Ranking the Top 15 Edge Rusher Prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Though there isn’t a prospect who stands out as a potential number one overall pick like Jadeveon Clowney did a year ago, there’s a strong possibility that the group of 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers—collectively referred to as edge rushers—in the 2015 NFL Draft class is the class’s deepest position group. There are several of these guys who have a chance to go in the Top 10, and it’s quite conceivable that seven or eight players among the group could go in the first round.

While this is a strong pass rusher class overall, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find players at the position that fit a variety of schemes. The highly-successful 3-4 defensive schemes of the mid-to-late 2000s had a trickle-down effect, as more college defensive coordinators began employing at least elements of those schemes, and over time their schools began to recruit personnel who fit the schemes more closely. Now we’re beginning to see a lot of those players who were recruited to play as stand-up 3-4 outside linebackers, and by extension it’s becoming hard to find players who have the traditional 4-3 defensive end build of about 6-foot-4 and between 260 and 270 pounds.

On the bright side, there’s plenty of ready-made personnel available for the 18 of the 32 teams in the league who are expected to run some variation of the 3-4 defense during 2015. These guys are quicker, more agile players who are capable of dropping back into coverage on occasion and assertively defending the run.

With that said, many of the top pass rushers in this draft class are pushing traditional norms a bit farther than usual. Everyone among the NFL’s top 40 leaders in sacks during 2014 was listed at 250 pounds or heavier (granted, guys like Von Miller who are listed at 250 flat may be a bit lighter in actuality). In contrast, four of the top 10 players on this list weighed in at the combine at under 250 pounds, so if and when they succeed as edge rushers in the NFL, they’ll be setting a trend. This is by no means to suggest that’s not possible; the NFL’s gradual transition towards becoming a quicker, more passing-based league (along with the introduction of HGH testing) will likely make it easier for lighter players to succeed in the coming years.

Just for reference, my grading scale for edge rushers is broken down as follows: 40 percent of the evaluation is based on the player’s pass-rushing skill, 25 percent is based on his ability to defend the run, 20 percent is based on athleticism and raw physical skill, 10 percent is devoted to size, and five percent accounts for any character concerns or other off-the-field issues that may plague the player.

With that said, here are my top 15 edge-rushing defensive ends and outside linebackers for the 2015 NFL Draft class:

Next: 15. Max Valles