Alabama Crimson Tide
2017 NFL draft rankings: Edge rushers
Alabama Crimson Tide

2017 NFL draft rankings: Edge rushers

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

A premium has been placed on edge rushers for decades, but rarely have they been as coveted as they are now, and this draft class has a stockpile of standouts. We’ve combined defensive ends and pass-rushing outside linebackers into one group here, because the difference between 4–3 and 3–4 edge defenders is as narrow as ever.

Rank Player School Measurables
1 Myles Garrett Texas A&M 6' 5", 262 lbs.
2 Derek Barnett Tennessee 6' 3", 265 lbs.
3 Tim Williams Alabama 6' 4", 252 lbs..
4 Takarrist McKinley UCLA 6' 4", 230 lbs.
5 Taco Charlton Michigan 6' 6", 272 lbs.
6 DeMarcus Walker Florida State 6' 4", 280 lbs.
7 Charles Harris Missouri 6' 3", 235 lbs.
8 Carl Lawson Auburn 6' 2", 253 lbs.
9 Ryan Anderson Alabama 6' 2", 253 lbs.
10 Harold Landry Boston College 6' 3", 250 lbs.
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Frankly, I ran out of room—the list of edge defenders with Round 3-and-up potential could go another five to 10 guys deep: Marquis Haynes, Ejuan Price, Dawuane Smoot, Devonte Fields, Tanoh Kpassagnon ... just keeps going. Among those who are here, Garrett, Barnett and Williams all have the look of top-15 picks. (And there are some who’d argue Williams’s teammate, Anderson, is an even better pro prospect than Williams is.) McKinley is a hyper-active defender who benefited when UCLA shifted from a 3–4 to a 4–3. Harris might have the best spin move in college football. Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows I’m a huge Landry fan. He’s a stout run defender and a developing pass rusher who has stood out on a mediocre team.​

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