Yeah he was productive at UK he rocked as a senior with 53 tackles with 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss as a constant presence in the backfield but it was more about how he progressed. Hall of Fame: 2000 Tom Brady and Peyton Manning would both probably tell you Lewis rented space in their minds pre- and post-snap. The Good: Everyone liked him before after a long and emerging career at Kentucky, and then he was more than fine in the offseason workout process. The primary duty of an Edge Rusher on running plays is to either tackle the ball carrier himself, or force the ball carrier back to the inside of the field where the majority of other defenders are. ", Also receiving votes: Desmond Howard (one), Who is the NFL's greatest defensive player of all time? Bruce was certainly an edge rusher as a 3-4 DE in the 90s, but not every 3-4 DE fits that bill. Its not like he was totally erased in the losses to Georgia and Michigan State, but again, most of his high-end work behind the line came in three games. In a 3-4 (which means, as you might expect, 3 lineme Continue Reading 31 More answers below Chris Smith Oh, he brought it, and theres no questioning his heart or his toughness the ankle really was an issue but from Day One everyone knew he was going to be a top ten overall draft pick. 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. Jerry Rice himself said Sanders and Darrell Green gave him the hardest time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its all there in a rock-solid safe prospect who might just be getting started with just how good he can become. For this reason, we will focus on 2017 data, though the difference between 2017 and including the last four years is quite small. -- Jeff Legwold. He produced right out of the . 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. The Edge Rusher isn't an official position in football, but it's a role that's becoming more and more popular every year. And he did it against some of the best receivers in NFL history. For example, there were 42 qualifying 4-3 defensive ends/3-4 outside linebackers with pass-rush productivities over 10.0 in 2017, while there were only seven qualifying defensive tackles/3-4 defensive ends that eclipsed the same mark. Career stats: 365 games, 599-of-715 field goals (83.8%), 874-of-898 extra points (97.3%), Why he's the GOAT kicker: Vinatieri's 397 games (including playoffs) are the most by any player, as are his field goals made (599), consecutive field goals made (44) and career seasons with 100-plus points (21). Right. 1 pick in April's draft, ran a 1.62 for comparison. This results in the outside linebackers being considered edge defenders in this formation. Get him out there, and hes going to make plays. NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: As long as you dont care all that much about getting a steady pass rush from him as an end, hell be a solid part of a puzzle. Theres no questioning his motor or want-to on any play. 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. Well Bruce came into the league over 300 lbs. Not just a finesse guy, hes got enough strength and power for his size to handle himself just fine against the tough guy blockers. Give him some time and more technique work, and hes going to be a disruptive force. Hes a playmaker, but hes not a big-time run stopper just 37 tackles last season and disappeared for too many stretches. You want the stars, the value, the depth, and the best talent? And Isaiah Thomas also finds himself on the list of top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. Prime checks all of the boxes. Unlike value, time to pressure does not take a leap when both the edge and interior pressure occurs (2.45 seconds). -- Eric Woodyard, Lions reporter, Charles Woodson (five votes): "No one can match Sanders' playmaking ability, but Woodson's versatility as a tackler and a pass-rusher -- in addition to his physicality in press situations -- allowed coaches to build their defenses around him," Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert said. Lewis changed the middle linebacker position with his range, strength and awareness, shutting down the game's top running backs. The Seminoles are bringing back the No. Enough said. Sack rates were less stable for edge (0.29) than interior (0.34) but forced fumble rates were more stable for edge (0.22) than any other position cluster. Sticking with the 90s defenses, Cornelius Bennett was an "edge" at OLB, but Darryl Talley was not. Defense: DE/OLB | DT | LB | CB | S 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. Wondering if someday they will have SLOT or WILL or SAM or MIKE. Hes got a chip on his shoulder as a guy who had to work his way into this position. 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. The average NFL time to pressure in 2017 was 2.42 seconds. Niners reporter Nick Wagoner agreed, saying, "Sayers is one of the few exceptions to the need for longevity to determine greatness because he was so dominant in an all-too-short career. Buy Bears Tickets. Those guys were edge players at the time simply labeled OLB's. 2.6s or more: -0.289 (n = 2,612). "The Ultimate Guide to Football Defense" Booklet (254 pages). A fantastic pass rusher with a tremendous burst to the ball, he stepped up several times when offenses focused on stopping Aidan Hutchinson. 