Despite, or perhaps because of, the NFL’s obsessive efforts to turn the game into a display of constant offensive fireworks, the 2015 college player draft is top-heavy with athletic defensive lineman determined to defuse the pyrotechnics.

University of Southern California’s destructive defensive tackle Leonard “Big Cat” Williams is so highly regarded that he might trump the top two quarterback prospects for the No. 1 overall spot in the draft and is definitely destined to be one of the first three players taken when the show begins April 30 in Chicago.

According to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com, Williams, already compared to the best pros in the league, leads a defensive tackle group with as many as six who could be taken in the first round and eight by the end of round two.

There is more help at defensive end where Nebraska’s vagabond Randy Gregory may learn within the top 10 picks where he will call home in the NFL. He and Missouri’s Shane Ray — considered the most dangerous pass rusher in the draft — are the best of a defensive end class with as many as eight names that could be called in the first two rounds.

In that annual semantic exercise of nit-picking that quibbles over the appropriate nomenclature with which to reference certain so-called edge players, some prospects rated here as defensive ends may be considered outside linebacker candidates.

With only a little imagination, several defensive ends on this list could easily be called outside linebackers, including the top three — Gregory, Ray and Kentucky’s Alvin Dupree. Utah’s quarterback-crushing Nate Orchard is another.

Here is a closer look at the top defensive linemen in the NFL’s 2015 draft (position rating/overall rating. Player, college, height, weight, 40-yard time, projected round):

Defensive Ends

1/8. *Randy Gregory, Nebraska, 6-5, 235, 4.64, 1

–Long road to NFL: Here is a raw athlete who needs to be coached up and beefed up to play to his potential in the NFL. Gregory’s intensity, agility and closing speed scream potential NFL sackmaster. The son of mobile military parents, he handled eight moves on his way to stardom at Nebraska. Out of high school, he did not qualify academically after committing to Purdue, so Gregory took his show on the road and was impressive at Arizona Western JC in 2011, but missed 2012 with a broken leg. At Nebraska in 2013, Gregory made 66 tackles, 19 for a loss, and 10.5 sacks. His 2014 season was productive, but marred by multiple injuries (knee, ankle, head), a recurring theme that teams must consider even as they watch his show-stopping workouts.

–Measuring up: At his March 5 pro day, Gregory stood on his exceptional combine stats, but made an impression looking natural in linebacker workouts. At Indianapolis, he backed pre-combine bragging with a 40-yard time of 4.64 seconds with splits of 1.61 (10 yards) and 2.94 (20 yards). Add a 36.5-inch vertical, a 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump and 26 reps on the bench and he had an “I told you so” performance.

–Notable quote: “Honestly, I feel a little bit more comfortable. … You get that natural athletic stance and get to show your athleticism. I’m always excited to do linebacker drills and I thought I did real well today.” — Gregory, after pro day workouts at linebacker.

–Frankly: Gregory has undeniable athletic ability and flashed greatness in college, but a long list of injuries and academic struggles cannot be totally overlooked.

2/11. *Shane Ray, Missouri, 6-3, 245, 4.54, 1

–On the edge: Considered the most dangerous edge rusher in this draft, whether at end or outside linebacker, Ray has a stunning first step followed by a variety of moves — including a devastating spin — and great closing speed. That helped him total 14.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss last season, only his first as a full-time starter. Ray’s rapid ascent as a prospect reflects long hours studying film. His on-field awareness and overall athleticism show up in his impressive ability to detect and destroy screen passes. His father, Wendell, was a fifth-round draftee by Minnesota (1981).

–Measuring up: Ray missed combine workouts due to a foot injury from a bowl game, but expects to be ready for Missouri’s pro day March 19.

–Notable quote: “Every team I’ve talked to that runs a 3-4 defense has actually pulled up my film, and they have film of me dropping into coverage and making open-field tackles. Honestly, I think they’re pretty pleased with what they see. … I’m able to do whatever the coach needs for me to do.” — Ray telling media at combine about his versatility.

–Frankly: From his stunning first-step quickness to that menacing tomahawk chop finish, Ray should get the attention of quarterbacks as soon as he lines up in the NFL.

