2017 NFL draft rankings: Edge rushers
A premium has been placed on edge rushers for decades, but rarely have they been as coveted as they are now, and this draft class has a stockpile of standouts. We’ve combined defensive ends and pass-rushing outside linebackers into one group here, because the difference between 4–3 and 3–4 edge defenders is as narrow as ever.
Frankly, I ran out of room—the list of edge defenders with Round 3-and-up potential could go another five to 10 guys deep: Marquis Haynes, Ejuan Price, Dawuane Smoot, Devonte Fields, Tanoh Kpassagnon ... just keeps going. Among those who are here, Garrett, Barnett and Williams all have the look of top-15 picks. (And there are some who’d argue Williams’s teammate, Anderson, is an even better pro prospect than Williams is.) McKinley is a hyper-active defender who benefited when UCLA shifted from a 3–4 to a 4–3. Harris might have the best spin move in college football. Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows I’m a huge Landry fan. He’s a stout run defender and a developing pass rusher who has stood out on a mediocre team.