Fanrag - Edge Rusher Updated Look

[DeaconMoss]

The edge defender class in the 2017 NFL Draft has a chance to be great, or even historic. Take a look at any mock draft, and you will see a handful of talented pass-rushers permeating the first round.

Everyone can agree on who the first one of the board will be (Myles Garrett), but there is a multitude of varying opinions on which player should be next. It usually comes down to what type of pass rusher that analyst prefers.

If they are looking for a disruptive penetrator with position flexibility, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas would likely be the choice. If a long and lean pass-rusher is more their speed, then Michigan’s Taco Charlton would be a choice praised by many.

Personal preferences aside, most will agree that this is a deep edge defender class that is crawling with intriguing talent. With that in mind, let’s try to rank this edge defender group.

Disclaimer: If a player is not ranked it is because a sufficient amount of film has not been watched on him. Off-field concerns are not considered in these evaluations. Players are stacked in accordance to their rank within their tier. The description after the tier is what the player is projected to become in the NFL.

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[reddyuta]

I have always been a lawson fan, he did very well in the Combine except in the 3 come and broad jump.I think his first step and technique can make up for it.

 

[Sydla]

Lawson just strikes me as another SDE, not the pure edge rusher we are looking for.

 

[tm1119]

He's higher on Lawson and Watt than I am, but I for the most agree with a lot of what was written. I'd switch Lawson and Watt with Barnett and Taco and it's nearly dead on imo...

I'd bump Basham up 1 tier

And I'd throw Hendrickson in the last tier with Phillips

 

[reddyuta]

Lawson just strikes me as another SDE, not the pure edge rusher we are looking for.

I don't agree, he has the first step to play RDE.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Take Basham at 60 and smile

 

[darthseinfeld]

Dont sleep on TJ Watt being a guy Dallas looks at at the end of round.

Smoot is a guy I could them taking if they go another way in round 1. However he may be off the board by 60

 

[Macnalty]

He's higher on Lawson and Watt than I am, but I for the most agree with a lot of what was written. I'd switch Lawson and Watt with Barnett and Taco and it's nearly dead on imo...

I'd bump Basham up 1 tier

And I'd throw Hendrickson in the last tier with Phillips

Lawson without his injury past would be a no brainer. I am on similar ground, I like Lawson lots but that injury history is real, TJ Watt is a 4/3 ILB in my eyes so not really a edge choice, Taco and Barnett need lots of coaching up IMO. Basham small school player, I see more as a project. Hendrickson is going to play in the NFL. Jordan Willis will be a starting player quickly, Randy Gregory is better but Willis is a dependable team leader and available. I still see us spending our pick on a DB in round 1. I think the choice is who can you get at pick 60.

 

[DeaconMoss]

Brugler updated his top 100.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...llen-malik-hooker-headline-top-100-prospects/

1. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M (6-4, 272, 4.64)

Once the final selection was made in the 2016 NFL Draft, Garrett became the No. 1 prospect available for the 2017 class and that has held true since last spring. With his explosive get-off and ability to rush the passer in different ways, this former Aggie is the easy favorite to be drafted first overall.

5. Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford (6-3, 273, 4.69)

Although he might not fit the prototype in terms of body type, Thomas is a balanced athlete who beats blockers with initial quickness and powerful hand tactics. He has a pre-snap plan, but can also alter mid-rush and projects best as a defensive end who can rush from inside on passing downs.

11. Haason Reddick, LB, Temple (6-1, 237, 4.52)

Used all over the front-seven at Temple, Reddick lined up mostly as a defensive end, but projects best as an off-ball linebacker in the NFL. He is comfortable in space with above average athleticism and the secondary quickness to work off blocks and track down ballcarriers.

14. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee (6-3, 259, 4.88)

One of the most productive pass rushers in SEC history, Barnett isn’t naturally explosive off the edge, but he can bend and win with flexibility, instincts and power. He is consistently in the right place at the right time to be a reliable edge player vs. both the run and the pass.

20. Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State (6-6, 295, 4.85)

Based on his flashes, McDowell is one of the top-five talents in this draft class, but inconsistency and concerns over fit create some doubt. Nonetheless, he has outstanding movement skills for a man his size with the length and upper body strength to rush from different positions up front.

22. Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA (6-2, 250, 4.59)

One of the most athletic edge rushers in this class, McKinley doesn’t have ideal size and isn’t yet the sum of his parts, but he has the initial burst to get blockers off rhythm. His recent shoulder surgery might put his availability for training camp in jeopardy, but his long-term prognosis is favorable.

23. Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan (6-6, 277, 4.92)

An edge rusher who passes the eye test, Charlton needs to develop his pass rush repertoire and play with more consistent pad level, but he moves very well for his size and plays reminiscent of Justin Tuck when he was coming out of Notre Dame.

29. Charles Harris, DE, Missouri (6-3, 253, 4.82)

A player still very young in football years, Harris has the short-area burst to win the corner, stay low and finish at the quarterback. He doesn’t own efficient pass rush moves at this point in his development, but the initial quickness off the edge is a great place to start.

33. T.J. Watt, DE/OLB, Wisconsin (6-4, 252, 4.69)

While better known as J.J.’s younger brother, Watt has a chance to make a name for himself with his pass rush potential. Ideally suited as a stand-up rusher in a 3-4 scheme, Watt isn’t a flexible rusher who will bend the edge, but his energy, contact balance and hand strength allow him to be productive.

38. Carl Lawson, DE/OLB, Auburn (6-2, 261, 4.67)

A Brandon Graham type of rusher, Lawson does a great job using his lower body movement skills and upper body power in unison to beat blockers off the edge. He lacks ideal length and his past medical issues are a concern, but Lawson has the energetic play style off the edge that NFL teams covet.

42. Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio (6-4, 269, 4.70)

A player who improved every season in college, Basham earned MAC defensive player of the year honors in 2016, leaving Ohio with the school record with 29.5 career sacks. His blend of quickness, power and length helps him win one-on-one battles on the edges.