3/15. Alvin Dupree, Kentucky, 6-4, 269, 4.56, 1

–This Bud’s for you: Any team looking for an athletic, versatile, productive, consistent defender, Dupree is all that and more. A respected leader on and off the field who answers to the simple nickname Bud, Dupree leaves Kentucky after mauling opponents with 247 tackles, four forced fumbles, five passes defensed and a total of 23.5 sacks, second best in school history. A former prep tight end and basketball star, Dupree has quick feet and hands and is best eluding, rather than confronting, blockers. Dupree added 15 pounds of muscle in college and can use even more to help improve his ability to disengage.

–Measuring up: Despite injury issues (groin, pectoral), Dupree’s combine results were incredible, especially a standing broad jump of 11-feet, 6 inches, ironically only No. 3 overall this year, behind a world record (Byron Jones, 12-3) and a leap (Jamie Collins, 11-7) that tied the previous Indy record. Dupree’s vertical jump was 42 inches and his 40-yard time 4.56 seconds.

–Notable quote: “I wear uniform No. 2 because I’m trying to be No. 1 but I am working like I am No. 2.” — Dupree explaining his college jersey number, which he will need to change in the NFL because single digits are not an eligible choice at DE or OLB.

–Frankly: Here is a solid citizen who was a sensational athlete at every level and there is no reason to believe he won’t be a star in the NFL.

4/25. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA, 6-3, 267, 4.62, 1

–Deep breath, now say “Oh-wah-MAH-bay Oh-DIGGY-zoo-wah.” Although his statistics aren’t startling, Odighizuwa can be as difficult to block as it is to pronounce his name. After missing 2013 following two hip surgeries, his return to action in 2014 was impressive. He tied for the team lead with 11.5 tackles for a loss and showed versatility as a rough-and-tumble edge player in the Bruins’ 3-4 defense. By far the biggest concern is his health as Odighizuwa had surgery on his left hip after the 2012 season, sat out spring ball in 2013 only to require a second surgery, this time on his right hip.

–Measuring up: Combine sensation with 39-inch vertical jump, 40-yard time of 4.62 seconds (10 yards in 1.61) and was even impressive standing still, when his powerful hands measured 11 inches across, tied for largest at Indianapolis.

–Notable quote: “Everything has checked out. I’m good to go. Obviously, they saw the surgery in my hips. I did MRI earlier this week to make sure they saw what they needed to see. The range of motion is good and they were real impressed with everything.” — Odighizuwa, reciting details of his medical checkup at the combine.

–Frankly: Good luck to commissioner Roger Goodell calling this name, probably in the first round of the draft. And good luck to Odighizuwa and the team that drafts him as they both hope for a healthy, productive career.

5/37. *Danielle Hunter, LSU, 6-5, 252, 4.57, 1-2

–On the job training: After first full year as starter in 2014, Hunter is jumping to NFL with another year of college eligibility he could have used to improve his game, especially as a pass rusher. Now he must do so against NFL blockers. A native of Jamaica, Hunter visited relatives in Houston when he was eight and found a new home. Athleticism was obvious as track runner, jumper and two-way football star at Morton Ranch High School (Katy, Tex.). He played 12 games as LSU freshman in 2012, then became starter in fourth game of 2013. Hunter is excellent against the run thanks to toughness, determination and great use of unusual length for leverage. But to be more productive as a pass rusher, Hunter must use his quickness to explode off the line to get blockers to commit before he tries his moves.

–Measuring up: Hunter’s combine workout was limited by a pulled hamstring, but a 40-yard time of 4.57 seconds, or more specifically a fine 10-yard split of 1.57 seconds, proves he should be consistently quick off the line. His 25 reps on the bench (225 pounds) reflects plenty of strength in those long (34 1/4-inch) arms.

–Notable quote: “I’ll be able to go in there and contribute immediately, whether it’s on special teams, outside linebacker or defensive end.” — Hunter when asked what he offers an NFL team.

–Frankly: Hunter is not exactly a boom or bust candidate, but he must improve his pass-rush techniques to maximize his ample athletic ability in the NFL.

6/47. Nate Orchard, Utah, 6-3, 250, 4.80, 2

–Snake sacker: A former high school receiver, Orchard now loves catching quarterbacks. “Cut off the head of the snake, who said that Deacon Jones?” Orchard remarked. His quick first step and long strides surprise quarterbacks with a sudden impact — good for 18.5 sacks in 2014. A Ted Hendricks and Morris Award winner, Orchard’s eight career forced fumbles is tied for second in team history. Raised by foster parents, his full name is Napaa Lilo Fakahafua Orchard. He prizes married life (to the former Maegen Webber) and fatherhood. Daughter Katherine Mae’s full name is Nap’aa Lilo Fakahafua Orchard in respect for his birth mother, Ana Fakahafua.

