2015 NFL Draft Midseason Rankings: Defense

1. Eddie Goldman (Florida State) Athletic and powerful, he saved team's undefeated season against Clemson.
2. Danny Shelton (Washington) Possibly the best run stopper in draft class, he's an ideal 3-4 NT.
3. Michael Bennett (Ohio State) Quick 4-3 DT who needs to add strength to play in the NFL.
4. Ellis McCarthy (UCLA) Well-rounded skill set, but lacks consistency.
5. Carl Davis (Iowa) Stats won't impress due to all the double-teams he faces.

1. Leonard Williams (USC) Can play anywhere on line, he's No. 1 overall on my board.
2. Randy Gregory (Nebraska) Top 4-3 DE with speed to outrun rushers to edge.
3. Dante Fowler (Florida) Versatile player who can pass rush, stop the run or play in coverage.
4. Shane Ray (Missouri) Fast riser is a great pass rusher who can chase down ball carriers.
5. Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State) Contains running backs inside as well as anyone.

1. Vic Beasley (Clemson) Explosive pass rusher who will need to learn OLB position in NFL.
2. Shaq Thompson (Washington) Always around the ball, some teams may move him to safety.
3. Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi State) Top-rated ILB with great speed for position, but has trouble shedding blocks.
4. Eric Striker (Oklahoma) 3-4 OLB is almost always the best athlete on the field.
5. Denzel Perryman (Miami) Strong ILB is very good in coverage.

1. Marcus Peters (Washington) Physical with great vision, he's been most impressive CB in 2014.
2. P.J. Williams (Florida St.) Very consistent, he's been avoided often this year.
3. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon) The top CB to start season has been picked on by Pac-12 teams.
4. Trae Waynes (Michigan St.) First season as team's top CB, needs to improve in run game.
5. Ronald Darby (Florida St.) Best No. 2 CB in nation, but seems lost in some coverages.

1. Landon Collins (Alabama) Can play either safety spot and should be a top 10 pick.
2. Kurtis Drummond (Michigan State) Great instincts, but has regressed from last season.
3. Anthony Harris (Virginia) Not the quickest player, but always seems to find the ball.
4. Derron Smith (Fresno State) Lacks ideal size, but his aggressiveness keeps him in the play.
5. Cody Prewitt (Ole Miss) Hard-hitting FS has great vision and ability to read the QB.