EDGE RUSHERS
Undoubtley the most contested and rivaled position group in this year’s draft, the 2024 EDGE class offers a dynamic mix of size, speed, and overall athleticism necessary to be considered one of the deepest classes in history — for any position group. There are multiple All-Pro caliber players on this list, and potentially some who didn’t even crack the top-ten.
1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA
+ Always has a plan/attack strategy when rushing the quarterback.
+ Elite hand placement and use of fakes to stun offensive linemen.
+ Dominated Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga with explosive first step and quick bend.
+ Plays with excellent leverage and is always playing with his pads under the oppositions.
+ Flexibility to become 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB.
- Health concerns loom large for Latu, who was clinically retired just two years ago.
- Not the longest/lankiest pass rusher.
2. Dallas Turner, University of Alabama
+ Elite mix of speed and power makes Turner unpredictable.
+ Well-built arms give Turner shock and thump in his punch.
+ Despite not having a huge frame (6-4, 242), he does play heavier than he is.
+ Showed the ability to play middle linebacker at Alabama.
- Not a great run defender, struggling to set the edge on sweeps and sometimes being washed out of the play.
- Can sometimes get his eyes stuck on the quarterback rather than the ball.
3. Jared Verse, Florida State University
Susan Erdelyi, seminoles.com
+ Length is the name of the game for the FCS transfer.
+ Knows how to cave in the pocket and put pressure on the quarterback even if it he isn’t the one who makes the sack — fear-mongering.
+ Seemingly has a GPS telling him how to get to the quarterback the fastest.
- Tackles who force him outside effectively take him out of the play.
- Attacks more with his chest than legs/anchor, potentially a concern if he is drafted to a 4-3 defense.
4. Chop Robinson, Penn State University
Penn State Athletics
+ Quickest first step in this class, paired with elite level bend and overall explosiveness makes Robinson a threat on every play.
+ Easy mover who can shift laterally in an instant.
+ Can run down ball carriers from behind with hustle and athleticism.
- Not the typical size of a modern NFL edge (6-3, 254).
- Over-reliant on athleticism and does not have any rotation of moves.
5. Darius Robinson, University of Missouri
Missouri Athletics
+ 85-inch wingspan (!) gives Robinson elite intangibles (6-5, 293).
+ A ball of clay that can play and develop from the interior or from the edge.
+ Wrecks havoc even if he is not the one registering the gaudy numbers.
+ Long, powerful arms that are hard to get through.
- Lacks overall quickness, especially with his first step.
- Has a hard time playing with leverage in the run game.
- Needs to improve laterally.
6. Adisa Isaac, Penn State University
+ Comparable to a snake with his pass-rush, displaying inordinate bend and twist.
+ Quick first step and overall speed.
+ Uses longer arms effectively when creating contact.
+ Has a rotation of moves in his arsenal.
- Is not built like a traditional defensive end, profiling more like a linebacker at 6-4, 246.
- Was never a true No. 1 rusher, playing alongside Robinson.
7. Jonah Elliss, University of Utah
+ Is always prepared with a counter move.
+ Showed ability to change plan based on offensive tackle.
+ Good laterally, giving him potential as a run defender.
+ Got better as the year went on.
- Not the bulkiest frame at 6-2, 246, likely limiting his game to a 3-4 OLB.
- Does not fair well against length/strength tackles.
- Not athletic enough to drop into coverage.
8. Bralen Trice, University of Washington
+ Nice combination of twitch and phone-booth power.
+ Along with teammate Tupuola-Fetui, the Husky edge-rushers are both bullies with mean demeanors.
+ Good motor and overall intangibles.
- No real refinement in technique raises concerns about his development.
- Will be 24 when taken in this year’s draft.
9. Chris Braswell, University of Alabama
Crimson Tide Photos
+ Does not get hung up on blockers.
+ Can and will track ball through a block.
+ Above average run defender with skills to develop into a 4-3 defensive end.
+ Keeps good balance.
- Not bulky for his position, may limit the dimensions of his game (6-3, 252).
- Burst and speed are not to the caliber of an NFL defender.
10. Junior Colson, University of Michigan
+ Is versatile and can play any position on the defensive front.
+ Is a mis-match nightmare that can wreck havoc due to his exotic lineup.
+ A true three down-player that is excellent against the run.
+ Power in legs and pop.
+ A true team leader.
- Jack of all trades, master of none.
- Limited hand usage, opting to over-power most blockers and failing against PSU’s offensive tackles.