NFL Analysis
3/28/24
8 min read
2024 NFL Draft: Ranking Top 11 Edge Rushers Prospects
In the modern NFL, it's nearly impossible to build a strong defense without productive edge rushers. The elite players at the position are the regular favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year. Is there a player of that caliber available in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Here are the Top 11 EDGE prospects available in April's draft.
>> READ MORE: Defensive Tackle Rankings
RANKING TOP 2024 EDGE PROSPECTS
11. Brennan Jackson, Washington State 
Big Board Rank: 167
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 264
Brennan Jackson projects as a top backup EDGE who fits best in a 3-4 defensive scheme, although he can work in a 4-3. He has solid height and weight for the position but is not a long player. He primarily wins reps with effort in the run and pass games. His first step is sufficient, and he lacks refined pass-rushing moves to win one-on-one. He has strong hands but can get swallowed and frequently just throws his body at the line.
Jackson does a good job of knocking down passes, but he struggles to finish plays. His run defense is better, and he can track down ball carriers outside his immediate area. Jackson's tackling needs improvement because he not only fails to bring the ball carrier down consistently but also sacrifices yards after contact. His relentless effort and size should make him a favorite on special teams.
>>READ MORE: Jackson's Full Scouting Report
10. Jonah Elliss, Utah 
Big Board Rank: 122
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 248
Jonah Elliss projects as a versatile backup who fits best as a 3-4 OLB but can be moved around to find the best mismatch. Some major holes in his run defense game will need to be masked in a defensive scheme. One way to maximize his impact is to allow him to dive or dip quickly while filling in behind him.
Elliss is a better pass rusher, although he has certain limitations and can rush the passer inside or outside, standing up or hand in the dirt. In the dirt on the outside is his best fit. Because of his size, arm length, motor and tackling ability, he should be a core special teams player.
>>READ MORE: Elliss' Full Scouting Report
9. Gabriel Murphy, UCLA 
Big Board Rank: 61
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 247
Gabriel Murphy projects as a low-end designated pass rusher, fitting best as 4-3 defensive end. His stiffness as an athlete suggests that he can be more explosive coming out of a 3-point stance. His lack of run-gap discipline and poor tackling form will keep him off the field on first and second downs early in his career.
Murphy will best be used with his hand in the dirt to combine his violent hands with his first step to get to the quarterback. He has the motor and speed to be a special teams contributor, but his tackling will keep him from being a core member.
>>READ MORE: Murphy's Full Scouting Report
8. BRalen Trice, Washington 
Big Board Rank: 59
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 245
Bralen Trice best projects as a low-end starter and stand-up EDGE in a base 3-4 defensive scheme. He has the high-end designated pass rusher ability to be effective at the next level. To see the field more frequently, he must develop his production and discipline against the run.
On third downs, he has the versatility and speed to be schemed up with other rushers to get a free lane to the quarterback or allow him to work the edge around tackles. His speed and physicality can make him a core member of all special teams units.
>>READ MORE: Trice's Full Scouting Report
7. ADisa Issac, Penn State 
Big Board Rank: 54
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 247
Adisa Isaac projects as a low-end starting edge rusher in an odd-front scheme where he can rush from a stand-up position. As a run defender, he can win with his high energy and athleticism while he continues to add strength.
On third downs, his speed and explosive first step can be valuable to rush the passer, but he needs to get more polished as a rusher and deepen his pass-rush repertoire. He can contribute to special teams with his toughness and competitiveness.
>>READ MORE: Isaac's Full Scouting Report
6. Austin Booker, Kansas 
Big Board Rank: 51
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 240
Austin Booker projects as a high-end designated pass rusher at the next level in a scheme that allows him to rush from a two-point stance. While he is a raw pass rusher, his athleticism, length and quick first step are excellent foundations for a promising young edge talent.
On third downs, he will be best suited rushing the passer off the edge, with a capable level of coverage ability to use as a changeup. He can also serve a role on special teams using his athleticism and length.
>>READ MORE: Booker's Full Scouting Report
5. Chris Braswell, Alabama 
Big Board Rank: 42
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 251
Chris Braswell projects as a situational starting edge rusher in an odd-front or scheme that allows him to rush from a two-point stance. He is a good athlete already and needs to combine that with a solid pass-rush plan.
On third downs, he will best be suited standing up, rushing the passer around the edge or using a good speed-to-power move. Braswell has limited experience on special teams but has produced a few blocked kicks and punts in his collegiate career.
>>READ MORE: Braswell's Full Scouting Report
4. JAred Verse, Florida State 
Big Board Rank: 19
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 254
Jared Verse Verse projects as a high-end starting edge rusher who fits best in an even front where he can rush with his hand in the ground, but there really isn't a reason he can’t stand up on the edge as well. His pass rush ability is already at a very good level and with a little refinement and coaching at the next level, it can become elite.
On third downs, he'll be most effective and do the most damage with his power and repertoire as a wide-9 on the edge. He could also reduce down inside to use his length on interior linemen. He can stand in here and there on special teams, but with stamina, motor and tackling concerns, it’s likely not something to waste reps on.
>>READ MORE: Verse's Full Scouting Report
3. chop Robinson, Penn State
Big Board Rank: 16
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 254
Chop Robinson will be used primarily as a passing-down player during his rookie year and should be consistent enough against the run to be a three-down starter by Year 2.
Robinson possesses a top-notch first step with plus pass rush ability and bend, but he needs to improve his balance and develop a deeper pass rush bag in order to reach his potential in this area. He has good natural strength and flashes against the run, but his area of his game shows the most need for improvement before he can be a three-down player.
>>READ MORE: Robinson's Full Scouting Report
2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Big Board Rank: 11
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 259
Laiatu Latu projects to be a true standup edge rusher in an odd-front defensive scheme. He can put his hand in the ground and rush from a 3-point stance, but his quickness is elevated from a 2-point stance. On third downs he will be best suited rushing from the edge, but he has enough athleticism to drop into short zone coverage as a changeup.
He can also be used as a moveable chess piece along the defensive front to isolate him in advantageous 1-on-1 matchups, and he can be very effective in stunts and twists. While he hasn't been utilized much as a special teams player, he could be serviceable on some units like punt block/return.
'>>READ MORE: Latu's Full Scouting Report
1. Dallas Turner, Alabama
Big Board Rank: 10
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 247
Dallas Turner projects as a starting EDGE in a 3-4 defensive scheme, but he could work in a 4-3 if given more time. His pass-rushing ability will make him a valuable third-down asset. While he primarily rushed from the outside, he showed some flexibility when asked to rush from the inside and could be an intriguing option if reduced.
Turner is capable in coverage; however, he is best utilized as a pass rusher. If needed, he would be a core special teams player.
>>READ MORE: Turner's Full Scouting Report
