6 Rings Prospect Preview: Edge rushers
With the first wave of NFL Free Agency coming to a close, teams across the NFL are beginning to fill out their 2024 rosters and, in turn, are honing in on their draft boards and roster needs ahead of April's NFL Draft. Here on 6 Rings and Football Things we're continuing our draft coverage as Andy Hart, Chris Scheim, and I preview each position group to get a feel for the prospects in this year’s class.
We hit on the edge rushers this week. You can watch it here:
And, in written form, here’s are my top five edge rushers in the 2024 class:
Honorable Mentions:
– Jonah Elliss, Utah
– Chris Braswell, Alabama
– Bralen Trice, Washington
– Eric Watts, UConn
No. 5 - Darius Robinson, Mizzou
Missouri’s Darius Robinson is a monster of a man, measuring in at 6-foot-5, 285 pounds at the NFL Combine last month. He’s a little bit on the slower side (4.95s 40), but his size will give him the ability to compete immediately at the pro level. Robinson moved from defensive tackle to defensive end in 2023 and logged 8.5 sacks, earning him First-Team All-SEC honors.
No. 4 - Chop Robinson, Penn State
Demeioun “Chop” Robinson jumps off the screen with his explosion and speed off the edge. Despite modest numbers (just 6 career sacks), the 6-foot-3, 254 pounder is lightning quick and is an innate playmaker. His ceiling makes him a sure fire first round pick.
No. 3 - Laiatu Latu, UCLA
After deciding to medically retire from football following a neck injury while playing at the University of Washington, Laiatu Latu was cleared to play upon transferring to UCLA in 2022.
The 6-foot-5, 259-pound edge rusher dominated with the Bruins over the last two seasons with 23.5 sacks and 111 quarterback pressures. In 2023, Latu tallied 13 sacks and led the nation in TFLs (tackles for loss) per game on his way to being named a Unanimous All-American. He’s a sound technician off the edge who will be ready to rock upon arrival.
No. 2 - Dallas Turner, Alabama
Dallas Turner will undoubtedly become the first defender off the board in April’s draft. The former Crimson Tide edge rusher had almost nothing wrong with his game. He’s fast, big, strong, and puts up numbers (22.5 sacks in the last two seasons). A day one starter.
No. 1 - Jared Verse, Florida State
Florida State’s Jared Verse may be my favorite defender in the entire class. Standing at 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, Verse was a first-round talent a year ago but decided to return to Tallahassee and shined again. He’s fast but also patient and has a unique ability to control the pocket and not over-rush.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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