2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 10 EDGE defenders
By Ian Higgins
Young talent rushing the passer is crucial to every franchise’s future. Which 2020 NFL Draft rookies can make the biggest impact from day one?
Khalil Mack, Aaron Donald, the Bosa brothers (Joey Bosa & Nick Bosa). Four players who have become focal points to their respective defenses after being drafted (In Mack’s case, for both of his teams). This kind of contribution on the defensive end makes the difference in many games, creating long down & distances as well as turnovers (whether via fumble or rushed interception).
Acquiring young talent on cheap contracts through the draft is crucial to a franchise’s success, specifically at the quarterback and edge positions. Building rosters around these inexpensive rookie contracts has become a new cap-strategy since the success of the Los Angeles Rams with young quarterback Jared Goff. The NFL is a copy-cat league, and this is only the beginning of a major trend increasing the value of drafting talent.
The 2020 NFL draft has a deep roster of edge talent through both the top and bottom of the draft. High-end talents such as Chase Young has garnered attention for top-5 selections, and value-finds such as Julian Okwara have brought attention to the middle rounds of the draft. Much of the talent that makes the difference for franchises comes from the middle rounds of the draft, such as linebackers Darius Leonard & Jamie Collins.
The criteria I personally look for when ranking EDGE players will be by their pass-rushing technique, athleticism (burst & strength primarily), and understanding of leverage. These three points are typically the areas in which star pass-rushers excel, combing their athleticism with pass-rushing strategy and an arsenal of moves to unravel offensive tackles.
Edge players can still add value outside of their pass-rushing, with past NFL veterans such as Rob Ninkovich making their careers by being effective against both the run and pass, acting more as a utility piece instead of a pure quarterback-nightmare.