No position is more coveted on defense by NFL scouts than the fast up-field pass rushers who can change games with one play. Year in and year out, NFL clubs use premium picks on athletes with the up-field speed to sack the passer.

The blue-chip defenders at this position are selected very early in the draft process with most of the top prospects chosen high in the first round. It has also become an area which annually produces a few huge busts as NFL clubs reach for players with impressive triangle numbers but little production or feel for the position.

Florida State's Jamal Reynolds is the top defensive end prospect. (Allsport)

This season features several blue-chip defenders who are having impressive final seasons. FSU's Jamal Reynolds and Cal's Andre Carter have separated themselves from the class with their performances thus far.

Reynolds has been a blur off the corner, providing consistent outside pressure despite double-teaming in most passing situations. His linebacker-type speed and excellent use of his hands create a fast advantage that has allowed him to become the nation's premier defensive player this season.

Carter has developed well-rounded skills over his career. He has the quick first step that has allowed him to be a strong outside pass rusher. He has bulked up during offseason training, making him a more effective run-support player. He is the type of player who will also impress during individual workouts.

Underclassmen like Justin Smith, Alex Brown, Carlos Hall and Dennis Johnson could make this a special class if they decide to declare for the 2001 NFL Draft in January.

More draft analysis

1. Jamal Reynolds, Florida State
Senior, 6-2, 255
Lightning-quick defender has been the nation's most dominant defensive player this season. His super up-field speed off the edge has allowed him to change games as an unstoppable big-play pass rusher. He has forced clubs to double team him in pass situations creating opportunities for other defenders.

Cal's Andre Carter has stiffened against the run this season. (Allsport)

2. Andre Carter, California
Senior, 6-4, 260
Athletic senior has been one of the best defenders in the Pac-10 since starting as a freshman. He has bulked up this season, which has improved his ability to play the run. He is a classic speed rusher off the corner.

3. Justin Smith, Missouri
Junior, 6-4, 275
Chiseled junior defender has been one of the more complete prospects over the past two seasons. He is quick off the edge as a pass rusher and plays the run well at the point of attack.

4. Alex Brown, Florida
Junior, 6-3, 255
Fast outside pass rusher has been the big-play defender in the Gators' defense over the past few seasons. He has a very quick first step that gives him a huge advantage over the offensive tackles he matches up against weekly. He needs to improve in run support both from a technique and strength standpoint.

5. Kenyon Coleman, UCLA
Senior, 6-5, 275
Athletic defender has the triangle numbers the pro scouts look for in a prospect -- size, speed, quickness and strength. He is currently recovering from a knee injury suffered early this season. His postseason and health will determine if he can move up the charts further.

6. Roland Seymour, Florida State
Senior, 6-3, 265
Talented senior end has been slow to recover from a knee injury suffered during last season's national championship game. He is a complete player for the position and a possible top pick if he proves healthy before the NFL Draft. He is currently rounding into form and will see action over the second half of the season.

7. Cedric Scott, Southern Mississippi
Senior, 6-5, 280
Powerful left end has been a stalwart on the Eagles' talented front four over the past three seasons. He has the quickness off the edge to be a fine pass rusher and the strength to be a solid run support defender.

8. Karon Riley, Minnesota
Senior, 6-3, 255
Quick outside pass rusher has been one of the premier sack artists in the Big Ten over the past two seasons. He has linebacker-type speed with the burst to the passer to make big plays on a game-to-game basis.

9. Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nebraska
Senior, 6-3, 265
Rugged senior has been a mainstay of the "Black Shirts" over the past three seasons. He has gotten bigger and stronger each season, which has allowed him to make plays as both a pass rusher and run stuffer.

10. Fred Wakefield, Illinois
Senior, 6-6, 275
Tough senior defender has been a key performer for the Fighting Illini. He has the burst to be an effective pass rusher and the bulk, strength and agility to play the run.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 10 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL minicamps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.