The rankings for the top 10 edge rushers in this year’s NFL Draft are compiled based on ratings and discussions with league insiders.
1. Abel Reese, Ohio State, 6-4, 241
Anticipation surrounds Reese as he might replicate Micah Parsons’ rise after primarily playing off the ball. He possesses exceptional burst and agility, but the question remains—can he effectively translate his physical skills into a diverse skill set? Can he bend the edge and hold up in coverage? Although he has a decade of experience, he’s only been in the spotlight for a year.
2. David Bailey, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251
Last season, Bailey recorded 14 of his 29 career sacks, maintaining a pressure rate above 20% for three consecutive seasons. He has the ability to fire off the ball, navigate around the edge, and penetrate inside. Notably, his run defense saw significant improvement in 2025.
3. Ruben Bain Jr., Miami, 6-2, 263
His motto could be “Strong Hands, Small Weapons.” Bain excelled in overpowering blockers and stands out in his statistics: 20.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. It’s worth mentioning, since 2003, no player with arms shorter than 31 inches has been picked in the first round—interesting, right?
4. Keldrick Faulk, Auburn, 6-6, 276
Faulk had a disappointing two-sack season, which probably left people wondering. Though he fits best as a 4-3 defensive end, he can also shift inside on passing downs. His playstyle leans more toward finesse rather than brute strength. He’s made contributions off the field, like helping a teammate with tuition fees.
5. Akhim Mesidor, Miami, 6-3, 259
It took Mesidor six seasons to really come into his own, ultimately achieving 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. As a 25-year-old rookie, some might wonder about his effectiveness against younger players. His need to develop new pass-rushing techniques looms large, as does the question of how he’ll handle the run game.
6. TJ Parker, Clemson, 6-4, 263
Despite early predictions of a top-10 selection, Parker’s performance led to 11 sacks in 2024 but left many pondering his versatility. He transitions smoothly from speed to power while rushing the passer. What does he fall back on when his primary tactics aren’t working?
7. Cassius Howell, Texas A&M, 6-2 1/2, 253
Howell is likely to serve as a rotational pass rusher, relying on his reliable spin move. Among his 27 career sacks, the highlight was an impressive 3-on-3 play against Utah State. However, he needs to enhance his run defense to make a significant impact on third downs.
8. Zion Young, Missouri, 6-6, 262
Young is a robust edge-setter known for his game-ready mentality. While he may not win immediately off the line, he forces single blockers to retreat often, achieving 53 pressures in 2025. He carries an infectious energy, although he has faced some legal issues, including a couple of arrests.
9. R. Mason Thomas, Oklahoma State, 6-2, 241
Thomas tends to apply pressure effectively but sometimes lacks the length you’d expect. His aggressive nature can lead to brilliant plays but also to penalties and over-pursuits. Injuries have sidelined him in three of his four seasons, which raises concerns.
10. Derrick Moore, Michigan State, 6-4, 255
Moore contributed to a national championship in 2023 and was named team MVP in 2025 after securing 10.5 sacks. He bull rushes with considerable force but can struggle to bend on the edge. At the Senior Bowl, he overwhelmed a blocker, showing he can apply a strong mindset to tackling as well.
Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida, 6-4, 253
Lawrence clocked a 40-yard dash time faster than all but two others in this group. He also ranked highly in vertical and broad jumps. It’s intriguing to think about whether he can gain weight without losing that dynamic explosiveness.
Max Llewellyn, Iowa State, 6-6, 258
Llewellyn’s performance at the combine raised eyebrows, as he tested towards the bottom of the scale for his position. He’s got the size and decent backfield stats, but missed tackles have plagued him. Inconsistency has been a highlight of his game, despite showing flashes of brilliance.
Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan, 6-2, 247
The MAC Defensive Player of the Year turned lateral speed into 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in 2025. Interestingly, he went three seasons without a sack while at Houston, pivoting into football after starting as a high school senior. Still, his tendency to freelance could pose challenges.
