2023 NFL Draft Edge Rusher Rankings
I’m going to make this list longer than the defensive tackle rankings for a couple of reasons. One being that there are just more good players. The other being that this will include 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers. In fact, I’d argue the depth of this edge rusher group is elite. Let’s get right to the 2023 NFL Draft edge rusher rankings!
20: Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame)
This is the Jerry Tillery of the draft. It’s not mean to pick on Notre Dame but you people need to be honest with yourselves. Picking Isaiah Foskey in the first round is a total crackhead pick with no upside. Really raw and lacks that nasty edge. I do think there is a shot he pans out but I would be willing to take the shot in the 4th or 5th round.
19: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State)
Call me crazy but I just don’t trust the Big 12 defenders. I never will. Can someone tell me the last pass rusher to come from Kansas State that turned into a home run? Bet you can’t. Has Takk McKinley vibes to him. It’s basically one year of starting experience at K State. 8.5 sacks and Big 12 first team is cool. That’s really the bare minimum. No Combine certainly hurts his stock for me.
18: Ali Gaye (LSU)
17 and 18 are known as the other guys. I like Ali Gaye. Yes, he’s on the older side (24) but he’s 6-foot-6 with crazy long arms and is from Africa. He didn’t start playing football until he was 12. There is some untapped potential here and could wind up being a big time late round steal.
17: Robert Beal (Georgia)
Maybe I’m too low here. You know I love me some Georgia guys. Just three sacks a year ago and really never had a firm grip on a full time role. That being said, the Georgia boys are built different. Beal has long arms and ran a 4.48 at the Combine. Former five star recruit too. This just kinda tells you how deep this pass rusher class is.
16: Keion White (Georgia Tech)
I’m really not in on Keion White but to me the size sorta stands out. Remember, this is a former tight end. I think there is real 3-4 defensive lineman type potential here at 285 that has pass rusher potential. Those type of guys just aren’t available often. It’s a lump of clay that could totally fail but there is something to work with.
15: Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern)
4.49 at 282 is ridiculous. It’s hard to ignore the athletic traits. I’m just not 100% sure what he is. Feels like a tweener that might not have a home. Limited pass rusher moves and a number of missed tackles make me worried. Has a shot but not someone I’m dying to have.
14: Mike Morris (Michigan)
Would have been way higher on my list if it wasn’t for a disastrous combine. Just not as nimble and athletic as I hoped for. However, he led Michigan in sacks last year and was one of my guys just from watching during the year. I think you’re getting a better Chris Wormley and could become a steal on draft day.
13: KJ Henry (Clemson)
This is the Nolan Smith of the draft if he didn’t have any production. Monster recruiting background. Uber athletic. Serious speed off the edge. Also might be a fake hype machine. Might be the Lorenzo Carter and just never puts it together.
12: Brenton Cox (Florida)
I like Brenton Cox more than most. I’m sure the avid readers of this site know this by now. He’s just mean and nasty. Not a lot of dudes that have his edge. It’s the same edge that gets him in trouble sometimes though. I hope he stays out of it cause this is a good football player. Big time recruit and checks every box from a size perspective. When you kicked out of Georgia and Florida, this is someone that you’re going to have to rely on the interviews which I don’t have access to.
11: Zach Harrison (Ohio State)
Stupid 36 inch arm length. Ohio State doesn’t exactly have a long track record of putting out edge rushers outside of the Bosa’s. I think Harrison is a sleeper. He’s on the younger side and carries a mega recruiting background. Had some performances this year where he really popped. Hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. High potential. Could end up being the DeMarcus Lawrence of this class.
10: Lukas Van Ness (Iowa)
Total wildcard. I don’t feel good about it either way. Still, Iowa’s defense was really good this past year and he was sort of an X-Factor from it. He notched 6.5 sacks and didn’t start a single game. I don’t know how you pick the guy where he’s being mocked but you can’t deny some of the tools he has. It’s a microwave 30 second heater in terms of sample size. Good luck.
9: Will McDonald (Iowa State)
I think the Will McDonald stock is becoming a little crazy but he has a skill and you can’t argue it. The Bruce Irvin vibes are real. I do think McDonald has a chance to be better with that caveat being that I think he can attack the quarterback better.
8: Derick Hall (Auburn)
Carl Lawson vibes hit hard. Auburn doesn’t produce the trenches talent they used to but Hall has talent. Really good speed off the edge. Team captain a year ago. Not as twitchy as you would want but a tough dude that gets after it.
7: Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)
Total project and not the guy the media is making him out to be. Failed Texas A&M guy that started to produce at an older age in the Big 12. Still, the last two years were productive. You see the flashes why he was a former Texas A&M guy. AKA the failed Myles Garrett? Also has some injury stuff going on. Lump of clay that could put it together but the floor is concerning.
6: Byron Young (Tennessee)
Won’t blow you away with the bend or length but this is a good football player. First Team SEC last year with 7.5 sacks. 4.43 speed with a quick first step. Great motor and can actually cover too. Going to overachieve because it’s what he’s continued to do over and over.
5: Tuli Tuipulotu (USC)
USC’s defense stinks but it’s not this dude’s fault. I loved everything I saw from Tuipulotu last year. Led the country with 13.5 sacks last year and it was a one man show. Light on his feet and lines up everywhere. Oh, his cousin is Talanoa Hufanga. Remember when I told you that guy was the truth?
4: BJ Ojulari (LSU)
His brother is Azeez Ojulari who has obviously turned into a good player with the Giants. This Ojulari has been a contributor on a premier SEC program from day one. 12.5 sacks over the last two years and earned All SEC honors in 2022. Would have had a bigger impact if a knee injury didn’t slow him down. Very good player people should be high on.
3: Myles Murphy (Clemson)
Ridiculous recruiting profile. Someone who has been thought to ben an NFL guy for a long time. Production isn’t off the charts but checks the size box. Didn’t workout at the combine other than bench. This is the guy who’s going to go in the first round that bores me a bit but likely turns into a really good B+ level player.
2: Nolan Smith (Georgia)
I want all this stock. Feed it all to me. Production won’t blow you away but he’s one of them Georgia boys that are just built different. 4.39 40 time is just insane. Would have put up bigger stats if a torn pec didn’t get in the way this past year. He knows he’s good and has been touted a five star guy since diapers. I’ll take this guy on my team no problem.
1: Will Anderson (Alabama)
People seem to be overthinking this one. We’re talking about a former Heisman finalist. It’s hard to do that as a defensive player. Sack production is there. Size, speed, work ethic. It’s all there. So what if he’s not as good as Nick Bosa. This will be an 8 plus sack guy for the next ten years. The beast version of Courtney Upshaw is finally here! Yes, I put that last sentence in on purpose. Draft politics!
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