In 2009 Jerry Hughes was a first team All American DE, and is likely to be a first round draft pick in the 2010 NFL draft AP Photo/Tom Pennington

The 2010 draft in unusually deep on the defensive side of the ball, including at the DE position. While five DE were taken in the first 50 picks in the 2009 draft, it seems that anywhere from five to eight could go in the first two rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. While one of the top ten has major questions being asked about him, all in all this is a pretty good class. Here is my Top Ten ranking of the DE prospects for the upcoming NFL draft:
1.Derrick Morgan, Junior, Georgia Tech- He is a dominating end, a fact which he proved by dominating offenses in 2009 without much help from the other members of his D line. In 2009 he racked up 18.5 tackles for a loss, and 12.5sacks. Very impressive numbers
2.Carlos Dunlap, Junior, Florida- Carlos made a very strong case t be the best DE in this draft, but a few legal troubles have dropped his stock some. Still he has a great mix of size and speed and fits best on the end of a 4-3 defense.
3.Jason Pierre Paul, Junior, South Florida- At 6-6, 260 lbs He is a monster who can do battle with anyone; he will have a big impact at the next level.
4.Brandon Graham, Senior, Michigan- He is a little stocky, but is a good athlete that has the potential to be an impact player in the NFL. He plays with a lot of passion, and is a leader on the field.
5.Everson Griffen, Junior, USC- 44 tackles and eight sacks in his final year with the Trojans prove what kind of player he can be. The though on him is that he has barely scratched his potential.
6.Jerry Hughes, Senior, TCU- What he lacks in size and height he makes up for with an intense effort. This kid is this good because he worked at it extremely hard. He also has a knack for making big plays in key situations
7.Corey Wootten, Senior, Northwestern- He would have entered the 2009 draft had he not blown out his in Northwestern’s final game. He would be higher on this list for the same reason. However it does look like he will be fine, and is projecting as a first round pick
8.Greg Hardy, Senior, Ole Miss- Has all the tools to be an impact pass rusher in the NFL. He explodes of the snap, and threatens the corner as a speed rusher. Bigger O-lineman can manhandle him if they get their hands on him.
9.Austen Lane, Senior, Murray State- He is fast, he pursues the ball relentlessly, and is agile with very long arms. He can stand up and protect the pass, or get down in the three point stance and rush the passer using his big arms to shed OT along thee way.
10.George Selvie, Senior, South Florida- He and Pierre-Paul made a very effective tandem at South Florida. He is somewhat of a tweener and team may want him to play OLB and DE. He seems to have all the makings of a great third down rush end, but may not be quick enough to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme
 

Related Links:
•Top 2010 NFL Prospects by position
•Examiner.com’s top 50 big board
•Top 2010 Prospects by school
•2010 NFL Team needs