2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 EDGE Rusher Rankings
Last Updated: October 31, 2025đ See Full EDGE Rankings with Interactive Filters â
The 2026 EDGE class is headlined by a potential #1 overall pick and features elite pass-rushing talent throughout the first two rounds. This year's group offers explosive athletes, powerful bull rushers, and versatile defenders who can drop into coverageâgiving NFL teams multiple archetypes to choose from depending on their defensive scheme.
---
The Elite Tier: Top 3 EDGE Rushers
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) â Overall Rank: #1 (EDGE1)
Rank Movement: Consensus #1 Physical: 6'3" | 275 lbs | 4.52 40-yard dash The #1 Overall Pick Candidate.Bain isn't just the top EDGE rusherâhe's the consensus #1 player across all positions and the betting favorite to be selected first overall in April.
Background:4-star recruit in the 2023 class who made an immediate impact at Miami, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, third-team All-ACC, and Freshman All-American honors (44 tackles, 13 TFLs, 7.5 sacks).
A calf injury limited him to 12 games in 2024 (23 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3.5 sacks), raising concerns about explosiveness. He silenced doubts in 2025, looking as quick off the snap as his freshman year.
What Makes Him EDGE1:At 6'3", 275 lbs, Bain has a unique build for an EDGE rusherâelite size combined with explosive athleticism. His calling card is his outstanding first-step burst that allows him to penetrate gaps or attack the passer before blockers are fully set.
He's a devastating speed-to-power rusher. Bain can overwhelm offensive linemen by running straight through them, collapsing the pocket with violent hands and elite power. When he executes his bull rush, offensive linemen struggle to anchor.
His pass rush arsenal is advanced for his age. Bain executes two-hand swipes and club combinations with precision timing to knock tackles' strikes. He can win outside or inside with rips, clubs, and swimsâshowing size-defying flexibility and bend at the apex of his rush.
Against the run, Bain is strong and physical at the point of attack, solid against combo blocks from tackles and tight ends. He has lined up in different spots along the defensive frontâeffective as an edge rusher or in interior alignments in some schemes.
Pro Comparison: Kayvon Thibodeauxâelite physical traits with power and explosiveness The Concerns:While his first step is explosive, some league evaluators believe he lacks the consistent burst to win purely with speed around the edge at the NFL level. His hand timing and consistency when rushing the passer needs refinementâhe's often late and doesn't play the hands well after initial contact.
Run defense discipline is a concern. Bain has a habit of leaving his gap assignment early and can lose outside contain when setting the edge. He likes to gamble to make plays and can get burned by patient running backs on zone runs.
The Tweener Question: At 275 lbs, there's debate whether he's athletic enough to win with speed in the NFL or if he should kick inside to defensive tackle. His injury history (calf) also raises durability questions. Draft Projection: #1-3 Overall Pick Best Fit: Teams needing a dominant 3-down EDGE (Titans, Giants, Panthers)---
2. TJ Parker, Clemson â Overall Rank: #10 (EDGE2)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'3" | 265 lbs | 4.48 40-yard dash The Safest Pick.Parker is the heavy favorite to be the first EDGE rusher selected if teams pass on Bain for a quarterback.
Background:4-star recruit in the 2023 class. Became a Freshman All-American (32 tackles, 13 TFLs, 5.5 sacks) and followed it up with a dominant 2024 season: 2nd-team All-ACC with 57 tackles, 20 TFLs, 11 sacks, and a school-record 6 forced fumbles.
What Makes Him EDGE2:Parker's game is defined by his elite power profileâstrong and physical at the point of attack, he sets the edge against the run and wins with power as a pass-rusher. His thick build with good arm length makes him a force.
As a relentless power rusher, Parker complements his strength with agility and quickness, deploying a diverse arsenal of pass-rush moves. He plays with his hands in front to protect his chest in both phases and shows active hands with solid cross-chop moves.
