NFL Draft EDGE Rankings


1. Jaelan Phillips, Miami | 6’5/260

Comp – Jason Pierre-Paul

A former heralded five-star prospect who was listed because the third general recruit within the nation from the 2017 prep class. The Redlands, CA native selected to remain in southern California and attend UCLA the place he had a reasonably nondescript tenure with the Bruins, showing in 10 video games, recording 41 tackles, 8.0 TFL and 4.5 sacks over his two seasons in Pasadena.

His 2018 was reduce brief after simply 4 video games on account of a scooter accident that resulted in a wrist harm in addition to a sequence of concussions that ended his season after simply 4 video games. In truth, Phillips even introduced his retirement which lasted for a couple of months earlier than altering his thoughts and enrolling at Miami. He was pressured to sit down out the 2019 season with Miami on account of being a switch.

By any normal Phillips had an unimaginable 2020, racking up 45 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 8.0 sacks, 42 pressures on 284 go rush snaps and 28 stops whereas being honored as a second crew AP All-American. In 20 profession video games performed, Phillips has accounted for 23 ½ TFL and 12.5 sacks. The Hurricanes’ standout completed his profession with a bang, posting 26 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 20 pressures during the last 4 video games of 2020.

He dazzled at his professional day exercise, as Phillips ran a tremendous 4.56 second 40-yard sprint at 260 kilos, a mark that ranks within the prime 98th percentile when measured towards all historic mix edge rushers. His brief shuttle run of 4.13 seconds eclipsed all 2020 mix defensive linemen and a 3-Cone drill time of seven.01 was additionally thought of an elite time. Toss in a 36” vertical and 21 bench reps and also you’ve acquired the recipe for an excellent RAS of 9.53.

Pure go rusher who dips the shoulder and has unimaginable bend across the outdoors. Quick sufficient to weaponize his velocity towards opposing tackles, with the agility to cleanly cross the face of blockers on the within in the event that they cheat to the perimeter. Seems the half bodily, can plow a blocker over when wanted. HC Manny Diaz moved him everywhere in the line. Has the stature of a structurally giant individual, is constructed to be an edge rusher.

He Isn’t caught on one transfer, can win with energy or finesse. A number of salvos to fireside at opposing tackles and the athleticism to create favorable rush angles. Slick and elusive on the frenzy. Does a very nice job using blazing velocity and protecting palms off him so he can flip the nook. Isn’t just married to the sting, simply as lethal making strikes to the within as outdoors. Units up his strikes nicely, has a plan when he rushes. Has the steadiness and method to long-arm tackles and switch the nook on them. Fast to get into the body of the go blocker after which get away considered one of his strikes.

Right here’s one specific play the place Phillips beats Virginia Tech deal with Luke Tenuta (#69) across the outdoors on a brief chop/rip for the devastating sack.

Right here’s a superb instance of how Phillips can set the sting on run performs, as he drives UNC RT #7- backwards into the ball provider earlier than escaping the block and slowing Williams down so the remainder of his teammates can swarm him.

Philips is the archetype of how an edge rusher must be molded and has the five-star athletic pedigree with a 9.53 RAS rating. The one actual query about him in my thoughts is the concussions, which is one thing past anybody’s management. Supplied his medicals take a look at, Phillips is my primary edge participant within the 2021 NFL Draft class.

2. Kwity Paye, Michigan | 6’2/262

Comp: Everson Griffen

A former refugee from Guinea, Paye and his household migrated to america shortly after he was born and settled within the Rhode Island space. A gifted and versatile athlete, he additionally excelled at monitor & discipline the place he was on the state champion 4×100 meter relay crew along with profitable the state lengthy soar championship. On offense, he lined up at working again dashing 44 occasions for 651 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. On protection he performed linebacker the place the Bishop Hendricken HS standout racked up 65 tackles, 12 TFL and 4.5 sacks as a senior.

Paye received the 2016 Rhode Island Gatorade Participant of the 12 months Award and was invited to the Underneath Armour All-American Bowl. Regardless of the accolades, he solely capped out as a three-star prospect and the twenty ninth finest defensive finish. It is a widespread story for prospects within the northeast who get ,devalued by scouting companies as a result of the competitors he confronted within the ocean state was fairly mild in comparison with his contemporaries from California Texas, Florida and Ohio.

The Windfall native performed sparingly as a real freshman, logging solely 50 snaps whereas studying a brand new place and adjusting to the trials of the collegiate recreation. He began 4 video games as a real sophomore in 2018 registering 28 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 18 pressures and 19 stops in 380 reps. Named honorable point out All-Huge Ten, as DC Don Brown raved about Paye’s athleticism saying he was excited to have him as part of his protection that allowed simply 17.4 factors per recreation in 2018 and 19.5 PPG in 2019.

2019 was his first season as a full time starter and he thrived with the elevated reps, posting 50 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL, 37 pressures and 31 stops amidst 638 snaps. Paye earned a PFF general protection grade of 80.9 whereas being acknowledged as a second-team All-Huge Ten caliber performer for his standout season. He was solely in a position to play in 4 video games in 2020, lacking two video games from the truncated season on account of harm. He was extremely productive when he was in a position to swimsuit up, recording 16 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 22 pressures and 13 stops whereas incomes exemplary grades in go rush with 87.1 and general defensive score with 86.3 in response to PFF.

