2023 NFL Draft – Edge Rusher Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – EDGE:

You are currently viewing the best edge rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Our top edge rusher prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best defensive ends and outside linebackers in college football. Even though only about 30 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft sleepers, draft stars, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2023 edge prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 25, 2023)

2023:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

If you run a 3-4 system, Will Anderson is just about the perfect prospect. From a 4-3 perspective you might have some size concerns, but he’s still a top tier edge rusher. Anderson’s sophomore season in 2021 was as dominant as any I have ever seen, from any player at any position. The 1st team All-American racked up over 100 total tackles as an edge rusher, along with a nation-leading 34.5 TFLs and 17.5 sacks. He also recorded the most single season QB hurries in the history of the stat. This past season he was often being schemed into unusual formations to try to avoid double teams, and didn’t have as many opportunities to blow up plays. Although 17 TFLs is still incredible. At 6’4" 240, Will Anderson looks like he’ll step into the NFL and play like Von Miller right away if he’s used correctly. His elite quickness and bend around the edge is matched with elite core strength and a bevy of pass rushing moves. He’s also extremely well coached with a high football IQ and above average athleticism across the board.

2022 Stats

13 games: 51 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 interception, 0 fumbles forced

Tyree Wilson is a very big and strong edge rusher who primarily played 3-4 outside linebacker despite being 6’6" 275 pounds. He shows elite strength in his ability to drive straight through offensive linemen to consistently disrupt plays, and could have a long highlight film of one armed tackles with his ability to ragdoll offenses players with just one hand. His frame looks the part of an NFL ready 4-3 defensive end, and is capable of getting off the line quickly. He has solid bend around the edge for someone of his size, and knows how to use his length to his advantage at engaging blocks. Effort is also a consistent plus for Wilson, as he’s willing to move pursue sideline to sideline and outside runs and screens. He’ll need to improve his pass rushing moves to consistently win at the next level, and doesn’t have elite athleticism compared to most 1st round guys.

2022 Stats

10 games: 61 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 0 passes defended, 1 fumble forced

Myles Murphy is a big time athlete who’s still a little raw. At 6’5" 275 pounds he might be a bit of a tweener, but has the versatility to settle into any NFL system and have the potential to excel. The production has been moderate for someone of his physical traits, but he’s improved each year and really impresses on film. Murphy wins using both speed and power, and has legitimate flexibility to bend around the edge despite his size. His large frame is also well proportioned with little unnecessary weight and very long arms to help set the edge and create initial contact. He’ll need to continue to diversify his pass rush moves and prove he has enough hip quickness to change directions on the fly.

2022 Stats

13 games: 40 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 fumble forced

Lukas Van Ness is a powerful redshirt sophomore who produced at a high level in each of his 2 seasons at Iowa. At 6’5" 275 pounds, he’s capable of playing 4-3 defensive end or bulk up a bit more to play 3-4 defensive end. The recognition of offensive concepts needs some work, but his combination of size, length, power, and athleticism make him a prototypical NFL defensive lineman. He possesses solid change of direction ability for someone of his size, with a couple of blossoming pass rush moves and a good ability to transition speed to power. His ceiling is very high, but he’s less experienced than some other players and could stand to improve his anchor if he doesn’t win at initial contact.

2022 Stats

13 games: 37 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 0 passes defended, 0 fumbles forced

Nolan Smith’s season was unfortunately cut short with a torn pec, playing less than 200 snaps on the season. But the overall body of work through his 4 year career shows an elite athlete who is instinctual and possesses a high football IQ. The former 5 star recruit consistently wins with a speed rush and impressive bend around the edge, while showing an improving yet still raw bevy of pass rush moves. Smith isn’t particularly powerful but is very smart in how he strikes the football, helping him force 3 fumbles in the 2021 season. He shows a good understanding of offensive concepts, offering plus versatility thanks to his ability to quickly react versus run plays or drop back and cover tight ends. While he’s included in the edge rusher category, he could absolutely hold as a 4-3 outside linebacker, not just a 3-4 outside linebacker.

2022 Stats

8 games: 18 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 0 passes defended, 0 fumbles forced

Complete 2023 EDGE draft rankings

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2023:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

The 2023 edge rusher draft class is especially strong, perhaps being the best position group in the draft. It comes at a great time, too, as pass rushers have never been in more demand than they are today. I wouldn’t be surprised to see as many as 12 edge rushers drafted in the first 2 rounds, with many more in the middle rounds. Even the late rounds and undrafted free agency should produce some talent this year, with nearly 40 players currently holding draftable grades for me. It feels like there’s more draftable 3-4 outside linebackers than there are spots in the NFL this year, and a few of those players will ultimately end up falling to a point of great value due to their narrow scheme fit.