–Measuring up: Combine data confirmed his production is not due to extraordinary natural athleticism, evidenced by a pedestrian 31.5-inch vertical jump, 4.80 seconds for 40 yards, and he was unable to bench due to a shoulder injury.

–Notable quote: “I’ve had my hand on the ground for the last 10 years, so I think that’s probably where I’m most comfortable. But a transition to outside linebacker wouldn’t be a problem just because I’ve been dropping into coverage a lot. It’s something I’m used to.” — Orchard, when asked preference between defensive end, linebacker.

–Frankly: Hard-working defender whose strength may be his reliability and endurance more than any expectations of being an NFL superstar.

7/49. Preston Smith, Mississippi State, 6-5, 271, 4.74, 2-3

–Disruptive element: Somewhere during the 2013 season, Smith put together his ample size and athleticism to consistently disrupt offenses from the outside, the middle and even dropping into coverage. He uses long, strong arms and big, menacing hands while barging into the backfield, often despite double-team attention. He finished his Mississippi State career with 134 tackles, 27 for a loss, including 16 sacks and created seven turnovers (five fumbles, two interceptions). Smith played best on a big stage, such as last year in a 34-24 upset at LSU. More than 104,000 at Tiger Stadium watched Smith destroy multiple blockers per play. And that was not even one of the three consecutive weeks he was selected SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week.

Measuring up: At his March 4 pro day, Smith wisely stood on his combine results, which were excellent across the board, quantifying his explosion (34-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump), quickness (10 yards in 1.63 seconds), strength (24 reps on bench) and agility (4.28 seconds in the shuttle).

–Notable quote: “A lot of teams want me to be faster off the ball and show quick-twitch movement so I can use my explosion on the field and play consistent.” — Smith, when asked at his pro day what he can do to improve.

Frankly: Smith’s star is on the ascent at the right time, which could make the lightly-recruited, former two-star prep into a second-round steal in the NFL draft.

8/72. *Mario Edwards, Florida State, 6-3, 279, 4.84, 2

–Doing back flips: Perhaps the biggest hint of Edwards’ unusual abilities is that he can do a back flip at his size. That athleticism was obvious on the field from his first start in the 2012 ACC championship game when he replaced an injured Tank Carradine at right end. He has an impressive combination of strength and instincts that enabled him to be a force both as an edge-setter against the run, and an inside power rusher threatening the pocket. Edwards even dropped back as a 3-4 linebacker, but considering he fights to keep weight down that shouldn’t be a long-term game plan. His father of the same name was a cornerback at FSU and in the NFL.

–Measuring up: Weight, a low 279 pounds at the combine, is a key to success for Edwards, who worked to improve his eating habits in college to maximize his strength (32 reps in bench press) and explosion (10-foot broad jump; 32.5-inch vertical jump).

–Notable quote: “Two seventy-nine is good. I’d like to stay here or get to about 285, 288-ish. That’s when I’m able to go inside and go against guards or I can do an end at a five-technique. I’m more versatile that way.” — Edwards, discussing his weight at combine.

–Frankly: Edwards plays with instincts that cannot be taught and, regardless if he can drop back as a linebacker, has the ability to cause trouble anywhere along the defensive line.

9/83. Trey Flowers, Arkansas, 6-2, 266, 4.93, 3

–Relentless force: Although speedy, pass-rushing ends get the most attention from NFL teams, Flowers commands notice as a relentless force who was a productive starter in 39 of his 49 college games. He played either end and sometimes reduced to become a pest inside. Although even he admits his strength is stopping the run — evidenced by 17 career tackles for a loss (second in school history) — Flowers still led the team with five sacks among his 63 tackles last season.

–Measuring up: Flowers is short, but not small, with an 84.5-inch wingspan that was seventh widest at the combine, where he also impressed with a 36.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot 1-inch broad jump. At his March 4 pro day, Flowers’ 40-yard, hand-held time was in the mid 4.8- second area, compared to a 4.93 electronic time at the combine.

–Notable quote: “I want them to talk about my run defense. Just being in the league I was in, the SEC – it’s a run league. So if you’re stopping the run in one of the top running leagues in the nation, then you must be a pretty good player.” — Flowers, at the combine, where he added that he can rusher the passer.

