Top Edge Rusher Prospects

Myles Garrett
Texas A&M DE #15

Player Profile

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 272 Lbs
141 tackles, 47.0 TFL, 31.0 sacks, 7 FF
2016 1st-Team All-American
2016 1st-Team All-SEC
2014 3rd-Team All-SEC
2014 Freshman All-American

Strengths

A freakish athlete.  Long wingspan with a chiseled frame.  Not many men his size can move like he can.  An explosive pass rusher on the edge.  Commanded a double team in the SEC.  Good initial burst off the line.  Dip and rip on the outside is his go-to move.  Flexible enough to bend around the corner and create havoc in the backfield.  Flashes the ability to split double teams and get pressure on the quarterback.  Powerful closing burst when he gets near his target.  A skilled defender against the run.  Teams don't run his way often.  Sets a physical edge in the run game.

Weaknesses

More flair than substance.  Doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves on tape.  Relies more on athleticism and overwhelming ability to make plays.  Needs to develop and add a counter move to his arsenal.  His motor runs hot and cold.  Lazily runs down plays from the backside.  Has a tendency to flash instead of putting his fingerprints on a game.

Final Verdict

In most circles Myles Garrett is the consensus number one overall pick.  He possesses all the physical attributes and potential coveted in a franchise player.  Had outstanding production at the collegiate level and is no where close to being a finished product.  The criticism at this point is nitpicking weather or not he has the ability to turn around the Cleveland Browns franchise.  Garrett has All-Pro potential if a team can get 85% of his true potential. 

Draft Projection: Top 3

Derek Barnett
Tennessee DE #9

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 259 Lbs
198 tackles, 52.0 TFL, 32.0 sacks, 3 FF
2016 1st-Team All-American
2016 1st-Team All-SEC
2014 SEC Freshman of the Year

Strengths

Elite pass rush production in the SEC conference.  Excellent hands.  Flashes the ability to bench press linemen off his chest and disengage.  Quick jabs and rips to win on the edge.  Outstanding flexibility and bend around the edge.  Looks like a speed skater at times turning the corner.  Utilizes an inside swim move and occasional spin to keep the defense honest.  Tenacious effort rushing the passer.  Will work back up field in pursuit when he is pushed beyond the drop-back point.  Has a "closer" mentality.  Much more productive in the second half of games.

Weaknesses

Short arms are a point of interest.  Concerns over if he will be able to keep NFL tackles off his frame.  Takes a while for his motor to get running.  Plays better in the second half of games.  A solid run defender, but doesn't have the necessary size to consistently stand his ground against larger blockers.  Pins his ears back in pass rush situations and can be susceptible to the screen game.  Uncomfortable dropping back in coverage.  Looks lost in the secondary and lateral movement skills are lacking.

Final Verdict

Arguably the most polished pass rusher in the class.  Excels at rushing the quarterback and has the numbers to prove it.  At this point in time he's a one trick pony, but teams can't get enough good edge rushers.  Let him loose on the edge and he will make plays in the backfield.  Look for Barnett to go off the board on day one of the NFL Draft.

Draft Projection: 1st-Round

Takkarist McKinley
UCLA DE #98

Player Profile

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 250 Lbs
99 tackles, 28.0 TFL, 16.0 sacks, 6 FF
2016 1st-Team All-Pac 12

Strengths

Relentless motor on every play.  A good amount of his production comes on second effort plays.  Chases down runs from the backside with gusto.  Sets a physical edge in the run game with effort and leg drive.  Explosive on the edge.  Pushes the pocket by converting speed to power on bull rush moves.  A nimble athlete.  Sidesteps cut blocks at the LOS(line of scrimmage).  Great closing burst on the quarterback.  Swipes at the quarterback's forearm to dislodge the football. 

Weaknesses

Unpolished pass rusher.  Inconsistent jump off the snap.  Inactive hands after engaging offensive lineman.  Counter moves are stuffed at the LOS.  Stiff player that has trouble bending and turning the corner.  Engulfed at the line by bigger/stronger tackles.  A great athlete that gets by because of his effort rather than his technique.

Final Verdict

"Takk" McKinley will succeed because of his motor.  He's willing to run and chase all day long.  The challenge is to make him run with purpose.  His explosion off the ball is top notch and he can close on the quarterback in a heartbeat.  Hand fighting movement and technique will take his game to another level.

*Shoulder surgery might put his offseason availability in jeopardy.

