2024 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings
By: Hayden Shapiro
One of the most important pieces of a good defense in the NFL is the edge rusher. They are depended on to rush the QB and rack up TFL’s (Tackles for loss). They need to have crazy athleticism and a high motor because they are counted on to be the focal point of a blitz, especially in a league where quarterbacks are getting more and more mobile. This year's class is exceptionally good, really, all of these guys could be first round selections. In this piece, I rank my top 7 EDGE prospects, with pro comparisons.
Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Latu has had quite the journey. His injury history almost made him give up football, but boy did he bounce back in a great way. Latu plays with an insanely high motor. His size allows him to line up with his hand in the dirt or standing up. His polished bull and push-pull pash rush moves are up there with the best we have seen in quite some time from a prospect. His sheer power gives him the ability to knock tackles off of their stance and his strong hands make his swipe move so unbelievably effective. Latu needs to improve at setting the edge and stopping the run, but those things are coachable. His intangibles, things you can’t teach, are off the charts. Along with his football IQ. That is why he is my ED1.
Comp — Khalil Mack, Chargers
Jared Verse, Florida St
Yet another great story coming into the draft. From dominating JUCO to becoming one of the top prospects in the class, Verse deserves all of the hype. He seems to always be involved in the play. He is fourth in pressures in the class, and he ranks in the 22nd percentile for pash rush wins, both among the best in the country. He, in my opinion, is the best run-stopper in this class. His ability to set the edge and get into the backfield is special. This guy consistently reads plays and excels at stuffing outside zone/run plays. He is faster than the average guard which gives him the chance to beat his blocker and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He surely fits better in a traditional 4–3 but has the versatility to play a 3–4 outside backer. Verse has been so consistent, and I have no doubt his skills will translate to the next level.
Comp — Damarcus Lawrence, Cowboys
Dallas Turner, Alabama
Turner plays with his head on a swivel. He is so fast for his size, and this speed-power combination leads to such an explosive rush, which scouts love. His release is probably the best in the class. He times up the snap so well, something you really cannot coach, it’s just plain instincts. He needs some fine tuning, but the frame he has and how well he has played throughout his career with the Tide leads me to believe that he can really be a difference maker at the pro level. Turner shows up in every game, was a captain at Bama, and also has a unique ability to read plays before the snap. He gives his all on every play and seems to be everywhere you look on the field. I could see him even playing a Micah Parsons type role, lining up all over the line, which his size simply allows him to do. Turner needs to work on keeping the QB in the pocket, but with his frame, he poses as an elite threat on every down.
Comp — Brian Burns, Panthers
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio St
I’m just going to say it…he has the highest motor and plays with the most passion out of any defender in this draft. His twitchy, shifty style of play has made him absolutely climb up my board. He is going to be a nightmare to gameplan for because of his unique toolbox filled with a combination of speed and power moves. This Buckeye has been so consistent and something else I love about his game is his ability to read the QB’s eyes while rushing him. He knocked down plenty of passes this year at the LOS and sets the edge very well, reminiscent of my ED2, Jared Verse. The only flaw was his struggle to play every down, which all of the three top guys did. Tuimoloau is really exciting to watch, and I could see him dominating the combine, leading to him making an even bigger jump on scouts’ boards. Watching this guy is just fun, simply put, he looks like a video game character on the field.
Comp — Will Anderson Jr, Texans
Chop Robinson, Penn St
The only reason he lands at five here is because of size and injury concerns. With that being said, whenever he was on the field for the Nittany Lions, he made plays. Chop Robinson is one of the most explosive players in this class. His jump off the line and speed is something that college tackles quite frankly could not handle. He leans on his speed more than often, which is not a shot at his game, but he needs to put on some weight because if he uses the same moves every time, he will not get to the QB consistently at the next level. He plays so fast, especially for someone at his position. Teams are going to love this style of play because the other top guys in the class just play differently. Robinson adds some juice to whoever drafts him and can play every down, that is if he stays healthy. If he is able to add some power moves to his repertoire, this dude is going to be a problem in the league.
Comp — Harold Landry III, Titans
Bralen Trice, Washington
Trice is huge. He brings a huge frame to whatever team drafts him, but also comes along with some versatility which is so very unique for someone at this size. He had an unreal sugar bowl in which he seemed to be in the backfield on every play. He is a leader of that Husky defense and can play standing up, but in the NFL may be better with his fist on the ground. His jump off the snap is mesmerizing just because of how fast he is at his size. This size and speed combo is something scouts will drool over and if he has a good combine, he is going to be a sure-fire top 20 pick. He could very well end up being a DROY candidate this time next year just because of how pro-ready he looks. He is a day 1 starter who can play every down, but he needs some work defending outside runs and often gets caught on bigger tackles because of his lack of speed on the outside. Regardless, Trice is a really nice prospect who pretty much fits in any scheme, going back to his ability to line up all over the line.
Comp — Bradley Chubb, Dolphins
Chris Braswell, Alabama
The second member of this Crimson Tide pass rush lands at 7 on this list. Braswell is a senior with a lot of tools, length and athleticism at the front end of his profile. Braswell has played four full years with Alabama and comes into the class ready to start day 1. I don't know why some people are not as high on him as I am, but he plays every down and was the partner in crime to one of the best defensive players in this class, Dallas Turner. Braswell brings more of a physical, downhill type player. He is quite literally built like a power forward but plays so smooth which makes him a delight to watch. He was great all year and always showed up in the big moments. Braswell needs to add some more pass rush moves, but his football IQ and ability to jump the gun on screens or RPO’s (run pass option), leads to him being ED7 and definitely on my radar.
Comp — Randy Gregory, 49ers
Leave some feedback and hit that follow button because draft season is right around the corner! Hope you enjoyed this piece, as it was tough to just pick seven dudes in such a great ED class. As always, Stay Cool + KEEPPOUNDING!
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