Versatility is a major selling point. Parker has the body type and athletic ability to line up anywhere from an interior 4i to a stand-up 6/7-tech. He looked comfortable in zone coverage when asked to drop. On run defense, he can lock out and use his length to set an edge, plus he's a solid open-field tackler with good pursuit.
Pro Comparison: Bradley Chubbâpower-based edge who wins with technique over elite explosiveness The Concerns:Bend and flexibility are average at bestâhis ankles are a little stiff to turn tight corners at the top of the rush. His first-step explosiveness lacks elite juice. Parker wins more with technique and timing than pure twitch off the snap, limiting his ceiling as a speed rusher.
He struggles to work his hands after contact and doesn't have reliable counter moves when his initial rush gets stalled. His motor consistency runs hot and cold depending on game situation. Pad level is an issueâhe plays high and struggles to sink his hips to avoid getting pushed inside by down blocks.
Draft Projection: Top 10-15 Pick Best Fit: Teams needing a true defensive end and immediate 3-down starter---
3. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon â Overall Rank: #21 (EDGE3)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'5" | 272 lbs | 4.65 40-yard dash The Athletic Freak.Uiagalelei has the most upside of any EDGE rusher in this class.
Background:Just 20 years old with an incredibly compelling blend of size, length, lean mass, burst, and quickness. After a quiet freshman year (18 tackles, 2 sacks), he exploded in 2024 with 10.5 sacksâleading not just the Ducks but the entire Big Ten during the regular season.
Strengths:Uiagalelei prefers to win with quickness and speed off the edge. He gets off the ball well and attacks the outside arc to beat offensive tackles. His fluid hips and active hands allow him to bend at the apex of his rush and turn the corner toward the quarterback. He has flexible ankles and hips to corner at the top of the rush.
Against the run, Uiagalelei shows a quick first step that allows him to gain outside leverage and disrupt run plays early. He shoots his hands and uses his length to lock out offensive linemen before they can engage, consistently setting a firm edge.
Versatility is a key assetâbecause of his size and length, Uiagalelei can play in multiple alignments across multiple schemes and be successful.
The Concerns:Pass rush moves remain somewhat one-dimensionalâhe relies heavily on speed and needs to develop more effective counter moves when his initial rush stalls. His ability to hold the point of attack is inconsistent, with moments where he gets displaced and the offense creates gaps.
Tackling technique needs refinementâhe sometimes attempts arm tackles rather than squaring up ball carriers. While he has the athleticism and production worth betting on, his lack of high-end hip flexibility limits his cornering potential.
Overall Assessment: Long, athletic, and physical edge defender with immediate value as a run stopper and the upside to become a disruptive pass rusher.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round (Pick 15-25) Best Fit: Teams willing to develop a toolsy EDGE with elite upside (Ravens, 49ers, Dolphins)---
The Rising Stars: Prospects 4-7
4. David Bailey, Texas Tech â Overall Rank: #19 (EDGE4)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'3" | 250 lbs The Speed Demon.Bailey is one of the most explosive pass rushers in this class.
Background:Transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech. According to Bruce Feldman, Bailey reaches a top speed greater than 20.5 mph in 20 yardsâelite track speed for a 250 lb edge rusher.
Strengths:Bailey is a loose, bendy athlete capable of dropping his pad level and slingshotting himself around the corner. He tallied a 93.2 PFF pass-rush grade and 27.2% pass rush win rate last season.
He has a wicked first step and nice bend as one of the better speed rushers in this class. Bailey uses his hands well as a pass-rusher, showing quick and active hands. His pass rush plan includes speed rushes, rips, swipe-rips, club-swims, and a developmental spin move. He excels at flattening pass rush angles to penetrate the pocket.
Weaknesses:Doesn't show much pass-rush diversity beyond his speed rush and must master more moves. Bailey is exciting in flashes but not a complete player yet. He needs to fill out his lean frame to generate more production with play strength. His run-defense grades have been low.
Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round), potential Top 50 pick NFL Fit: 3rd-down pass rush specialist with starter upside if run defense improves---
5. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M â Overall Rank: #26 (EDGE5)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'2" | 249 lbs | Sub-31" arms The Underrated Technician.Howell is one of the most refined pass rushers in college football right now.
2025 Stats (9 games): 9.5 sacks (3rd in the nation), 21.5% pressure rate
Background:3-star recruit from Bowling Green who transferred to Texas A&M and patiently waited behind 2025 draft picks before breaking out in 2025.
Strengths:Explosive athlete with tremendous bend around the edge. He has strong and active hands and plays the game with a non-stop motor. Howell effectively uses a number of different moves to get to the quarterback, including an incredible spin move and ghost move.
He's a smart and explosive pass-rusher with a deep bag of moves and hyper-elite agility and bend to keep tackles guessing.
The Arm Length Issue:The biggest concern for Howell is that he's an undersized pass rusher who lacks ideal arm length for the position. His arm length measured at just 30 inchesâwell below NFL standards for EDGE rushers.
With his lack of size and arm length, Howell can struggle to disengage from blocks. He also needs to continue improving his play strength against the run.
Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (Pick 25-40) Best Fit: Odd fronts where he can attack gaps with speed/bend (Steelers, Patriots, Jets)---
6. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State â Overall Rank: #35 (EDGE6)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'5" | 272 lbs The Playoff Warrior.Dennis-Sutton dominated in Penn State's CFP run and cemented himself as a first-round prospect with elite production on the biggest stage.
2024 Stats: 42 tackles, 13 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT CFP Stats: Snagged a highlight-reel INT in the Orange Bowl plus 6 TFLs and 4.5 sacks across three playoff games Background:Former 4-star recruit out of Virginia who redshirted in 2021 before becoming a key rotational player in 2022-2023. His breakout came in 2024 when he earned a starting role and delivered immediately with consistent pressure and game-changing plays. His performance in the College Football Playoff elevated his draft stock significantly, showing scouts he could dominate against elite competition when it mattered most.
What Makes Him EDGE6:Dennis-Sutton showcases a power-laden game with willingness to evolve his pass rush as the game progresses. When he fires his hands with precision, he overwhelms tackles with shocking powerâhis strip-sack against Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals was a perfect example of his violent hand usage.
His run defense is NFL-ready. Solid upper body strength and long arms allow him to get extension on blocks and win at the point of attack against tight ends and weaker offensive tackles. His motor and instincts enable him to make plays consistently, never taking snaps off.
At 6'5", 272 lbs, he has the prototypical size NFL teams covet for a base defensive end. His length (34+ inch arms) allows him to keep blockers off his frame and disengage when necessary.
Pro Comparison: Marcus Davenportâbig-bodied power rusher with flashes of dominance The Concerns:Athleticism is the limiting factor. His initial get-off lacks explosive first-step quickness compared to elite speed rushers. He lacks twitch and quickness to make sudden moves, and his bend to turn tight corners is below-average for a first-round pick.
His pass rush plan remains somewhat predictable, relying heavily on power moves without consistently effective counters. When his bull rush gets stalled, he doesn't have reliable secondary moves to win. Pad level tends to rise when engaged with blockers, making him susceptible to getting pushed past the quarterback on inside counters.
Against elite tackles with good length and lateral agility, Dennis-Sutton can disappear for stretches. He's not a versatile defender who can drop into coverage or move around the formationâhe's strictly a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round (Pick 20-32) Best Fit: 4-3 defensive end role in power-based defensive schemes (Bears, Panthers, Browns)---
7. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee â Overall Rank: #42 (EDGE7)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'3" | 245 lbs | 82-inch wingspan The Wild Card.PFF's Trevor Sikkema ranked Josephs as the #5 EDGE in this classâahead of several players ranked higher on consensus boardsâciting his elite length and pass-rush versatility.
