As the clock ticks toward the NFL Draft it’s time to count down our top prospects at each position. There’s a healthy debate to be had over the quality of this draft overall, but the strength and depth of this EDGE class is a consensus. Given the Eagles value of the trenches and need for reinforcements along the DL, it’s safe to assume one of these prospects will be in midnight green by the end of day two (third round).
1. Kayvon Thibideaux, EDGE, Oregon
The skinny: A freak athlete with a body/skillset tailored to rush the passer and dominate on the edge; this caliber of prospect shouldn’t be over-thought.
Best trait: Athleticism, strength
Why he could fall: Knit-pick concerns, questions over his “love” for the game
Player comparison: Khalil Mack
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile
2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The skinny: Most scout’s EDGE1 and arguably the safest pick in the class; elite lateral quickness, refined technique, and a relentless motor make for a can’t-miss prospect.
Best trait: Motor, hand-usage
Why he could fall: He likely won’t
Player comparison: Chris Long
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile
3. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The skinny: Uber-athletic EDGE with a lunch-pail mindset and plenty of room to grow.
Best trait: Speed-to-power
Why he could fall: Scouts vary on his value in a loaded EDGE class
Player comparison: Ryan Kerrigan
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile, strong-side
4. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The skinny: An elite athlete and well-rounded DL prospect with untapped potential to rush the passer; dominant against the run with the versatility/strength to kick inside.
Best trait: Powerful
Why he could fall: Somewhat of a tweener depending on scheme
Player comparison: Ezekiel Ansah
Scheme fit: Odd-front, strong-side
5. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida St.
The skinny: An all-around EDGE with an ideal build, he lacks the upside of his peers but offers a bankable floor.
Best trait: Feel for the position
Why he could fall: Lacks high-end athleticism
Player comparison: Lighter Matt Judon
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile, strong-side
6. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The skinny: An explosive athlete with every trait a pass rusher could ask for, if he develops the finer points of the position he’ll be a generational talent.
Best trait: Speed-to-power
Why he could fall: Raw, inexperienced, Achilles injury
Player comparison: Randy Gregory
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile, weak-side
7. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
The skinny: A toolsy developmental piece with the versatility to rush the passer and play in space, odd-front teams will covet his upside.
Best trait: Versatility
Why he could fall: Scheme-specific, a little raw
Player comparison: Rashan Gary
Scheme fit: Odd-front, weak or strong
8. Arnold Ebikitie, EDGE, Penn State
The skinny: A twitchy edge defender with plus-length, lateral quickness, and hand technique; has proven useful against the run and pass.
Best trait: Length/juice
Why he could fall: Deep Edge class
Player comparison: Trent Cole
Scheme fit: Attacking-front, odd or even
9. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
The skinny: A high-motor, twitchy pass-rush specialist with upside as a drop backer in odd-fronts.
Best trait: Pressuring the QB
Why he could fall: Might be viewed as a tweener
Player comparison: Vic Beasley
Scheme fit: Odd-front, weak-side
10. Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
The skinny: A gumby-like pass rusher with the explosive traits to develop into a sack artist.
Best trait: Length/bend combo
Why he could fall: Lacks strength
Player comparison: Bruce Irvin
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile, weak-side
11. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
The skinny: An average athlete who compensates with a plus get-off, strong hand technique, and desirable length.
Best trait: Length, motor
Why he could fall: Lacks elite traits
Player comparison: Derek Barnett
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile
12. Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
The skinny: A speed-to-power rusher with ideal size and explosive traits to win against pro tackles.
Best trait: Size/burst combo
Why he could fall: Off-field concerns
Player comparison: Whitney Mercilus
Scheme fit: Even-front, weak or strong
13. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
The skinny: A bendy edge rusher with long arms, quick feet, and plenty of juice in his movement; can drop in space.
Best trait: Athleticism
Why he could fall: Very raw
Player comparison: Harold Landry
Scheme fit: Odd-front, weak-side
14. Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego St.
The skinny: A strong, technically-savvy POA Defender with elite quickness for his size.
Best trait: Strength, hand-usage
Why he could fall: Lacks pass rush upside
Player comparison: Vinny Curry
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile, strong-side
15. Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky
The skinny: An impressive linear athlete who uses elite speed-to-power traits to overwhelm blockers from multiple alignments.
Best trait: Versatility
Why he could fall: Lacks high-end pass rush upside; average length diminishes his skillset
Player comparison: Michael Bennett
Scheme fit: Scheme-versatile, strong-side