2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 edge rushers
While the 2020 NFL Draft is still months away, it’s never too early to rank the top players at each position. In this edition, we cover the edge rushers.
The 2019 NFL Draft was heralded at one point as being one of the best draft classes for edge rushers. While time will ultimately tell if that is true or not, the early returns on players such as Brian Burns, Chase Winonvich, Josh Allen and Nick Bosa look very promising.
However, the 2020 NFL Draft has the potential to be even better, as the class is frontloaded with potential superstars at the position. After that, there are players that have the potential to be long-term starters in the NFL. Although there is always somewhat of a talent drop off, that’s an inevitability in any draft class. But so far through this draft process, that decline in talent seems less steep.
To be objective, this list is bound to change as we inch closer to the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly towards the latter half of the list. The scouting process is a fluid one, where evaluators will go back and forth on a player as they watch more film and learn more about them. However, as of right now these are the top 10 edge rushers in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Honorable Mentions: Jabari Zuniga (Florida), Anfernee Jennings (Alabama), Darrell Taylor (Tennessee), Carlos Basham (Wake Forrest), Jonathan Greenard( Florida)
1. Chase Young- Ohio State
I mentioned above about the way we rank certain players will change over the next few months, however, Chase Young is certainly the antithesis of that notion. After having to step up last season in the wake of Nick Bosa’s core injury, Young showed what he could do when given the opportunity to shine, amassing 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Going into the 2019 campaign, expectations were through the roof for Young, and I’m happy to say he’s met them and then some.
When the 2020 NFL Draft rolls around next April, Young will still be the top edge rusher without a doubt. At first glance, he passes the eyeball test standing 6-5 at 265 pounds, with a build that some have aligned to that of the Predator. But it’s not just his physical stature that’s impressive, his play on the field is otherworldly.
One of my favorite things about Young is burst off the line of scrimmage. Often times he beats opposing tackles at the snap of the ball, in fact in some cases seldom does he touch his blocker. While he still has some room to grow, Young already possesses a great set of moves that include clubs and rips. But the aspect of his game that I adore the most is his bend as his athletic frame allows him to dip underneath blockers. Overall Young is the best edge in the 2020 NFL Draft, if not the best prospect overall.