Stocky, sq. construct that generates energy on par with a three-tech, which is a spot he may finally see time at within the NFL. Ace run defender, doesn’t over-pursue, stays in his gaps, cautious to not overcommit. Performs with low pad degree and glorious leverage due to his muscular density and spring. Prepared combatant who virtually all the time wins first contact. Balanced when sliding laterally whereas sustaining a powerful base to have interaction blockers and never lose include. Versatile moveset within the run recreation, bodily at level of assault.

It is a fairly nice tape of Paye in motion. He tortures Minnesota LT Sam Schlueter in each the go and run recreation right here. As he drives Schlueter 10 yards into the backfield to explode one specific working play in a shocking show of energy:

Doesn’t have quite a lot of strikes on the go rush, he’ll make the most of a push/pull and bull rush, however his fundamentals are sharp. as an alternative Paye depends on his highly effective general bodily bundle and a powerful, aggressive set of palms. Sudden, vicious punch and hand swipe are actually the bread and butter of how he wins within the go rush. 26.5% go rush win price is a big quantity and one of many prime such marks within the class and bolsters his 87.1 general go rush grade from PFF. He’s a workhorse that exhibits up each down. Right here Paye violently slaps away the palms of Indiana RT Matthew Bedford as he forces a fast throw from QB Michael Penix Jr.

Typically doesn’t rush with a plan, will strive one transfer and sort of get caught on it versus work via secondary choices. Takes brief steps on the frenzy, not a strider like Phillips. Tireless employee who makes up for lack of improvement with sheer will and genetic presents. Awarded the primary sport in Bruce Feldman’s coveted Freaks Record article. Crew captain, excessive character man. Three-time Educational All-Huge Ten award winner and 2020 Senior CLASS Award Finalist.

Measured 6’2/261 at his professional day despite the fact that he’s billed at 6’4/272 on Michigan’s personal web site, in order that’s a quantity to place at the back of your thoughts for the subsequent time you hear a doubtful top/weight itemizing coming from UM. Regardless, his 4.52 second 40-yard sprint was within the 97th percentile of all defensive ends since 1987 whereas his superb 36 reps on the bench press was a quantity within the prime 99 percentile. His vertical of 36” and broad soar of 118” had been each nicely above common totals, whereas his 4.52 shuttle run was a bit disappointing, score within the twenty fifth percentile. A quad harm robbed us of his capacity to carry out a 3-Cone drill, however again in July of 2020 he reportedly ran a 6.37 second 3-Cone which might have ranked as the best mix time ever recorded by a defensive finish, spanning 1,032 athletes. As an entire, Paye delivered after which some on his fame as a exercise warrior, recording a 9.33 RAS.

Paye is a completed product from a run stopping perspective and a gifted athlete with a muscular body and unnatural velocity for his dimension. He’s unpolished from a go dashing standpoint, however has all of the bodily and onerous work attributes wanted to tremendous tune that side of his recreation. He is without doubt one of the prime 3 edge rushers within the 2021 class.

3. Gregory Rousseau, Miami | 6’6/266

Comp: Arik Armstead

Rousseau is a former three-star vast receiver/security recruit with a basketball background whose elongated body, 11-inch hand and 83” wingspan give him pure benefits as an edge rusher with 2018 being the primary season he ever lined up on the line of defense. Sadly, his true freshman season was reduce brief when Rousseau sustained an ankle harm after 17 snaps vs. Savannah State, costing him the rest of his freshman season.

The Coconut Creek, FL native broke out in 2019, registering 54 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 15.5 sacks, 46 hurries and 40 stops whereas incomes a 76.2 general defensive grade in response to PFF. He obtained first crew All-ACC recognition whereas being named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the 12 months and a Freshman All-American. Completed second within the nation in sacks and ninth in tackles for loss.

Rousseau lined up in all places from nostril deal with to the sting, enjoying 74 of his 529 snaps within the A-Hole. HC Manny Diaz well positioned him to benefit from much less athletic inside linemen that the abnormally lengthy Rousseau may victimize in passing conditions. He doubtless received’t have that luxurious on the NFL degree, as he’ll predominantly be lined up towards hulking proper tackles.

A protracted, lean body permits Rousseau to play with good leverage regardless of not being significantly thick. Doesn’t have a deep bag of go dashing strikes to attract from. Principally wins with hustle, size and athleticism. Does a superb job of protecting opposing linemen’s palms off of him whereas jabbing blockers and protecting them at bay together with his freaky lengthy arms. He steadily employs a hand-swipe kind transfer to get a step earlier than closing robust together with his lengthy strides.

The next is an effective instance of how Rousseau’s lengthy limbs may give inside lineman ulcers, as he bulls his well beyond Florida State OL #59 Brady Scott on the primary snap to power an incompletion. The subsequent play he deploys his aforementioned hand-swipe to realize the benefit and blow previous Scott once more and journey up Alex Hornibrook.

Covers distance quickly as soon as disengaged and on the hunt. When he will get an edge on an inside lineman, Rousseau hardly ever will get chased down and reduce off. Move dashing Approach from the sting is unrefined and he typically performs with a excessive pad degree. Loads of his sack manufacturing was concentrated to a few video games towards Florida State, Duke and Pitt, with 9 of his 15.5 sacks coming towards these foes.