Draft Projection: Late 1st-Round

Taco Charlton
Michigan DE #33

Player Profile

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 277 Lbs
91 tackles, 28.0 TFL, 19.0 sacks, 1 FF
1st-Team All-Big 10

Strengths

Desired size, length and athletic ability of a premiere pass rusher.  Production increased each year at Michigan.  An explosive athlete off the snap.  Works to control the wrists of offensive tackles.  Shows some bend on the edge and has an array of pass rush moves in his arsenal.  Converts speed to power well in his bull rush and flashes an inside spin move.  Excellent closing burst ability.  Accelerates through the QB at the point of contact.

Weaknesses

A very inconsistent performer.  Has the entire athletic package, but hasn't been able to put it together.  Undisciplined technique with hands and poor gap discipline in the run game.  Occasionally jumps into the wrong lane resulting in a big play.  Inconsistent power in his rush.  Flashes the strength to overpower guards, but gets pancaked by a tight end on the very next play.

Final Verdict

Taco Charlton appears to be a boom or bust prospect in the 2017 draft.  A full set of tools at his disposal only to be derailed by his inconsistent play.  In his senior season, he was a disruptive force at times and showed the potential to be an excellent prospect.  He's a force to be reckoned with on the edge.

Draft Projection: Late 1st-Round

Charles Harris
Missouri DE #91

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 253 Lbs
136 tackles, 34.5 TFL, 18.0 sacks, 5 FF
2x 2nd-Team All-SEC (2015-16)

Strengths

Quick first step off the snap.  Explosive on the edge and disruptive in the backfield.  Utilizes a bull rush and a counter inside spin move.  Plays with a high motor and is relentless in pursuit.  Aggressively chases down runs from the backside.  Shows an understanding for pursuit angles and spacial awareness.

Weaknesses

A bit of a "tweener".  Played defensive end at the collegiate level, but lacks the bulk to hold up against the run on the edge.  Is overpowered by size and length on the outside.  Gives up too much ground on the edge.  Late to recognize and diagnose read-option plays.  Rushes with his shoulders square to the LOS.  A bit stiff in the hips, leaving his entire frame exposed to offensive tackles.

Final Verdict

Harris follows in the recent footsteps of Missouri pass rushers transitioning to the NFL.  He's not at the level of Shane Ray, but he can do enough to make an impact on third down.  A quick first step and motor are his biggest weapons.  Harris won't go in the first round, but look for him to make a difference as a complimentary rusher in 2017.

Draft Projection: 2nd-Round

Top Interior Rusher Prospects

Solomon Thomas
Stanford DE #90

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 273 Lbs
98 tackles, 24.5 TFL, 12.0 sacks, 1 FF
2016 3rd-Team All-American
2016 1st-Team All-Pac 12
2016 Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year

Strengths

Well built frame.  Good height and weight for the position.  A one-gap player that wins with initial quickness.  Get into the backfield in a hurry.  Quick jump off the snap.  Rips through hands and shows a nice inside swim move on tape.  Can convert speed to power when rushing north and south.  Is at his best when he can shoot a gap and penetrate.  Active feet during his rush and tirelessly works to get free.  Recognizes screens quickly and abandons rush to pursue the ball carrier.

Weaknesses

A "tweener" and scheme specific player.  Short arms for a defensive end.  Solid at the point, but can get washed down the line by stronger players and double teams.  Is a bit stiff and is unable to bend the edge like other pass rushers in the class.  Gets into the backfield often, but needs to finish on a more consistent basis.

Final Verdict

Thomas had an outstanding 2016 campaign that was overshadowed by Jonathan Allen.  Two years of high level production to his credit at Stanford.  He's at his strongest when attacking one-on-one.  A one-gap player that would fit in a 4-3 front.  His bowl game tape against North Carolina speaks volumes and solidifies his place at the top of the draft.

Draft Projection: Top 5

Jonathan Allen
Alabama DE/DT #93

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 286 Lbs
152 tackles, 44.5 TFL, 28.0 sacks, 3 FF
2016 Bronco Nagurski Trophy
2016 Chuck Bednarik Award
2016 Lombardi Award
2016 SEC Defensive Player of the Year
1st-Team All-SEC (2015-16)

Strengths

Thickly built well proportioned frame.  Leader of the best defense in college football.  Lives in the opponents backfield.  A disruptive force that puts his fingerprints on games.  Stout at the POA(point of attack).  Strong enough to take on double teams without giving up ground.  Plays with great leverage and pad level.  Strong punch that shocks offensive lineman.  Bench presses tackles off his chest, disengages and makes the tackle.  A high level motor when chasing plays down from the backside.  Quick enough to rush inside and create penetration.  Uses his hands well to disengage and get to the quarterback.  Shows the awareness to identify quick drops and bat the ball down.