Frankly: Flowers is a powerful, explosive, consistent player who should win more than his share of battles in the NFL regardless of where he lines up along the defensive front.

10/97. Za’Darius Smith, Kentucky, 6-4, 274, 4.83, 3

–Work in progress: After starring in basketball at Greenville, Ala., High School, Smith first played football in 2010 and had to spend two years at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Miss., where he played well enough to be the nation’s No. 1 defensive end prospect. He kept improving the last two years at Kentucky, finishing 2014 with 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Smith is certainly willing, with a motor that is revved to red-line all the time, but despite excellent physical ability he is not a natural and has a lot to learn.

–Measuring up: At the combine, Smith showed why he switched from basketball, with a vertical jump of only 29 inches that was representative of his sub-par results across the board. His pro day is March 12.

–Notable quote: “I do think I can get up to 290 and I’ll be able to hold that weight very good. Just being able to get up to 275 after playing at 260 last year, I feel comfortable at it.” — Smith at combine, where he said scouts think he needs to add more muscle.

–Frankly: Even considering he started football late, Smith is taking a long time to learn the game. He should be considered a project who needs time and tutoring before a team expects him to show a return on investment in the NFL.

Also:

11/107. Anthony Chickillo, Miami, 6-3, 267, 4.79, 3-4

12/111. Lynden Trail, Norfolk State, 6-7, 269, 4.91, 3-4

13/124. Henry Anderson, Stanford, 6-6, 294, 4.97, 4

14/125. Cedric Reed, Texas, 6-5, 269, 4.89, 4

15/143. Corey Crawford, Clemson, 6-5, 283, 5.01, 4-5

16/160. Ray Drew, Georgia, 6-4, 284, 4.79, 5

17/183. Ryan Russell, Purdue, 6-4, 269, 4.75, 5-6

18/199. Deion Barnes, Penn State, 6-4, 260, 4.75, 6

19/200. Zach Wagenmann, Montana, 6-3, 247, 4.82, 6

20/217. Ryan Delaire, Towson, 6-4, 254, 4.97, 6-7

21/222. Shaquille Riddick, West Virginia, 6-6, 236, 4.82, 6-7

22/242. Obum Gwacham, Oregon State, 6-5, 246, 4.72, 7

23/258. Martin Ifedi, Memphis, 6-3, 275, 4.88, 7-FA

24/260. Jermauria Rasco, LSU, 6-3, 259, 4.84, 7-FA

25/269. Frank Clark, Michigan, 6-3, 271, 4.79, 7-FA

26/278. Ryan Mueller, Kansas State, 6-2, 248, 4.84, 7-FA

27/284. James Rouse, Marshall, 6-4, 272, 4.93, 7-FA

28/300. Cory Morrissey, Iowa State, 6-4, 260, 4.86, 7-FA

29/318. B.J. Dubose, Louisville, 6-4, 284, 5.06, 7-FA

30/331. Mike Reilly, William & Mary, 6-4, 265, 4.82, 7-FA

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

1/1. *Leonard Williams, Southern Cal, 6-5, 302, 4.97, 1

–Masterpiece: Williams is an artist who exhibits works on campus that he calls Artletics. On the field his best creation is himself as “Big Cat,” whose raw athleticism, agility and strength is destructive from any position on any defensive line. At tackle in 2012, he was the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman Player of the Year. At end in 2013 he had 74 tackles, 13.5 for a loss, despite a shoulder injury that kept him out of one game and less than full strength in most others. After off-season surgery, Williams showed lingering effects in 2014, but scouts still likened him to Gerald McCoy (Tampa Bay, overall No. 3, 2010), and even J. J. Watt, Houston’s 2014 Defensive Player of the Year.

–Measuring up: Williams’ combine data shows that those meat hooks he calls hands are 10 5/8 inches wide on an 82 5/8-inch wingspan, otherwise his workout results did not hint of his tremendous productivity. Results included a vertical jump that was only 29.5 inches; 40 yards in 4.97 seconds; 10 yards in 1.77 and he was not able to bench because his shoulder was on the mend. USC’s pro day is March 11.

–Notable quote: “I do believe that I should be the No. 1 overall pick. At the same time it depends on what guy a team needs. Some teams need a quarterback more than others.” — Williams on FOX Sports, assessing his value at the top of the draft.

