2026 Edge Eval and Writeups
Here is my Edge tierlist that includes write ups on every player along with comps for players I could find a solid one for.
(Everyone has one besides Jaishawn Barham and a couple of the lowest tier players. sidenote Reese eval was just at Edge)
Before starting, let’s talk about evals
https://open.substack.com/pub/juniorj/p/edge-grade-explanation-and-how-i?r=27ltt4&utm_medium=ios
This article explains my edge eval process but the short version is that edge is a traits based position, so I look at the traits. The best players have elite traits.
I look for two types of traits, ones that can threaten OTs and get you to winning positions, then ones that help you turn the corner or create a path to the QB despite the OT recovering against you. Winning traits and Finishing traits.
The Winning traits are things like Speed, Explosiveness, Power/Strength, and Lateral Movement. If you have enough of these traits you can create a pass rush plan based off of it.
Finishing traits includes things like hip fluidity, ankle flexibility, and lower body strength. Traits that help you fight against an OL’s contact when they recover from you in a winning position. Helps not get driven outside the pocket, washed down the line or getting anchored against and shutting your rush down.
So during some of the writeups I’ll put “player doesn’t have threatening traits” if they lack the athleticism/traits to have successful rushes based off of that.
What do the Tiers mean?
The tiers represent where types of players generally go. But of course you can have a different valuation, which is fine, as long as we have similar evaluations of the player. However you value the player is all subjective.
Edge1, Edge2, Edge3 represents where you are in a pass rush. Below the Tier name is where these players start off as, and below can be their potential or upside range.
Edge1 players are players you can build a pass rush around. High end athletes and movers with high end traits. There are high end versions who are game changers and low end versions who can act as your main pass rush source, but you’ll lack that consistency/threat. There are about 25 ish players that can be considered an Edge1 type
Edge2 players are ones who are secondary options in pass rushers. These players are either mismatch options (having 1 of Power, Speed, Lateral Movement) and can win matchups off of it, or high end roleplayers (quality run defenders, stunters, pocket pushers, or contain players.) These players can range from good starter level players to quality rotational players. Can have multiple Edge2’s on a team.
Edge3 players are ones who you don’t want to set up rushes and matchups for. They lack the traits to win rushes with traits. Mainly these players are role players (run defenders, containers, stunters) who can be a part of the rotation.
As for the Grade Ranges, they read as:
Generational = Edge 1 of the bat, Myles Garrett
Top5/Blue chip = Low end Edge1, potential for higher end Edge 1, Will Anderson, Nick Bosa
Top 20 = very low end edge 1 or high end edge 2, edge 1 potential, Brian Burns, JHA
R1/Early R2 = edge 2 with low end edge 1 potential, Laiati Latu, Dallas Turner, Myles Murphy
Day 2 = edge 2 with high end edge 2 potential, Byron Young, Derick Hall, Alex Wright, Joseph Ossai
Late D2/Early D3 = low end edge 2 or high end edge 3, high end edge 2 potential, Isaiah Mcguire, Michael Clemons, DJ Wonnum, Patrick Jones
Day 3 = high end edge 3 with edge 2 potential
Late day 3/pfa = low end edge 3 with high end edge 3 potential, camp bodies
UFL tier = nice way of saying good luck to your future endeavors 🤝,PS hopefuls
How I do Comps
For the comps, I looked at players with similar traits to see examples of how their traits can look in practice. I mainly looked at the comped player’s college tape and early nfl career unless stated otherwise. I mainly looked for similar sizes, but didn’t care too much about testing. You can have two similar moving players who test differently because of training or other issues. I cared more about looking for similar size and athleticism on field. I didnt want to comp every player to All Pros or comp Day 3 guys to starters. The grade tiers helps me look for players in similar draft ranges, as a day 3 guy should look like a day 3 guy and a first rounder should look similar to another first rounder. I didn’t find comps for everyone, a few players were too tough when searching and I also didn’t bother finding comps for the lower tier players, as you can insert any late day 3 or UDFA player you want as a comp.