A lot of his sacks are of the secondary nature when the QB steps as much as keep away from strain and results in his path. Right here is an effective instance of that towards Virginia, the place Rousseau (#15) opportunistically cleans up two sacks the place others induced the preliminary strain.

His hips are just a little tight and his get off is inhibited by looping strides. Higher in run assist when he’s in a position to anchor and drive versus profitable with go off the road. Slightly mechanical in his physique actions, as his poor change of course capacity exhibits up in transitions time and time once more.

Rousseau ran an distinctive 4.68 40-yard sprint, confirming the straight line closing velocity he flashes on tape. The remainder of his assessments had been fairly nondescript, posting a 30” vertical soar, 9’7 broad soar, 4.45 second shuttle and seven.50 second 3-Cone drill. He rounded out his exercise by urgent out 21 bench reps for a composite RAS of 6.80. Whereas Rousseau’s proportions are lengthy for the place and his straight line sprinting capacity is noteworthy, his measurables and agility don’t stand out.

A middling exercise isn’t sufficient to present pause on it’s personal. However you additionally should contemplate how Rousseau solely has one yr of soccer expertise on the EDGE place, and confirmed an absence of go dashing acumen past the fundamentals. For a participant that’s being ranked extremely primarily based largely on collegiate expertise units again his developmental clock from a NFL crew’s perspective, he’ll doubtless want a yr to get acclimated to the velocity of the sport and hone fundamentals of the place.

4. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia | 6’2/249

Comp: Joey Porter

Ojulari is a former four-star recruit who was rated because the tenth finest weak-side defensive finish from the 2018 class in response to 247Sports. He spurned a number of different Energy 5 gives from colleges like Auburn, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Clemson to remain near residence and attend Georgia. The Murrieta, GA product additionally lettered in basketball and performed within the Military All-American Bowl.

He redshirted as a freshman earlier than beginning 13 video games in 2019 racking up 31 tackles, 38 pressures, 18 stops and 4.5 sacks and receiving a good 78.0 PFF defensive grade as a real sophomore. Nevertheless Ojulari actually emerged in 2020, posting 36 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 4 pressured fumbles and 37 pressures in 375 snaps and being named All-SEC by each the coaches and AP. He elevated his strain price drastically, recording basically the identical quantity of pressures as in 2019, solely he logged 113 much less snaps. His exceptional go dashing acumen led to PFF awarding him with an unimaginable 91.7 go rush grade for 2020.

As his signature transfer, Ojulari likes to make use of his inside hand to jab and brace his arm towards the deal with whereas he makes use of his outdoors arm to cut down on the blockers arm and escape from his grasp to pursue the quarterback. He additionally will run a savvy push/pull when he senses a lineman is overcompensating for his velocity and desires to throw a change of tempo his means. Ojulari will toss in a bull rush once in a while, however his id is centered round his velocity and fast-twitch traits on the surface, not a lot his prodigious energy.

Ojulari is gifted sufficient to take video games over together with his go dashing capacity. Right here he’s utilizing Auburn LT Alec Jackson as a turnstile, constantly creating strain from the surface whereas racking up 4 hurries, 4 stops and a sack towards the Tigers.

His lack of heft exhibits up within the run recreation typically, as he doesn’t explode out of his stance with energy and punch with the requisite power to stagger opposing linemen. Right here is an instance of how Ojulari can get swallowed up by SEC behemoths like Alabama OT Alex Leatherwood (#70) who takes Ojulari (#13) for a trip on the primary play. He then will get overpowered by a Tennessee lineman because the working again jaunts via his vacated hole.

Ojulari can get bulldozed by gifted offensive linemen at occasions but in addition isn’t afraid to stay his nostril within the fray and blend it as much as make a play. Escapes from blocks nicely due to large higher physique power. Has ok protection capacity to deal with 3-4 duties within the passing recreation and the motor to chase down performs laterally and from behind.

His professional day had excessive factors and a few low factors. Weighing in at 6’2/249, Ojulari was just a little shorter and just a little heavier than his listed 6’3/240). A 4.63 second 40-yard sprint was a profitable time, his 127-inch broad soar was about pretty much as good as you possibly can ask for and he pumped out a stable 26 reps on the bench press. The knocks are that his vertical soar measured solely 30” which lands him within the twentieth percentile, and his 7.27 3-Cone drill was beneath common. Total, his 8.19 RAS is a powerful mark however isn’t fairly on par with among the athletic freaks on this years EDGE class.

Ojulari is a twitchy outdoors velocity rusher with the requisite bend, palms and get off to problem SEC caliber tackles on the margins. His lengthy arm/membership combo created havoc within the faculty ranks, however he should work in a couple of extra strikes on the subsequent degree. He’s an ample run defender, if not considerably restricted by his dimension from being a extra intimidating run stopping presence on the sting. However that’s not why you’d be drafting him, as Ojulari’s calling card is the flexibility to convey warmth from the sting, a process he’s greater than fitted to.

5. Jayson Oweh, Penn State | 6’5/257

Comp: Marcus Davenport

Oweh is one other member of Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks Record and was truly a basketball participant till somebody well pulled him off form and put a tackling dummy in entrance of him as a junior in highschool and the remaining is historical past. He shortly achieved four-star standing and was rated because the 76th finest general prospect from the 2018 recruiting class in response to 247Sports.

