The 10 Best EDGE Rushers In The 2023 NFL Draft

Ranking the 10 Best Edge Rushers in the 2023 #nfldraft
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EDGE Traits
Agility (AGI): Lateral explosiveness to change lanes and footspeed in pass rush moves
Getoff (GET): Physical and technical ability to come off the ball and get on top of blockers in a hurry
Bend (BND): Ability To flatten and turn around the arc without losing momentum.
Power Rush (PWR): Physical and techniqcal ability to win with power including but not limited to Bull, Push & Pull, and Rip Rush Moves
Finesse Rush (FIN): Physical and technical ability to win with finnesse including but not limited to Speed to Bend, Swim, Spin, and Swipe Moves
Run Defense (RUN): Physical and technical ability to hold ground, shed at the point of attack, and not lose gap discipline against the run
Tackling (TKL): Self Explanatory
Coverage (COV): Relative ability to drop into coverage from an Edge alignment; "N/A" may be assigned for players who weren't asked to do it
or shouldn't be at the next level.
Edge Scheme Fits
4-3: A 3-Down Edge built for a 4-3 Scheme to play with his hand in the dirt. Has a bit more size than a classic stand up Edge to defend the run but is likely not as quick or fluid to drop into coverage. May also be notably reliant on the 3-Point stance in order to generate getoff.
3-4: A 3-Down Edge built for a 3-4 Scheme to play standing up from a 2-point stance. Is typically quicker and more fluid than a 4-3 Edge to drop into coverage and can be more of a lighter, slippery run defender from the stand up position. May also not be as comfortable rushing with their hand in the dirt.
*Speed Rusher: Edge player who is an effective situational rusher but lack's the ability to consistently defend the run and likely shouldn't see the field on run downs.
*4-3 Run Defender: Edge player built specifically to defend the run from a 5-technique who lacks the tools to consistently rush the passer.
*Early Down 3-4: Edge linebacker who defends the run will and has the versatility to drop into coverage well who lacks the tools to consistently rush the passer.
*4-3 Tweener: Tweener type of Defensive End who excels in run defense from 5-tech but isn't big enough to hold up consistently as an Interior player on every down. Likely also lacks speed or bend around the edge for passing downs leaving him best utilized inside the tackles on rushing downs. Is likely best fit as an Interior player for Base 3-4 Teams.
*3-4 Tweener: Tweener type of Linebackers who can set the Edge against the run and thrive when dropping into coverage from on-ball Linebacker alignment. The difference between this and an "Early Down 3-4" is this player would be a true "Sam" in a 4-3 System and is likely tagged as too small to play the Edge.
*Not included in a player's categorization as "Any" scheme fit.
Grading Scale
8.0 Perfect Prospect
7.5 Day 1 Perennial All-Pro
7.3 Day 1 High-End Starter And Likely All-Pro
7.0 Day 1 Quality Starter And Potential All-Pro
6.9 Day 1 Starter With All Pro Upside
6.7-6.8 Day 1 Starter With High-End Starter Upside
6.6 Day 1 Starter
6.5 Boom Or Bust
6.3-6.4 Likely Starter Within First Two Seasons
6.1-6.2 Day 1 Backup With Starter Upside
6.0 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer - Developmental Traits Based Prospect
5.9 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - High Floor, Limited Physical Upside
5.8 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Low Floor, High Ceiling
5.7 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Limited Physical Upside
5.5-5.6 Day 1 Roster Bubble or Practice Squader
5.4 Priority Free Agent
5.0 Chance To Be In An NFL Camp
Under 5.0 Needs Time In A Developmental League

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Typo on Van Ness btw, he's a 21y/o RS Sophomore! Also, "Finesse" is mispelled because I suck at English.

[@adgee5401]

You’re human. People make mistakes.

[@aaronhaurum3951]

And a beast

[@Crispy44652]

Murphy being 6th isn’t a slight. It just shows the depth of this DE class. This is my favorite scout channel. You can tell he does his own research and doesn’t go with the “experts” rankings.

[@JohnDaDong93]

Yeah I can agree with that Murphy projection. Haven’t watched the video yet, but Murphy relied too much on raw athleticism when I watched his film.

[@redeyejedi4400]

​@@JohnDaDong93 so does tj watt works for him

[@Gooseman8819]

​@@redeyejedi4400 that's fine but there are also cases where it won't. At the end of the day this class is insanely good.

[@bingo8789]

The "experts" are paid for!

