Average Height of NFL Defensive Ends (2024)
In the National Football League, where every inch counts and the difference between victory and defeat can be as thin as a goalpost, the physical stature of players often plays a pivotal role.
This season, the spotlight turns to a group of athletes whose imposing presence is more than just a metaphor – the NFL defensive ends. These gridiron giants are the vanguard of defense, blending size with agility in a way that defies expectations.
But how tall are these towering titans, on average?
I examined the heights and weights of over 120 defensive ends on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. Buckle up as we take a statistical deep dive into the world of these formidable players.
NFL DE Avg Height
The average height of an NFL Defensive End in 2023 is 6’4 1/4″.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. For instance, there is a huge gap between the shortest and tallest defensive ends. I wanted to take a closer look.
So, to give you an even better idea of how NFL Defensive Ends stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 6’1″ all the way to 6’8″.
Defensive End Height Scale
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 6’1″ | 2 |
| 6’2″ | 10 |
| 6’3″ | 26 |
| 6’4″ | 41 |
| 6’5″ | 26 |
| 6’6″ | 14 |
| 6’7″ | 4 |
| 6’8″ | 1 |
This table provides some interesting insight into the defensive end position.
In this instance, the average height is an excellent representation of defensive end heights across the league. The numbers are very evenly dispersed on each side of the average. They also substantially increase in number as you reach closer to the 6’4″ average.
Just for the record, this isn’t something we necessarily see for many positions. (Although Tight Ends are very similar in this regard)
Which NFL Defensive Ends are the Tallest?
Curious to know who the guys are at the bottom of the table above? Thought you might.
Here are the five tallest DEs in the NFL this season, all measuring 6’7″ or taller:
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Calais Campbell | 6’8″ | Atlanta Falcons |
| Isaiahh Loudermilk | 6’7″ | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Arik Armstead | 6’7″ | San Francisco 49ers |
| Tanoh Kpassagnon | 6’7″ | New Orleans Saints |
| Aidan Hutchinson | 6’7″ | Detroit Lions |
Which NFL Defensive Ends are the Shortest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which players are actually the shortest.
The 12 shortest defensive ends in the NFL are all 6’2″ or shorter.
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tershawn Wharton | 6’1″ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| DeShawn Williams | 6’1″ | Carolina Panthers |
| Marquis Haynes | 6’2″ | Carolina Panthers |
| Yannick Ngakoue | 6’2″ | Chicago Bears |
| Ogbo Okoronkwo | 6’2″ | Cleveland Browns |
| Malcolm Koonce | 6’2″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Jerry Hughes | 6’2″ | Houston Texans |
| Michael Danna | 6’2″ | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Brandon Graham | 6’2″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Carl Lawson | 6’2″ | New York Jets |
| Kentavius Street | 6’2″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Shelby Harris | 6’2″ | Cleveland Browns |
Conclusion
The average height of NFL defensive ends this season paints a fascinating picture of the evolution of the sport. Standing up to 6’8″ tall, these athletes epitomize the perfect blend of height, strength, and agility, crucial for their role in defense.
Their towering presence on the field is not just a physical advantage but also a strategic one, impacting the game in ways both visible and subtle. As the NFL continues to evolve, so too will the physical attributes of its players, and the defensive ends will remain integral to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of football.
So, the next time you watch a game, take a moment to consider the colossal impact of these athletic giants — it’s not just their height that makes them stand out, but how they use it to dominate the game.
Other Positions
The Average Height of Running Backs in the NFL
