Charlie Campbell· Sep 24, 2026
Campbell ranks the top defensive end prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft, with Dylan Stewart first, and assigns each a projected draft round and a projected 40-yard dash time.
“The top 2027 Defensive End prospects available for the 2027 NFL Draft.”
published in writing · Walter Football · read the original →
79 checkable claims — 39 combine measurements, 39 mock draft picks and 1 top player list — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 39 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Darris Smith
- Melkart Abou Jaoude
- Teitum Tuioti
- Anto Saka
- Trey White
- Adepoju Adebawore
- T.J. Searcy
- Keahnist Thompson
- Boubacar Traore
- Tre Smith
- John Henry Daley
- Dylan Stewart
- Colin Simmons
- Clev Lubin
- Mi'Quise Humphrey-Gray
- Princewill Umanmielen
- Ikenna Ezeogu
- Isaac Rochell
- Jahiem Lawson
- Da'Shawn Womack
- Kamran James
- Jaleel Johnson
- Joshua Burnham
- Damon Wilson II
- Quincy Rhodes Jr.
- K'Mond Tapp
- Miles Capers
- Beau Atkinson
- Cameron Brandt
- Jayden Virgin-Morgan
- Gabriel Harris Jr.
- Tobi Osunsanmi
- Anthony Smith
- Matayo Uiagalelei
- Braylan Shelby
- Jonathan Maldonado
- Will Heldt
- Yhonzae Pierre
- Kenyatta Jackson
79 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Mock Draft PicksDarris SmithSep 24, 2026
Darris Smith to be picked “Round 6-FA”
“Darris Smith*, DE, Missouri ... Projected Round (2027): 6-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsMelkart Abou JaoudeSep 24, 2026
“Melkart Abou Jaoude*, DE, North Carolina ... Projected 40 Time: 4.80.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTeitum TuiotiSep 24, 2026
Teitum Tuioti to be picked “Round 2-4”
“Teitum Tuioti*, DE/OLB, Oregon ... Projected Round (2027): 2-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksAnto SakaSep 24, 2026
Anto Saka to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Anto Saka*, DE, Texas A&M ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTrey WhiteSep 24, 2026
Trey White to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Trey White*, DE/OLB, Texas Tech ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsAdepoju AdebaworeSep 24, 2026
“Adepoju Adebawore*, DE, Oklahoma ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksT.J. SearcySep 24, 2026
T.J. Searcy to be picked “Round 3-5”
“T.J. Searcy*, DE, Texas A&M ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksMelkart Abou JaoudeSep 24, 2026
Melkart Abou Jaoude to be picked “Round 6-FA”
“Melkart Abou Jaoude*, DE, North Carolina ... Projected Round (2027): 6-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKeahnist ThompsonSep 24, 2026
“Keahnist Thompson*, DE, Michigan State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsT.J. SearcySep 24, 2026
“T.J. Searcy*, DE, Texas A&M ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksBoubacar TraoreSep 24, 2026
Boubacar Traore to be picked “Round 2-3”
“Boubacar Traore*, DE, Notre Dame ... Projected Round (2027): 2-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTre SmithSep 24, 2026
Tre Smith to be picked “Round 6-FA”
“Tre Smith*, DE, Arizona ... Projected Round (2027): 6-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJohn Henry DaleySep 24, 2026
John Henry Daley to be picked “Round 2-4”
“John Henry Daley*, DE/OLB, Michigan ... Projected Round (2027): 2-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksDylan StewartSep 24, 2026
Dylan Stewart to be picked “Round 1”
“Dylan Stewart*, DE, South Carolina ... Projected Round (2027): 1.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksColin SimmonsSep 24, 2026
Colin Simmons to be picked “Round 1”
“Colin Simmons*, DE/OLB, Texas ... Projected Round (2027): 1.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksClev LubinSep 24, 2026
Clev Lubin to be picked “Round 2-3”
“Clev Lubin*, DE, Louisville ... Projected Round (2027): 2-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksMi'Quise Humphrey-GraySep 24, 2026
Mi'Quise Humphrey-Gray to be picked “Round 3-4”
“Mi’Quise Humphrey-Gray*, DE, Kentucky ... Projected Round (2027): 3-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksPrincewill UmanmielenSep 24, 2026
Princewill Umanmielen to be picked “Round 2-4”
“Princewill Umanmielen*, DE/OLB, LSU ... Projected Round (2027): 2-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksIkenna EzeoguSep 24, 2026
Ikenna Ezeogu to be picked “Round 3-4”
“Ikenna Ezeogu*, DE, Penn State ... Projected Round (2027): 3-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKeahnist ThompsonSep 24, 2026
