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2015 NFL Draft Postseason Prospect Rankings: Defense

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Draft Postseason Rankings: Defense

Randy Gregory Nebraska
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

With the bowl season upon us, the focus will soon turn to the NFL Draft. With the draft just over four months away, let's take a look at how the board is shaking up. Here are the top five prospects at each defensive position group.

Defensive Tackles

Eddie Goldman Florida State
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackles

Eddie Goldman Florida State
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Eddie Goldman (Florida St): Powerful force in the middle, he excels in stopping the run.
2. Danny Shelton (Washington): The best at his position at getting into the backfield.
3. Michael Bennett (Ohio St): Finishing strong, he was unstoppable in Big Ten title game.
4. Carl Davis (Iowa): Rarely blocked by one man, he immediately makes teammates better.
5. Ellis McCarthy (UCLA): Inconsistent, but shows flashes of being a great run-stopper.

Defensive Ends

Leonard Williams USC
Getty Images

Defensive Ends

Leonard Williams USC
Getty Images

1. Leonard Williams (USC): No. 1 overall on my board, should be first non-QB selected.
2. Randy Gregory (Nebraska): Struggled down the stretch, but is an elite pass-rusher.
3. Shane Ray (Missouri): Another great pass-rusher, had 14 sacks in first year as starter.
4. Dante Fowler, Jr. (Florida): High-motor and versatility could make him a top-10 pick.
5. Alvin Dupree (Kentucky): Athletic playmaker is top player on my board not in a bowl game.

Linebackers

Vic Beasley Clemson
Getty Images

Linebackers

Vic Beasley Clemson
Getty Images

1. Vic Beasley (Clemson): Current DE, he should thrive as an OLB in the NFL.
2. Shaq Thompson (Washington): Turnover machine may be better off at safety.
3. Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi St): Top-rated ILB always finds his way to the ball.
4. Eric Striker (Oklahoma): A tweener who could be a 3-4 pass-rushing specialist.
5. Denzel Perryman (Miami): Has improved in coverage and will battle Eric Kendricks of UCLA for the No. 2 ILB spot.

Cornerbacks

Trae Waynes Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerbacks

Trae Waynes Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

1. Trae Waynes (Michigan St): Best cover corner in this class, he often runs a better route than the WR.
2. Marcus Peters (Washington): Great in coverage, but dismissal throws up a red flag.
3. P.J. Williams (Florida St): Should be the No. 1 CB target for a zone defense.
4. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon): Serious knee injury leaves draft stock in question.
5. Alex Carter (Stanford): The best defender on a stacked Stanford defense.

Safeties

Landon Collins Alabama
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Safeties

Landon Collins Alabama
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1. Landon Collins (Alabama): By far the top safety, he should be the only one picked in Round 1.
2. Derron Smith (Fresno St): Top FS, led all FBS players with 14 picks entering 2014.
3. Anthony Harris (Virginia): Excels in coverage by using his long frame to defend passes.
4. Kurtis Drummond (Michigan St): Began year as top FS, but has been inconsistent this season.
5. Cody Prewitt (Ole Miss): Hard-hitter is top prospect on Landshark defense.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related: 2015 NFL Draft Postseason Prospect Rankings: Offense

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