The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy lists the top 10 edge rushers in this year’s NFL Draft, based on ratings and conversations with league officials.
1. Dallas Turner, Alabama, 6-3, 247
After being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year after an 11-sack season, he became the favorite to be the first defensive player to be selected.
You get a lot of reps with a quick first step, but there are also advanced movements on the bag.
It bounces off the run block.
2. Jared Barth, Florida State, 6-4, 254
He had nine sacks (29 total tackles for loss) in two seasons after transferring from Albany.
His combination of speed and power makes him a three-down, hands-in-the-dirt player.
Shout at the other person. Production comes and goes at a rapid pace.
3. Laiatu Ratu, UCLA, 6-5, 259
Major red flag for veteran bull rusher: ‘Retired’ after being sidelined for two seasons in Washington with a neck injury.
After being suspended by UCLA, he had 23.5 sacks in 25 games. Lives in the backfield against the run.
Slides inside on passing downs.
4. Darius Robinson, Missouri, 6-5, 285
Various power rush techniques. But what is his Plan B against an equally strong offensive tackle?
Unblock in the run game.
Although there was only one impact season, production was evenly distributed. The scary thing is that he’s still in middle school.
5. Chop Robinson, Penn State, 6-3, 254
He was given the nickname “Porkchop” because he weighed 14 pounds at birth.
A sudden athlete who makes an offensive tackle in an instant.
He had 60 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 35 career games, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. Need to add size.
6. Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan, 6-3, 267
A former two-star rookie who continues to grow.
A natural power bull rusher who recorded 37 pressures last season.
Fit edges in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. It makes pass rush schemes a little more predictable.
In 2023, he recorded 3 of 4.5 sacks per game.
7. Adisa Isaac, Penn State, 6-4, 247
The nervous Brooklyn native played against Chops Robinson and had a big performance, making 16 tackles for a loss.
At the Senior Bowl, he played under the whistle and rallied other players to do the same.
Need to add strength. You may find yourself deviating from the task.
8. Bralen Trice, Washington State, 6-3, 245
He reportedly lost a lot of weight from the fall until the NFL Combine.
Never make the playoffs.
Since there is less bend, the inside will win more often.
He led the FBS in quarterback pressures (148 total) in both 2022 and 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
9. Chris Braswell, Alabama, 6-3, 251
In four seasons at Alabama, last season was his only productive year, with eight sacks and three forced fumbles. The only trick pony as a pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme.
A weight room warrior who squats over 700 pounds.
Can be neutralized by larger body blockers.
10. Jonah Ellis, Utah, 6-2, 248
A former linebacker who ran outside and recorded 12 sacks on the season.
Struggles to set an edge against the run.
Scouts underestimated his younger brother Caden, a 100-tackle linebacker for the Falcons, due to concerns about his athletic ability.
Will they repeat the mistake of ignoring Jonah’s motor?
Oversleeping in the morning
Mohamed Kamara, Colorado, 6-1, 248
The Newark native totaled 30.5 sacks in his past 40 games and was named the 2023 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
It doesn’t take many snaps for a rookie to make a big impact in a situation. We need to use his strength.
fall rapidly
Jabontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame Cathedral, 6-4, 239
The Rockland County native can’t catch a day off.
He was blocked on the depth chart for five years at Ohio State, had a strong season at Notre Dame, and then suffered food poisoning at the NFL Combine, which affected his performance.
Special teams background helps.
the wonders of a small school
Jarix Hunt, Houston Christian, 6-4, 252
After three years in the safety of Cornell University, I changed jobs and schools. A speed rusher with a closing burst.
If he can get off the NFL block, he’ll be chasing the ball all over the field.
There is a possibility that he will be interviewed in disguise.
