The 12 Shortest Defensive Ends in the NFL (2024)
In a league where the defensive end position is often dominated by towering figures, a group of players is challenging the norm with their shorter statures.
After analyzing over 100 defensive ends from the Week 1 rosters of the 2023 NFL season, we’ve identified those who, despite being the shortest in their role, demonstrate remarkable skill and tenacity. These players, each falling below the typical height for defensive ends, bring a unique set of abilities that defy conventional expectations.
This article will highlight the careers of these shortest defensive ends. Their relatively smaller size in a position usually characterized by height and reach does not hinder their effectiveness. Instead, they leverage advantages like speed, agility, and technical proficiency to outmaneuver and outplay their larger counterparts.
Shortest DEs in the NFL
| 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 |
In the NFL, where the average defensive end stands slightly over 6’4″, these 12 defensive ends, each measuring 6’2″ or shorter, represent a striking deviation from the norm. This difference in height presents both challenges and unique advantages.
While they may lack the reach and size typically associated with their position, these players compensate with attributes like superior speed, agility, and technical skills. Their lower center of gravity often allows for quicker bursts off the line and enhanced maneuverability, crucial in outpacing larger offensive linemen.
This group exemplifies that, in a position traditionally dominated by height, success can also be achieved through agility, tactical intelligence, and a relentless drive, challenging the conventional archetype of a defensive end in the NFL.
Tershawn Wharton
- Height: 6’1″
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Tershawn Wharton, at a height of 6’1″, plays as a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs. An undrafted free agent out of Missouri S&T in 2020, Wharton quickly proved his worth in the NFL.
In his rookie season, he recorded two sacks and displayed impressive agility and pass-rushing skills. Despite being undersized for his position, Wharton’s quick first step and ability to penetrate offensive lines have made him a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ defensive front.
DeShawn Williams
- Height: 6’1″
- Team: Carolina Panthers
DeShawn Williams, standing at 6’1″, is a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers. Initially entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Williams has carved out a role with his tenacity and work ethic.
Known for his technique and motor, he has been effective in pressuring quarterbacks and disrupting plays. Williams’ journey through various teams and practice squads before finding success with the Panthers is a testament to his perseverance and skill.
Marquis Haynes
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Carolina Panthers
Marquis Haynes plays defensive end for the Carolina Panthers. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft from Ole Miss, Haynes has demonstrated his ability as a pass rusher.
Known for his speed and agility, he has leveraged these attributes to overcome his lack of traditional defensive end height, making him effective off the edge and in pursuit of quarterbacks.
Yannick Ngakoue
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Chicago Bears
Yannick Ngakoue is a well-established defensive end for the Chicago Bears. Drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of the University of Maryland, Ngakoue quickly made a name for himself with his pass-rushing prowess. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in only his second season.
He has amassed 69 sacks throughout his career (as of this writing), showcasing his ability to use his speed and technique to beat larger offensive linemen. Ngakoue’s consistent performance across multiple teams underscores his effectiveness as a pass rusher.
Ogbo Okoronkwo
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Cleveland Browns
Ogbo Okoronkwo, standing at 6’2″, plays as a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams out of the University of Oklahoma, Okoronkwo has shown potential as a pass rusher.
His agility and ability to bend around the edge make him a threat in passing situations. Despite being on the shorter side for a defensive end, his skill set allows him to be a disruptive force on the field.
Malcolm Koonce
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Malcolm Koonce is a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders. Selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft from the University at Buffalo, Koonce has shown promise as a pass rusher.
In college, he was known for his quick first step and ability to pressure the quarterback, skills that he has continued to develop in the NFL. Koonce’s height, while not typical for his position, has not hindered his ability to make an impact on the field.
Jerry Hughes
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Houston Texans
Jerry Hughes, standing at 6’2″, is a veteran defensive end for the Houston Texans. Drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts out of TCU, Hughes has had a successful career with stints at the Buffalo Bills before joining the Texans.
Known for his quickness off the line and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Hughes has amassed a 68 sacks throughout his career (to date), showcasing his expertise as a pass rusher despite his shorter stature for a defensive end.
Michael Danna
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Danna, at 6’2″, plays as a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Michigan, Danna has shown potential as a solid rotational player.
In college, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and good technique. His ability to leverage his agility and strength, even as an undersized defensive end, allows him to effectively contribute to the Chiefs’ defensive line.
Brandon Graham
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Graham is a seasoned defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted 13th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft from the University of Michigan, Graham has been a key component of the Eagles’ defense.
Known for his relentless pass rush and versatility, Graham has been effective in disrupting plays and has a Super Bowl victory to his name. His size has never hindered his performance, as he consistently proves to be a challenge for opposing offensive linemen.
Carl Lawson
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: New York Jets
Carl Lawson is a defensive end for the New York Jets. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of Auburn University, Lawson is known for his explosive first step and ability to create pressure.
Despite battling injuries, he has shown flashes of brilliance in his pass-rushing ability, utilizing his speed and power to beat larger blockers.
Kentavius Street
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Kentavius Street plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers from North Carolina State University, Street has showcased his strength and athleticism.
His compact build and explosive power enable him to excel in both pass rushing and run defense, making him a versatile player along the defensive line.
Shelby Harris
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Cleveland Browns
Shelby Harris is a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. An undrafted free agent out of Illinois State University in 2014, Harris has carved out a successful career in the NFL.
Known for his ability to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage and his strong play against the run, Harris has demonstrated that size isn’t everything at the defensive end position. His journey in the NFL is a testament to his skill, resilience, and the impact he can make on a team’s defense.
Final Thoughts
These twelve defensive ends, each standing at 6’2″ or shorter, exemplify that size is not the sole determinant of success in the NFL. Despite being shorter than the typical defensive end, players like Jerry Hughes, Carl Lawson, and Shelby Harris have carved out significant roles on their teams.
They leverage their speed, agility, and technical prowess to overcome size disadvantages, proving that skill and strategy can be just as impactful as physical stature.
Their careers serve as a testament to the diversity of talent in the league and demonstrate that determination and adaptability are key components of success in professional football.
