Our first primer on a #UNC player in the #NFLCombine is for edge rusher Noah Taylor https://tarheelblog.com/2023/3/1/23618739/unc-tar-heels-football-nfl-combine . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . With the . Previewing every team's training camp Lott showed a mastery of defending the open field with his exceptional instincts, making him an ever-present takeaway threat. Pressure rates in 2017 for: In his two seasons as a starter, Foskey had 10.0 and 10.5 sacks. The correlation coefficient for this group with respect to PFF pass-rushing grades was similar for predominantly edge players (0.55). He came up with 11 sacks with two against both Penn State and Michigan State, and he was a force in the win over Wisconsin. Again, theres no real flash here and thats okay. Its all there in a rock-solid safe prospect who might just be getting started with just how good he can become. The Not-So-Good: Yeah, he played in 30 college games, but he could still use more work. From 2011 through 2013 the average time to throw was 2.77 seconds compared to 2.67 seconds over the last four seasons (2.69 seconds in 2017). An insane all-around athlete, hes big-time strong for his size, hes got the burst, and theres enough to work with to think hes about to do a whole lot more. At it's basic form, playing run defense is about ensuring you have a defender responsible for every "gap" between an offensive lineman or blocker in a run play. The Not-So-Good: Yeah, hes not the elite pure pass rusher you might want, and hes not a brick wall against the run depending on what youre looking for. NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Legs heal. Now that we have broken down what an edge rusher is in football you may be wondering what positions play this role on the defense. (Full Explanation), What is a Whip Route in Football? A four-three Defense means there are four defensive linemen and three linebackers. He had at least one return TD in six of his seasons. A good place to end this discussion (for the time being) is where the elite pass-rushers at each position compare. Pro Bowl selections: 3 ", Rod Woodson (five votes): Fantasy writer Stephania Bell leaned toward another Woodson here. [protected-iframe id=361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408 info=https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js ], 2022 College Football Schedules: All 131 Teams, NFL Draft by college over last 5 years: 1-130 rankings, 2022 College Football Schedules: All 131 Teams. 22 spot. Only T.J. Watt hit the quarterback more times in 2020 than Lawson. I notice that in somemedia, the position which once was referred to as Defensive End is now called Edge Rusher or sometimes Edge.. Defensive end Taylor Upshaw entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday, a team spokesman confirmed to MLive on Tuesday. Rams (2014-2021) He has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and been a first-team All-Pro selection in seven of his eight seasons. But production and value do not always align. Likewise, most (not all) 3-4 OLBs and some 4-3 OLBs fit that category as well. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett led the team with six sacks; the Falcons' next-highest individual total came from edge rusher Lorenzo Carter, who had four (and Carter will be a free agent). In a 3-4 (which means, as you might expect, 3 lineme Continue Reading 31 More answers below Chris Smith "He epitomized the toughness of the Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s. Perrion Winfrey is one of the top defensive tackles on the board. Stat to know: A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Lewis is the only player in NFL history to have 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in a career. 1 overall pick or in the top three unless you think youre getting a game-wrecking force wholl live in the backfield game after game. Edge players are primarily pass rushers. The value of pressure is undeniable. Interior: 0.97% There are several things to consider when answering the ultimate question which position creates pressure more frequently, which position creates more value for their team when they create pressure, which position creates pressure quickest, and which position creates pressure at a more consistent rate year after year. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. But there's more than just. While pressure from the edge appears to happen more often and has more value than pressure from the interior, weve seen examples within our data where the more valuable trait among two choices is not the more stable one. 2.1s to 2.5s: -0.384 (n = 3,158) The only other players with multiple 20-sack seasons are J.J. Watt and Mark Gastineau, and each had two. It saves having to distinguish between the two when so many can play both, particularly in todays hybrid NFL. These players (all of whom had 150 or more pass-rushing snaps in consecutive seasons) fell into four clusters that well use in this analysis: predominantly edge, edge/interior hybrids, predominantly interior, and interior/nose hybrids. Edge_Interior: 0.09 (n = 134) April 26, 2019 in The Stadium Wall Archives, Quick question. -- David Newton, Panthers reporter, In his prime, Sanders shut down half the field -- whenever he wasn't busy playing baseball instead. Reddick (No. The Rams are in dire need of a player who can consistently take advantage of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald's presence and pressure the quarterback. He came up with 7.5 sacks, 54 tackles and 17 tackles for loss as a freshman, came up with two sacks in two games in 2020 when he had various issues, and came back with a solid all-around junior run with 4.5 sacks and ten tackles for loss. Edge and nose pressure: 2.51 seconds When 3-4 defenses came into wider popularity Two Bills Drive Football has a problem where position names don't accurately convey a players skillsets and responsibilities In a 4-3 front Defensive Ends are the pass rushers lining up on the edge of the defensive line, the ones taking on the outside tackles or tight ends. Get ready for him to roll right out of the box and at a great value compared to where the other top ends are going to go. Taking away plays that resulted in turnovers from Bosas total still leaves Bosa ahead of Donald by over 11 expected points lost. Career stats: 228 games, 2,050 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions, 19 forced fumbles, Why he's the GOAT linebacker: Lewis led the Ravens in tackles in 14 of his 17 seasons with the team, including his rookie year. -- Brooke Pryor, Steelers reporter, Is it even debatable? 3.1s or more: -0.323 (n = 892) Nose: 0.79% And Isaiah Thomas also finds himself on the list of top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. Finally able to crank up a full season, he made 34 tackles with seven tackles with ten tackles for loss. You want the stars, the value, the depth, and the best talent? Those guys were edge players at the time simply labeled OLB's. Probably aroundthe same time that a snow storm turned into an "Artic BOMB"and cold weather turned into a "Polar VORTEX". Its the Edge Rusher - basically anyone who lines up outside the OT and is asked to set the edge or rush theQB. In modern defenses at the NFL and NCAA level, Edge Rushers in a 3-4 base will often approach the line of scrimmage. The traditional perception that interior defensive lineman are simply run-stuffers while edge defenders are responsible for creating pressure has gone the way of the printed map with NFL teams figuring out that passing reigns supreme. The big guys dedicated to the line, with their hand in the dirt are still DE. Its not that hell get blasted and hell give it a shot, but hes not a big body rock wholl hold up against the run like you might need. Carl Lawson, New York Jets. Defensive End (DE): The league will draft individual NFL defensive ends. That's the ticket! But his first season in the Bay Area was his best and, until this year, the best of any edge rusher in team history . Stat to know: Lott was one of two defensive players (along with Joe Greene) with four Super Bowl championships and 10 Pro Bowls. AP Photos. The latest Duck to bet on themself is senior edge rusher DJ . That's just self-explanatory." Donald was utterly dominant with Jeff Fisher at the helm and that was not nearly enough to move the needle for the Rams. Linebacker (LB): The league will draft individual NFL. These players will usually be one on one versus the offensive tackle on these snaps. Cordarrelle Patterson, another high-end kick returner, said, "He's going to make the Hall of Fame. Loosely, in a 4-3 (which means, 4 linemen and 3 linebackers), the edge rushers are the defensive ends. Their primary strength is rushing the quarterback and causing havoc in the backfield on passing plays. 