National Football League

2017 NFL Draft Pro Comparisons: The Edge Rushers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The 2017 NFL draft pro comparisons shifts to one of the more popular spots on a roster. This class appears to be quite loaded at the edge rusher position.

Edge rushers come in many shapes and size but they all need to have a certain set of traits in order to do the most important job on a defense:  get the quarterback on the ground. Does this incoming class feature some solid comparisons or are they destined for some rather modest careers based on their skill sets and physical dimensions?

Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)

He’s been proclaimed the best pass rusher and the best overall player by many draft pundits already. That’s just a testament to the sheer physical talent Garrett has. He’s such a rare genetic breed in that he has the size and power of a defensive end mixed with the speed and quickness of a linebacker. He’s able to shrug off blocks almost at will but is absolutely devastating with his explosive first step. Often tackles are never able to get back in time before he’s got them beat.

Comparison:  Bruce Smith

From a perspective of physical dimensions and ability, it’s uncanny how much Garrett is like the all-time NFL sack leader. Bruce Smith came out of Virginia Tech with some questions about his conditioning and health. The argument against that, according to GM Bill Polian, was “God only makes so many of these guys.” Buffalo drafted Smith and he helped them to four Super Bowls. If Garrett embraces the same work ethic, he can achieve similar heights.

Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) returns a fumble by Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (not pictured) for a touchdown as defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) trails the play during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Williams (Alabama)

One of the reasons Alabama made their late surge last season to win the national championship was the establishing of a dominant pass rush. Chief  among the names who made that happen was Tim Williams. The outside linebacker became a terror with his explosive first step and violent hands. If given any sort of leverage on the outside he would consistently blow past blockers to the quarterback. While limited as a run defender he tackles well and has the athleticism to drop in coverage.

Comparison:  Bruce Irvin

The linebacker who acts as a situational pass rusher. That is what Williams looks like. There is no doubt that he mirrors much of what Bruce Irvin became for the Seattle Seahawks. He would play linebacker in certain situations but became an edge rusher when the down and distance were right. Though he never produced a ton of sacks, he was a presence that other teams couldn’t ignore. It looks like Williams is made for that type of role.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Barnett (Tennessee)

There are those pass rushers who have the flash plays that make people go “oooo” and “aaaah.” They tend to be the ones that get all the love. Then are those rusher who are just consistently good at their job. Week after week they find their way to the quarterback. This is Derek Barnett. He won’t wow with explosion or athleticism but the Vols defensive end is strong, quick and relentless in his pursuit of the football. That’s why stopping him is such a chore.

Comparison:  Cameron Wake

The same has been said of Miami Dolphins star Cameron Wake for years. He has never been mentioned enough among the names of top pass rushers in the NFL even though he is one. Playing for some bad teams has had much to do with it. Barnett shares a similar style and body type with him, along with that steady aggression that never seems to relent. Even into his 30s Wake is difficult to block. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. So does Barnett.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Harris (Missouri)

Missouri has produced some solid pass rushers over the past few years. Charles Harris looks like their latest success story. Another of those defensive ends who are strong enough to power through blocks but also look really explosive on tape. The quickness and agility is there, making it difficult to know what they’ll do from snap to snap. That is what makes for an effective edge rusher. Harris also boasts a steady motor, meaning he’s not prone to cold streaks.

Comparison:  Dwight Freeney

From time to time on tape for the Tigers, people will see Harris unleash a devastating spin move that completely fools the tackle and opens the quarterback up to a sack. Football fans who blur their eyes would swear they just saw long-time Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney on the play. Freeney of course made that spin move style famous in Indianapolis. The two also share a similar build with a preference for playing with a hand in dirt, though they can rush upright if asked.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) rushes against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Demarcus Walker (Florida State)

Every draft has certain guys who just don’t look like they should be good pass rushers but the numbers say they are. Demarcus Walker fits that profile. The Florida State defensive end isn’t an unstoppable force on every snap, but he’s persistent in his approach and 5-10 times per game he gets into the backfield for a shot at the quarterback. Sort that itch an offense can’t scratch. He never goes away and can drive you crazy by the end of the game.

Comparison:  Greg Hardy

Greg Hardy was much the same way coming out of college. Aside from his off-the-field concerns, which were validated the past couple years, he was an effective defensive end who just seemed to get better every year. He won with strength, violence and relentlessness. Walker boasts similar positives and negatives. It will come down to the scheme he ends up in. Odds are he fits best in a 4-3 system where he can play with his hand on the ground as he’s done at Florida State.

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