–Frankly: Anybody compared to J.J. Watt should be a top-three draft prospect. Williams might be a game-changer from anywhere along the front line, but seems best suited to play a five-technique end in a base 3-4.

2/9. Danny Shelton, Washington, 6-2, 339, 5.64, 1

–A real square: This massive man looks as wide as he does tall (or short at under 6-foot-2). Every square inch of that square body is tough — his legs, arms and especially those rock-hard and lead-heavy hands. Hitch that mass to a great motor and you have a constant terror for offensive linemen. Although he collected 9.5 sacks among his 89 tackles last season, Shelton is more of plugger than a pass rusher.

–Measuring up: At the combine, Shelton’s slow 5.64 seconds in 40 yards is only slightly better than NFL Network broadcaster Rich Eisen, but Shelton could bench-press Eisen all day based on his 35 reps with 225 pounds.

–Notable quote: “Probably my get-off, attacking aggressively upfield.” — Shelton’s reply when asked what he needed to improve most.

–Frankly: Shelton has toughness that will hold up in the NFL, which he proved on the field and in how he coped with tragedy as a high school senior when he saw two older brothers shot to death.

3/17. *Malcom Brown, Texas, 6-2, 319, 5.05, 1

–Check please: Brown checks all the boxes for teams seeking a durable defensive lineman with experience, maturity and size. He began playing organized football at seven years old, so Brown was a veteran at Brenham (Tex.) High when he was named prep All-America and then played in the 2012 Under Armour All-American game. At Texas, Brown played in all 13 games as a freshman and became a dominant starter all 26 games as a junior and senior, finishing 2014 with 64 tackles, 14 for loss with 6.5 sacks. Brown lacks the agility to be a constant pass-rush threat, but he creates a no trespassing zone against run anywhere along line.

–Measuring up: Combine workouts only so-so, but running against clock (5.05 seconds in 40 yards; 1.75 in 10), and reps with 225 pounds (26) don’t measure this man’s ability to own real estate he is assigned to protect.

–Notable quote: “Give me a position to play in, and I’ll play it: 3-4, 4-3, doesn’t matter. There’s not that big of a difference between nose and end.” – Brown on his versatility.

–Frankly: A responsible parent for two daughters, Brown is a big daddy on the field, using his broad, 6-foot-2-plus frame and 320 pounds of muscle as a stout run-stopper.

4/30. *Eddie Goldman, Florida State, 6-4, 336, 5.28, 1-2

–No trespassing: Goldman is one-man road block when he lines up his broad, 336-pound body on the inside. Played end in 2013 on a talent-laden defense (No. 1 in nation, yielding 12.1 points per game). The experience may have improved his quickness and range. As a tackle, Goldman’s powerful legs and lower body allow him to collapse the pocket and prevent quarterbacks from stepping up.

–Measuring up: Goldman is coming off ankle injury and did not work out at combine, but his positive personality in interviews was a plus for scouts/coaches concerned about one-game suspension in 2013 for violating team rules.

–Notable quote: “I can give you a little finesse now and again, but for the main part, I’m a tough, hard-nosed type of guy.” — Goldman, describing his play.

–Frankly: Goldman played up to his five-star rating out of high school, is a scholar on football history and is good enough to become a notable chapter for some NFL team.

5/31. *Arik Armstead, Oregon, 6-7, 292, 5.10, 1-2

–Making jump: Armstead’s exceptional size and athleticism showed up as a freshman when he played football and basketball — not surprising since his father trains NBA players. Armstead was solid, sometimes sensational as a college defensive lineman and now wants to play for pay after his junior year. Even among large athletes, he stands out with an imposing combination of height, weight, muscle, long arms (33 inches) and big hands (10.5 inches). Armstead already excels against the run, is improving as a pass rusher and opinions are divided whether he projects as a tackle or end.

–Measuring up: Let’s see, add a 34-inch vertical jump to a 6-foot-7 (and one eighth inch) man with 33-inch arms and 10.5-inch hands and quarterbacks may need to look elsewhere for a passing window.

–Notable quote: “People try to control your life and it’s not your decision, it’s my decision. … I really wasn’t passionate about offense.” — General response to constant evaluations since high school that he would be a natural at offensive left tackle.

–Frankly: Focused, fearless and sometimes violent, Armstead and his freakish dimensions should cause offenses trouble on some NFL team’s defensive line.