Keahnist Thompson to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Keahnist Thompson*, DE, Michigan State ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksIsaac RochellSep 24, 2026
Isaac Rochell to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Isaac Terrell*, DE, Iowa State ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJahiem LawsonSep 24, 2026
Jahiem Lawson to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Jahiem Lawson*, DE, Clemson ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksDa'Shawn WomackSep 24, 2026
Da'Shawn Womack to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Da’Shawn Womack*, DE, Auburn ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKamran JamesSep 24, 2026
Kamran James to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Kamran James, DE, Florida ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJaleel JohnsonSep 24, 2026
Jaleel Johnson to be picked “Round 7-FA”
“Jaleel Johnson*, DE, Oklahoma State ... Projected Round (2027): 7-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJoshua BurnhamSep 24, 2026
Joshua Burnham to be picked “Round 7-FA”
“Joshua Burnham, DE, Indiana ... Projected Round (2027): 7-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsDamon Wilson IISep 24, 2026
“Damon Wilson II*, DE/OLB, Miami ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsDylan StewartSep 24, 2026
“Dylan Stewart*, DE, South Carolina ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsQuincy Rhodes Jr.Sep 24, 2026
“Quincy Rhodes Jr., DE, Arkansas ... Projected 40 Time: 4.65.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJohn Henry DaleySep 24, 2026
“John Henry Daley*, DE/OLB, Michigan ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsK'Mond TappSep 24, 2026
“K’Mond Tapp*, DE, Memphis ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsDa'Shawn WomackSep 24, 2026
“Da’Shawn Womack*, DE, Auburn ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKamran JamesSep 24, 2026
“Kamran James, DE, Florida ... Projected 40 Time: 4.80.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsAnto SakaSep 24, 2026
“Anto Saka*, DE, Texas A&M ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsMiles CapersSep 24, 2026
“Miles Capers, DE, Vanderbilt ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsDarris SmithSep 24, 2026
“Darris Smith*, DE, Missouri ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJoshua BurnhamSep 24, 2026
“Joshua Burnham, DE, Indiana ... Projected 40 Time: 4.80.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsBeau AtkinsonSep 24, 2026
“Beau Atkinson, DE, Ohio State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.80.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJaleel JohnsonSep 24, 2026
“Jaleel Johnson*, DE, Oklahoma State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksCameron BrandtSep 24, 2026
Cameron Brandt to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Cameron Brandt*, DE, Michigan ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJayden Virgin-MorganSep 24, 2026
Jayden Virgin-Morgan to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Jayden Virgin-Morgan*, DE/OLB, Boise State ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksMiles CapersSep 24, 2026
Miles Capers to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Miles Capers, DE, Vanderbilt ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJahiem LawsonSep 24, 2026
“Jahiem Lawson*, DE, Clemson ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsGabriel Harris Jr.Sep 24, 2026
“Gabriel Harris Jr.*, DE, Georgia ... Projected 40 Time: 4.75.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsMi'Quise Humphrey-GraySep 24, 2026
“Mi’Quise Humphrey-Gray*, DE, Kentucky ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Top Player ListsSep 24, 2026
“The top 2027 Defensive End prospects available for the 2027 NFL Draft. 1. Dylan Stewart... 39. Jaleel Johnson”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksK'Mond TappSep 24, 2026
K'Mond Tapp to be picked “Round 4-6”
“K’Mond Tapp*, DE, Memphis ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTobi OsunsanmiSep 24, 2026
Tobi Osunsanmi to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Tobi Osunsanmi*, DE, Indiana ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksAnthony SmithSep 24, 2026
Anthony Smith to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksBeau AtkinsonSep 24, 2026
Beau Atkinson to be picked “Round 7-FA”
“Beau Atkinson, DE, Ohio State ... Projected Round (2026): 7-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTre SmithSep 24, 2026