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Anderson has bust written all over him lol

[@braytonnicholas2621]

My second favorite position besides Cb and Patreon has definitely been worth it

[@Crispy44652]

Yep! DE TE, CB, and RB are so deep this year. OL is pretty deep too. I don’t think there’s a true WR1 in this class, but a bunch of solid 2 and 3 options. JSN, Flowers, and Downs are so fluid. Not a bunch of superstars in this class, but a team is going to make out with all the depth.

[@braytonnicholas2621]

@@Crispy44652 safety and linebacker is kinda brutal but there’s always a mid round pick that outperforms expectations

[@ThePhenom864]

Good to hear was thinking abt joining the Patreon

[@mr.irrelevent8956]

I’m so excited for the TE and RB rankings

[@joelallen2849]

dude the new format is so sick actually crazy how much the graphics have improved, makes the experience so much better

[@treyvon8108]

Great vid, I’m surprised you don’t have Uzomah’s quickness better. I think he’s more of a finesse rusher than anything else.

[@Scrumtrulescent1]

After-work routine: 1) Eat a snack 2) Take a dump 3) Check for new content from That Franchise Guy 1-3 often done concurrently

[@Ynkno]

bro

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

Excellent content. One of the best I’ve seen this year and I have seen a lot. I love the grading and the analysis. Keep up the great work. Thanks.

[@clubmogambo3214]

Great detailed analysis, learned a lot!!

[@williambaker1003]

Curious if you could elaborate on Felix getting a low bend grade, especially considering that almost every draft write-up I’ve seen (and my own viewing of his tape) seems to indicate that his bend is his best attribute

[@vsauce4678]

Probably just not taking into account how big he is. Not everyone can be Von Miller half way to the ground

[@carrotbus3857]

Yeah and he gave Tyree Wilson’s get off a B+. I’m really starting to question him a bit. Wilson’s get off should be a D+ at absolute best. His teammates beat him off the ball every snap

[@stephenpitell6087]

Great analysis. Thanks and subscribed.

[@durhamchiefuk9710]

Great stuff as always Marcus

[@Lemonspledge]

Started watching+Subscribed due to your Madden draft classes. The grades slides on this video are great and make me think of how players translate to the game. Awesome content! Thanks!

[@therealgigamosh]

This is the best edge ranking I've seen yet. Spot on.

[@Surberus_]

As always thanks for the spicy content! 🙏🏻

[@rodneysnextchapter615]

Tyree going to be the guy in this class defensively in a couple years , you'll see

[@honestfan420]

Can’t wait for the CB and OL versions of this!!!

[@treyvon8108]

I think Ojulari’s speed is underrated. Dude tracked down an HB from yards behind, wish he ran.

[@vsauce4678]

Also with our depth at LSU he played so many downs and can be a full time edge if you have no depth

[@adamabburkett2898]

Staying at home with the Saints at pick 40

[@adamabburkett2898]

Nolan Smith is a ridiculous athlete, I think he might be a LB in the pros, maybe an OLB stand up in a 3-4 but too small to play in a 4-3, great analysis

[@aaronhaurum3951]

Great job

[@hectorwatt9712]

As a panthers fan I love how deep this edge class is considering that’s one of our biggest holes and we can get a steal in the later rounds

[@whitebird357]

Anyone coming out of Kansas State is going to be tough, mentally and physically. Good program. He's a pure edge rusher who can set the edge. Kind of a one dimensional player who does not mind collisions.

[@coltonvanburen9755]

Can't wait for the O-line rankings!

[@cosmicatma17]

Your tenth best edge rusher just led the country in sacks last year 😤

[@Fourwedge]

Great video. Saw you tonight on How about those chiefs. Decided to check this out. 🤜🤛

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Welcome to the channel!!

[@MykaV2]

Raiders and Patrick Graham used Clelin Ferrell a ton as that stand-up rush LB. I can definitely see them going Tuli day 2 or 3

[@eastonsaccount]

Let’s goooooo new TFG draft upload

[@lanesansom9209]

LETS GOO TFG POSTED !!!

[@juanonsum-_-3995]

great video, can you cover the 10 best CB’s

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Gonna do every position as we lead up to the draft.

[@jakefahey7152]

wow a great edited video, well done. After the bears trade I was wondering who we can get late, this is perf, new sub fs

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Welcome aboard!!

[@whitebird357]

Ojulari is really a creative pass rusher like you said. This allows his smaller slighter frame to get into the play.