2024 Stats: 90.6 PFF grade (3rd-highest graded defensive player nationally) 91.4 run-defense grade (led all edge defenders nationally) Background:Former 3-star recruit who arrived at Tennessee in 2022 and has steadily improved each season. Started his career as a situational pass rusher before earning a full-time role in 2024. His development under Tennessee's defensive staff has been remarkableâtransforming from a raw athlete into one of the most technically sound edge rushers in the country.
His 2024 breakout coincided with Tennessee's elite defensive performance, where he became the team's most consistent pass rusher while also excelling against the run. His elite PFF grades suggest he's one of the most complete EDGE prospects in this class despite his lean frame.
What Makes Him EDGE7:Josephs is known for his length and quickness as a pass rusher. His quick first step gets past offensive linemen before they can fully set, and he can seamlessly acquire leverage and win with speed, bend, and tempo modulations. His 82-inch wingspan is elite, allowing him to use his length to attack opposing swipes, decouple from blocks, and impact the quarterback from distance.
He's a smart rusher who understands how to manipulate tackles with head fakes, stutter steps, and sudden directional changes. His counter moves are advanced for a college playerâwhen his initial rush gets stalled, he immediately transitions to swipe-rips, spins, or arm-overs to keep working toward the quarterback.
Despite his lean frame (245 lbs), Josephs is much better in run defense than his dimensions would indicate. His leverage acquisition and length aid him significantly, allowing him to set a firm edge and stack tight ends. His 91.4 run-defense grade led all edge defenders nationally in 2024.
Pro Comparison: Carl Lawsonâlean, long, athletic pass rusher with elite bend and length The Concerns:At around 6'3" and less than 250 pounds, his lean frame could be a problem at the NFL level against 310+ lb offensive tackles. He'll need to add 10-15 lbs of functional strength without sacrificing his elite athleticism.
His tendency to play too high and occasional difficulty shedding blocks once engaged will limit his early impact. When powerful tackles get their hands on him, he can struggle to disengage. Pad level discipline needs improvementâhe rises out of his stance too often when rushing.
He must improve his ability to convert pressures into sacks to maximize his considerable ceiling. While he wins consistently and affects quarterbacks, his sack totals don't fully reflect his impact. Better finishing ability would elevate him into the first round conversation.
Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (Pick 25-35) Best Fit: Odd fronts and hybrid schemes that value versatility and length (Steelers, Chiefs, Bills)---
The Depth: Prospects 8-10
8. Romello Height, Texas Tech â Overall Rank: #47 (EDGE8)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'3" | 240 lbs | 21.82 mph top speed The Transfer Success Story.Height has bounced around (Auburn â USC â Georgia Tech â Texas Tech) before finding his home and NFL draft momentum in Lubbock.
2025 Stats: Career-high 5 sacks in first 7 games Background:Originally signed with Auburn as a 4-star recruit in 2021 but never found consistent playing time in the SEC. Transferred to USC for the 2022 season, then to Georgia Tech in 2023, before landing at Texas Tech in 2024 where he finally broke out as a situational pass rusher.
According to scouting sources, Height has "heard more from scouts than any other player" at Texas Tech this season. His Week 4 matchup against Utahâwhere he faced two potential first-round offensive tacklesâserved as his signature resume game, showing he could compete against elite competition.
Bruce Feldman's athletic testing revealed Height clocked 21.82 mph at 240 poundsâexceptional speed that ranks among the fastest edge rushers in college football.
What Makes Him EDGE8:Height is a pure standup rusher with NFL-caliber speed and explosiveness. His 21.82 mph top speed allows him to threaten the edge on every snap, forcing tackles to overcommit to his speed rush and opening up inside counter moves.
He's viewed as one of the better situational pass rushers in this class. On obvious passing downs, Height can take over with his combination of speed, length (good wingspan for his height), and improving hand usage. His summer performance in camp caught the attention of scouts nationwide, leading to increased buzz as a Day 2 prospect.
