end with the traits to bounce back from a disappointing senior season." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Raw prospect that is gifted with an extremely long wing span. Uses length well and keeps blockers from getting close and gaining leverage. Able to control gaps with his length, and is always working his arms to his advantage. Needs to keep learning and develop the use of the rest of his body to maximize his potential. Ideal fit in wide 9 defensive schemes and where he could operate in some space." -- DraftBuster
Other notable names: DeMarcus Walker, Tarrell Basham, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Trey Hendrickson, Chris Wormley, Jaleel Johnson, Jarron Jones, Charles Walker, Davon Godchaux, Eddie Vanderdoes
If the team takes the same approach in free agency as last season -- they only signed Benson Mayowa and Cedric Thornton -- they'll more than likely be looking to the draft to get some pass rushers.
Below are 10 defensive ends and five defensive tackles -- a grand total of 15 -- that they could target in the NFL draft.
1. Derek Barnett (DE)
College: Tennessee
Stats: 39 games played / 198 total tackles (131 solo) / 32 sacks / 52 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: 1st round
What the scouts are saying:
"Strong edge presence with NFL-caliber hand usage and play strength. Barnett is one of the most productive defensive linemen to come out of the SEC in quite some time despite lacking the length and twitch that teams usually look for off the edge. His awareness and play traits should keep him near the action and he has the talent to step into a starting base end spot right away. There could be coordinators who view him as an early down, outside backer in a 3-4 with the ability to put his hand in the ground on sub packages." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Barnett consistently put a lot of pressure on the quarterback in 2016. As a prospect, scouting sources say that Barnett is similar to Shaq Lawson, who ended up being a top-20 pick in the 2016 NFL draft." -- Walterfootball.com
2. Caleb Brantley (DT)
College: Florida
Stats: 31 games played / 80 total tackles (33 solo) / 5.5 sacks / 20.5 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Brantley's initial quickness and raw power help him create some highlight reel plays and he plays with the dogged determination and toughness that scouts will appreciate. His lack of ideal size and sustained speed, however, are significant limitations which complicate his projection to the NFL." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports
"Elite two gap run defender. Powerful base and strong hands, and extremely disruptive. Possesses quick initial burst that allows him to penetrate as well. Very active hands, and strong footwork. More of a run defender at this point, but could develop to an all around defensive tackle." -- DraftBuster
3. Josh Carraway (DE)
College: TCU
Stats: 37 games played / 132 total tackles (63 solo) / 18 sacks / 26.5 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"He is a speed rusher off the edge with some athleticism. Carraway had a quality performance against Arkansas tackle Dan Skipper, a right tackle prospect for the NFL." -- Walterfootball.com
"Several boxes go unchecked for Carraway, but his outstanding athleticism and potential as an edge rusher will provide draft value. His instincts are a long way off and he lacks the functional strength and toughness at the point of attack that most teams require on the edge, but a big combine could heat his draft stock up. He will require patience and much more technique work, but he does possess NFL traits as a developmental prospect." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
4. Taco Charlton (DE)
College: Michigan
Stats: 33 games played / 91 total tackles (56 solo) / 28 sacks / 19 tackles for a loss
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Compares to: Justin Tuck -- Similar to Tuck when he entered the NFL out of Notre Dame, Charlton has a large and long body type with the body flexibility and strength potential to be grow into an above average defensive end in a four-man front." -- Dane Brugler, CBS Sports
"Charlton is an ascending prospect with the size, length, athleticism and pass-rushing potential that NFL general managers dream of. What you see today might not be what you get. While his production coming out of college will be modest, he could become a substantially better player as a pro if he's committed to the weight room and willing to absorb coaching. High-impact defensive end with all-pro potential is his ceiling. His floor is solid starter." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
5. Charles Harris (DE)
College: Missouri
Stats: 35 games played / 136 total tackles (80 solo) / 18 sacks / 34.5 tackles for a loss / 5 forced fumbles, 5 pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"High-cut pass rusher with good athleticism but concerns regarding his ability to drop anchor against the run. Ironically, Harris might be best suited as a penetrator which is something he fought against this season. His hands can be improved as pass rush weapons, but he has agility and footwork that can't be taught. Harris can play on the edge in a 4-3 or 3-4 front and should be the next in a line of early contributing defensive ends coming out of Missouri." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Harris was up and down in 2016. The highlight of his season was his effort in the Tigers' loss to Georgia in September. He was tremendously disruptive, with three sacks, a tackle for loss and a batted-down pass, and he showed off a variety of pass-rushing moves. That's how he can perform when he's at his best. Harris had nine sacks this season. A 6-3, 255-pound pass-rusher, Harris can stand up in a 3-4 or put his hand on the ground in a 4-3. He even moved inside to defensive tackle a few times to rush the quarterback." -- Mel Kiper, ESPN