With that being said, here are the writeups of every player. They are not ranked within the tiers. And of course disclaimer that the grades and tier ranges are subjective, it’s okay to value players differently, main arguments should be about the evaluation of the player.
Generational Tier
None, who know when we’ll get this again.
Top 5/Blue Chip
None again
Top 20
Rueben Bain Jr.
SR 4 Miami
Legit Edge
Good explosiveness and speed
So much power in a compact body, Insanely strong
Very fluid lower body and so smooth turning the corner.
Good lateral movement when working inside or over Gs.
Power moves and bull rushes are dominant
Has to sell out on them because of stubby issue.
Hand fighting fine enough with swipes and chops, short arms give less room for error. Misses more often than he should.
Not as good of a container as you'd like off the edge (stubby issue shows up here), better roleplayer inside.
High end stunter either as crasher or looper.
Run defense great whether at Edge or inside as a 4i.
Short arms affect playing 2nd gap and making more tackles.
Can 2 gap, take on doubles, set a great edge.
Easy top 20 type player. Can become an Edge1 on a team.
Chris Long as pass rusher? Melvin Ingram run defender?
1st Round/Early Day 2
None again. Short version is there are a lot of quality secondary options, but no other player who I can see becoming the main player you build around or a low tier version of that.
Day 2
Romello Height
SR 9 Texas Tech
Explosive and fast
Just too much of a smol bean
Very fluid and great lower body flexibility.
Very weak vs contact, but his flexibility makes up for it when turning the corner.
Double swipes, dips and spins.
Legit stunter and contain player.
Runs on the side of his feet which helps with lateral movement but there may be some more explosiveness/speed there.
Not much as a run defender but eh, he tries and is great chasing things down. Keep em away from the run if you can.
Weakside/boundary edge. Preferrably an odd front OLB or DPR type player.
Day 2 type player
Vic Beasley 🤔?
Zion Young
SR 9 Mizzou
Long and strong
Solid speed and explosiveness
Very strong.
Bull rushes are great and can generate a ton of power with leverage and strength and physicality
Turns corner solid, little stiff but strong through contact
Handfighting bad, mistimes punches, always does moves too close to OL
Double swipes and stab-clubs.
Very strong vs the run.
But has iffy leverage and inconsistent hand placement and shooting hips through, which is odd because issues don’t show up on bull rushes.
Kills TEs and great spiller.
Gets lockout easily and can still get knockback even if it isn't good yet.
Strongside edge, mainly fits even fronts.
Day 2 type edge, edge 2 player.
Tavius Robinson?
Keldric Faulk
JR 15 Auburn
Solid speed and burst
Solid fluidity and ankle flexion, very nimble and balanced for his size.
Has good size and strength
Double swipe, push and pulls, club and swims/rips
Misses with hand fighting quite a bit but got more consistent as year went along
Can play anywhere on passing downs. Good stunter and slanter, solid looper.
Good roleplayer and contain player
Run defense is solid, hand placement inconsistent, and also got better as the season went along here.
Strong and get knockback/control of blocks well
Can bump inside but iffy overall especially vs down blocks and doubles.
Solid react/attack and reading blocks.
Prefer as Even front edge but can be a odd front DE.
Day 2 type edge, edge 2 type role player.
Dorance Armstrong
LT Overton
SR 22 Alabama
Heavy end that can bump inside
Okay speed/explosiveness, solid power
Great in frog stance, bad with pass rush and stand up stance which hurts explosiveness (false steps and too upright)
Handfighting solid, does well to work in space, misses a bit (overuses spin that rarely works, club rip, stab club, crosschop)
Ankles are stiff but hips pretty fluid.
Fairly strong through contact, ends up on ground more often than you'd like
Run defense is good especially when playing react/attack. Solid pop and knockback, issues with extension and shedding blocks.
Great slant step (used to react/attack stance) and solid stunter
can be a 3-4 DE or 4-3 DE that can bump inside. Potential to be solid starter and role player as pass rusher with some power potential.
Day 2 type player, Edge 2 type
Josh Paschal?
Late Day 2/Early Day 3
R Mason Thomas
SR 32 Oklahoma
Small, Speed and bursty.