As a real freshman he preserved his redshirt by enjoying 65 snaps and totaling 2.0 sacks in 4 lopsided video games towards lower-rung groups. In 2019, Oweh performed in 13 video games, beginning one whereas registering 332 snaps, 5.0 sacks, 31 pressures, 21 tackles and two pressured fumbles as a passing down specialist behind PSU star DE Yetur Gross-Matos.

He broke out in 2020, beginning all seven video games he appeared in, logging 347 snaps, 38 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 21 stops and 20 pressures whereas being named as a first-team All-Huge Ten performer by the league’s coaches. There’s a large caveat to his tremendous season, nonetheless. You’ll discover I didn’t record his 2020 sack complete. The explanation for that omission is he didn’t have any. Now, Oweh drastically improved his expertise combatting the frenzy, rising his PFF run protection grade from 59.5 to 89.7 from 2019-2020, so he has worth in addition to his capacity to convey warmth on the passer. Nevertheless you’d prefer to see him bag not less than one QB heading in his last season earlier than coming into the NFL Draft.

Explosive athlete who strikes fluidly in all sides of the sport and although he isn’t a powerhouse, he generates appreciable useful power. Has the athleticism and lateral agility to make performs in house, and the motor to chase them down. Prototypical fast-twitch edge prospect whose burst and explosiveness helps him to get on tackles shortly and switch the nook. Right here’s a pleasant spotlight reel that showcases his expertise:

Size helps on the go rush and run assist, however his slim body permits him to get overtaken by opposing blockers once they get palms on him. Has all of the traits to be a dominant go rusher, velocity, get off, energy and bend. Must money in on his sack alternatives, however was nonetheless disruptive with an 18.4% go rush win price and 20 complete pressures.

Higher when shedding and enjoying angles within the run recreation than stonewalling big linemen and clogging run lanes. Isn’t going to intimidate with energy and may have hassle diagnosing misdirection performs, however he’s extremely lively and should be accounted for on each rep. Regardless of not having ultimate heft, Oweh is greater than prepared to set the sting and slip off of blocks. His run protection ability ought to present up immediately within the NFL.

May use work on his hand combating and suddenness of his punch off the snap to assist and hold blockers from getting a agency grip on him to stifle his ferocity on the frenzy. Must develop secondary go rush strikes to go with his chop/rip and long-arm strategies. Not technically proficient however has the organic instruments to develop right into a devastating pocket collapser if he can keep away from letting bigger OL’s get into his chest.

Ohio State LT Thayer Munford was the one deal with who constantly stifled Oweh’s go rush and managed him within the run recreation.

His professional day exercise was a certifiable spectacle, measuring in at 6’5/257 and working one of many quickest edge rusher 40-yard dashes in historical past with a 4.37 second 40-time. He scored within the prime ninetieth percentile in each single velocity and soar metric, recording a 39.5” vertical soar, 11’2-inch broad soar, 4.20 shuttle and 6.90 3-Cone drill. His general RAS of 9.93 is without doubt one of the absolute best in your complete draft and ranks second to solely La Tech DE Milton Williams (9.96) for edge rusher RAS.

Oweh’s analysis is a traditional case of projection versus manufacturing. He’s a downright scary athlete who has the sort of physiological horsepower most gamers can solely dream about. Nevertheless he has solely performed soccer since he was a junior in highschool and recorded simply 744 collegiate snaps whereas posting zero sacks in his final season. If a crew is prepared to present him a yr or two to regulate to the NFL recreation move, Oweh may develop right into a cornerstone edge participant.

6. Joseph Ossai, Texas | 6’3/256

Comp: Derek Barnett

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ossai obtained considered one of 50,000 inexperienced playing cards the U.S. authorities provides away world wide every year. He arrived 10 years outdated together with his seven different members of the family in Houston, TX on Christmas Eve, 2009. A lifelong soccer fan, Ossai made the transition to soccer in seventh grade when he needed to be a large receiver along with enjoying basketball in highschool. He was rated because the twelfth finest weak-side defensive finish and 18th general recruit in Texas from the 2018 prep cycle in response to 247Sports.

He performed immediately as a real freshman in 2018, showing in 14 video games and beginning Texas’ Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, recording 51 snaps, eight tackles, two stops and a quarterback hurry within the recreation. Broke out as an off-ball linebacker in 2019, rolling up a team-high 90 tackles, 62 solo tackles, 13.5 TFL and 5 sacks.

Whereas his 2019 was a hit by any measure, he lined up off-ball in protection on 430 snaps versus 272 snaps the place he began on the road of scrimmage. He transitioned to edge in 2020 when Ossai took his play up a notch by registering 54 tackles, 5.0 sacks, three pressured fumbles, two PBU, 33 pressures and 36 stops in simply 9 video games. He earned a PFF go rush grade of 80.5 and run protection grade of 81.1 whereas receiving first crew All-Huge 12 and All-American accolades from ESPN and USA At this time.

Explosive get off when he’s standing up helps him get the higher hand on tackles off the snap. Ossai doesn’t create the identical torque off the sting when ranging from a three-point stance, presumably from him enjoying off ball for therefore lengthy. May simply be a consolation degree factor.