[@Ynkno]

I like the free content. Can only imagine the patreon stuff

[@papajohn4826]

Best draft content on KZbin!

[@Nickh4929]

It's a great edge class, excited to see how these players turn out.

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Anderson will be a bust

[@TedTeddy-ej3dp]

@@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645 I hope not, he seems like a good guy

[@whitebird357]

Really like your grading on Nolan Smith.

[@briandoile5011]

Frank Clark had 26 solo tackles, 14 assists, 13.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in 17 games in the playoffs in his career.

[@troyster28]

33:18 yes thank you I hated Pete Golding for having him take on guards/double teams especially when we have the beef to take on those double teams. I never understood it.

[@SpicyMapping]

impeccable timing

[@NBA-UK]

I can imagine that Roseman is going to go with the Georgia boy Smith. He's a typical prototype of the new edge rush. Speed and that initial burst is going to get opposing teams on their heels.

[@YourBeastRoy]

Hey I think you'd be right. Rossman thought so too lol

[@Brent6437]

I’ve been onto Will McDonald. With the system they had he was double teamed most of the time. I’d love to get him for our Lions in the late 2nd if available. Maybe it’s my wish list

[@Brent6437]

Hey brother what would you Grade James Houston at. Now he’s a Lion I was wondering if Nolan Smith is close to J H?

[@aaronhaurum3951]

Wasted talent on lions

[@adamabburkett2898]

​@@Brent6437 Justin Houston??

[@adamabburkett2898]

McDonald is just not big enough to translate his power to the next level, everyone is fast in the NFL & once they get their hands on him he will be thrown around like a toy but just my opinion

[@dylanhuff962]

Marcus what top 10 positions is next

[@fantasyawait]

DJ MOORE IS A BEAR! After looking at the deal its official Panthers were fleeced

[@whitebird357]

Anderson, agree.

[@josephpoliafico3804]

Just wondering what your opinion is on Andre Carter II?

[@ethanducharme2510]

1. Will Anderson 2. Tyree Wilson 3. Lukas Van Ness 4. Nolan Smith 5. Myles Murphy 6. Will McDonald 7. Felix Anudike- Uzomah 8. BJ Ojulari 9. Adetomiwa Adebawore 10 Andre Carter Honarble mentions 11. Karl Brooks 12. Nick Herbig 13. Tuli Tuipulotu 14. Isaiah Foskey

[@explainingstuffsteven8996]

andre carter isnt good at all

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Anderson is a bust..... Jalen carter will be good

[@leemjfreeman9856]

Nolan Smith is my fav in this class

[@brandonsimpson2696]

Love the content! Who do you think Demeco will get out of these Edge guys? Or will the Texans go with a guy like Trenton, but I know the line backer class is lacking this year!

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Lucas Van Nesse in that system at 12 would be amazing IMO

[@brandonsimpson2696]

@@ThatFranchiseGuy yeah after really watching his highlights and games. He is definitely growing on me. But it’s like he could be just a 1 trick pony… I wouldn’t mind getting Will at 2 since the panthers will take Bryce

[@timothyjohnson7697]

I like Smith at 12 w that 439 if we don't go Bijan or trade back a few picks to get a wr

[@NBA-UK]

I'm loving Will McDonald Vl and really believe that he's going to pop up the draft boards on draft Day. I'd love for the Eagles to get him.

[@mattlong4014]

Noti gang, always an instant click

[@dakraa8187]

Just curious what you think of Keion White. Not mad he’s not on the list cause this edge class is loaded but curious what you think of him or where you see him going.

[@paytonthompson8659]

Check out his fully inflated podcast when talking about d line in the combine. White didn’t do well at all in the Combine

[@adamabburkett2898]

Keion White might be one he missed, I think he's a definite day 2 player

[@jkrek]

Where do you get your tape for prospects?

[@ItsSoldierBoii]

As a Packers fan, I’m hoping we get a Edge Rusher with our first pick.

[@TylerLovato]

When I watched Felix anudike uzomah I thought he was explosive and bendy , he’s my edge 3 am I crazy Marcus?

[@toekneecornhighsir7299]

I need a TFG reaction to the Bears-Panthers trade ASAP

[@aaronhaurum3951]

Yes

[@vsauce4678]

BJ Ogulari is definitely a first round talent. LSU had no Dline depth. This dude was never off the field and was constantly dominant. He's not a top 10 edge in the league guy but he's an immediate starter for 8 years

[@michaelscalzo6716]

I think the cardinals are a lock for Anderson considering the panthers moving into the #1 draft spot

[@echow4rrior429]

Maybe a wierd question but in a vacuum Marcus if your drafting an edge rusher would you prefer a guy who’s good with speed or power?