6. Daeshon Hall (DE)
College: Texas A&M
Stats: 42 games played / 158 total tackles (67 solo) / 14 sacks / 35.5 tackles for a loss / four forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Experience reducing inside in pass rushing situations but will need to add bulk and strength to be effective at the NFL level in this role. ... Plays with a physical demeanor. Plays hard and flashes an edge to his game. Lacks elite measureables for a prototypical DE but fights to hold ground at the point of attack. Gives consistent effort chasing in pursuit." -- ESPN
"Possesses the physical traits, versatility and effort to become an intriguing Day 2 selection, but teams might have to wait on Hall as he is still learning to play with a hand on the ground and needs to continue adding mass to his frame. Hall is nothing special as an edge rusher but has the talent to become an interesting interior rusher as a 3-4 defensive end. If he has enough ruggedness to handle full-time work in the trenches, he could become an eventual starter. The arrow is pointed up, but overdrafting the traits could prove to be a mistake." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
7. Carl Lawson (DE)
College: Auburn
Stats: 30 games played / 67 total tackles (35 solo) / 14.5 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / three forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Linear player with natural power and aggressiveness, but a lack of flexibility could hamper his potential as an NFL rusher. Lawson's twitch shows up in short, controlled bursts, but he struggles to finish if the play isn't right in front of him. Lawson's ruffneck demeanor will appeal to teams looking for an aggressive edge-setter along a physical front, but his draft grade could vary quite a bit from team to team." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Tone setter. Plays a heavy and physical game. Brawler that loves to mix it up. ... Does a nice job of attacking outside leverage point and can grease blockers to run the tight loops. Quickness and power combination to reduce inside and create disruption working against interior linemen. Generates a lot of pressure but has room to become a more consistent finisher." -- ESPN
8. Malik McDowell (DT)
College: Michigan State
Stats: 32 games played / 88 total tackles (50 solo) / 7.5 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / two forced fumbles
Projected draft range: 1st round
What the scouts are saying:
"[H]e was very disruptive and put a lot of heat on the quarterback. An ankle injury cost him multiple games late in the season, and McDowell has decided to skip his senior year to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. McDowell's final games weren't as impressive, and he seemed to take his foot off the pedal. Sources have said that McDowell has a high first-round skill set and they expect him to be a top-20 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Team sources say that McDowell is a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. They think he has more athletic upside than DeForest Buckner or Arik Armstead, top-16 picks by the 49ers in 2015 and 2016." -- Walterfootball.com
"Malik McDowell possesses an extremely rare physical set of tools, allowing him to line up either inside or on the edge. He puts together a combination of speed, power, and athleticism, that makes him a fit for any type of defensive scheme. His effort is full speed all of the time, and has been very well coached. He should make an instant impact in the NFL, and could be used all over the line." -- DraftBuster
9. Takkarist McKinley (DE)
College: UCLA
Stats: 28 games played / 99 total tackles (80 solo) / 16 sacks / 28 tackles for a loss / six forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 3rd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Explosive and dynamic at the snap. Is utilizing elite speed and a combination of excellent footwork and pass rush moves to get past and around offensive tackles. Electric first burst. Lacks the length and core strength at this point to be effective as a run blocker, but could be a defensive weapon as a pass rusher with linebacker help, or designated pass rusher. Will be watched for drop back skills as the season progresses as well as through the draft process." -- DraftBlaster
"Ascending edge prospect who racked up impressive TFL and sack numbers this year despite a relatively raw approach and skill set. He's a little stiff in his lower body, but flashes good athleticism once the ball is snapped. McKinley's motor is a translatable characteristic, but improved hand usage and pass rush mechanics are what could elevate his game to another level as a starting, 3-4 outside linebacker." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
10. Dawuane Smoot (DE)
College: Illinois
Stats: 40 games played / 136 total tackles (71 solo) / 15.5 sacks / 38.5 tackles for a loss / five pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 4th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Sources say that Smoot is very athletic and explosive off the edge; however, they feel he is more disruptive than productive. Smoot is the kind of player who will have a lot of pressures on the quarterback, but only a few sacks. Sources say he could be a more athletic and twitchier version of Whitney Mercilus. In speaking to sources at multiple teams, they view Smoot as a mid- to late first-rounder." -- Walterfootball.com
"An explosive first step, violent hands, speed, power, and a relentless motor. Extremely active player through the whistle. Will need to work on completely his array of pass rush moves, but should go on day 1 of the draft." -- DraftBuster