Savvy go rusher who varies his tempo to disrupt opposing linemen’s timing. Sturdy palms and a stiff punch bolster his long-arm method whereas his flexibility and bend enable Ossai to show the nook on the surface and crash the pocket. Watch him discard TCU RT Andrew Coker on this edge rush and drill the quarterback:

Unbelievable motor, always chasing performs from bottom. Most effort participant who is totally relentless when going after the ball provider. May handle his transitions from pass-to-run higher. It’s sort of a two-fold problem, as his play recognition must be faster and he must keep away from giving up his hole too simply in dashing conditions by getting run upfield. Nonetheless he’s acquired the dimensions and willingness to set the sting and is handiest taking pictures via gaps versus driving opposing linemen backwards into the working lanes. Right here Ossai shoves away the RT and unleashes one of the vital aggressive type tackles you’re ever going to see:

He measured at 6’3 ½” and 256 kilos on his professional day, recording some unbelievable testing performances. Ossai’s 4.63 40-yard sprint was within the top-95 percentile, as had been his 10 and 20-yard splits. His sky-high vertical soar of 41.5 is one-inch away from the best mark on the whole 2020 NFL Scouting Mix and his broad soar of 10’11” ranks within the 99th percentile. The one dings towards Ossai’s exercise are he bench 19 reps, which is rather less than common, and he didn’t run the Shuttle or 3-Cone. Nonetheless, his RAS of 9.5 exhibits the sort of particular uncooked athleticism the Longhorns edge rusher possesses.

I price Ossai as one of many six higher echelon edge rushers who I really feel set themselves aside from the remainder of the 2021 class.

7. Joe Tryon, Washington | 6’5/259

Comp: Robert Quinn

A 3-sport standout, Tryon (HT/WR) was rated as a three-star recruit and the forty eighth finest outdoors linebacker within the 2017 prep cycle. The hometown Renton, WA product was extra of a regional prospect versus a nationwide phenom, initially committing to Washington State in August 2016 earlier than leaping ship quickly after UW prolonged a proposal to him in January 2017.

He redshirted as a freshman earlier than enjoying 238 snaps getting his ft moist in 2018, posting 20 tackles, 9 pressures, 13 stops and 1.0 sack as an element timer. It was his efficiency in 2019 that caught scouts’ consideration, as Tryon was a famend havoc creator for the stout Huskies protection, registering 41 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 12.5 TFL, 41 pressures and 25 stops whereas posting a stable 15.9% go rush win price in response to PFF. He obtained second crew All-Pac-12 recognition and was named to a number of preseason All-America lists.

Tryon takes different routes to the quarterback, makes use of free hips to disguise his rush path and break instantly. He makes use of a stiff club-arm to free himself when difficult on the sting and permit him to make the most of his closing velocity. Aggressive go off the road can catch opposing linemen flat-footed, enhancing his prodigious bull rush. Versatile sufficient to take what’s given to him and rush inside or outdoors.

Palms are all the time transferring, very lively in making an attempt to flee blocks and to facilitate his dip and rip maneuver. Stunning agility and really feel for house when dropping into protection. His effort exhibits up each snap, makes performs down the sphere on the common.

Large enough to carry the sting within the run recreation and fast sufficient first step to constantly get the soar on slower linemen. Watch this two-play sequence as Tryon (#9) hip tosses converging Oregon proper deal with Calvin Throckmorton (#54), locates the ball provider and makes the landing saving deal with. On the subsequent play he pushes the tight finish all the way in which into the backfield shutting off the working backs outdoors lane and forcing him to chop again into his awaiting teammates for the TFL:

He’s clearly robust sufficient to carry the purpose of assault and disrupt the design move of offensive working performs. To additional emphasize Tryon’s textbook type and method, this subsequent three-play clip provides you a few examples. First he makes use of his lengthy arms to face up surefire 2021 First-Spherical choose Penei Sewell earlier than shedding him to make the cease. Subsequent he will get a head of steam earlier than shoving the Oregon State LT and blowing previous him, earlier than Tryon once more makes use of his iron grip to regulate Utah TE Cole Fotheringham earlier than rag dolling him and making the deal with. A development I noticed repeated on tape again and again – don’t attempt to block Joe Tryon with a decent finish:

Frenzied dashing strategy can result in him getting ridden outdoors his most popular line to the quarterback. Has a protracted and athletic physique so his pad degree can get just a little excessive, permitting opposing tackles to get their palms into his chest. His 2020 choose out could have damage his capacity to contribute immediately contemplating he has just one yr of beginning expertise. Loads of flashes, however hardly ever put all of his expertise on show for a full recreation.

His professional day exercise exhibiting did nothing to decrease his promising draft profile, working a 4.67 second 40-yard sprint which was within the 91st percentile of historic mix edge rushers. Different robust marks had been a 35” vertical soar, 4.36 brief shuttle, 7.18 3-Cone, 1.61 10-yard break up and 22 bench press reps. All informed, Tryon’s 9.43 RAS ranks within the top-10 of 2021’s defensive finish crop. He has excessive finish potential however is uncooked and must lastly put his abilities collectively for a protracted stretch of dominance.