6/39. *Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma, 6-5, 329, 5.17, 1-2

–Big gamble: Phillips is a very huge roll of the dice. He can be a very bad man on the football field, and define that any way you want. This enormous athlete can show great strength, quick feet, violent hands and the ability to drop low and use up two blockers almost with ease. But just as often, Phillips gave little or no effort in college. He is opting to cash in his only decent college season with 39 tackles, seven for a loss and two sacks in 2014, after back surgery shortened his 2013 season to four games.

–Measuring up: Except for sheer size, including wing span of 83 1/8th inches and his 329 pounds, Phillips’ combine workouts were just OK, such as 28 reps benching 225 pounds and running 10 yards in 1.82 seconds.

–Notable quote: “Thank you for a great four years at the best university in America,” in a 12/30/2014 tweet, announcing decision to enter draft with two years of college eligibility left.

–Frankly: A disappointment since rating as a four- and five-star recruit out of Circle High School in Towanda, Kansas, Phillips needed at least one of his two remaining college seasons to gain maturity. Classic boom or bust prospect who will be drafted on projection, not production.

7/48. Carl Davis, Iowa, 6-5, 320, 5.07, 2

–Handyman: Davis has huge, strong hands that he uses well to control blockers, but must remember to stop wrestling, disengage and go after whoever has the ball. Davis has the type of deep-rooted, natural ballast that makes him almost impossible to move. Some scouts feel he could be more effective if he had a nastier attitude, but that may be a hard sell to those blockers he pounded into the ground. Although he finished with only 34 tackles and two sacks last year, his impact goes well beyond those statistics. He dislocated his kneecap during his redshirt freshman year and underwent knee surgery in the spring of 2012.

–Measuring up: Combine data confirms the obvious, that Davis’ hands are huge, at 11 inches, tied for largest at Indianapolis event and his wingspan (84 3/4 inches) is in top 10.

–Notable quote: “I took pride in making sure the linebackers were clean, taking up double-teams … I take up the blocks, they make the tackles.” — Davis, explaining his role at Iowa.

–Frankly: In college, Davis consumed blockers while others made tackles, but in the NFL he can be productive on his own if he focuses beyond the initial wrestling match.

8/53. Michael Bennett, Ohio State, 6-2, 293, 4.96, 2

–Active duty: Bennett is a hyperactive defensive tackle with range, quickness and the mental discipline one might expect from somebody whose parents both graduated from West Point. A full, four-year college player, Bennett’s final season included 35 tackles and six sacks. That followed a 2013 season in which he collected 44 tackles, 11.5 for a loss and 7.5 sacks. Although he lacks great strength to throw blockers aside, Bennett relies on quick, decisive moves to slide between opponents.

–Measuring up: A groin injury kept him out of combine workouts. That left him hoping for good luck and a great show in pro day on Friday, the 13th of March.

–Notable quote: “I’ve got dual-personality disorder, man. When I’m on the field, it’s a completely different person. Very aggressive, looking to cause some havoc. I really want the person I’m playing to know that I’m a better player than he is.” — Bennett, describing is on-field persona.

–Frankly: Except during a groin problem in 2012 and again last season, Bennett showed a maniacal approach to the game that should make an impression in the NFL.

9/66. *Xavier Cooper, Washington State, 6-3, 293, 4.86, 2-3

–Reality check: Before becoming a success story at football, Cooper overcame significant learning disabilities that were diagnosed when he was in the ninth grade at Tacoma’s Wilson High School. It was a traumatic discovery that impacted not only Xavier, but befuddled parents (each had a Masters degree), as well as school teachers and coaches in high school and Washington State. He showed athletic ability in several sports, but his amazing ascent to stardom as a football player still takes a back seat to how he overcame substantial learning issues.

–Measuring up: A sprinter in high school, Cooper predicted his time in 40 yards at combine would be “in the low 4.7s,” but his 4.86 was still best among players projected as NFL defensive tackles.

–Notable quote: “A lot of teams just see me as a versatile defensive lineman who can do a lot — five-technique, three-technique, nose. So I can play all around the defensive front.” — Cooper, on where he might fit best for an NFL team.

–Frankly: On persistence and intestinal fortitude alone, Cooper deserves a team’s second-round pick and a chance to show what he can do in the NFL.