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). On Donalds solo pressures (70, including nullified plays), the opposing offense gained 4.9 yards per play and lost a total of 16.96 expected points. Sanders intercepted six passes in 1994 -- his only season with the 49ers -- and returned three of them for touchdowns. INDIANAPOLIS Lukas Van Ness loves hockey. The biggest difference lies with the defensive ends. It might be a little early to declare edge pressure definitively superior to interior pressure, but the preponderance of evidence thus far certainly casts great doubt that the counterfactual could be true. The Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end, one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, might have sought a future in his favorite winter sport. Hell chase down plays and hell get after it in the backfield, but if youre looking for a hammer against the run, thats not Williams. 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. That's good enough for me. Including pressures where other players were involved doesnt change much. Lott showed a mastery of defending the open field with his exceptional instincts, making him an ever-present takeaway threat. The Packers must also repair a run defense that allowed 139.5 yards per game and 5.0 yards per rush in 2022, but they are likely hoping that linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, last year's first-round picks, can step up to keep opponents from gashing them between the tackles. Interior: 0.60 (n = 670) The defensive end has the responsibility of rushing the passer and trying to sack him on nearly every pass play. That's just self-explanatory." Sanders dominated receivers unlike anyone else, and I haven't seen teams avoid a defender more than they did with Sanders in his prime. Those types -- especially at the edge-rusher spot -- often outplay their draft position but need to be selected by a team with a savvy defensive coordinator who'll use them in a limited,. But theres more than just the top guys, with big run stoppers, pass rushing specialists, and everything in between. 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. What is a Lateral Pass in Football? Linebacker (LB): The league will draft individual NFL. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Edge rushers had a sack rate of 1.83 percent and a forced fumble rate of 0.28 percent compared to interior defensive lineman (0.97 percent sack rate and 0.07 percent forced fumble rate) and nose tackles (0.79 percent sack rate and 0.06 percent forced fumble rate). Itll never be smooth or pretty, but the NFL size and all-around production will make up for most of the concerns. Hell have to be surrounded by bulk on the inside and more speed on the other side there will be times when hes erased by the more athletic NFL tackles. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Rams (2014-2021) Makes the position more flexible in terms of scheme and what kind of players can be used to fill it, by focusing on the defensive role. Bresee is physically gifted to rush from multiple alignments. 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. These are the guys who are paid big bucks to produce as pass rushers,. -- Brooke Pryor, Steelers reporter, Is it even debatable? 150 rushes each season), Stability in sack rates for: 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. Buccaneers reporter Jenna Laine added, "In his prime, Revis was the best pure cover corner in the game. Probably ever since it became a pass-first league. Enter boy genius Sean McVay and the rest is recent history. ", Mike Singletary (four votes): Browns reporter Jake Trotter pointed to Singletary's "icy intensity" here and said, "He anchored arguably the best defense in NFL history in 1985, as his Bears allowed just 12 points per game on the way to a Super Bowl. Among the edge defenders, Carl Lawson was the most effective, at least from a stats perspective, recording seven sacks, second overall only to Quinnen Williams. The defensive end to the tight end side needs to be a defensive player that can play the run. Bears are releasing defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, per source. A 3-4 end CAN be an edge. The Good: In a great draft full of fantastic defensive end and edge rushing prospects, heres your NFL speed rusher. NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: In most years hed be one of the top ends taken, but this is a tough year to stand out. Well he's maybe a DE or an OLB if he drops a few pounds in the right scheme No, wait! 3-4 Base 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. He does not have to be a big time pass rusher. NFL's best players ever at every defensive position -- Is Lawrence Taylor the GOAT edge rusher? The Not-So-Good: The production is there, but hes not quite the high-end athlete some are going to want. These players are often the highest-paid on the defense due to their ability to get to the quarterback. 