“Tre Smith*, DE, Arizona ... Projected 40 Time: 4.75.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsColin SimmonsSep 24, 2026
“Colin Simmons*, DE/OLB, Texas ... Projected 40 Time: 4.60.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksMatayo UiagaleleiSep 24, 2026
Matayo Uiagalelei to be picked “Round 1-3”
“Matayo Uiagalelei*, DE/OLB, Oregon ... Projected Round (2027): 1-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksQuincy Rhodes Jr.Sep 24, 2026
Quincy Rhodes Jr. to be picked “Round 2-4”
“Quincy Rhodes Jr., DE, Arkansas ... Projected Round (2027): 2-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksBraylan ShelbySep 24, 2026
Braylan Shelby to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Braylan Shelby*, DE, USC ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJonathan MaldonadoSep 24, 2026
“Jonathan Maldonado*, DE, Ole Miss ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTrey WhiteSep 24, 2026
“Trey White*, DE/OLB, Texas Tech ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsBraylan ShelbySep 24, 2026
“Braylan Shelby*, DE, USC ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJonathan MaldonadoSep 24, 2026
Jonathan Maldonado to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Jonathan Maldonado*, DE, Ole Miss ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksGabriel Harris Jr.Sep 24, 2026
Gabriel Harris Jr. to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Gabriel Harris Jr.*, DE, Georgia ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksWill HeldtSep 24, 2026
Will Heldt to be picked “Round 1-2”
“Will Heldt*, DE, Clemson ... Projected Round (2027): 1-2”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTeitum TuiotiSep 24, 2026
“Teitum Tuioti*, DE/OLB, Oregon ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksYhonzae PierreSep 24, 2026
Yhonzae Pierre to be picked “Round 1-2”
“Yhonzae Pierre*, DE/OLB, Alabama ... Projected Round (2027): 1-2.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsYhonzae PierreSep 24, 2026
“Yhonzae Pierre*, DE/OLB, Alabama ... Projected 40 Time: 4.65.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsWill HeldtSep 24, 2026
“Will Heldt*, DE, Clemson ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKenyatta JacksonSep 24, 2026
“Kenyatta Jackson, DE, Ohio State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsMatayo UiagaleleiSep 24, 2026
“Matayo Uiagalelei*, DE/OLB, Oregon ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsClev LubinSep 24, 2026
“Clev Lubin*, DE, Louisville ... Projected 40 Time: 4.65.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsPrincewill UmanmielenSep 24, 2026
“Princewill Umanmielen*, DE/OLB, LSU ... Projected 40 Time: 4.65.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsIkenna EzeoguSep 24, 2026
“Ikenna Ezeogu*, DE, Penn State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJayden Virgin-MorganSep 24, 2026
“Jayden Virgin-Morgan*, DE/OLB, Boise State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.75.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksDamon Wilson IISep 24, 2026
Damon Wilson II to be picked “Round 2-3”
“Damon Wilson II*, DE/OLB, Miami ... Projected Round (2027): 2-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKenyatta JacksonSep 24, 2026
Kenyatta Jackson to be picked “Round 1-3”
“Kenyatta Jackson, DE, Ohio State ... Projected Round (2027): 1-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTobi OsunsanmiSep 24, 2026
“Tobi Osunsanmi*, DE, Indiana ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsCameron BrandtSep 24, 2026
“Cameron Brandt*, DE, Michigan ... Projected 40 Time: 4.75.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsBoubacar TraoreSep 24, 2026
“Boubacar Traore*, DE, Notre Dame ... Projected 40 Time: 4.65.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksAdepoju AdebaworeSep 24, 2026
Adepoju Adebawore to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Adepoju Adebawore*, DE, Oklahoma ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsIsaac RochellSep 24, 2026
“Isaac Terrell*, DE, Iowa State ... Projected 40 Time: 4.70.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsAnthony SmithSep 24, 2026
“Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota ... Projected 40 Time: 4.75.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Daire CarragherMock Draft Picks · Kenyatta JacksonPendingPreviewing Week 5 of the 2026 college season through a 2027 NFL Draft lens, Carragher argues Ohio State edge defender Kenyatta Jackson Jr., despite questions about his ceiling, has enough production and traits to draw first-round interest in the 2027 draft.