His motor is relentlessâhe plays every snap like it's his last, chasing plays from the backside and never giving up on rushes. This non-stop effort shows up on tape and endears him to defensive coordinators looking for high-energy rotational players.
Pro Comparison: Uchenna Nwosuâathletic pass rush specialist who carved out a role as a situational rusher The Concerns:At 240 lbs, Height is undersized for an NFL edge rusher and will struggle to hold up against the run at the next level. He gets washed out by double teams and struggles to anchor at the point of attack when tight ends chip him on the way to second-level blocks.
His pass rush arsenal is limitedâmostly relying on speed and bend around the edge. When tackles with good length force him to win with power or counters, he doesn't have reliable answers. He needs to develop more hand techniques and secondary moves to become a complete rusher.
His career trajectory (5 schools, limited production until 2025) raises concerns about consistency and whether his breakout is sustainable. Teams will want to see him maintain this level through the end of the season and into the draft process.
Draft Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round, Pick 50-80) Best Fit: 3-4 OLB role as designated pass rush specialist (Ravens, Chargers, Raiders)---
9. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma â Overall Rank: #53 (EDGE9)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'2" | 243 lbs | Sub-32" arms The Explosive Underdog.Thomas has "blinding speed off the edge" and recorded a 92.6 PFF Game Athleticism Scoreâpowered by 22 plays clocked over 15 mph.
Background:Arrived at Oklahoma as a 3-star recruit and worked his way into the rotation through relentless effort and elite athleticism. Over three seasons, his pass-rush win rate has never fallen below 10.0%, with 2024 marking his highest clip yet (14.0%).
Despite being undersized and lacking ideal length, Thomas has proven he can win at the Power 4 level with technique, speed, and motor. His development as a hand-fighter and improved understanding of leverage has allowed him to overcome physical limitations and emerge as one of Oklahoma's most consistent defensive playmakers.
Some draft analysts project him as Oklahoma's next first-round pick, though his size and limited snaps (fewer than 1,000 career defensive snaps) could push him to Day 2.
What Makes Him EDGE9:Thomas possesses "supernova-like explosive ability and speed off the snap" that allows him to threaten tackles immediately. His ability to get vertical then flatten around the corner is exceptionalâhe has gravity-defying bend to run the arc at a high level that few players in this class can match.
He does better than other undersized prospects at converting speed-to-power. When he times his rush perfectly, he can bull rush tackles with shocking force despite his 243 lb frame. His violent hands and assertive, polished hand-fighting ability allow him to shed blocks and work through contact.
Against the run, Thomas is surprisingly effective for his size. He's described as "violent and heavy-handed in the run game," using leverage and hand placement to compensate for lack of mass. His high motor ensures he's always around the ball.
Pro Comparison: Haason Reddickâundersized speed rusher who became elite through technique and motor The Concerns:Thomas measures 6'1 5/8", 249 lbs with sub-32 inch armsâall below traditional NFL thresholds for every-down edge defenders. Long-limbed offensive tackles can keep him at distance, and he struggles to revive his rush when tackles initiate contact first.
He gets displaced too frequently to feel comfortable with him manning an all-downs role. Bigger linemen can swallow him, and he doesn't have the mass to sit down double-teams or hold up against physical tight ends on the edge.
His pass rush plan must diversify with more hand counters and secondary moves. While his speed and bend are elite, he needs more tricks when his initial rush gets stonewalled. Ankle problems that limited his first two college seasons will require thorough medical evaluation from NFL teams.
Draft Projection: Day 2-3 (3rd-4th Round, Pick 80-110) Best Fit: 3-4 OLB or 4-3 SAM role where he can pin ears back and rush (Rams, Eagles, Cowboys)---
10. Damon Wilson Jr., Missouri â Overall Rank: #55 (EDGE10)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'4" | 250 lbs The Georgia Transfer.Wilson spent two years at Georgia before transferring to Missouri where he's surpassed his career-high sack total (5.5) in just seven games this season.