[@Missiletainn13]

power for sure

[@SeahawkAz]

Quickness/explosiveness is the most import trait. TJ watt didn’t have the fastest 40 time (4.7) but has great get off. QB is usually less than 10 yds away

[@ethanducharme2510]

What qb do you think the panthers draft at number 1

[@thej.r.takessportscast4274]

What do you think of the seahawks fit with Derrick Hall?

[@yourdreams2440]

damn the random shot at Iowa City

[@SuperChaosTTV]

Izayah Green-May is worth a look. Had a rough start to his career but closed with a solid season after transferring from Wisc to NIU. Extremely athletic for his size.

[@ieuan67]

Has to be a packer with that name

[@PL73]

what do you think about viliami fehoko from san jose state, posted an 80+ pff grade 3 straight years

[@PL73]

78 but that's still great regardless

[@djgk53]

Not intending to overload you, but a video on how you place certain prospects into a specific round would be interesting. Like what makes a Round 1 Edge against a Round 3 Edge?

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

My grading scale in the description might shed some light on that.

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

Anderson will be a bust

[@jaguarpaw46]

Tiuoplotu 13 sacks in his last year . He had more sacks than anybody else in your review of edge rushers . He deserves more credit than you gave him . Foskey is another underrated player

[@whitebird357]

Tyree Wilson is a freak of nature. But, he is not really quick off the line and is not very versatile like a Nolan Smith. He is not an edge rusher, but a DE in the NFL, imo. He's got a lot to learn if he plays on the edge, but if Seattle takes him, he will play 5 tech or DE in that 3-4 scheme. Because of lack of D line talent and support, Wilson could possible start in Seattle.

[@bucsman02]

Will Anderson is gonna be a top 5 pass rusher a lot quicker than people think

[@lvl7Zone]

I doubt it

[@KINGDXVID_]

Yeah I see that too he’s going to be a really good de

[@Ynkno]

@@lvl7Zone how lol

[@diabolivirtusen-tavares-ea4645]

That man is gonna be a *BUST!* nfl Olinenan will eat him up.

[@justanothaJeff]

Hey I saw you on cole’s channel recently and I’m just saying if you really wanna get into some in depth draft talks one of the best channels doing it which is also a chiefs channel is RGR.. they are constantly doing draft work and really do their homework on prospects and I mainly watch this channel and that one for draft prospect knowledge so it would pretty cool to see some pretty high level prospect talk in that collab if you ever see this comment 😂

[@adamabburkett2898]

As a Saints fan Ross Jackson is my favorite person for information but this has been my favorite evaluations other than my team oriented, I may disagree but I love the analytics in your evaluation with game tape..

[@cuhgaming4943]

Can you take a look at D3 North Central QB Luke Lehnen. He is good size at 5'11 (taller than Bryce) and I think can be good as a Russ or Kyler type player. 189 lbs. Like a small improviser. He flamed College Football as just a Sophomore. He had a passer rating of 192! 189/276 for 2709/38/6 with 68% CP. If that isnt good what is? He also had a long of 94 YARDS. He has big play potential and I think he can be a 1st round talent in a year. My comp is Baker Mayfield. Thx Marcus

[@blainedavis1603]

What about Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame?

[@whitebird357]

Murphy, just like all these other players, will need refinement at the NFL level. He is definitely a first round pick, but agree that he's more like a #20 or later. But, like Kione White, he has the physicality, athleticism and tools to make a difference on the D line. He just needs the coaching to settle into a run stopping role when needed.

[@qjju2389]

Where would you have ebikete ranked in this class? I’m just wondering if the falcons should seriously consider drafting two edge guys to rebuild their pass rush or should they roll with Ebikete as the #2.

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Definitely gotta stand by ebiketie either way!! Was great before the injury last year and they have enough needs.

[@KamikazePanda2216]

Kind of surprised not to see Byron young on here

[@Ynkno]

didn't iowa have a rs soph? or did he not enter this year

[@andrewtaylor8252]

How would you profile Notre Dame's Isiah Foskey as an Edge Rusher.

[@whitebird357]

I like Will McDonald as an edge setting rusher who can be like a Will Anderson. He does not have the size to operate inside like a Kione White who has a lot of good inside pass rushing moves as will as good run stopping. White is a DE or maybe 5 tech whereas McDonald and many of these top ten edge rushers would play more outside in a 3-4 scheme as outside LBs. I think McDonald and Kione White have some similarities with White being more powerful because of his mass and therefore better at playing inside.

