Mel Kiper 2013 NFL draft big board: Defensive ends

We started our big board series Monday taking a look at the top 5 prospects at two of the Eagles biggest need positions in the 2013 NFL draft. Safeties were up first, then we looked at offensive tackles, guards, corners and tight ends. Our last piece looked at outside linebackers and since the Eagles look likely to make a switch to a 3-4, you can look at this piece as a companion to the OLB ranking.

Today, we're looking at Mel Kiper's top 5 defensive ends.

The idea here is basically the same as in our look at OLBs, if the team switches to a 3-4, they'll need players that fit the system. It's not at all uncommon for college defensive ends to become NFL 3-4 OLBs. So pretty much everyone at the top of this class has been projected to be able to play as a pass rusher in a 3-4.

Here is Kiper's overall take on the class.

Several of these guys could switch positions, a caveat to keep in mind. A great year by Moore should pay off. He can be a terror as a pass-rusher with his burst. Ansah is getting a close look now -- he could fit a 3-4 as a defensive end as well. The guy is a major athletic talent. Regardless of his lack of experience, scouts see a lot of promise.

Scouting reports

Damontre Moore - Very productive pass rusher with a great build for the position. Could even fill out his frame further. He's got great burst coming off the ball and has long arms to fight off defenders. He's also experienced as a 3-4 OLB playing the position in 2011. Last year, they transitioned to a 4-3 and played both LDE and RDE. So he's versatile.

Pro comparison - John Abraham

Bjoern Werner - Native of Germany that is still relatively new to football, but has been very productive already. Was named ACC defensive player of the year after recording 13 sacks. In 2 seasons as a starter he amassed 23.5 sacks, 18 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles. Has good burst and strength and is seen as a very high effort type of player.

Pro comparison - Chris Long

Barkevious Mingo - Freakish athlete with long arms that projects to fit as an OLB in a 3-4 well. However, he's only started 5 college games. So he's raw and doesn't always get off the line the quickest. That said, he has surprised scouts with his advanced hand techniques and arsenal of pass rushing moves.

Pro comparison - DeMarcus Ware

Dion Jordan - Rare athleticism given his size and could still add more bulk to his frame. Has a very quick first step and uses his hands well, but lacks brute strength. Actually started under Chip Kelly as a TE at Oregon. Has experience as an OLB in the 3-4 and has more coverage skills than anyone on this list.

Pro comparison - Julian Peterson

Ezekiel Ansah - Only started playing football in 2010 after coming to BYU looking to be on the basketball & track teams. He kind of stumbled onto the football team and did not start a game until last year, but has made big strides ever since. His length and speed is maybe unmatched in this draft, but he's still raw and some question whether he can handle the physicality of an every down NFL DE/OLB. He's known to get winded quickly. He literally played every position up front for BYU, from OLB to hand down DE to nose tackle.

Pro comparison - Justin Tuck