Having already looked at the nose tackles and 4-3 defensive tackles, we now move onto the final category of interior defensive linemen: the 3-4 defensive ends. These are generally players who are undersized compared to 4-3 defensive tackles and whose value as run defenders in particular is more about penetration and gap control than looking to anchor at the point of attack. This isn’t a position grouping that has historically been of huge interested to the Panthers, but with their interest in playing more snaps out of a three-man front, this could be an area the Panthers are slightly more open to exploring this offseason than in years past. So what does the 2019 3-4 DE class have to offer?
The Usual Housekeeping
As always, it is first worth exploring what I look for in 3-4 defensive ends and how that is different from 4-3 defensive tackles and edge rushers. As always, you want to see core athletic traits such as quickness, strength and pad level, though for 3-4 defensive ends the strength is less important than it is in players looking to play inside in a 4-3 and instead a greater value is placed on quickness and the ability to bend around the edge of blocks, with players often lining up with a leverage advantage.
Technically, 3-4 defensive ends are generally asked to gap fit, and so there is less of a need to ‘stack-and-shed’ – instead, the role of hand usage is to work into a gap laterally. As pass rushers, the skillset is much the same as for a 4-3 defensive tackle, only with the added requirement of being able to work through gaps, with pass rushing moves being a bonus.
As always, these evaluations are based on publicly-available tape with medical concerns and off-field issues not being taken into account.
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