OLB or weakside end type
Not a legit enough outside winner, too weak lower body, gets driven upfield too easily.
Stiffish ankles, fluid hips.
Legit speed to power threat.
Explosive, has natural leverage and that DAWG in em.
He wins outside by threatening with power, and using stab clubs or double swipes when OTs anchor down too early.
Good looper, solid lateral movement.
Run defense isnt bad, tries hard, and plays violently.
Can get good knockback
More of a 1 gapper and OLB on early downs. Can drop in coverage.
Late day 2/early day 3 type prospect. Low end 2 with high end edge 2 potential
Samson Ebukam
Arvell Reese (just at Edge)
JR 8 Ohio State
Good speed, meh explosiveness
Stiffish lower body.
So much pop. Elite hand placement and ability to generate power from the hips.
Just harder to use as a pass rusher, not athletic/explosive enough for Speed to Power and not strong/big enough to be a legit power rusher.
Don’t see that same burst when he’s at LB or blitzing.
Best used on stunts or containing.
Weird Edge eval
Run defense is elite on the edge and over TEs.
One of the best prospects i’ve seen shooting his hips through on contact, always in control of blocks.
Can easily use OL momentum against them and toss em to the side.
Pass rush upside is low, and more of a pure role player.
Use em as a LB that can play on the line om early downs, and use him as a stunter/blitzer on passing downs. Just make em Donta Hightower.
Late Day 2 type of edge (probably Round 1 LB, idk LB evals though)
He's basically late career Donta Hightower (emphasis on not prime Donta)
Derrick Moore
SR 8 Michigan
Solid athlete.
Neat speed and explosiveness
Solid strength and power
Speed to Power is where his game is at
Legit bull rushes and can contain with power
Good leverage and physicality
Solid lateral movement and hip fluidity.
Runs stunts well
Kills TEs easily
Shoots hips and gets lockout often.
Can play as a 3-4 OLB or even front Edge.
Late Day 2/Early 3 type of edge. Can become an edge 2 type
Bigger Josiah Stewart?
Akheem Mesidor
SR 3 Miami
Weakside LB
Lacks + traits
Okay speed and explosiveness
Little power and strength
Cant use speed to power
Doesnt threaten OTs off the edge or with power.
Lateral movement is his best trait
Hand fighting is NFL level. Can get to winning positions easily and even rush inside.
Timing and reaction to sets great.
Stiffish ankles and weak lower body hurt turning corner vs strong enough contact, hips fluid.
Mainly asked to slant, fold or drop in coverage
Weak vs run. Solid reacting to what happens.
Keep him as a DPR or weakside edge in any scheme
Late Day 2/Early Day 3 tier
2025 AQM vibes? Brooks reed?
David Bailey
SR 31 Texas Tech
Fast boi
Very fast, but also one gear dude, same speed throughout. Not that bursty.
Strong lower body when turning the corner
But he's very stiff, especially at the ankles, and can get driven upfield easily from good enough contact. Beats up on weak contact and aligns wide to where his path is more of a straight line, limits turning corner issues.
Can notice stiff ankles with feet dragging when OTs/TEs make good enough contact.
Dips, ghosts, spins are his favorite. Spams spins way too much.
Maybe some speed to power potential? Need to see more
Okay enough run defender for a 3-4 edge type. Tries hard and plays in space well, but more of a weakside/boundary edge.
Gets solid lockout but gets moved easily.
Can fold, and chase runs from backside.
Late Day 2 type player? Edge 2 type beats
Takk Mckinnley vibes
Cashius Howell
SR 9 Texas AnM
Kyle Van Noy clone
His speed and burst is not great.
Lateral movement, hip fluidity and ankle flexion is so good though.
Weird issue where its hard to threaten OTs and get to winning positions off of traits, but he can with handfighting. Finishes pass rushes at a good level because of lower body fluidity.
Can threaten OTs with lateral movement, lines up perpendicular to the sideline to push off inside foot and uses a ton of hesis.
Instead of running around OTs, he’s constantly running laterally. Forces OTs to respect the inside counter, and when they stop their feet he’ll dip around the corner.
