“Edge” has become a new term to describe a player in the draft.
It stems from a combination of 3-4 defensive teams using outside linebackers as stand-up rushers and 4-3 defensive teams using those same players as ends, but in a pass-rush sort of way where they line up on the ‘edge.’
According to a long time executive in personnel this year’s group of edge rushers is not as deep and talented as years past, with one clearly at the top; another a bona fide first-round pick and then some questions.
Here’s the list of the top five edge rushers from our executive in personnel who has helped with the entire series.
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 265
40 Time: 4.69
Stats: 2019: 16.5 sacks, 21 TFL
Quote: “He’s the real deal. Is he as good as (Nick) Bosa (of h 49ers who was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019)? I wouldn't go that far. But he’s really good.”
Class: Soph.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 260
40 Time: 4.69
Stats: 6.5 sacks, 13.5 TFL
Quote: “He’s good. He’s going to have to get stronger and he will. But he’ll come in and be a pass rusher right away.”
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-3, 240
40 Time: 4.65
Stats: 12.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL
Quote: “Good player, real versatile, you can use him a lot of ways. He’ll be a good pro.”
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 265
40 Time: 4.69
Stats: 9.5 sacks, 15 TFL
Quote: “Teams are always looking for pass rushers so he’ll go earlier than he should. I think he’s ok, nothing special.”
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 262
40 Time 4.71
Stats: 6 sacks, 11 TFL
Quote: “He’s had some injuries (elbow in 2017; ACL in 2018) in his career. There’s some good upside, but to me he’s a little bit of a project.”
OVERRATED: Curtis Weaver, Boise State
UNDERRATED: Bradlee Anae, Utah
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Cam Gill, Wagner