Ranking the top NFL pass rushers this season

It’s easy to get stuck in a trance looking at sack numbers; they’re definitive wins for the defense. But they’re also only part of the story when it comes to analyzing how productive a pass rusher is. Indeed, there are crucial elements missing—two of those factors that our pass rushing productivity signature stat really tackles.

The first is how much total pressure a pass rusher gets. Not just sacks, but hits and hurries as well—because after all, disruption is production. The second, and the most overlooked part, is how often the defender rushed the passer. You are far more likely to have bigger numbers if you and your defense is already on the field.

That’s the premise for the pass rushing productivity formula: sacks (weighted more), hits, and hurries by the number of plays you’re on the field.

Now that the explanation is out of the way, let’s see who the numbers endorse on the productivity scale.

Top 10

The Bears, after a slow start, are finding their feet under John Fox; one of the big reasons on defense is the excellent play of Pernell McPhee. A sub-package superstar in Baltimore, he’s not just coped with the expanded role, but thrived with incredible production. McPhee tops the charts by a good distance.

Other names in the top 10 that stand out? Take a look at No. 6, where ageless-wonder James Harrison is still getting it done. It’s easy to assume that age and a reduced role mean he’s more sentiment than substance, but while the Steelers have invested first-round picks at the edge rush spot the past three years, it’s telling that they’ve received more from simply reuniting with Harrison.

There’s no surprise that of the top 10 all are classic edge rushers, but what about the guys who can win inside?

There’s some debate as to where to class J.J. Watt, but there’s no doubt that even garnering more attention, he’s still an incredibly productive player.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is seeing that Dominique Easley so productive. He may not be able to handle a full load of snaps, but he’s making them count.

When we just look at the NFL’s 2015 rookie class, one thing is for sure; it’s proven to be something of an underwhelming pass rushing group so far. So, credit to Cardinals pass rusher Markus Golden for standing out. He doesn’t get a lot of press, but the second-round pick out of Missouri has performed well when given the opportunity.

The biggest story here: sacks don't tell the whole story—much less an accurate one—when observing pass rushers. Pro Football Focus grades every player on every play of every game, taking each snap into account.

To see where all NFL players rank, access our 2015 Season Player Grades now.