Crosschops, chops and dips, spin moves. Solid speed to power.
Legit handfighting
More of a 3-4 OLB or weakside Edge. Very small
Good looper, fine contain player and can drop in coverage.
Run defense is solid, really good at shooting hips and getting extension. Just a little too small.
Late day 2/early day 3 type prospect. can become an edge 2 type player
Kyle van noy beats
TJ Parker
SR 3 Clemson
Just a Kayvon Thibedeaux regen as an athlete
Okay overall athlete, main thing is having solid speed to power
Lower body is a little stiff in the hips and ankles. When rushing angles his hips to the QB to avoid turning the corner.
Has enough speed and explosiveness for speed to power. Legit Stab moves, great technically and gets good leverage.
Run defense is fine
Tries hard on inside.
Solid stunter, used as looper a lot
Hand fighting solid overall
Can play as a OLB or Even front edge
Late Day 2/Early Day 3 type prospect.
Kayvon Thibedeaux?
Day 3
Malachi Lawrence
SR 51 UCF
Okay athlete
Meh explosiveness and speed
Fluid enough hips and ankle flexibility to turn corner okay
Handfighting is solid (stab forklifts, swipes, push pulls).
Has to do better working in space consistently.
More of a late winner vs quick winner (not a + enough athlete)
Long and solid strength
should be a solid contain player who can loop and slant
Short choppier steps.
Fine run defender, does well playing with extension and keeps fighting hands off.
Fine knockback
More of an OLB type
Day 3 type prospect, edge 3 with low end edge 2 potential
DJ Womnum beats?
Ethan Burke
Sr 91 Texas
Fine athlete, fine speed and burst
Some pop and power
Can play inside especially on passing downs
Solid lateral movement, solid stunter and slanter.
Mainly used to contain or stunt. Can push the pocket solidly
Role player
A bit stubby, but tall
Run defense is fine vs single blocks, solid knockback but struggles to disengage off of blocks.
Run defense inside.... yeesh.
Would prefer as 3-4 DE or even front end
Day 3 type prospect, edge 3 with low end edge 2 potential
Budget Logan Hall
Gabe Jacus
SR 17 Illinois
Plays with reckless abandonment
Doesnt care about his health when taking on pullers
Solid explosiveness but not a great athlete overall
Strong and kinda fluid
More of a contain player, but struggles to disengage off of blocks when containing
Okay stunter
Tite front DE, should be able to bump inside, but awful vs Doubles/combos
great knockback, struggles to disengage
Great at killing TEs
Violence disappears in the 2nd half though, conditioning issues?
Would prefer as an even front edge.
Day 3 type play, edge 3 rotational player
Boogie Basham
Patrick Payton
SR 6 LSU
Okay athlete, tall and strong
Okay explosiveness
Fluid but very stiff ankles
Pass rushing not much besides being a solid contain player and pocket pusher
Interesting run defender. Really good at getting knockback and shooting hips through.
Solid react/attack and has been able to bump inside.
A little light for inside and plays too tall, gets killed vs doubles.
Day 3 vibes, Edge 3 type beat
Dominique Robinson?
Tyre West
SR 42 Tennessee
Weirdest player ive seen. My favorite pookie.
Basically a 280+ Lb OLB
Can bump inside of course.
Very fluid and bendy.
But slow and not the most explosive. Fast for his size.
Double swipe king.
Good pocket pusher but won't be the best at containing. Fine stunter.
Good run defender at edge, strong and gets good knockback. Violent shedder
Inside he's serviceable enough but only solid vs single blocks.
Can play as a 3-4 DE or maybe even front edge.
Day 3 type player, Edge 3 type at edge
Year 15 Brandon Graham?
Anthony Lucas
Sr 6 USC
Bigger, heavier end
Strong side end that bumped inside
Meh athlete, a bit slow and lacks explosiveness
Some power potential.
Does well getting lockout vs the run.
Pretty fluid lower body for his size.
Stuff to work with.
Day 3 type edge, edge 3 type.
Budget AJ Epenesa?