Background:Originally recruited to Georgia as a 4-star prospect with elite athleticism and pass-rush potential. During his time in Athens (2022-2023), Wilson was overshadowed by elite talent like Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter but showed flashes as a rotational rusher.
Outside of Jalon Walker, Wilson was Georgia's best pass rushing force in 2023, recording impact plays against Auburn, Mississippi State, Texas, and Tennessee with his burst and creativityâoften coming on stunts and counters where his athleticism shined.
His transfer to Missouri for the 2024 season proved beneficial, giving him a larger role and the opportunity to showcase his full skill set. Through seven games, he's already eclipsed his career-high in sacks and earned buzz as a potential Day 2 pick.
What Makes Him EDGE10:Wilson's specialization is as a speed and finesse rusher who uses elite explosiveness, agility, twitch, and angle IQ to offset and blow past would-be blockers. His burst off the snap is NFL-caliber, allowing him to threaten the edge immediately and force tackles into panic mode.
He has a solid hand usage arsenal and good feel for leverageâunderstanding when to use rips, swipes, and swim moves to beat different types of blockers. His creativity on stunts and counters makes him a nightmare for offensive coordinators to game plan against.
At 6'4", 250 lbs, Wilson has the frame to add functional strength while maintaining his athleticism. He's long and athletic, with the build scouts love for modern edge rushers who can play multiple roles in hybrid defenses.
Pro Comparison: Josh Sweatâathletic finesse rusher who wins with speed and creativity The Concerns:The biggest area of critique is his run defense. He makes the occasional splash play, but gets moved around consistently and doesn't diagnose runs effectively. He needs to flat out be more physical in trying to shed blocks and set the edge.
His lacking power production and occasional aversion to physicality prevents him from rising further up draft boards. When games get physical and grind-it-out style, Wilson can disappear for stretches. He needs to develop more power-based moves to complement his finesse rushing style.
He still needs to refine his hand usage as a pass rusher. While his arsenal is solid, it's not elite, and improving his technique would allow him to climb boards significantly. Consistency is also a concernâhe can dominate one game and vanish the next.
Draft Projection: Day 2-3 (4th-5th Round, Pick 110-150) Best Fit: Situational pass rusher in multiple fronts with potential to develop into starter (Broncos, Seahawks, Packers)---
Stock Watch: Who's Rising?
Cashius Howell đ
Joshua Josephs** đ
Romello Height** đ
---
Stock Watch: Who's Falling?
Matayo Uiagalelei đ (Minor Dip)
Dani Dennis-Sutton** đ (Minor Dip)
---
The Verdict: Is This a Strong EDGE Class?
Yesâat the top, thin at the back.
The 2026 EDGE class features.Bain vs. Parker:
There's no debate. Bain is EDGE1 on every board. The real question is whether he goes #1 overall or if teams reach for a QB.
Parker is the safe, pro-ready pick for teams in the 10-15 range who need an immediate starter.
Bottom Line:
This is a top-heavy class. If you need an EDGE rusher, you better be drafting in the Top 25. After Howell/Dennis-Sutton/Josephs, the talent drops significantly. Expect 4-6 EDGE rushers in Round 1, but very few in Rounds 4-7.
---
Final Thoughts: Players to Continue Watching
---
Explore Interactive EDGE Rankings
Want to compare all EDGE prospects side-by-side?đ View Interactive 2026 EDGE Draft Rankings â
Features:
---
Test Your Draft Strategy: Mock the 2026 NFL Draft
Want to see how these edge rushers fit with your favorite team? Head over to StickToTheModel.com's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator and build your dream draft board.
Our simulator features:
â Real-time prospect rankings (updated weekly)
â Team needs analysis for all 32 franchises
â Trade calculator to move up for your elite pass rusher
â Personalized draft grades based on team fit
Will you take Bain #1 overall? Can you snag Howell's elite spin move in Round 2?
Start Your Mock Draft Now â---
Rankings updated weekly throughout the college football season. Follow us on Twitter @StickToTheModel for real-time updates.