10/86. Grady Jarrett, Clemson, 6-1, 304, 5.06, 3-4

Short family story: Jarrett’s father and brother entered NFL as undrafted rookie linebackers. Father Jessie Tuggle (Atlanta Falcons, 1987-2000) was three-time All Pro. Brother Justin Tuggle is a third-year linebacker with Houston Texans. Like Jessie (5-11, 230), Jarrett’s pro potential is questioned due to lack of height. Jarrett showed toughness playing all 2013 with torn labrum (from season opener). Despite double teams in 2014 he was key part college football’s No. 1 defense with his hyperactive, intense, disruptive play. Notable: At Rockdale County High School (Georgia), Jarrett was the state champion heavyweight wrestler and shot putter.

–Measuring up: Classic example whole being greater than sum of its parts. Jarrett is 1/8th-inch under 6-foot-1 and has short arms (32 3/8 inches), but large hands (10 inches) and decent strength (33 reps on bench at March 5 pro day). Otherwise combine data was average (40 yards in 5.06 seconds, 31-inch vertical jump).

–Notable quote: “I give a relentless effort and play with good leverage, sound technique and I’m strong and disruptive. I’ve got my body in shape to play the whole game, high-motor and it’s tough to deal with that for four quarters.” — Jarret’s explanation at combine when asked why he is difficult to block.

–Frankly: Jarrett is a potential second-day steal. Beyond family, Jarrett’s inspirations include family friend “uncle Ray Lewis,” but likens his own frenetic style to that of undrafted Hall of Famer John Randle (6-1, 287) and points out that St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (6-1, 285) was the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

11/99. Marcus Hardison, Arizona State, 6-3, 307, 4.96, 3-4

–Late bloomer: One-time quarterback at Charlotte High School (Punta Gorda, Fla.), Hardison graduated as a lightly-recruited defensive lineman. After two years at Dodge City (Kansas) Community College, he chose Arizona State from two dozen schools in 2013 because “Man, if you’re a D-lineman, ASU is the team to go to. … We attack. We get tackles for loss, we get sacks, we get interceptions.” But Hardison didn’t get his share until 2014, when he finally learned to “process things” and harnessed his quickness and fluid athleticism to lead the team with 10 sacks (15 tackles for a loss), displaying versatility to play anywhere along the line. He continued to impress at Senior Bowl practices, but tweaked his knee that week and was unable to work at the combine.

–Measuring up: Although advertised to have 4.7-second speed in 40 yards, Hardison was timed in 4.8 to 4.9 range at his March 6 pro day, but NFLDraftScout.com’s Rob Rang, noting a 4.65-second short shuttle and 7.29 three-cone, observed that “Hardison’s quickness makes him one of the more intriguing interior pass rushers among this year’s defensive tackles.”

–Notable quote: “I’m comfortable playing whatever. I’m very versatile. I can play 3-tech, 5-tech, 7-tech. Whatever.” — Hardison, when asked at the combine where he preferred to play.”

–Frankly: Although Hardison explains his slow progress at ASU well enough, there should be lingering concerns that he was a one-year wonder and played in a system destined to bloat defensive statistics.

Others:

13/135. Leterrius Walton, Central Michigan, 6-5, 319, 5.25, 4

14/139. *Christian Covington, Rice, 6-2, 289, 5.09, 4

15/152. Kaleb Eulls, Mississippi State, 6-3, 305, 5.23, 4-5

16/163. Joey Mbu, Houston, 6-3, 313, 5.54, 5

17/178. Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa, 6-2, 325, 5.18, 5-6

18/192. *Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Southern Miss, 6-2, 307, 5.02, 5-6

19/205. Derrick Lott, Chattanooga, 6-4, 314, 4.99, 6

20/219. *Ellis McCarthy, UCLA, 6-5, 338, 5.21, 6-7

21/227. Louis Trinca-Pasat, Iowa, 6-1, 290, 4.96, 6-7

22/247. Deon Simon, Northwestern State (LA), 6-4, 321, 5.12, 7

23/257. *Darius Philon, Arkansas, 6-1, 298, 5.00, 7-FA

24/285. Tyeler Davison, Fresno State, 6-2, 316, 5.18, 7-FA

25/309. James Castleman, Oklahoma State, 6-3, 311, 5.12, 7-FA

26/327. Chucky Hunter, TCU, 6-0, 298, 5.12, 7-FA

27/329. Travis Raciti, San Jose State, 6-4, 292, 5.09, 7-FA

28/343. Warren Herring, Wisconsin, 6-2, 294, 5.06, 7-FA

–Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his 50th year covering football and is a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.