- Daire CarragherPosition Order Calls · Colin SimmonsPendingCarragher's Week 4 stock report holds Texas edge Collin Simmons as the top edge rusher in the 2027 class, keeps Jadan Baugh as the class's top running back and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa as its top linebacker, ranks Greg Johnson as the top interior offensive lineman for 2027, and pegs Penn State tight end Andrew Rappleyea as a mid-round draft option.
- Michael HaneyMock Draft Picks · Quincy Rhodes Jr.PendingHaney previews four college prospects for the Giants ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft, projecting Arkansas edge Quincy Rhodes Jr. as a Day 2 pick, suggesting Texas A&M's Mario Craver could run in the 4.2 range at the 2026 NFL Combine, and saying Ole Miss DT Will Echoles could push into the top ten of the 2027 draft with a strong showing.
- Josh EdwardsMock Draft Picks · Dylan StewartPendingA CBS Sports 2027 NFL mock draft projecting the full first round plus select second-round picks, headlined by Arch Manning going No. 1 overall to Miami and five quarterbacks in Round 1.
- Matt LeinartMock Draft Picks · Colin SimmonsPendingLeinart called Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons a first-round NFL draft pick.
- WaltMock Draft Picks · Colin SimmonsPendingIn his 2027 NFL mock draft, Walt has Arch Manning going first overall to the Dolphins, Dante Moore as the likely second quarterback taken, and pairs a series of prospects with teams in the first round.
More combine measurements
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Field YatesCombine Measurements · Brenen ThompsonClose · 67Yates pegged David Bailey as a top-four pick, called Jeremiah Love clearly the best running back in the class with a draft range from No. 3 overall to the Chiefs at No. 9, put Karnell Tate atop his receiver board, projected Jordan Tyson as a top-15 pick, and expected Brennan Thompson to run in the 4.2s. He also sees both Miami's Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano taken inside the top 15, with Mauigoa having a chance to be the first offensive lineman off the board.
- James HarrisonCombine Measurements · Zachariah BranchMiss · 0The co-host known as Debo, who identifies himself as James Harrison, predicts Caleb Downs runs in the 4.42-4.43 range at the combine and rides the under on Zachariah Branch's 40 time, citing Branch's high school speed.
- Bruce FeldmanCombine Measurements · Cole PaytonHit · 100Feldman discussed Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 overall pick to the Raiders, praised Kenyon Sadik and Sunny Styles as combine standouts, projected Ty Simpson as a late-first-round pick, and pegged Cole Peyton for the fourth-to-fifth round range.
- Daniel JeremiahCombine Measurements · Justin JeffersonMiss · 27On Move the Sticks, Daniel Jeremiah gave his views on the 2026 draft class: he set his board (Jeremiah Love as the second-best player, Malinoi 12th, Fano 14th), ranked the top edge rushers Bailey-Reese-Bain, projected draft ranges for several prospects, and forecast measurables for a few players.
- Ayrton OstleyCombine Measurements · Gabe JacasHit · 100Ostley predicts Mississippi State receiver Brandon/Brennan Thompson runs the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine, expects Mac Jones to be traded to the Vikings, and offers combine performance expectations for several prospects.
- nthony Darelle "Booger" McFarlandCombine Measurements · Arvell ReeseHit · 100McFarland projected Ohio State's Arbel Reese to measure in at roughly 6-4 and 240-245 pounds at the combine, and argued Cincinnati and Trey Hendrickson will go their separate ways this offseason.