1. Abdul Carter, Penn State – One of the best Edge prospects in recent memory, with play reminiscent of Von Miller when he was at Texas A&M. Combines his natural athleticism with a motor that never stops.
2. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee – Checks off every box athletically, but I worry that he may be a bit more of a pass-rush specialist in the NFL than an every-down player. But man, can he rush the quarterback.
3. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M – At 270 pounds, could be drafted to play a 5-tech defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or multiple spots in a 3-4 scheme. Tested very well at the combine and is a freak athlete, but having less than 5 sacks in his college career is a bit of a concern.
4. Mykel Williams, Georgia – Had flashes of brilliance at Georgia, but a low level of snap-to-snap consistency makes him a boom-or-bust option with an all-pro ceiling and floor that could get a GM fired.
5. Mike Green, Marshall – Explosive first-step pass rusher who may have the deepest bag of moves in this draft class
6. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M – Probably the safest edge prospect in this class because of the high level of production in college to match great technique and a solid athletic profile.
7. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State – A fan favorite in college, who is an elite edge-setting run defender with strength and plays with a relentless motor.
8. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College – A little bit undersized, but flashed technique and athleticism as a pass rush specialist. Shined against top competition, like when he had 2 sacks against Florida State.
9. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State – Natural athlete with a non-stop motor that could be an elite edge rusher with proper coaching.
10. Landon Jackson, Arkansas – Can defend both the run and the pass from multiple positions and be an early-down contributor from day one in the NFL.
11. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss – Versatile edge defender who showed up in numerous big games in the tough SEC.
12. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss – Elite acceleration and burst as an edge rusher that can win the play off of his first step.
