In the last three NFL drafts, over 30 SEC defensive linemen have been selected. The conference continues to churn out talent each and every year. Most, if not all, of these guys will be on those same drafted lists in the very near future. Here are the Top 15 defensive linemen in the SEC for 2019.
1. DT Derrick Brown – Auburn
Brown is one of the top returning players in all of college football. He could’ve been a 1st round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but decided to return to Auburn. Last season he had 48 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6 QB hits.
2. DT Justin Madubuike – Texas A&M
Madubuike is a player whose stock keeps rising. NFL scouts believe he could go in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s the only returning full time starter up front for the Aggies, and last season he had 40 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.
3. DE Jabari Zuniga – Florida
Zuniga is one of the best pass rushers in CFB. Last season he had 45 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss . With a good surrounding cast, he should top those numbers in 2019.
4. DE Rashard Lawrence – LSU
Lawrence is a massive 6’3″ 315-pound defensive lineman who can play DE or DT. Last season he had 54 tackles, 4 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 3 pass breakups. Expect another big season from Lawrence in 2019.
5. DE Nick Coe – Auburn
Coe is one of the most underrated and freakish athletes at DE in CFB. Coe, a former two-time state wrestling champion, has been a key part of the Tigers’ defense. Last season he had 27 tackles, 7 sacks, 13.5 TFL, and 3 QB hits. He excels at rushing the passer and is part of one of the best D-Lines in college football.
6. DT McTelvin Agim – Arkansas
Agim, a former 5⭐ recruit, has lived up to the hype for the Razorbacks. He has 102 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks in his career. Last season he had 4.5 sacks. Expect 5+ sacks this season, and for him to be drafted pretty high in the 2020 NFL Draft.
7. DE Raekwon Davis – Alabama
The Crimson Tide got a big boost when Davis decided to return for his senior season. Last year he had 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and 6 QB hits.
8. DE Marlon Davidson – Auburn
Last season Davidson had 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss. He’s a DE who can get to the passer, but who’s also solid in stopping the run.
9. DT Javon Kinlaw – South Carolina
Kinlaw (6’6″ 300 lbs.) is a machine inside for South Carolina. Not only does he excel vs the rush (38 tackles), he also gets to the QB and wreaks havoc (4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss).
10. DE LaBryan Ray – Alabama
I have Ray at #10, but his upside is just as high as any player on this list. Ray made a name for himself in 2018 with 39 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups. In 2019 Ray will take a big step in his progression, and could get close to 10 or more sacks.
11. DE Glen Logan – LSU
Logan had 46 tackles, 4 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss in 2018. Logan (6’4″ 300 lbs.) has the size and strength to be effective vs the rush and quickness to get into the backfield.
12. DT Josiah Coatney – Ole Miss
Coatney is a force vs the run. He racked up 63 tackles last season, and had 4 tackles for loss. He and Benito Jones combine for one of the best DT duos in CFB.
13. DT Benito Jones – Ole Miss
Jones has been a consistent player and leader for the Rebels the past few seasons. Last year he made 34 tackles, had 3 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss.
14. DT Jordan Elliott – Missouri
Elliott, who transferred from Texas, has been a standout on the Tigers’ defense. Last season he had 24 tackles, 3 sacks, and 8 tackles for loss. The D-Line led by Elliott should be a strength for Missouri in 2019.
15. DE Dayo Odeyingbo – Vanderbilt
Odeyingbo is an underrated player who had a really good year in 2018. Last season he had 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss. Expect another big season from him this year.
Just Missed
- DT Tyler Clark – Georgia
- DT Julian Rochester – Georgia
- DE Jordan Davis – Georgia
- DT Adam Shuler – Florida
- DT Kyree Campbell – Florida
- DE Akial Byers – Missouri
- DT Emmit Gooden – Tennessee
- DT Quinton Bohanna – Kentucky
- DE Chauncey Rivers – Miss St
- DT Breiden Feihoko – LSU