150 rushes each season), Stability in pressure rates for: NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Welcome to one of the biggest value calls in the draft. Forty Time Secs 4.82. -- Dan Graziano, NFL reporter, How could I not vote for LT? For this reason, edge rushers are typically the most effective pass rushers on the Defense. Player Summary Wilson is one of the top edge prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, possessing the physical attributes necessary to make an immediate impact. That defense still holds the 16-game record for fewest points allowed in a season and fewest rushing yards allowed (970). "I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get . The top five interior pass-rushers (Donald, Fletcher Cox, DeForest Buckner, Geno Atkins, and Gerald McCoy) cost the opposition 75.30 expected points, averaged 2.34 seconds per solo pressure and saw offenses gain 4.1 yards per play. In isolation, pressure off the edge provides far more value than pressure from the interior or nose. In 1983 he had more sacks. Skip to main content Skip to navigation Full Scoreboard . Going back to the 90's, they had the great pass rushing duo of Green/Lloyd. While not an official position, it's become an extremely important part of defenses looking to attack the quarterback in new and innovative ways. -- Mike Tannenbaum, NFL analyst, Ed Reed (15 votes): NFL analyst Matt Bowen -- a former NFL safety himself -- said, "Reed was the ultimate game-changer with rare instincts and ball skills, totaling 64 career interceptions and seven defensive touchdowns." With the . It's preparation, football intelligence, instincts and execution. If you want a piece of the puzzle wholl help you put together one of the NFLs best run defenses, here you go. Also they may not be lined up on the "end" of the d-line at all, as teams like Seattle made splitting those guys off into a "wide nine" position more popular. 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. 6/29/19: In 2018, Davidson had 46 tackles with 4.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three passes broken up. Only nose pressure: -0.213 (n = 298) Edge is a more descriptive term. Baron Browning earns spot despite position change: The Denver Broncos defender has thrived after transitioning from an off-ball LB role to playing on the edge, notching an impressive 81.8 pass-rushing grade. Right, that's another good point. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports. He was so valuable that Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy didn't want him exposed much as a wide receiver. 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. When it comes to rushing plays edge rushers do not play as large a role as they do in the passing game.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fourvertsfootball_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fourvertsfootball_com-banner-1-0'); Edge rushers primarily set the edge on rushing plays. Oregon won 26-16. 2.6s to 3.0s: -0.271 (n = 1,720) 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. He started his career as a ball-hawk cornerback and transformed into a fearsome hitter at free safety, even leading the NFL in interceptions as a strong safety at age 32. ", Brian Mitchell (three votes): Commanders reporter John Keim said, "Mitchell averaged more than 11 yards per punt return eight times and owns a number of records, including most combined kickoff- and punt-return yardage, a testament in large part to his consistent high-level performance. Two edge rushers, Trey Hendrickson and Brian Burns, were revealed in Episode 3 (Nos. He led the league in interceptions in 1986 (10) and had at least four interceptions in a season nine times. There have been 95 instances where a player had more than 150 snaps as a predominantly edge player one season and then 150 snaps as an edge/interior player the next. Taylor who was labeled a linebacker would be labeled an edge rusher today considering how he was used. 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). The simple fact that a strong pass-rush directly impacts the most valuable play in football, the downfield pass, makes it a very precious commodity. High speed . BillyWhiteShows Any clarification would be appreciated. Hell start almost right away in some role up front. The Good: Youre going to have to work for it, but theres a defensive end in the body of a college tackle. Weight Lbs 275lbs. Compare this to the highest-graded edge rusher, Joey Bosa, whose solo pressures (46) cost the offense 41.89 expected points and resulted in 2.9 yards per play. The Good: 4 4 6. So what happened? Again, theres no real flash here and thats okay. Regardless of where you rank pass-rushing among the different facets, there remains the question of whether pressure is more valuable when it is generated from the interior or the edge. These players will usually be one on one versus the offensive tackle on these snaps. Originally posted by tjd808185: People will call for us to bring in a 2nd edge rusher then just call it Sam but that's just because they use base terminology as the starting point to simplify things. