It's time to follow up on the offensive version of this post. This year I wanted to track how prospects rise and fall through the draft process, and it only makes sense to start eleven months out! The "way too early mock draft" is always a fun exercise, but let's also put it to good use.
This list is based on a consensus I created after looking at mocks from Todd McShay, Dane Brugler, and Jordan Reid.
The top edge rushers in the 2027 NFL Draft
1. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart is a 6'5, 245-pound edge rusher from South Carolina. He is one of two premier pass-rushing prospects so far in the 2027 class.
Here's what Reid had to say about Stewart:
"Stewart is an electric player with high-end lower-body flexibility, which helps him consistently race past blockers. Despite a slender frame, he has good initial pop in his hands, but he must get stronger to anchor and sustain as an edge setter."
2. Colin Simmons, Texas
Colin Simmons, out of Texas, is just a bit smaller than Stewart at 6'3, 245 pounds, but he led the SEC in sacks last season with twelve.
Brugler said this about Simmons.
"The SEC sacks leader in 2025, Simmons announced himself as a future first-round pick as soon as he set foot in Austin two years ago. His burst and body control are outstanding, especially at his size."
3. Damon Wilson II, Miami
Damon Wilson was the only other edge rusher on all three analysts' mocks.
Wilson is joining the Miami Hurricanes this season after one year at Missouri, where he recorded nine sacks in 2025. Before Missouri, Wilson played for the University of Georgia for two years.
At 6'4, 250 pounds Wilson is the biggest of the edge rushers on this list, though not by much, so he's more of the prototypical size for an edge rusher.
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