Weaknesses

Average test results at the combine.  Speed, explosion and burst to close are adequate but not exemplary.  Shorter arms than you would like for a defensive end.  May not be able to disengage as easily from NFL caliber offensive lineman.  Not a twitched up athlete.  Lacks the suddenness necessary to win with quickness off the edge.

Final Verdict

Allen is more football player than athlete.  That being said, he is a damn good prospect.  Scooped up every defensive award in 2016 and led the Crimson TIde defense to another birth in the National Championship Game.  A seasoned veteran with a lot of tricks up his sleeve.  An impressive player with outstanding numbers in the best football conference.  A potential top 5 pick that can become a key piece in a top defense.

Draft Projection: Top 10

Malik McDowell
Michigan State DT #4

Player Profile

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 295 Lbs
88 tackles, 24.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 2 FF
2x 2nd-Team All-Big 10 (2015-16)

Strengths

Impressive athlete.  Exceptional movement skills for a man his size.  Fluid laterally and naturally scrapes down the line in pursuit of outside runs.  Heavy hands at the point.  Able to club hands down and transition to a quick swim move.  Has a knack for splitting double teams.  Flips his hips, gets skinny and slips through.  Flashes greatness and can potentially become an explosive interior pass rusher. 

Weaknesses

Lean frame and skinny base for an interior lineman.  Low level of production for a highly touted prospect.  A slow starter and can disappear for the entire game.  Poor leverage and pad level.  Stands straight up and gets washed down the line.  Gets engulfed by double teams when he isn't able to split it.  Lacks the field awareness and gets caught up in one-on-one battles.  A few plays where he penetrated 3-4 yards into the backfield and didn't know where the ball carrier was.  A hit or miss finisher around the quarterback.

Final Verdict

He's a typical boom or bust prospect.  McDowell has a lot of potential, but shows on tape he isn't able to bring it out on a consistent basis.  There is always a "but" factor when analyzing his ability.  He is nimble for a big man, but gets easily chopped down by offensive linemen.  If his mind can catch up to his body, the production will follow.

Draft Projection: 2nd-Round

Caleb Brantley
Florida DT #57

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 307 Lbs
80 tackles, 20.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 3 FF

Strengths

Compact built frame with ample lower body power.  A one-gap player that flashes difference making ability.  Uses quick hands to swipe down arms and penetrate into the backfield.  Will unleash a swim and counter spin on occasion.  Functional strength is at its best when penetrating north and south.  Drives guards and centers back, disengages and makes plays in the backfield.

Weaknesses

Arms are on the shorter side.  Very low production for a top pick at his position.  Struggles to disengage from longer/stronger defenders.  Easily washed down the line by solid double teams.  Extremely inconsistent in every facet of his game.  Motor runs hot and cold during the play.  Becomes disinterested when forced to run plays down from the backside.  Looks to quit fighting for position after his initial momentum is stopped.  Leaves plays on the field.  Inconsistent finisher and form tackler.

Final Verdict

Brantley flashes the potential to be an excellent 3-technique in the NFL.  His quickness off the snap and lower body strength are good enough to make a difference.  However, the peaks and valleys in his game are too drastic to earn significant playing time.  Consistency is key when evaluating his playing time and production in the future.

*Recent battery charges will cause his stock to plummet

Draft Projection: 2nd-Round prior to charges.

Larry Ogunjobi
UNC Charlotte DT #65

Player Profile

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 305 Lbs
127 tackles, 29.0 TFL, 5.5 sacks
2016 1st-Team All-Conference USA
2015 2nd-Team All-Conference USA

Strengths

Thick lower body frame.  Generates ample power from leg drive.  Heavy initial punch at the point.  Fights for wrist control with active hands.  Fluid enough to be effective on stunts and twists.  Solid burst when closing in on the ball carrier.  Quick to diagnose screens and reverses.  Motor runs on high and is willing to chase plays down from the backside. 

Weaknesses

Low production from a non power five conference player.  Has trouble with bigger linemen in a phone booth.  Gets pushed off the ball too easily.  Dysfunctional unison between hands and feet in his rush.  Hands work quickly off the snap.  When he is stood up, hands stop fighting and legs turn it on.  Lacks a go-to counter move.  Inconsistent finisher.  Overruns sack opportunities and ball carriers in the backfield.

Final Verdict

Ogunjobi played in multiple positions along the UNC Charlotte front.  More of a one-gap player that excels when he is attacking.  Possesses a high level IQ on and off the field.  Quick diagnostic skills in the screen game will serve him well as a sub package rusher at the next level.  He's a complementary interior rusher that could blossom into a solid starter by his second contract.

Draft Projection: 3rd-Round
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