Ranking the 5 best Defensive Linemen in the ACC for 2014 - SCACCHoops.com

Ranking the 5 best Defensive Linemen in the ACC for 2014

by All Sports Discussion

Posted: 7/3/2014 6:17:30 AM


We’ve moved on from our offensive rankings, to defense, and we’re starting with the defensive line. Let’s get right into the rankings.

Clemson_Vic

Previous and Upcoming Rankings

Quarterbacks | Running BacksWide Recievers | Offensive Line | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams

1) Vic Beasley, Clemson

Vic Beasley is a consensus pre-season All-American and Clemson’s first entry into the top 5 player rankings. If there was an All-American list last season, then Vic Beasley was on it. He became one of the nation’s best pass rushers with 13 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. A quick first step, he’s projected as 1st round NFL pick. He’s plays DE, at Clemson, but will be more suited to outside linebacker at the pro-level.

2) Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State

The Seminoles just keep churning at elite players. Mario Edwards Jr., only a junior, is just now beginning to touch the surface of his potential. The former 5 star recruit, played better as the season continued. He had a great BCS National Title game against with 3 tackles for loss and 6 total. I think this is the kind of performance that will be more common for Edwards, as he takes the next step as DE. He’s a star in the making.

3) Luther Maddy, Virginia Tech

Clemson had their first players make on to the position rankings, and now Virginia Tech has theirs. Luther Maddy at DT provides Virginia Tech a real interior force. He’s a good pass rusher and is strong against the run. I’ve seen NFL projections for him in the 4th and 5th round, but he could go higher with a breakout senior season. He’s the anchor of the Hokie defensive line.

4) Grady Jarrett, Clemson

Every teams needs a run stuffing Defensive Tackle. Grady Jarrett fills that role for the Clemson, and helps give the Tigers one of the best Defensive Lines in the country. He had 83 tackles last season, and 11 for loss in a Honorable Mention All-ACC season. At 6-1 and 295 lbs has a thick frame and good athleticism. He’s considered one of the top DT in the country, and if he keeps improving he could find himself a top 3 round draft pick

5) Eli Harold, Virginia

Eli Harold is a player that had a good sophomore season for Virginia, and he could be ready for a truly great junior season. Last year he had 8.5 sacks, and more than 50 tackles. He’s got good quickness off the edge and has added weight in the off-season. He’s going to be a force at DE this year at Virginia, and he definitely has NFL ability.

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