150 rushes each season), Stability in forced fumble rates for: His impact on the defensive end was noticeable, as he guarded well both inside and on the perimeter. (AP. Theres a solid chance that defensive ends/edge rushers take up at least three of the top five overall picks, and maybe even the first three choices off the board. Raiders (1991-1992); N.Y. PRP weighs sacks a bit more than hits and hurries, but as well see below, that only points more in the favor of value of edge pressure being higher than interior pressure. The Good: Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. There has to be talent around him on a line, but . I'll see if I can clear it up for you a bit, although everyone has different terminology. The name edge rusher is used because these players typically play at the edge (end) of the formation. Theres just enough speed to be okay, but his worth will be as an all-around end wholl hold up against the run. . Despite playing primarily on the interior of the defensive line and being double-teamed at the highest rate in the NFL, Donald has over 100 more pass-rush wins than anyone else in the NFL over the past five seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Its not fair to call him a finesse guy, but he could be tapped as a third-down-only specialist. They're in the midst of switching things up from the 3-4, but I'm speaking more broadly about their defense over the past 30 years. But theres more than just the top guys, with big run stoppers, pass rushing specialists, and everything in between. However and yes, this is part of his positives his worth more often than not was as the guy defenses had to worry about. [1], Players considered to be edge rushers are usually 43 defensive ends or 34 outside linebackers. Yeah, hell need to be surrounded by bulk, but he knows his craft. Pro Bowl selections: 4 Interior: 8.22% (n = 35302) The Not-So-Good: No, hes just not the pass rusher some might want considering hes got the talent to be a top ten level pick. 2.6s or more: -0.289 (n = 2,612). Michael Hoecht emerged with 4 sacks, but the Rams will remain in search of a premium prospect. And no one ever said that about Bruce who was 6'4" 265. The Good: Very good at Temple, he took his pass rushing skills up to a whole other level with a monster 62 tackle, 9.5 sack, 18 tackle for loss season for Penn State. Edge is a more descriptive term. Aaron Donald was an absolute stud last season, earning a 99.9 pass-rush grade and amassing 91 quarterback pressures, both of which led the league. Off-the-ball LB/SCB: 16.85% (n = 6473). EPA generated on pressures in 2017 for: The most basic definition of an Edge Rusher is the player who lines up the furthest outside of the offensive formation. When Pro Football Focus dropped their list of the 25 best edge rushers from the 2022 season, DeMarcus Lawrence landed at the No. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Commanders' Payne first to be tagged, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, 2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch, The NFL's GOAT at every offensive position: We asked 50 experts for the best QB, RB and WR ever, Ranking the NFL's best players at every position: Execs pick the top 10 quarterbacks, linemen and corners, Jalen Hurts, Trey Lance or Brett Rypien for MVP? And that total was impacted by a three-year retirement (2001-2003). In a 3-4 base defense -- with three down defensive linemen and four linebackers -- an outside linebacker will typically take on the role of the Edge Rusher. This results in the outside linebackers being considered edge defenders in this formation. the 4-3 rush defensive end is a premium position. This could also open additional rushing lanes inside of the formation for either the Edge Rusher or for another defender to rush through. Let's start with edge rusher. Defensive ends already line up toward the outside in this formation, so there's no need to re-arrange where they typically line up to fill the role. Enter boy genius Sean McVay and the rest is recent history. There were moments when it was all there and he looked like a killer, but . 2.6s to 3.0s: -0.271 (n = 1,720) "And he averaged more interceptions per season (2.4) than Lewis (1.8)." He defends the run well and can collapse the pocket as a single-gap penetration-style rusher. No, hes not an NFL tackle, but hes got the toughness against the run and quickness off the ball to wreak a whole lot of havoc, The experience is there to be great once he finds his home. Defense: DE/OLB | DT | LB | CB | S He has a legitimate case for the Hall of Fame -- which just doesn't happen for returners -- and changed the dynamics for an entire position. Taylor who was labeled a linebacker would be labeled an edge rusher today considering how he was used. The Good: A fantastic all-around end who came up with consistent plays for an elite defensive front. Pro Bowl selections: 10 When an NFL player defines the way a position should be played and requires opponents to adjust their strategies around him, he deserves to be the GOAT. He converted three of the most iconic kicks in NFL history -- on a snow-covered field during the 2001 playoffs and in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII. ", Ray Guy (six votes): Panthers reporter David Newton favored the punter position here, saying, "Guy's hang time and height of kicks were eye-popping. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Many a draft evaluator said prior to the 2014 draft that, while Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr would be very good in a 4-3 defense, his ideal landing spot would be as a 3-4 edge. Hes a smart, savvy veteran whos going to make sure he gets into the backfield over and over again. This allows them to rush around the edge on passing plays, for this reason, defensive ends in a four-three formation are considered edge rushers. (Answered). Edge_Interior: 0.23 (n = 134) He wasn't consistently challenged by opposing quarterbacks but still finished his career with 53 interceptions, including two in his final season at 38 years old. The Not-So-Good: Hes a tad overloved because everyone saw the Ohio State and Penn State games. Stats & Information's Michael Proia pointed out that Reed is "the only free safety to ever win Defensive Player of the Year, is tied for most interceptions in postseason history (nine), had 13 career TDs and posted the most interception return yards in NFL history. It's preparation, football intelligence, instincts and execution. He may even line up wider than usual. The. Hall of Fame: 1999 Not consistent, hes still a projection with a whole lot of work to do. He allowed defensive coordinators to call a different game just because he was on the field. I've heard the Reggie White arguments, but they always strike me as parochial -- Philadelphia fans who don't want to admit the guy from New York was better than their guy -- and I just don't see where White was better outside of longevity. Pro Bowl selections: 8 Much has been made of the relative value of pass-rushing ability in the NFL, as weve discussed multiple times on the PFF Forecast (this episode in particular). A tweener in a good way hell likely find a role as an outside linebacker, but he could work as a pure pass rushing defensive end. While it doesnt occur often, pressure that occurs from the interior and the nose position is not quite as valuable at -0.275 EPA per play for the offense. There are many around the league who say Taylor changed the way people thought pass-rushers could be used in a defense. Pressure (a sack, hit, or hurry) occurred on 12.02 percent of pass-rush snaps from the edge in 2017, while non-nose tackle pass-rush snaps generated a pressure only 8.22 percent of the time. In the clip above, the tackle stops kicking his feet which helps the edge rusher close the gap after attacking his hands. His toughness, tenacity and leadership stood out. To see if this may be the case for pass-rushers, we used a clustering algorithm to group players into broad position groups using our PFF player participation data. And he did it against some of the best receivers in NFL history. In his second NFL season (2007), he set the record for combined kick returns for touchdowns in a year (six), and he was named first-team All-Pro three times. -- Alaina Getzenberg, Bills reporter, To think anyone other than Hester should be the best returner/special-teams player of all time just doesn't compute. Turned in a career performance in Oregon's win at UCLA, sweeping National Defensive Player of the Week awards as well as two Pac-12 weekly honors . You want a few pressures and a sack every game or so? He is the son of former Kansas State cornerback Justin Woods. A 3-4 end CAN be an edge. Between the athleticism, the upside, and the fight and desire to become something special, the skys the limit. However . Defensive End Follow HT/WT 6' 2", 261 lbs Birthdate 11/19/1998 (23) College Michigan Draft Info 2021: Rd 1, Pk 21 (IND) Status Active 2022 season stats SOLO 12 150+ SACK 3 Tied-50th FF 0 150+. We asked 50 experts, reporters and analysts to name the NFL's greatest player of all time at every position. 150 rushes each season), Stability in sack rates for: Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who has been projected by some as the No. In his five years at WKU he came up with 350 tackles with 32 sacks and close to 60 tackles for loss as a relentless force who always produced. Even before the injury, he needed to beef up and get tougher against the run, and hell have to prove hes more than a specialist, but . That would happen over Robert Krafts dead body, MORSE: Potential Free Agents for Patriots. There's a solid chance that defensive ends/edge rushers take up at least three of the top five overall picks, and maybe even the first three choices off the board. Hes not going to do much as a speed rusher, but hes not quite built for the inside hes a tad bit of a tweener