8. Carlos Basham, Wake Forest | 6’3/274

Comp: Emmanual Ogbah

Wake Forest was the one Energy 5 faculty to supply “Boogie” Basham a scholarship, becoming a member of simply Cincinnati and Outdated Dominion as the one FBS packages to focus on him. A reasonably nondescript three-star prospect, he was rated because the 97th finest weakside defensive finish and forty ninth general recruit in Virginia from the 2016 prep class.

Basham enrolled at a wiry 6’4/225 kilos and took 2016 as a redshirt yr so he may pack on some weight in preparation for his function on the sting. 60 kilos later and Basham has had a storied profession with the Demon Deacons as a beefy defensive finish/three-tech hybrid. In contrast to lots of the inexperienced edge defenders on this class which have only one yr of beginning expertise, Boogie has 2,294 snaps of collegiate soccer below his belt. In that 4 yr span, he amassed 152 pressures, 100 hurries, 101 stops, 173 tackles, 34.5 TFL and 20.5 sacks.

He is Slightly sluggish to problem constantly on the surface with velocity rushes and his body isn’t constructed for bend. Highly effective higher and decrease physique improve his unusually brisk for his dimension get off that he makes use of to setup inside/outdoors go rush strikes. Size and aggressive palms assist to maintain distance and escape blockers. Wins with Gentle ft and agility that enable him to cross-up linemen sitting on his outdoors strikes. Deceptively agile for his dimension and sometimes wins with method. Right here’s an amazing clip of Basham working over a couple of ACC tackles together with his go dashing prowess:

At one level had the longest lively streak in FBS with 23 consecutive video games with a deal with for loss. His finest season was 2019, appeared just a little sluggish and lacked explosiveness in 2020. Not fairly the dominant run defender you’d anticipate him to be at 285 kilos. Has power to carry level of assault and plug gaps, however doesn’t have the identical playmaking sense that he does as a go rusher, posting only a 62.4 run-stop grade and a 3.9% run-stop price in response to PFF.

Confirmed as much as his professional day lean and imply, tipping the scales at 6’3/274 and working an distinctive 4.64 40-yard sprint which ranked within the prime 95 percentile and a 4.25 brief shuttle that was worthy of being within the prime 90 percentile. His broad soar of 10’2” was certifiably explosive whereas his 34” vertical was nicely above common. His 20 bench reps stood out as being sub-par, however it doesn’t diminish the unimaginable 9.54 RAS posted by Boogie at his professional day exercise.

Basham has the dimensions, athleticism and agility to develop right into a workmanlike three-tech/edge defender.

9. Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma | 6’2/253

Comp: Mario Addison

Perkins was a extremely sought-after four-star prospect who was rated because the fifth finest weakside DE and 57th general recruit from the 2018 recruiting class. He wasted no time making an impression, beginning seven of the final eight video games of his first season on campus, recording 37 tackles, 18 pressures, 19 stops and 5.0 sacks over 521 snaps whereas receiving freshman All-American recognition from ESPN.

His recreation continued to ascend in 2019 when he noticed 41 extra snaps than the earlier yr, however elevated his manufacturing to 38 tackles, 31 pressures, 30 stops, 13.5 TFL and 6.0 sacks, incomes a 74.1 general defensive grade from PFF and second crew All-Huge 12 recognition.

Regardless of lacking his first 5 contests of 2020 on account of a drug associated suspension, Perkins was once more named second crew All-Huge 12. He improved manufacturing throughout the board, posting 32 pressures, 20 tackles, 16 stops and 5.5 sacks in 300 much less snaps than he performed in 2019. He earned a pristine 90.4 general defensive grade and was the center and soul of Oklahoma’s Huge 12 champions’ protection when he was within the lineup.

Although he’s not afraid to bow-up and performs larger than his listed weight, he’s not an edge setter and doesn’t play with sufficient leverage on account of smaller stature. Higher at evading run blocks versus stonewalling them. His lateral pursuit capacity is subsequent degree prepared and he’s doubtless finest considered as a standup OLB within the NFL.

Put collectively some dominant video games this season, leaning on a chop/rip and push pull combo of go rush strikes along with him switching up his dashing angles fairly successfully. Can burn slower tackles together with his professional velocity off the sting and has a powerful closing burst when he smells blood. Fast off the road and is a continuing disruptive presence in opposing backfields. Right here he’s lighting up an excellent Oklahoma State offensive line in each run and go protection throughout the Bedlam Recreation final yr:

Perkins nonetheless must develop a wider array of go rush countermeasures and is noticeably undersized for edge place within the NFL. Stiff hips with little bend limits outdoors effectiveness. He’ll lose accountability on RPO performs at occasions on account of reckless play model. NFL caliber tackles gave Perkins hassle, as he struggled to match their physicality.

Perkins fell brief in his professional day exercise, measuring 6-foot-2, 253 kilos and working a good 4.78 second 40-yard sprint that ranked within the prime 75 percentile. His vertical soar of 32” was about common, as was his 9’7-inch broad soar. He didn’t participate within the bench press or 3-Cone drill, that are minor purple flags, however when he posted a 4.78 brief shuttle that ranked within the backside 9 percentile of all edge defenders, it was a blaring siren that Perkins won’t be bodily blessed sufficient to deal with the trials of the sting place on the subsequent degree. His general 4.73 RAS is nicely beneath the rating of the highest ranked edge rushers and will definitely value him on draft day.