Joshua Josephs
SR 19 Tennessee
Smaller fast edge
Looks lengthy
Fast boi, but not that explosive
Lots of hesis, double swipes and club and rips
More of a late winner
Very stiff lower body, mainly at ankles
Okay run defender, better over TEs
Good looper in stunts, can drop in coverage, more of 3-4 OLB
Day 3 type beat, edge 3 with some upside to be low end edge 2
Jaylen Harrell vibes?
Dani Dennis-Sutton
SR 33 Penn State
Very slow and unexplosive
Bad athlete overall
Has some power and can get good leverage
Stiffer lower body.
Double swipes and stab clubs a lot, but misses a lot
Okay vs the run, strong to set an edge.
Solid at running stunts and can drop
Probably more of a strong side OLB
Day 3 type player, typical edge3
Year 17 Preston Smith?
Caden Curry
Sr 92 Ohio State
Okay Speed and explosiveness
Solid power, mainly comes from good leverage and violence.
Can't threaten OTs with athleticism
Short and stubby
Has to sell out on power, makes it harder to make plays and disengage sometimes.
Side scissors, bull rush, push and pulls and swim move spammer.
Not great as container or role player
Run defense neat, tries hard
Does good at shooting hips through and being stout
But too small and can get moved easily at times.
Too stubby so struggles to make plays and limited tackling range.
Can drop, fine stunter
Would only want as a 3-4 OLB
Day 3 type prospect, edge 3 type
Sawed off Jack Sawyer?
Late Day 3/PFA
Logan Fano
JR 0 Utah
Okay speed and explosiveness
Tall and lengthy
Double swipes and club n rips
Very stiff lower body with super choppy steps
Okay run defender, better over TEs
Can drop
3-4 OLB
Late day 3 type, edge 3 upside.
Javontae jean baptiste vibes
Bryan Thomas Jr.
SR 46 South Carolina
Kinda fast, not crazy explosive
Ghost and dip n rip, spins
Hips and ankle flexion bad
Solid stunter, especially as a crasher
More of a standup edge who shoots gaps
3-4 OLB
Late Day 3 grade, low end Edge 3 with Edge 3 potential
Jack Plyburn
SR 44 LSU
Meh athlete. Not explosive and okay speed.
A little fluid but stiff ankles.
Stab-club/chops, double swipes. Tries to dip.
Okay stunter, lacks athleticism.
Neat vs run. Physical and gets good knockback.
3-4 OLB
Late Day 3/PFA type. Low end Edge 3 with rotational potential
Brennan Jackson vibes?
Max Llewellyn
SR 48 Iowa
Slow and lacks burst.
Okay strength
Plays like aidan hutchinson but with a quarter of the talent.
Super stiff lower body
Lateral movement is pretty solid. Looks fine working inside or spinning
Spin move spammer, long arm, swipes. Club n rips.
Not great vs the run. Tries hard.
Does solid job getting extension but gets moved easily
Late day 3/pdfa type edge
Braiden Mcgregor?
Stephen Daley
SR 8 Indiana
Short and stumpy
Quick with short choppy steps
Slanting and 1 gapping blud
Doesnt have + traits
Good at knifing through gaps and running stunts
Okay vs run, tries hard and can get knockback.
Late day 3 range, usable depth blud
Tyreak Sapp
SR 94 Florida
Heavier end that can bump inside
Slow athlete, a little bit of power
Okay mover overall
More of a run defender
Solid stunter
Pocket pushing lacking
Solid lockout and knockback
Iffy vs doubles
3-4 DE
Late day 3 prospect
Keyron Crawford
SR 24 Auburn
Solid speed and explosiveness
Smaller weakside edge
Decent ankle flexibility, little stiff in hips.
Weak vs contact turning corner
Good looper
Can drop
Neat 1 gapping
3-4 OLB
Late day 3 type blud, solid depth player
Mason Reiger
SR 22 Wisconsin
Brings his lunchpail to work typa guy.
No real traits to threaten OTs besides maybe his lateral movement
Good stunter and better working inside.