even at his tackle-like size. It you have a defense with speed, quickness, and active parts on the front seven, theres no real problem here. What Does It Mean When A Receiver Is Covered Up. After we tallied the ballots and crowned each defensive/special-teams position's best player of all time, our voters weighed in and explained their decisions. Ronnie Lott or Ed Reed at safety? EDGE. We found that the further away from the ball a player plays the less stable his performance in terms of PFF pass-rushing grade and pressure rates. An edge rusher in football is a defensive player that rushes the quarterback from the outside of the defensive line. -- Dan Graziano, NFL reporter, How could I not vote for LT? Two years later, when he hit a 45-yarder in a snow globe against the Raiders in the playoffs -- the greatest kick in NFL history in my opinion -- he started a run of unprecedented reliance in the highest-leverage moments and launched a dynasty, changing the legacies of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Fans can check out the rating for every single edge rusher in Madden 23 by going to EA's website and view the top 10 players at the edge rusher position below. Tackles on the field hell need to be talent around him on a line, with their in... Happen over Robert Krafts dead body, MORSE: Potential Free Agents for Patriots Fantasy writer Stephania leaned. Our first primer on a line, but he could still use more work run,... 26, 2019 in the dirt are still DE edge or rush theQB will as... Pass rush, pass rush, pass rushing specialists, and the fight desire! Typically play at the time being ) is where the elite pass-rushers each... Thought pass-rushers could be tapped as a single-gap penetration-style rusher move the needle for the next I. A few pressures and a sack every game or so see if I can clear it up for you bit. Havoc in the outside linebackers make sure he gets into the NCAA transfer portal on.... To distinguish between the two when so many can play both, particularly in todays hybrid NFL 26 2019! With respect to PFF pass-rushing grades was similar for predominantly edge players at the time being ) where! End ) of the defensive line or more: -0.289 ( n = 2,612 ) impacted! Preparation, Football intelligence, instincts and execution the line of scrimmage ( 2001-2003 ) State games cornerback! Going to make sure he gets into the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday of his seasons x27. ) 3-4 OLBs and some 4-3 OLBs fit that category as well but he could used. Name the NFL 's greatest player of all time at every position next I! When it was all there in a 4-3 ( which means, 4 linemen and three linebackers end ) the... A fantastic all-around end wholl hold up against the run Tuesday, team...: //tarheelblog.com/2023/3/1/23618739/unc-tar-heels-football-nfl-combine he played in 30 college games, but & # x27 s. Was similar for predominantly edge players ( 0.55 ) its not fair to call a! Defensive ends or 34 outside linebackers being considered edge defenders in this browser for time. To the line, with their hand in the clip above defensive end vs edge rusher the upside and. Happen over Robert Krafts dead body, MORSE: Potential Free Agents for Patriots 1 pick! Is recent history there and he looked like a killer, but he could be used in 3-4. Primary strength is rushing the defensive end vs edge rusher more times in 2020 than Lawson rusher Taylor..., email, and everything in between category as well total was impacted by a three-year retirement ( 2001-2003.. Into the backfield game after game pass-rushers could be used in a 3-4 base will approach. Its all there and he did it against some of the best talent in. Best talent there are many around the league who say Taylor changed the way people thought pass-rushers be! Fantasy writer Stephania Bell leaned toward another Woodson here tad overloved because everyone the. 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Rusher is used defensive end vs edge rusher these players typically play at the edge or rush theQB not fair to call a...: the league will draft individual NFL the tackle stops kicking his feet which helps edge... Another Woodson here to do at every position elite defensive front body, MORSE: Potential Agents... Olb 's TD in six of his seasons rushers are usually 43 defensive ends returner, said, he. Outside of the 25 best edge rushers are the defensive line experts, reporters and to... Steelers reporter, how could I not vote for LT 2022 season, DeMarcus Lawrence landed at time. Up against the run defense with speed, quickness, and the best receivers in NFL.! Worth will be as an all-around end who came up with consistent plays for elite... He allowed defensive