[@trapsavagetv4540]

Felix out of K-State is a monster dude is fast, powerful and relentless steelers need him 🔥🌪⚡

[@robbierotten9989]

Been keeping my eye on him this draft.

[@adamabburkett2898]

Steelers would only need him to back up TJ and Highsmith, He's interesting in a 3-4

[@trapsavagetv4540]

@@adamabburkett2898 that's what we need instead of signing these and trading late round picks for guys who haven't reached their potential yet and he is a DE he would play behind Heyward and Ojinobi

[@adamabburkett2898]

@@trapsavagetv4540 I agree with you my guy, I think he could play DE or a stand up OLB in a 3-4.. I like his size, speed and bend and at his size he could possibly play both, he has the power and run stopping ability to play DE or he can definitely be used as an OLB in space to rush the passer.. I think he could be an ideal pick at 32 after the Burgh gets that OT or CB at 17.. Steelers did a great job at plugging holes in free agency so far, now add a few depth pieces and the Steelers are going to surprise the AFC

[@connormacleod908]

Was really hoping to see Isaiah Foskey on this list😔

[@mr.irrelevent8956]

Intro made me think teams like seattle and Atlanta will double up on edge this year

[@chrisdotter5127]

BTW, your label for sections in the video says Tua Tagovolia instead of Tuli Tuipulotu

[@luisflores9501]

Here from how bout those chiefs! You were on there showing support so it's us to return it thanks

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Eyyyy! Welcome in.

[@amarevanhook7453]

Slightly shat myself again anyway NEW TOP TEN LETS GOO

[@hellgangcyron257]

Do the best cornerbacks in the draft

[@aaronhaurum3951]

Glad to see Mcdonald on list

[@marcusdow5356]

Almost every NFL team could use a little EDGE help.

[@daveyg721]

Can you do corners too!!?

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Yes sir!!!

[@cooperlong1495]

Could you explain a little why you think Iowa state's defense is stupid? My college team runs it as well and I have some serious gripes.

[@taltalwarrior3684]

Whats funny is that theres another guy that would have made this class even better his name is jared verse from florida st.

[@huanguan2903]

who do the packers need to draft to play 3-4 DE? I personally believe the Packers should sign Teair Tart and put him at NT and move Kenny Clark to DE in their 3-4.

[@KarelessMFahTV]

Where's the top 10 RBs? I love your content by the way and how you break it down.

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Tmw at 4;30 PM ET!

[@Ramboo000]

GOAT

[@meatazzsandwich]

Good stuff man. If Nolan Smith falls to the Bills, no chance Beane passes on this guy.

[@mikes_in_paradise78]

Nolan Smith is a difference maker

[@Cutthroatnaj]

When did the name change from defensive end to edge rusher?

[@maximusrex8689]

Felix Aunidike-Uzomah kinda feels like a version Kingsley Enagbare from last year, who had an alright year as a rookie.

[@michaelmarion7360]

He's under-rated overall and ranked too low on this list. His low "bend' grade on this list is extremely inaccurate.

[@EntertainmentShorts113]

Nolan smith would be a perfect fit for the eagles

[@miguelautry5763]

What did you think of Zach Harrison?

[@bighaus224]

I simply don't understand how Wilson is regarded as highly as he is. Basically no move set. Slow get off. Zero bend. How can you say all these things as well, and give him D grades in multiple categories... Yet he's still ranked #2??? Come on man

[@beanie3427]

Honestly, I think the NFL version of Micah Parsons is a good comp for Nolan Smith too. Both ran a 4.39. Parsons is an inch taller and about 5 lbs heavier, but Smith has slightly longer arms. Both are extremely quick and shifty with power in the pass rush. Both can drop into coverage if needed. Nolan is a guy I’m keeping a really close eye on after that combine.

[@KINGDXVID_]

Yeah I see a little bit of Micah Parson too. My only worry is his production and his injury concerns too

[@jaylew651]

We don’t need anymore fast u set size speedster lb/edge that are undersized. We need elite edge who can dominate against the run and pass(not finesse, speed but everything) and is what will help Grady

[@samuelbassey6130]

The second section of the video says “Tua Tagavoila” instead of Tuli by the way

[@Ramboo000]

Man Gruden woulda loved Nolan Smith at 7 lol