To our EDGE rushers and linebackers we go, continuing to preview through this draft's top defensive prospects. Unlike majority of the years, there isn't a blockbuster talent in this bunch. No Aidan Hutchinson or Josh Allen for a team to drool over, but their are guys who'll make some Pro Bowl rosters here. Although that's far from the honor it used to be...
Regardless, we're livin' on the
EDGE
Jared Verse (Florida State): Incredibly explosive first step, often torching lineman opposite of him. When coupled with his diverse set of pass rush moves, he can be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Verse has heavy hands that deliver when he makes contact and a motor that doesn't have an off switch. There are some concerns about how strong he'll be against the run in the NFL, but he has elite pass rushing potential
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| Photo: Eric Verduzco/ AP |
Laiatu Latu (UCLA): Really sharp hands, with an impressive bag of moves. Super disciplined, regularly reading and shutting down screens and play action plays. Doesn't have elite bend or burst, but finds his way around the edge with relative frequency. Versatile skillset with the ability to drop back into coverage as well as playing edge or 3-technique. Needs to improve against the run. Also has a huge medical red flag from a 2020 neck injury that forced him to briefly retire.
Dallas Turner (Alabama): Insane motor, will not stop pursuit until the play is over. Sets the edge well in the run game, but doesn't quite finish the play with the frequency you'd like, oftentimes getting washed away from the point of attack after initial contact. Being a 247 pound dude battling with offensive tackles can provide that effect. Nonetheless, he's got room to fill out, athleticism and is already an adequate pass rusher with a good first step/arsenal of moves. Probably will be mainly a third down guy as a rookie
Chop Robinson (Penn State): Freak athlete, just explodes off the of the line. So much speed that it's almost detrimental at times, with Robinson often relying on his otherworldly burst to coast past blockers, rather than diversifying and mastering his pass rush moves. Combined with his shorter measurables and there are some justified concerns with how well he'll be able to get after the QB in the NFL. Solid against the run however, our most developed three down edge up to this point
Chris Braswell (Alabama): Gets out of his stance with above average burst. Has decent hands once engaged but seems to lack the pop to move blockers off their spots. Heavy hitter once he's squared you up, forcing four career fumbles for the Crimson Tide. He doesn't have a ton of experience playing however, with a lack of natural instincts slowing his reaction time. Respectable floor with his ability to play against the run, but not the highest ceiling guy in this class
Darius Robinson (Missouri): Gets penetration quickly while still managing to read and react to play fakes with discipline beyond his years. Will struggle at times to shed initial blockers once engaged, but has a solid repertoire of moves to keep opposing hands off him. Really appealing measurables at 6'5", 285 with an 84.5" wingspan--plenty of room to fill into more of a physical monster. Not the quickest though and plays a bit stiff to become a truly effective NFL pass rusher
Linebackers
Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M): Patient when assessing plays, then hits the hole aggressively once he identifies it. Violent tackler who'll occasionally overpursue shiftier ball carriers due to his game speed. Excels in defending the pass as well as rushing the quarterback, as evidenced by the 10 sacks he racked up as a senior. On the smaller side as far as middle linebackers go, by NFL standards. Profiles very similarly to Patrick Queen in my opinion: will likely get overpowered as the MIKE linebacker, but could be an absolute star as the WILL
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| Photo: Jamie Maury/ TEXAGS |
Junior Colson (Michigan): Adept in run and pass defense, though not particularly excelling in either. Gets a good head of steam going but doesn't change direction with top notch agility. Unafraid of contact, willing to stick his nose into scrums to finish plays. Underrated pass rushing ability, plays special teams effectively too. High motor guy who'll find a spot on a roster for a long time
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson): Disciplined against fakes, rarely misdiagnosing a play. Above average burst, but nothing to write home about. Fundamentally sound player that gets after the ball. Drops back into coverage and rushes the QB with proficiency, racking up 5.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2023. Plays a little stiff, which is accentuated by his lack of explosiveness, but has a versatile skillset that doesn't ever really need to leave the field.
Payton Wilson (NC State): Strong coverage linebacker with a nose for the ball. Fluid hips, noticeable agility-- just a good all around athlete. Hits the hole hard once a run play is sniffed out, rarely missing a tackle at the point of contact. Has dealt with some significant knee injuries though and is a bit undersized to guarantee his playing style will be as effective on the professional level. Could potentially transition to a box safety if he's not able to put on necessary weight. A true sleeper at the position
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@Choppinglines
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