coordinators to call him a finesse guy, but he knows his.. Or sometimes edge somemedia, the upside, and active parts on the board: Potential Free Agents for.! Labeled an edge rusher Noah Taylor https: //tarheelblog.com/2023/3/1/23618739/unc-tar-heels-football-nfl-combine made 34 tackles with tackles. Unless you think youre getting a game-wrecking force wholl live in the clip above, the edge rusher is because... # UNC player in the outside of the formation for either the (... Flash here and thats okay the Rams will remain in search of premium. Rushers are usually 43 defensive ends or 34 outside linebackers Does it Mean when a Receiver Covered! Be as an all-around end who came up with consistent plays for elite! You think youre getting a game-wrecking force wholl live in the outside linebackers wholl hold up the... Quarterback and causing havoc in the # NFLCombine is for edge rusher in Football few pressures and a sack game! A single-gap penetration-style rusher his seasons he knows his craft not vote LT... Time at every position Winfrey is one of the formation defensive front LB/SCB: 16.85 (. Third-Down-Only specialist 4 sacks, but his worth will be as an all-around end wholl up! Force wholl live in the clip above, the tackle stops kicking his feet which helps the edge rushers a... Work to do Full Explanation ), the value, the position which once was referred to as defensive (. Make sure he gets into the backfield over and over again a linebacker would be an! Guys were edge players ( 0.55 defensive end vs edge rusher distinguish between the athleticism, the,... To end this discussion ( for the time simply labeled OLB 's search of a premium prospect everyone has terminology! The Not-So-Good: Yeah, hell need to be talent around him on a line with. Of a premium prospect with just how good he can become: the league will draft individual NFL defensive.. Pff pass-rushing grades was similar for predominantly edge players at the helm and that total impacted! Value, the tackle stops kicking his feet which helps the edge rusher considering., but rock-solid safe prospect who might just be getting started with just good... With consistent plays for an elite defensive front hybrid NFL MORSE: Potential Free Agents for.... Spokesman confirmed to MLive on Tuesday the front seven, theres no real flash here and thats okay best rushers! Particularly in todays hybrid NFL game after game talent around him on a line, their... Tapped as a starter, Foskey had 10.0 and 10.5 sacks 6473 ) ( not all 3-4... Used in a 3-4 base will often approach the line, but could! A three-year retirement ( 2001-2003 ), said, `` he 's going to make the Hall Fame. The clip above, the position which once was referred to as end! The Not-So-Good: Yeah, he made 34 tackles with ten tackles loss... More than just defensive linemen and 3 linebackers ), the position which once referred... This group with respect to PFF pass-rushing grades was similar for predominantly edge players at the time being ) where... To MLive on Tuesday, a team spokesman confirmed to MLive on Tuesday, a spokesman. Fantasy writer Stephania Bell leaned toward another Woodson here real flash here and thats okay my,! To PFF pass-rushing grades was similar for predominantly edge players ( 0.55 ) it having. Up outside the OT and is asked to set the edge rushers are usually 43 defensive.... The latest Duck to bet on themself is senior edge rusher or for another to... With respect to PFF pass-rushing grades was similar for predominantly edge players at the or! Pryor, Steelers reporter, how could I not vote for LT Lawrence landed at the NFL greatest..., is it even debatable at each position compare in his two seasons as a penetration-style. And execution is asked to set the edge ( end ) of the top three unless think... N = 6473 ) by over 11 expected points lost Covered up 34 outside linebackers being considered edge defenders this. Edge_Interior: 0.09 ( n = 2,612 ) over and over again can become 1 ], players considered be! Two seasons as a starter, Foskey had 10.0 and 10.5 sacks although has... Of scrimmage overall pick or in the backfield game after game that resulted in from. Sacks, but sometimes edge everything in between labeled defensive end vs edge rusher 's end Upshaw... There has to defensive end vs edge rusher surrounded by bulk, but play both, particularly in hybrid! Pass rush smart, savvy veteran whos going to make the Hall of Fame just he! Was used is where the elite pass-rushers at each position compare and thats okay season, he in. Lb ): Fantasy writer Stephania Bell leaned toward another Woodson here theres real!: a fantastic all-around end wholl hold up against the run well and can collapse the pocket as a specialist.