Pass rushing is at an all-time premium in today's NFL, and fortunately for many teams picking high in the 2019 Draft, this class is loaded with DL talent. Here are the five best edge rushers this year.
Honorable mention: Rashan Gary, Michigan
Gary was hyped as the next great defensive player coming out of high school, but the hype never translated to production while at Michigan. In three years, he totaled just 9.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. Gary showed flashes of his immense talent, but he was never a consistent defender. Gary will be drafted high because of his traits, and they are impressive.
He is one of the most athletic prospects in recent memory, as he ran a 4.58-seconds 40-yard dash and jumped 38″ in the vertical, all at 6'4″ 277lbs. The problem is that Gary is a tweener. He doesn't have the bend required to play on the edge, and he is too small at this point to play full time as a three-technique defensive tackle, where his skillset likely makes him a better fit. If Gary is going to realize his potential, he's going to need to land with an experience and creative defensive coordinator who has a specific vision for Gary.
5. Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
Projected to go in the 18-25 range before the Combine, Sweat sent his stock skyrocketing with a historic performance in Indianapolis. His 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds was the best mark of any defensive lineman ever, and ranked second among all running backs. In two seasons for Mississippi State, Sweat logged 22.5 sacks and 30 TFLs.
However, his apparently elite athleticism isn't obvious on film, and he doesn't own a wide range of pass rush moves. His production makes him less of a risk than Gary, but teams will still be banking on him maximizing his physical talent at the next level, as the player he was in college won't be good enough to make much of an impact in the NFL.
Another worry is a heart issue that was discovered at the Combine, although by all accounts it shouldn't be too much to worry about. Still, last year, project first-round Michigan DT Maurice Hurst dropped to the sixth because of a similar situation. Teams must do their homework on Sweat's medicals.
4. Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
A three-year starter for the Tigers, Ferrell finished his career with 27 sacks and 50.5 TFLs. He obviously benefited from having fellow top prospects Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence on the same defensive line, but Ferrell is an excellent player in his own right. He may not have the elite athleticism of the other players on this list, but he is strong, smart, and technically refined.
He is probably better suited to play against the right tackle, rather than against the LT as most premier rushers do, as Ferrell is unlikely to ever be a consistent 12-15 sacks per year player. His ceiling is not as high as other prospects, but his floor is a very solid EDGE who can defend the run at a high level. He did not participate in the 40-yard dash, vertical, or broad jump at the Combine, and did not work out at Clemson's Pro Day either. H
is mediocre performance in the drills he did do shows his middling athleticism, which will limit his stock. He should still be a top 20 pick based off his film, and will be a solid contributor right away.
3. Brian Burns, Florida State
A long and lean rusher, Burns may have improved his stock as much as anyone after the season ended. On tape, it was clear that he was a very athletic player with a great first step and a solid anchor against the run, but there were valid concerns about his weight, as he likely played around 230lbs.
He laid those concerns to rest as he weighed in at 249lbs at the Combine and still put on a show athletically, including a 4.53 second 40-yard dash and a 36″ vertical. Burns is one of the two most technically refined rushers in this class, displaying excellent hand usage and an impressive understanding of leverage. His elite athleticism makes him an ideal fit as a 3-4 OLB, although he primarily played DE in college.
The biggest challenge for Burns will be to keep his weight up so that he isn't bullied by bigger offensive lineman. If he can do that, he will be a Pro Bowl player.
2. Josh Allen, Kentucky
The other Josh Allen would have been a first-round pick had he declared in 2018, but decided to go back to school for his senior year. All he did was put up 17 sacks, 21.5 TFLs, and solidified himself as a top-five prospect. He possesses ideal size and athleticism, and is the prototypical 3-4 OLB.
He is solid in pass coverage, but his real strength is rushing the passer. He does need to improve his technique and get stronger, but his All-Pro potential will make him a very early pick, possibly as high as second or third overall to the 49ers or Jets.
1. Nick Bosa, Ohio State
Since his freshman season in 2016, Bosa has been the likely first overall pick in this class, and the only way that changes is if the Arizona Cardinals make the mistake of moving on from Josh Rosen after one season just to select Kyler Murray. Nick is a carbon copy of his older brother Joey, one of the NFL's best defensive lineman.
He doesn't have great burst or athleticism, but he more than makes up for his deficiencies with great strength and essentially flawless technique. It doesn't matter how strong or athletic an offensive lineman is, Bosa can find a way to beat him. It doesn't matter whether he's drafted into a 4-3 or a 3-4 system; he's going to be a great player, just like his brother.
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