Top 5 Edge Rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft
#5. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
Isaiah Foskey isn't getting nearly as much attention as he deserves. Now, because of his occasionally unsteady balance, he might not always succeed at the moment of assault. His pass rushing arsenal also needs to be more varied. Foskey can play high hipped, which limits his flexibility and reduces his power.
Beyond that, Foskey is equipped with everything needed to make plays. He is incredibly explosive out of his stance and moves with long strides that are challenging for blockers to match. He translates speed to power incredibly well with his quickness and 6'5", 260-pound physique to enable him win at the point of attack. He also has excellent angle knowledge, which has given him advantage in his professional life. He is able to absorb power from the run and move blockers to seal lanes.
#4. B.J. Ojulari, LSU
Ojulari immediately succeeds in the area of speed. He almost never waits for the linemen to set up because of how quickly he leaves the line. Ojulari has demonstrated exceptional edge bend to avoid obstacles and shift directions with ease. Due to his height, he plays with excellent tackling range and consistently completes the tackle.
He frequently finds himself close to the ball to make a play because to his football IQ and reflexes. Ojulari sets the pace and completes plays thanks to his ability to locate a second surge of energy. His stature does hinder him against the run, as he will be diverted away from the ball carrier and snarled up in traffic. Ojulari, though, has potential and will have plenty of playing time as a rookie.
#3. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson's status has soared thanks to his elite athleticism. Using his strength and length to easily shed linemen and his flawless transition from quickness off the snap to power, he has an impact against the run. Wilson is incredibly flexible in space, has demonstrated advanced countermoves to further get off blocks, and has demonstrated advanced countermoves to further get off blocks. He secures tackles exceptionally well thanks to his length, hardly ever missing one, and then completes them by wrapping. Wilson has a strong motor and usually finds himself in the backfield. Over the course of four seasons, he has racked up 112 pressures, 18 sacks, and 69 run stops.
Wilson is being criticized for being kept at three because, in congested areas, he has a tendency to get lost in traffic and get distracted from the game. He occasionally plays with an uneven level of padding, which enables linemen to quickly establish leverage and a firm hold on him. All of these are coached-able areas, and Wilson will provide a team with a solid edge rusher overall.
#2. Myles Murphy, Clemson
Murphy is ranked among the top five prospects for many reasons. With the strong steps he takes and the second gear he can also hit to close in on the running back or quarterback, his acceleration off the line is almost elite. Murphy demonstrates a strong grasp of angles, which he combines with his strength to obtain leverage and move obstructions out of the path.
Murphy also generally plays with excellent instincts to assess the action and alter suitably when he can't win at the first strike. Murphy needs to practice being consistent because his attempts to acquire leverage sometimes lead to him being taken out of the play. He has also struggled with lateral agility as a result of some stiffness in his attempt to change directions. Although he is still a fantastic edge rusher, those minor flaws prevent him from being the best.
#1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Will Anderson is without a doubt the best edge rusher in this class after recording 34.5 sacks, 62 tackles for a loss, 207 pressures, and 109 run stops. With him lined up on the edge, as a 3-tech, and as a 4-tech, Anderson instantly demonstrates his versatility and ability to succeed wherever. With his distinctive skill and expertly honed tricks, he will repeatedly dislodge blockers. Even when double-teamed, Anderson's power and quickness off the snap make it difficult for him to be slowed down.
He can immediately identify run plays thanks to his IQ, and he is gap aware and agile enough to get to the spot where he needs to be to make the stop. However, that merely offers Anderson with the opportunity to become an even more effective playmaker at the NFL level. He could add more to his pass rush arsenal to assist disengage more regularly when linemen get into his frame.
