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

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15. Max Valles, 6’5, 251, Virginia

Based on Valles’s physical build alone, you could argue that he’s the top edge rusher prospect in the draft. However, an odd decision to enter the draft as a redshirt sophomore after only one season of substantial college production leaves him as a bit of a question mark for NFL teams.

Valles, who has a very impressive burst off the line of scrimmage, definitely fits the mold of a “project player”. He only recently reached the 250-pound mark as he began training for the combine, and he’ll need to do more work to shape his body for the rigors of the NFL. He also has substantial work to do on his approach and technique. He needs to improve his hand usage and try to develop some pass-rushing moves, as getting blocked by tight ends on a frequent basis, as he did at Virginia, will not be acceptable in the NFL. He also must take better paths to the quarterback and do a better job of settling his feet once he gets into the backfield rather than over-pursuing and getting knocked out of the play.

On the bright side, he does have the skills to fit well in a 3-4 outside linebacker role. He’s a good run defender (even though he does need to be more disciplined in keeping contain), he tackles well, and he’s very competent in space, which could even make him a viable option as a 4-3 outside linebacker if he can’t retain weight well enough to stick as an edge rusher.

You can read my complete scouting report on Valles HERE.

Next: 14. Preston Smith