The South Florida Sun Sentinel continues its eight-part series previewing top players in the 2023 NFL draft (April 27-29) with edge rushers. As the game has leaned toward offenses passing more, defenses have leaned more toward acquiring good edge rushers, the guys who put pressure on the quarterbacks and disrupt the passing game.
Yes, the shutdown cornerback is still a vital part of limiting the passing game, but edge rushers cause greater upheaval.
Look no further than the Dolphins as evidence.
The Dolphins gave up a first-round pick in November to obtain edge rusher Bradley Chubb. They paired him with fellow edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, a 2021 first-round pick, and they’re hoping to cause havoc up front.
The edge rusher is vitally important in today’s NFL.
Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Anderson (6 foot 3, 253 pound) is one of the most decorated players in recent history, winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy twice, being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year twice, as well as winning the Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award. Oh, yeah, last season he totaled 10 sacks and 17 tackles for losses.
Nolan Smith, Georgia
Smith (6-2, 238) had his season cut short by a pectoral muscle injury and ended with 18 tackles, seven for losses, including 3.0 sacks. He’s considered small for his position but he plays with ferocity and good technique. He’s a better pass rusher than run stopper but he’s capable and will mix it up when necessary.
Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Wilson (6-6, 271) is a hulking player who recorded 61 tackles, 14 for losses, including 7.0 sacks last season. Aside from being big, he’s long. His 35 5/8-inch long arms are suited for an offensive tackle. He needs work but he’s got a load of potential.
Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Van Ness (6-5, 272) had 38 tackles, 11 for losses, including 6.5 sacks, and he wasn’t a starter. He’s a strong guy who relies on his strength to outmuscle defenders. He’ll need to learn more technique in the NFL but most teams think that’ll happen.
Myles Murphy, Clemson
Murphy (6-5, 268) had 40 tackles, 11 for losses, including 6.5 sacks last season. He had 7.0 sacks in 2021. His best assets are his first step and his length. If he polishes up his technique he’ll be an absolute beast.
Best of the rest
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State; Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern; B.J. Ojulari, LSU; Keion White, Georgia Tech; Derrick Hall, Auburn; Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame; Will McDonald IV, Iowa State.
Class grade: A-
It’s a strong class at the top led by Anderson, Wilson and Van Ness. The edge rushers are strong through the first two, maybe three rounds. You could have four edge rushers selected in the first round and as many as seven through the first 50 picks.
Teams in need
Carolina and Houston, which have the first two picks, will almost certainly draft quarterbacks. We’ll see what happens at No. 3 with Arizona. The Cardinals could select Anderson or they could trade the pick to a quarterback-hungry team. Whatever the case, other teams in need include Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Seattle, Jacksonville and Kansas City.
Dolphins’ focus
It’s unlikely the Dolphins will look to draft an edge rusher. They’re OK at that position among Phillips and Chubb as starters, and Emmanuel Ogbah and Andrew Van Ginkel as rotational reserves along with newly-signed Malik Reed. However, the Dolphins might add an undrafted free agent or a veteran free agent, or they could even re-sign veteran Melvin Ingram.
Previously addressed
Dolphins draft options: Defensive backs
Dolphins NFL draft options: Linebackers
Dolphins NFL draft options: Wide receivers
Dolphins NFL draft options: Tight ends
Dolphins NFL draft options: Offensive line