11. Vincent Taylor (DT)
College: Oklahoma State
Stats: 34 games played / 112 total tackles (71 solo) / 12 sacks / 23 tackles for a loss / two forced fumbles
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Taylor is a sleeper prospect who could end up being a nice value pick in the mid-rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has disruptive speed at the point of attack with the strength to fight off blockers." -- Walterfootball.com
"Taylor has consecutive seasons of good production in the pass-happy Big 12, but he lacks the consistent contact balance and anchor that teams will be looking for from an interior defender. His ability to disrupt off the snap with quickness and strength gives him a chance to get a foot in the door as a rotational tackle." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
12. Solomon Thomas (DE)
College: Stanford
Stats: 26 games played / 98 total tackles (63 solo) / 12 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / four fumble recoveries
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 1st to the 2nd round
What the scouts are saying:
"Knock Thomas' lack of ideal length or speed all you'd like, he was as disruptive or more than any defender in the entire country in 2016, bar none. Sure, there will be questions as to where he fits best in the NFL but, frankly, if Thomas doesn't fit an NFL team's scheme, it might be the coaches that need to adjust rather than the other way around. ... Compares to: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams: Comparing anyone to a disruptive presence like Donald (a legitimate Defensive MVP candidate, in my opinion) seems like hyperbole but it is hard not to see the resemblance to the 6-1, 285 pounder given their similar initial burst, functional power, advanced use of hands, and non-stop hustle." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports
"Explosive defender who combines strength, quickness, and a muscle-car motor to drive him around the field making play after play. Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
13. Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
College: Alabama
Stats: 38 games played / 122 total tackles (39 solo) / 4 sacks / 10.5 tackles for a loss / nine pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 2nd to the 5th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Run stopper that projects as a 4-3 interior anchor, or possibly could bump outside in a 3-4. Experienced and productive against the run, proven as a two gap defender." -- DraftBuster
"Prototypical Alabama defensive tackle who wins with leverage, power and technique. Tomlinson's powerful frame and ability to stack the run between the tackles could make him a scheme-flexible target in the draft. While he is likely to be drafted as a run bully, his history of operating in Alabama's stunt-and-twist-oriented defense could help keep him on the field on third downs for teams using a similar concept. Tomlinson has a chance to become an early starter and should work into a defensive line rotation immediately." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
14. Carlos Watkins (DT)
College: Clemson
Stats: 40 games played / 110 total tackles (58 solo) / 14 sacks / 24.5 tackles for a loss / seven pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 2nd to the 4th round
What the scouts are saying:
"While Watkins has had a productive, successful career at Clemson, it is hard to isolate the area of his game that he will call a definitive strength in the NFL. Watkins is athletic and may have rotational appeal to teams that covet active interior linemen. His top-heavy frame limits his anchor at the point of attack and if his motor isn't revved up, he gets put on skates too often against power. Watkins has some talent and his traits are NFL-worthy, but he could end up being a Day 3 selection who will need to play at a more consistent level in order to become a factor as a pro." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Watkins is not the consistently disruptive force that his statistics indicate but he shows enough quickness and power to play a variety of roles, projecting as a top 100 selection. ... He isn't likely to emerge as the star at the next level that his flashy statistics suggest but should prove a quality addition with starting potential." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports
15. Deatrich Wise Jr. (DE)
College: Arkansas
Stats: 41 games played / 112 total tackles (51 solo) / 16.5 sacks / 23 tackles for a loss / four forced fumbles, 6 pass deflections
Projected draft range: Anywhere from the 3rd to the 7th round
What the scouts are saying:
"Slow-twitch power player with rare physical attributes but a lack of functional athleticism to chalk up a stat sheet. Might have been miscast as a 4-3 defensive end considering his lack of quickness and rush talent. But his length and power at the point of attack could make him an attractive Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) draft option for 3-4 teams looking for a two-gapping defensive end with the traits to bounce back from a disappointing senior season." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Raw prospect that is gifted with an extremely long wing span. Uses length well and keeps blockers from getting close and gaining leverage. Able to control gaps with his length, and is always working his arms to his advantage. Needs to keep learning and develop the use of the rest of his body to maximize his potential. Ideal fit in wide 9 defensive schemes and where he could operate in some space." -- DraftBuster
Other notable names: DeMarcus Walker, Tarrell Basham, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Trey Hendrickson, Chris Wormley, Jaleel Johnson, Jarron Jones, Charles Walker, Davon Godchaux, Eddie Vanderdoes
