Edge Defenders - 2027 NFL Draft Preview

 

Two year starter, Dallas, TX. First team All-SEC in 2025. Plays from a 5 technique out to a wide 9 in a two point stance. Chiseled frame with solid length. Shoots his hands at the snap creating separation on reach blocks, setting the edge against outside runs. Effective chasing to the perimeter and on the backside. Plays with a hot motor that shows in pursuit. As a pass rusher he’s quick at the snap and converts speed to power stunning a blocker with initial punch. Has loose hips to bend and flatten with a burst turning the corner. Quick hand swipes and inside counters get him free working off a block. Incredible closing speed in chase mode. Has had more penalties than ideal and needs to clean that up. Lighter than ideal frame shows against powerful blockers who can wash him out aligned in a 5 technique. Doesn’t always finish tackles. Has the upside of an elite NFL edge defender.

 

 

Two year starter, Bellflower, CA. Second team All-Big 10 in 2025. Solid frame with length and impressive size. Plays with a hot motor and relentless effort. Versatile by alignment he’s often in a wide 9 in a two point but will also get into a 6 down to a 4 technique in a three point. Explosive first step he attacks blocks with a stiff strike using his long arms to separate. Has lateral agility to set the edge and is difficult to get around. Solid range to chase from the backside. Shows speed to power as a pass rusher along with a long arm move and cross chop to escape blocks. His initial punch can stun a blocker back on his heels to collapse the pocket. Has upgraded his arsenal of moves adding inside counter moves. Lacks ideal bend on the corner but compensates with technique. Can get turned out on the edge against powerful tackles. Misses more tackles than ideal.

 

 

Two year starter, Alpine, Utah. Transfer from Utah in 2026 after two seasons. Started his career at BYU in 2023. Consensus All-American and first team All-Big 12 in 2025. Versatile prospect with desirable length, height, power and athleticism. Aligns from a wide 9 down to a 3 technique. Plays from both a two and three point stance. Quick at the snap with knee bend and violent hands attacking blocks. Can set the edge against bigger blockers and can chase outside or across the field. Effective on inside stunts. Will also drop in coverage and has a feel for the throwing lane using his height to shrink windows. As a pass rusher has a variety of moves off a bull rush and a closing burst once free. He draws a lot of slide protection and chip blocks. A little light to battle tackles and he’s coming off an Achilles injury late in 2025. He appears to be back at full speed.

 

 

Two year starter, Eufaula, AL. Plays primarily in a two point stance in a wide 9 but has reps with his hand in the dirt down to a 5 technique. Athletic prospect who flashes a sudden first step coming off the edge. Effective setting the edge with violent well-placed hands and is disciplined playing the run. Shows chase ability working inside or outside and flashes tackling skill. Effective speed to power rusher who gets knock back on tackles with a bull rush. Will run a move off his initial power charge and has flashed an inside counter move. Hustles in pursuit with good range. He’s effective on inside stunts and has a closing burst once free. Has been used to drop off in flat coverage with mixed results. Finishing in the pass rush and missed tackles have been a problem. Powerful tackles can lock him up and there is some inconsistency. Upside is attractive and he has first round potential.

 

 

Three year starter, Carmel, IN. Third team All-ACC in 2025. Physical and lengthy edge defender who transferred from Purdue in 2025. Made an immediate impact producing at a high level against the run and pass. Plays from a wide 9 down to a 5 technique in a two or three point stance. Explosive at the snap he attacks blocks with strong upper body power and gets immediate extension using his length. Plays with leverage and he’s adept at setting the edge and coming off blocks. Makes a lot of plays both inside and outside. Above average range in pursuit. Effective on inside stunts. In the pass rush he’s focused on a bull rush and a long arm move to collapse the pocket. Relies on length and power rather than finesse and while productive, lacks an effective counter off his power rush. He can get stalemated by powerful blockers and his anchor is not the best from a 5 alignment.

 

Miami - 6040 / 241 | SR

 

Louisville - 6030 / 250 | RS SR

 

South Carolina - 6050 / 245 | JR

 

Minnesota - 6060 / 279 | RS JR

 

Ohio State - 6047 / 265 | RS SR

 

Oregon - 6022 / 261 | SR

 

Texas Tech - 6036 / 247 | RS SR

 

Texas A&M - 6030 / 256 | RS SR

 

Arkansas - 6052 / 275 | SR

 

Notre Dame - 6041 / 251 | RS JR

 

Oklahoma - 6036 / 276 | RS JR

 

LSU - 6034 / 243 | SR

 

LSU - 6050 / 254 | JR

 

Mississippi State - 6040 / 295 | GR

 

Georgia - 6040 / 255 | JR

 

BYU - 6050 / 238 | RS SR

 

Clemson - 6016 / 241 | RS SR

 

USC - 6044 / 245 | JR

 

Texas Tech - 6020 / 255 | RS SR

 

North Carolina - 6050 / 260 | RS SR

 

Memphis - 6030 / 255 | RS SR

 

Indiana - 6020 / 251 | RS SR

 

UCLA - 6020 / 255 | RS SO

 

Boise State - 6030 / 260 | RS SR

 

Auburn - 6041 / 253 | SR

 

Colorado - 6007 / 270 | RS SR

 

Georgia - 6040 / 260 | SR

 

Oklahoma - 6040 / 253 | SR