RIP EM' AND STRIP EM'! NFLTBs Top 10 Edge Rushers in the 2024 NFL Draft

My top 10 edge rushers/defensive ends in the 2024 NFL Draft. I don't really think you can go wrong with the top 4 guys in this class, as they all bring good size, length, athleticism, motor, and football character. They all could be argued as top 10 picks in other years. You'll notice I do not have Darius Robinson on this list, as I do not see him as a regular starting edge on a four front defense. I see him as a 3-4 end or a three technique defensive tackle. #nfl #nfldraft #passrush #edge #defensiveend #football

Dallas Turner is the top pass rusher in this class

1. Dallas Turner, Alabama Super athletic, productive pass rusher. Great length (34.5in arms), motor, character - weight could be a bit of a concern as he weighed in at 247. He beats out guys like Latu, Verse, and Robinson because of his combination of pure athleticism and production on tape. In a league that increasingly puts priorities on the passing game, this is the guy you want rushing the quarterback. Ran a ridiculous 4.46 40 with a 1.54 split that was faster than freaking NATE WIGGINS (4.29 40, 1.59 10yd). Oh, and Turner did that weighing 75lbs heavier than Wiggins.

2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA At almost 6'5 and 259lbs, he's got the height and size you want from a defensive end. You want production? The man had a simply jaw-dropping pass rush win rate of 26.2%. To compare, Turner, Verse, and Robinson were 19.6, 21.8, and 20.9 respectively. I'd say anything 17% and over is elite, so for him to be so separated from these guys is impressive. No one uses his hands or sets up his moves better than Latu. His testing numbers, arm length, and medical history (was medically retired for a neck injury before getting a second opinion) are all issues to be aware of, but the tape is amazing. He's a top 10 prospect if the neck checks out, however some teams will have him off their board, so don't be surprised if he free falls into the second round. I think if someone gets him anywhere after the first 20 picks they've got an absolute steal.

3. Chop Robinson, Penn St Fastest first step in the class. Even when you're trying to watch other prospects, you can't help but notice Robinson get off the line like everyone else is sleeping. He doesn't quite have the length you want, but his bend and explosion is unmatched in this class. He plays smart and disciplined, which may have led to some of his lack of sack production, but the man dominates his 1v1s. Michigan literally stopped passing the ball against Penn St in the second half because Robinson was such a problem. He also was a sneakily high rated run defender (PFF 76.9) than Verse and Turner. I don't understand why people have him going in the second round. I wouldn't bat an eye if he went top 20.

4. Jared Verse, Florida St Power. That's this man's game. You want to see someone tackle a running back or sack a quarterback using an offensive lineman as a weapon? This is your guy. Good length and size, and his linear explosion is excellent. He just straight punishes blockers with his hands. Doesn't have quite the toolbox of pass rushing moves as the edge rushers I have ranked above him, and I worry about his ability to win with speed, finesse, and bend. Agility is not terrible, but it definitely not elite like some of the prospects on this list. Surefire first rounder though.

5. Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan Another prospect with the size and length (34.5in arms) that you want in a prospect. Lateral agility numbers are where you want them as well, (7.02 three cone, 4.18 short shuttel) and are solid indicators of success at the next level. Elite run defender with a great motor, however the lack of sack production at a smaller school gives you some pause. On tape you see him win often, especially on true pass rushing sets (PFF 87.3). From what I saw, the lack of sacks seems more what he was asked to do than a problem beating blocks.

6. Jonah Ellis, Utah Fast, wins with a variety of finesse and power moves, productive (13 sacks in 10 games), great effort player. Comes in at 6'2, 248lbs, but has 33in arms. Injuries were an issue in college, but he could be a problem in the NFL as a pass rusher if he can stay healthy. Solid day two pick.

7. Chris Braswell, Alabama Really good athlete with the length that you want at the position. Very productive (PFF 13 sacks, 18.2% win rate) When he chooses the right move, he looks elite. He just sometimes looks like he rolls the dice on which pass rushing move to use, or he just saw one on YouTube and wanted to try it out. If he gets some more time under his belt with a good defensive line coach, watch out.

8. Adisa Isaac, Penn St Solid, high floor player. Does everything pretty well, but does not possess any real elite traits. Very disciplined. Will not create any clipboard spiking moments because he made a terrible mistake. Will likely be good for a coaches long-term health. He's going to be able to contain in both the run and pass game, and he'll be able to make splash plays on mistakes that offenses make against him. Don't expect him to take over a game though.

9. Austin Booker, Kansas This guy is an athlete, but reallllllly raw. He's pretty much had one season of real college football as he red shirted, then entered the transfer portal. You can see the flashes of potential all over the place with him. He's the exact opposite of Adisa Isaac. Will likely shorten a coaches lifespan and cause him to burn through the clipboard budget. Lots of penalty flags and what-the-hell-were-you-thinking moments in 2023 and surely his first year or two in the NFL. With that being said, Booker absolutely oozes potential and somebody willing to put the time in could be getting a gem.

10. Bralen Trice, Washington I want to like Trice more than this, I really do. Analysts talk about his league leading amount of pressures and how productive he was, but I really just saw him feast on bad linemen. I watched him go play Michigan and compete against a real offensive line and he recorded a single pressure. I just don't think he has the frame or athletic traits needed to win regularly against NFL linemen. He may play with more effort and violence than anyone on this list, and that's really saying something.