It’s onerous to complain about Perkins’s manufacturing on the collegiate degree, however while you peel again the layers you see that his lack of athleticism and dimension are going to pigeonhole him into most probably enjoying OLB, which I don’t really feel is the place his power lies. Nonetheless, regardless of the warning indicators saying Perkins is a dangerous guess, I nonetheless can’t shake the sensation that his soccer savvy can translate to the NFL regardless of comparatively common bodily traits.

10. Quincy Roche, Miami | 6’3/243

Comp: Yannick Ngakoue

A run-of-the-mill three-star recruit, Roche labored his means up via the Group of 5 ranks at Temple, lording over the AAC for 3 seasons, tallying 137 tackles, seven PBU, 26.5 sacks, 139 pressures, 4 batted balls and 89 stops. He was named 2019 AAC Defensive Participant of the 12 months, incomes a close to excellent 93.5 defensive grade from PFF earlier than deciding he had nothing left to show on the decrease degree and grad-transferred to Miami for his shot on the large time.

The Randallstown, Maryland native dealt with the Energy 5 transition seamlessly, recording 45 tackles, 14.5 TFL (third in ACC), 4.5 sacks, 36 pressures and 28 stops along with a wonderful 87.7 go rush grade from PFF. He additionally had a notable string of practices throughout Senior Bowl week, drawing reward from a number of shops, whereas racking up a powerful 63% win price and incomes a +3.5 grade from PFF for his efficiency in 1-on-1 drills. Here’s a Senior Bowl follow clip the place Roche goes round Alabama LT Alex Leatherwood with ease:

His professional day confirmed basically what we knew Roche to be, an undersized, overachiever with straight line velocity. His 4.68 40-yard sprint charges within the ninetieth percentile. A 32.5” vertical soar and 23 bench press reps are respectable, if unspectacular, marks. Nevertheless he particularly stayed away from the broad soar, shuttle and 3-Cone drills, which raises my eyebrow. Although not awe-inspiring, Roche’s 7.32 RAS continues to be a commendable rating.

Roche is a technically proficient and instinctual rusher who possesses fairly common bodily traits and is mild for the sting place. His dizzying array of go rush strikes proves he’s a pupil of the sport. A pointy pair of palms make it powerful for opposing lineman to get a agency grasp of him and paves the way in which for his very efficient grip & rip tactic. Does an amazing job of sifting via trash and transferring laterally down the road. Listed here are a couple of clips of Roche exhibiting shutting down the run at Miami:

The underside line is Roche has succeeded at each degree so far. From the AAC, to Miami, to the Senior Bowl, Roche has stood out as a basically sound, each down playmaker who’s a tireless employee. His on-field manufacturing is pretty much as good as anybody within the class, however he lacks the excessive finish freak-ish presents of the gamers forward of him on this record. Regardless, I nonetheless see Roche as a participant who could be a reliable member of an NFL defensive rotation.

11. Rashad Weaver, Pitt | 6’4/259

Comp: Preston Smith

Weaver arrived on campus at Pitt in 2016 when he redshirted earlier than beginning the final 5 video games of 2017, registering 28 tackles, six TFLs and three.0 sacks. Racked up 14 TFLs, 6.5 sacks and 4 PBU in 2018 earlier than lacking all of 2019 with a knee harm.

The Ft. Lauderdale, FL product got here again higher than ever in 2020, incomes first-team All-ACC and consensus All-American honors. He elevated his sack depend from 6.5 to 7.5 sacks whereas additionally creating extra fumbles and quarterback pressures than he did in 2018 regardless of enjoying 138 much less snaps. Posted a 50 % win price at Senior Bowl practices and +3.5 grade for his efficiency within the 1-on-1 drills.

He isn’t going to blind you together with his quickness off the snap or velocity off the sting, however he’s aggressive, robust and will get essentially the most out of his capacity by working tirelessly to shine his method. A sturdy body helps him maintain up within the run recreation and tackle double groups, however he isn’t an amazing athlete. His dimension and power will translate to the NFL however his general velocity and agility on the go rush are lower than common. He performs with a pad degree that’s far too excessive whereas benefiting from the presence of Patrick Jones II on the other facet of the road.

Right here he’s consuming BC RT Tyler Vrabel’s (#78) lunch on a go rush rep and has the presence of thoughts to go proper after the soccer, successfully stealing it proper from QB Phil Jurkovec’s grasp and working the opposite means with it. An especially heady play from Weaver when BC was driving and seeking to rating.

His 4.88 40-yard sprint was about common however each his brief shuttle of 4.26 and 3-Cone of 6.97 seconds had been elite occasions. Weaver’s 20 bench reps had been just a little mild for the place and his 32” vertical soar was merely respectable, resulting in a stable RAS of seven.36. Although Weaver isn’t going to bowl anybody over together with his go off the road, he has good dimension and a sophisticated really feel for the nuances of the sting place.

12. Jordan Smith, UAB | 6’6/255

Comp: Arden Key

Smith initially signed with Florida, spending just a little over a yr in Gainesville till he transferred to Butler Neighborhood School following a suspension from the Gators. He rebuilt his worth at Butler CC earlier than transferring to UAB in 2019 the place he promptly racked up 52 tackles, 17.5 TFL and 10.0 sacks en path to being named second crew All-C-USA.