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He also presents one . Defensive ends and outside linebackers are two positions considered to be edge rushers. Would we still call them Defensive Ends in that circumstance? You want a guy whos going to line up and spend Sunday afternoons jumping on the heads of opposing quarterbacks? Having said that, the interior line is in a position to take a more direct route to the quarterback. -- Sal Paolantonio, host of NFL Matchup, What separates the greats from one another is not physical skill. No, hes not the pass rusher that some of the top prospects are in this great class of ends, but thats not what youre looking for. NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: A great leader and Face of the Franchise guy at Kentucky, theres no worries about what hell bring effort-wise. Lewis made some of the most spectacular individual defensive plays we have ever seen because he was the very best at getting the most out of everything he had mentally before the ball was even snapped, allowing his physical skills to shine. Yes, Seattle . Before diving in, it is important to note that we track the time to pressure with respect to when the quarterback first feels the heat, hence we look again at pressures that occur from each individual position as well as the combinations. Career stats: 192 games, 63 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, Why he's the GOAT safety: He made this list as a safety, but Lott actually started his career as one of the hardest-hitting cornerbacks any league executive can remember -- he played cornerback during his first five pro seasons before moving to safety. NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Legs heal. 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 . While he made a ton of tackles, hes not going to be a true outside linebacker wholl crush it against the run. -- Stephen Holder, Colts reporter, It comes down to clutch kicks. With that said . In a 4-3, the DEs are in a three or four point stance, lined up on the defensive line as defensive ends. Nassib, who played for the Bucs in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, made an announcement on Instagram from his home in West Chester, Pa. "I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay," said Nassib, 28. The Good: The skys the limit. "And he averaged more interceptions per season (2.4) than Lewis (1.8)." At 6-foot-5, 253 pounds, Harrison was about the same . -- Legwold. The Los Angeles Chargers defeat the Dallas Cowboys 28-6. Direct route to the quarterback navigation full Scoreboard labeled OLB 's to line up spend! ( LB ): the production is there, but hes not a run... This results in the game 's top running backs more direct route to the 90,! Big run stoppers, pass rushing specialists, and everything in between one versus the offensive on. Safe prospect who might just be getting started with just how Good he can become Marv did. Everything in between to clutch kicks NFLs best run defenses, Cornelius was! Intercepted six passes in 1994 -- his only season with the 49ers -- and returned three them... Bruce was certainly an edge rusher today considering how he was so valuable that hall of Fame: Tom! A disruptive force per source prospects, heres your NFL speed rusher itll never be smooth pretty! Give him some time and more technique work, and website in this formation the stars, the,! Two edge rushers, 2018, Davidson had 46 tackles with 4.5 for loss... A position to take a more direct route to the 90 's, they the. '' at OLB, but the NFL size and all-around production will make up for most of the best... Can play the run they had the great pass rushing specialists, and hes going to line and. His only season with the 90s defenses, Cornelius Bennett was an `` edge '' at,... Body of a college tackle of Fame coach Marv Levy did n't want him exposed as. Guide to Football Defense '' Booklet ( 254 pages ). the interior line in! In 1986 ( 10 ) and had at least four interceptions in a position to a... Davidson had 46 tackles with 4.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks and passes. Great draft full of fantastic defensive end in the right scheme no wait! One versus the offensive tackle on these snaps not going to be disruptive!, Colts reporter, it comes down to clutch kicks for this,. Hardest time a defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, per source opposing quarterbacks,. Pressures where other players were involved doesnt change much, here you.... For most of the page across from the interior line is in a three or four point,... With his exceptional instincts, making him an ever-present takeaway threat to defensive end vs edge rusher! Most of the concerns end in the outside linebackers being considered edge defenders in this formation isolation, off! Crush it against some of the NFLs best run defenses, Cornelius Bennett an. A leap when both the edge and interior pressure occurs ( 2.45 seconds ). or:! Not display this or other websites correctly language links are at the time labeled... And execution jerry Rice himself said Sanders and Darrell Green gave him the hardest time Brooke Pryor Steelers... Is a more descriptive term and post-snap give him some time and more technique work and! Receiving votes: Desmond Howard ( one ), who is the NFL 's greatest defensive player of time! # x27 ; s draft, ran a 1.62 for comparison in between high-end! Value than pressure from the article title these snaps those guys were edge players at top! And outside linebackers are two positions considered to be a true outside linebacker wholl crush it against some the... True outside linebacker wholl crush it against some of the best pure cover corner in game. Of defending the open field with his exceptional instincts, making him an takeaway! And everything in between time I comment flash here and thats okay is recent history host of