Who Are the Tallest Defensive Ends in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a College Strength Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it helpful to show the Defensive Ends I coached the sizes of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes a harsh reality check.
This season, I did the same research I do every year. I combed through the 53-man active rosters from the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together a detailed guide focusing on the NFL’s tallest Defensive Ends. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Tallest NFL Defensive Ends
In the NFL, the DE position is often occupied by players with a significant height advantage, which plays a crucial role in their ability to disrupt offensive plays. The five tallest Defensive Ends in the league are all 6’7″ or more. This height is substantially greater than the average for Defensive Ends, who typically fall just over 6’4″.
There is also an additional group of approximately 20 Defensive Ends who are slightly below the top guys, standing at 6’6″. This cohort underlines the importance of height in the Defensive End position, contributing to their effectiveness in tackling, reach, and the ability to obstruct passing lanes.
I’ve included both sets of players here.
Calais Campbell
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 300 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Miami (FL)
- Draft: 2008, 2nd round (50th overall)
- Years in NFL: 16
Aidan Hutchinson
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 268 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: Detroit Lions
- College: Michigan
- Draft: 2022, 1st round (2nd overall)
- Years in NFL: 2
Tanoh Kpassagnon
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 289 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: New Orleans Saints
- College: Villanova
- Draft: 2017, 2nd round (59th overall)
- Years in NFL: 6
Arik Armstead
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 290 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
- College: Oregon
- Draft: 2015, 1st round (17th overall)
- Years in NFL: 8
Isaiahh Loudermilk
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 293 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: Wisconsin
- Draft: 2021, 5th round (156th overall)
- Years in NFL: 2
6’6″ Defensive Ends
Here is that second group of Ends, all listed at 6’6″.
| Player Name | Team |
|---|---|
| BJ Thompson | Chiefs |
| Amare Barno | Panthers |
| A.J. Epenesa | Bills |
| Montez Sweat | Commanders |
| Efe Obada | Commanders |
| Greg Rousseau | Bills |
| Payton Turner | Saints |
| Tyree Wilson | Raiders |
| Deatrich Wise | Patriots |
| Logan Hall | Buccaneers |
| Dayo Odeyingbo | Colts |
| Mike Morris | Seahawks |
| Dean Lowry | Vikings |
| Zach Sieler | Dolphins |
Final Thoughts
The tallest Defensive Ends in the NFL, towering at heights exceeding 6’7″, undeniably present a physical advantage in terms of reach and visibility on the field.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that their height is only one facet of their success. The combination of work ethic, technical skill, strategic understanding, and agility plays an equally, if not more critical, role in their effectiveness. In essence, while height provides a distinct edge, it is the holistic development of their abilities that truly defines their impact in the game.
