Top Ten EDGEs In The NFL 2023 Draft

This year, the EDGE class is loaded with talent – plain and simple. Both the top-end talent and the depth of prospects is there. Among all the top EDGEs this year were a lot of intriguing and exciting evaluations. I’ve watched and graded 16 EDGE prospects and assembled the top ten in order. I give a detailed overview of each one and also give honorable mentions for those that didn’t quite make the cut. Use promo code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Please gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.

1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

There are few other prospects I feel as good about them succeeding as I do with Will Anderson Jr. The man is remarkable and would’ve easily been the first pick if he had been in last year’s draft. With a proper build to play EDGE, he is one of the most explosive EDGEs in this class. Additionally, he put together some legitimately threatening pass-rush moves. When it comes to defending the run, he is strong at the point of attack and possesses stellar instincts. There isn’t much Anderson Jr. can’t do, and he’s a lock top-five pick because of it.

2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

As previously mentioned, Tyree Wilson is a pterodactyl at EDGE and possesses a rare combo of size and explosiveness. At 6’6″ and 271 lbs, he has an 84 1/2″ wingspan. What’s so surprising about Wilson is how he can move laterally. His ability to stutter-step and hesitate is outrageous for being so large. He already has developed some of the most destructive power moves you’ll see in a prospect. The arm-over he uses so often is deadly and highly entertaining to watch. Pair his pass-rush skillset with what he can do as a run defender, and you got a legitimate top-ten candidate.

3. Nolan Smith, Georgia

Despite only being 6’2″, 238 lbs, Nolan Smith is a dynamic athlete with superstar potential. He has surprisingly effective play strength and a mighty lower half. His combine numbers only backup what was one of the most world-class athletes on the field. His ability to get off the line and beat the tackle to the corner with pure speed and bend is, bar none, the best in this class. While he is limited to playing in a 3-4 system, I couldn’t think of a better prospect to play that particular role.

4. B.J. Ojulari, LSU

This ranking is an evident surprise, but it should be made clear I’d rather draft Lukas Van Ness in most instances. B.J. Ojulari is slightly more promising but is limited to a 3-4 scheme/ pass-rush specialist. Many analysts overlook his speed, and he has surprisingly adequate arm length at 34 plus inches. He has an exceptional bend and can beat the corner in a hurry. Moreover, he has a well-developed pass-rushing repertoire. Although he only fits a particular role, Ojulari is an up-and-coming prospect and will likely be a steal in the second round.

5. Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

Even though Lukas Van Ness ranks fifth, he is a versatile prospect who can fit any scheme. That makes it easier to draft him over B.J. Ojulari. He has the athletic skillset of a straight-line Mike Linebacker but the build of a Defensive End. On top of that, very few prospects get as good leverage as Van Ness gets as a bull rusher. When he converts speed to power, there is no stopping this man unless you’re a Dawand Jones build. He wasn’t a full-time starter at Iowa, but the flashes were utterly dominant when he was in. Van Ness specifically would work excellently in a 4-3 defense but has the flexibility to play standup EDGE as well. While he’s overrated and not a top-15 guy, he is still a prospect that’s hard not to root for.

6. Myles Murphey, Clemson

Myles Murphey is among the most interesting evals on the list. With a very tall and sturdy build, he has incredible speed and raw power. He’s more of a straight-line runner, but he can be nearly impossible to stop when he gets going. The inconsistency shown on tape makes me hold back on Murphey, especially in run defense. The flashes are there, but there were way too many plays leaving me questioning if he even belonged in the first. Ultimately, he’s a prospect worth gambling on in the late first or early second as his physical skillset is rare.

7. Will McDonald IV, Iowa State

Will McDonald IV was one of the most frustrating evals this year, but to no fault of his own. Iowa State often played this guy as a four or five-tech when he was only 6’3″, 239 lbs. Not to mention he also possesses elite burst and bend for a prospect. Although he’s a red shirt Senior and is still a work in progress, he has legitimate value in this draft. That is because he has enate traits that can be unleashed in a 3-4 system or any other defense where he isn’t a damn four-tech. McDonald IV has bust potential, but you risk passing up a future superstar if you don’t take him.

8. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Felix Anudike should be one of the many EDGEs who fall due to the amount of depth in this class. Despite that, he’ll be a suitable day-one starter for whoever snags him in the second. While Anudike-Uzomah has no trump cards to rely on, he is steady across the board as a pass-rusher. He has an excellent balance of finesse and power in his game. Additionally, he is an all-around solid athlete. He isn’t a significant impact in run defense but will hold his own rather well. Even though he won’t be a star player, he is a very safe and reliable guy to take in round two.

9. Derick Hall, Auburn

Derick Hall is a unique pass-rushing specialist reminiscent of Frank Clark. While not much of a lateral mover, he has near-elite straight-line speed paired with a tremendous first step. I love his long arm move, which is used as his go-to. The power in his upper half really shows, and he uses an adequate level of bend to assist his moves. He’s not much of an impact in the run game which is why he isn’t ranked higher, but his pass-rush skillset is vastly underrated. As someone projected to go in round three, he is a true sleeper in an uber-talented EDGE class.

10. Andre Carter II, Army

Andre Carter is a very intriguing developmental project out of Army. He has a unique build as he is 6’7″ and 260 lbs but with a slender frame. Due to the Army programs, he couldn’t gain proper musculature, but the good news is that can change in the pros. With more muscles mass and better-developed moves, Carter can become a severe problem for D-coordinators. His agility and speed are rare for the type of length he has. Carter is projected to go in round three, but he would genuinely be a solid pickup in the second.

Honorable Mentions: Tuli Tuipulotu (73.8), Isaiah Foskey (73.7), Byron Young (73.6)

Tuli Tuipulotu is a highly versatile EDEG with a play style reminiscent of Za’Darius Smith. He has a satisfying combination of size, power, and quickness. Isaiah Foskey has the proper athletic skillset to excel in the pros but needs to round out his game more. His first step at his size is quite impressive. Byron Young is someone pigeon held to playing as an OLB due to his lack of size. He is one of the most gifted athletes in this class; he just needs much more development.