Solid lower body fluidity and flexibility. Can get moved easily though when OTs recover well
Double swipes, spins, chop and rips
Always gets hips to QB but doesnt have traits to get to winning positions enough to use it
Good at slanting and 1 gapping
Push and pulls TEs with ease
Gets worked vs OTs against the run when playing through em
Late day 3 type prospect, rotational edge beats
Khordae Sydnor
SR 96 Vanderbilt
Has good size and length
Okay mover for his size
Bigger end who can play OLB
Just a little.... soft
Has a little bit of power and length to be a solid contain player
Stiff ankles but little fluidity in hips
Solid stunter, can drop
Vs run disappointing
Focuses a lot on lockout and opts to not care about generating knockback
Can get out-physical easily
OLB? Even front Edge
Late day 3 flyer? Potential rotational edge
UFL Hopefuls
Mikail Kamara
SR 6 Indiana
Slow, not explosive.
Lacks power
Short and stumpy
Okay at stunts
Gets moved easily
UFL grade. Good luck
Lewis Neal vibes
Vincent Anthony Jr.
SR 7 Duke
He sure is tall....
Tries hard
Unathletic.
Bad vs run
More times pancacked then getting highlights
Ufl grade, good luck
Less athletic Andre Carter?
Cion Slone
SR 8 NC State
Very physical
Plays super hard and conditioned
100% effort 110% of the time
Not athletic
Can play some LB
Takes on pullers very well
Ufl Grade good luck
Quintayvious Hutchins
SR 15 BC
Small speedy boi
Built all legs
Some hip fluidity
Not enough traits to threaten OTs
Super small, gets manhandled trying to turn the corner
Can drop
Plays physical but gets moved super easily
Okay looper
Ufl grade good luck
Wesley Bailey
SR 23 Louisville
No + traits
Not a good athlete
Gets killed vs pullers
Swipes and neat bull rush
Short choppy steps
Stiff lower body, cant turn corner
Ufl hopeful
Wesley Williams
JR 97 Duke
Big, stout
Unathletic
Always looks swaggy
More times pancaked than highlights
Ufl grade, good luck
George Gumbs
SR 34 Florida
Meh athlete
No + traits to threaten OTs
Plays hard
Lighter olb type
Solid lower body flexibility and fluidity
Neat looper
Inconsistent with lockout and knockback.
Ufl Hopeful
Nyjalik Kelly
SR 9 UCF
No threatening traits
Not a good athlete
Fine flipping hips to QB
Does fine enough 1 gapping
Okay slanter and stunter
Potential ufl
TJ Guy
Sr 4 Michigan
Skinny, limby
Fine enough speed
No real + traits
Weak through contact
Tries hard
Ufl type
Clayton Smith
SR 10 Arizona State
Turned tape off after 10 reps, not a serious NFL athlete
Good luck in your future endeavors
Potential ufl
Keyshawn James-Newby
SR 1 New Mexico
Smaller edge
A lil quick
Solid stunter
Weak overall
Stiff ankles
Potential UFL
Trey Moore
SR 8 Texas
Small OLB
Seen em do stuff at LB
Fastish but meh athlete
Bad cornering ability, too small
Can drop and stuff
Ufl hopeful, camp body
Isaiah Smith
SR 1 SMU
Skinny and light
Quick weakside OLB
No threatening traits
Solid ankle flexion.
Too small turning corner. Gets moved easily
Solid lateral movement and stunting.
Can drop and tries hard vs run
UFL hopeful. I like em though
Ben Bell
SR 33 VT
Small quick olb
Does his best Andrew Van Ginkel impression
Not a + athlete
Too smol turning the corner
Tries hard vs run
Potential UFL but my favorite of this tier
Eric O Neil
SR 99 Rutgers
Tries hard
Solid looper
Positives end there
Potential ufl
Nadame Tucker
SR 11 Western Michigan
Smaller quicker weakside Edge
No threatening traits
Off balance a lot
Too small turning corner and easy to recover vs em
Double swiper
Has to hesi a lot to slow OTs feet down
Tried hard vs run
Ufl hopeful, camp body edge
Cam'ron Stewart
SR 25 Temple
Meh athlete
No + traits
Decent fluidity.
Okay over TEs and 1 gapping