He garnered first crew All-C-USA recognition final yr whereas producing an unimaginable 50 pressures in 246 go rush snaps to go together with 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a 91.4 go rush grade in response to PFF.

Had a stable exhibiting at Senior Bowl practices, posting a 67% win price in 1-on-1’s whereas incomes a +3.0 grade from Professional Soccer Focus. Right here he torches 2021 top-10 deal with prospect, Cincinnati LT James Hudson across the edge within the Senior Bowl recreation:

He has a protracted, rangy body and makes use of a swift burst with tree-like limbs to maintain blockers off him and threaten offenses on the sting. Smith generally will get swallowed up by bigger lineman and struggles to flee when engaged. Performs excessive at occasions which permits tackles to get into his pads, and will get pushed round in run assist on account of lack of general play power.

Unusually versatile for his dimension, he chews up floor with lengthy, loping strides whereas nonetheless displaying superior change of course capacity. May finally be a dependable passing down specialist with extra refinement, as his athleticism is pro-worthy. Smith has the developmental traits and size that may be molded by a affected person group.

13. Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt | 6’5/285

Comp: Jerry Tillery

Odeyingbo joins his older brother, Cincinnati Bengals IDL Dare, as Vanderbilt defensive linemen making the soar to the NFL. The four-star prospect accrued 126 tackles, 12.0 sacks, 85 pressures and 71 stops over his 4 yr profession. He was named second crew All-SEC in 2020 after posting 8.0 TFL, 5.5 sacks and 32 tackles in eight video games and departs because the fifth main participant in Vandy historical past with 31.0 tackles for loss.

He appears to be like like a prototypical developmental undertaking with tantalizing bodily instruments that wants extra teaching up earlier than he could be a constant contributor. Has the kind of edge defender physique that groups covet, with arms measuring an elastic-man like 35.25-inches. His go rush strategy is a bit scattershot and will use some sharpening up in preparation for the NFL.

Odeyingbo possesses a faster first step than anticipated given his dimension whereas additionally brandishing the velocity to problem on the surface when known as upon. Versatile sufficient to line up outdoors the tackles or at three-tech if wanted. Right here is a good sequence exhibiting Odeyingbo lined up from nostril deal with, to three-tech, to 5, and the way he can nonetheless get penetration irrespective of the place he’s dashing from:

Oyedingbo’s three-down potential, superior bodily presents and supernatural size had him taking pictures up draft boards earlier than he suffered an achilles tear in late January and shall be pressured to overlook the 2021 season. As such, he hasn’t been in a position to present any testing marks and won’t be able to take action till nicely after the draft has concluded. With the plain capacity he flashes on tape, it’s a disgrace he couldn’t have placed on the sort of eye popping exercise he’s able to as he doubtless would have rocketed up draft boards.

14. Cameron Pattern, Tulane | 6’3/267

Comp: Kentavius Avenue

For a Group of 5 program, Tulane had a pair of outstanding go dashing bookends in Patrick Johnson and Cameron Pattern. Although a three-year starter for the Inexperienced Wave, Pattern had been flying below the radar as a prospect heading into 2020, steadily bettering every year, however not likely placing all of it collectively but. He excelled final yr as a senior, racking up 52 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 48 pressures and 31 stops as an each down participant who recorded 711 snaps throughout the shortened season.

He opened quite a lot of eyes on the Senior Bowl practices when he posted a stellar 78% win price in 1-on-1’s, incomes an elite +8.0 score from PFF for his efficiency which was the best 1-on-1 grade PFF awarded to any edge defender at this yr’s Senior Bowl. If his follow dominance wasn’t sufficient, Pattern was named Defensive MVP of the Senior Bowl recreation itself.

His robust postseason analysis course of continued into his professional day, as Pattern examined above common in virtually the entire drills he carried out, ending with a reputable 7.46 RAS. Right here’s a clip of Pattern bringing it throughout the Senior Bowl:

Pattern is a speed-oriented edge rusher who’s sufficiently big to maneuver inside when known as upon, however flashes sufficient burst to threaten tackles on the surface. His first step and strange agility for his dimension are most likely his finest attributes on the frenzy, whereas he must work on growing a few secondary go rush choices since he depends totally on a reasonably inventory and commerce bull rush. He enormously improved in his go rush acumen since stepping on campus three years in the past, posting a sensational 22.6% go rush win price and 90.4 go rush grade in response to PFF.

Although he performed nicely this yr on the G5 degree the place he was a bodily superior bodily specimen, Pattern additionally carried his robust common season into the Senior Bowl showcase the place he continued to play at a excessive degree towards among the finest collegiate gamers within the nation. If he can placed on useful weight, I may simply see Pattern sliding inside and holding down a three-tech spot given his ability set.

15. Patrick Jones II, Pitt | 6’4/261

16. Payton Turner, Houston | 6’5/270

17. Chris Rumph III, Duke | 6’3/235

18. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. Iowa State | 6’3/254

19. Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Notre Dame | 6’4/256

20. Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa | 6’7/262

21. Janarius Robinson, Florida State | 6’5/263

22. Tarron Jackson, CCU | 6’3/260

23. Shaka Toney, Penn State | 6’4/242

24. Jonathan Cooper, Ohio State | 6’3/254

25. Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame | 6’4/261



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