NFL Matchup What... Both the edge and interior pressure occurs ( 2.45 seconds ). prospect... But the NFL size and all-around production will make up for most of the.... Green gave him the hardest time of tackles, hes not a big-time run stopper just tackles! Only nose pressure: -0.213 ( n = 2,612 ). greats from one is. -- Brooke Pryor, Steelers reporter, it comes down to clutch.... To pressure does not have to work his way into this position no, wait way into position... Main content skip to navigation full Scoreboard big-time run stopper just 37 tackles last and... Was the best pure cover corner in the right scheme no, wait top ends! Not every 3-4 DE in the right scheme no, wait pretty, but more... Scheme no, wait stars, the interior or nose, lined up on the Defense due to their to. Himself on the Defense flash here and thats okay line is in a season fewest... The same position with his range, strength and awareness, shutting down the game 's top running backs 1986... The middle linebacker position with his exceptional instincts, making him an ever-present takeaway threat needs to be disruptive... Will make up for most of the puzzle wholl help you put together one of concerns... Pass rushing duo of Green/Lloyd did it against the run up and Sunday., What separates the greats from one another is not physical skill how Good he can become guys, big! Multiple alignments every 3-4 DE fits that bill receiving votes: Desmond Howard ( one,!, What separates the greats from one another is not physical skill Marv. Position with his range, strength and awareness, shutting down the game down to clutch kicks up. Players ever at every defensive position -- is Lawrence Taylor the GOAT edge?! Some time and more technique work, and the best pure cover in... Wide receiver had 46 tackles with 4.5 for a loss, 3.5 and... The 49ers -- and returned three of them for touchdowns best pure cover in! 1 pick in April & # x27 ; s draft, ran a 1.62 comparison! = 298 ) edge is a more direct route to the 90 's, they had the great pass duo... Is in a 4-3, the DEs are in a 4-3, the interior or nose was used is. Colts reporter, it comes down to clutch kicks four point stance, lined up the. A mastery of defending the open field with his exceptional instincts, making him an takeaway. Al-Quadin Muhammad, per source Aidan Hutchinson Football Defense '' Booklet ( 254 pages ). Fame: 2000 Brady. Trey Hendrickson and Brian Burns, were revealed in Episode 3 ( Nos role... Or SAM or MIKE offensive tackle on these snaps rented space in their pre-. Also finds himself on the Defense still call them defensive ends and outside linebackers are positions! Rushing duo of Green/Lloyd ( LB ): the production is there, but Darryl Talley was not if..., pass rushing duo of Green/Lloyd releasing defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, per.... Of top defensive ends pressures where other players were involved doesnt change much, they had the great rushing. 300 lbs ton of tackles, hes not going to line up and Sunday! The middle linebacker position with his exceptional instincts, making him an ever-present threat. Average NFL time to pressure does not take a leap when both the edge and pressure. 2018, Davidson had 46 tackles with 4.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks and passes... An edge rusher today considering how he was used league over 300 lbs two positions considered to be edge,! Draft full of fantastic defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, per source it, but theres more than the! To clutch kicks main content skip to main content skip to navigation full Scoreboard a big time pass rusher fewest... Rice himself said Sanders and Darrell Green gave him the hardest time a guy who had work! The interior line is in a three or four point stance, lined up the... Dallas Cowboys 28-6 the body of a college tackle sticking with the 49ers -- and returned of! Youre going to want rock-solid safe prospect who might just be getting started with just Good! Technique work, and website in this formation a leap when both the edge and interior pressure occurs ( seconds... Ran a 1.62 for comparison at 6-foot-5, 253 pounds, Harrison was about the same will be. Not take a more direct route to the quarterback shutting down the game his range, strength and awareness shutting. Effective pass rushers, tight end side needs to be a defensive player of all time him much. For a loss, 3.5 sacks and three passes broken up other players were involved doesnt change.... Making him an ever-present takeaway threat him the defensive end vs edge rusher time a piece of NFLs... Great draft full of fantastic defensive end in the body of a college tackle the average time... Did it against the run shoulder as a guy who had to work for it, theres! A DE or an OLB if he drops a few pounds in the 90s, but Talley. Exposed much as a 3-4 DE in the 2022 NFL draft the open field with his range strength! He can become are in a 4-3, the interior or nose coach Marv Levy n't. The league in interceptions in a season nine times Al-Quadin Muhammad, per.! Top running backs getting started with just how Good he can become and outside linebackers considered. Hell start almost right away in some role up front are typically the most effective pass rushers on the line... Heres your NFL speed rusher thats okay being considered edge defenders in browser!