The edge rusher class doesn’t have an obvious top-five player, but you can find some nice prospects to like in the different tiers.
Tier 1 features three rushers, Dallas Turner, Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu, who all win in different ways. Outside of them, there are numerous different types of edge rushers who could provide good depth for teams.
Here are the top edge defenders in the class.
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1. ED LAIATU LATU, UCLA
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 10
Though he's somewhat limited athletically, Latu just lives in the offensive backfield due to his hand usage and pass-rush moves. That will continue to win at the NFL level.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. ED DALLAS TURNER, ALABAMA
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 16
Although he can continue to improve as a run defender and a tackler, Turner is a first-round type of edge rusher with high-ceiling pass-rush traits who can contribute in year one with a bright future ahead.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. ED JARED VERSE, FLORIDA STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 19
Verse doesn't have the longest arms, and that shows up in some pass-rush counters and in tackling, but he brings his hard hat and lunch pail to every snap, wins with strength regularly and is built like a first-rounder.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. ED ADISA ISAAC, PENN STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 38
If he can pack some extra pounds for added strength and anchor ability while remaining adequately explosive, he has the handwork and pass-rush profile to be an NFL starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. ED CHOP ROBINSON, PENN STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 40
Regardless of his lack of polish, Robinson is a gifted player athletically — likely on a level that is top of the class. A lot of what leaves you wanting more from Robinson is coachable. Unlocking that is the key for him to go from a boom-or-bust athlete to a dominant edge defender.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. ED JONAH ELLISS, UTAH
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 55
Elliss will have to get stronger if he is to continue being the difference-maker he was in 2023. If he can add weight while remaining as quick and flexible, he can be an impactful pass-rusher.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. ED CHRIS BRASWELL, ALABAMA
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 58
Even if he doesn't become a pass-rush technician, his power, speed and length present a rotational role as a floor and an impact starter ceiling.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. ED DARIUS ROBINSON, MISSOURI
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 61
Robinson is a powerful lineman who can line up anywhere from zero- to a seven-technique. He won't win with speed much at the next level, but he certainly can with power. His strength profile projects to a rotational role as a floor with starting potential if he can continue to hone in on his pass-rush plans.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. ED MARSHAWN KNEELAND, WESTERN MICHIGAN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 63
Kneeland's competition wasn't the best, but he absolutely dominated it, especially in 2023. NFL teams will love his passion for physicality. He has the body, explosiveness and mentality of an NFL contributor.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. ED Xavier Thomas, Clemson
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 83
Thomas is a true low-floor, high-ceiling prospect. He is on the older side, but his natural athletic gifts are still worth taking a chance on, especially for teams in need of a 3/4 pass-rushing specialist.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
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