Top 5 edge rushers in 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft is getting closer and having looked over some of the deep positional classes, it’s time to look at another.
The 2023 edge rusher class is top tier, and likely to be on par (or even better) compared to previous years, wit the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Myles Garrett all being picked at the top of the draft recently.
Here are our top five players from the position who will be available in the draft:
You can find our lists here for quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver and running back positions.
5. Nolan Smith, Georgia
Nolan Smith has been a player rising up draft boards in recent weeks, notably given his outstanding performance at the NFL Combine. Infact, Smith stole the show in Indianapolis, becoming the heaviest player in Combine history to post a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, along with a vertical of more than 40 inches.
On the field, he’s just as good, having earned a 91.3 grade as a run stopper since the start of 2021. He’s quite undersized, which would be a cause for concern for many teams. But they shouldn’t worry. With his incredible athleticism, Smith is a genuine first-round prospect who is still developing.
4. Keion Smith, Georgia Tech
White is a versatile player and could player anywhere across the line as a pro. Having started out as a tight end in college, the Yellow Jackets star has transformed into a multi-faceted machine across the defensive line and will continue to become a real threat to anyone.
White is coming off an outstanding 2022, having recorded 54 tackles, 14 for loss, and a career-high 7.5 sacks, and his stock continues to rise following the Combine and his eye-popping performance at this year’s Senior Bowl.
He’s got the size and decent speed to trouble any offensive lineman at the next level. He’s older than the other top prospects around him at 24, but White is a top, top athlete.
3. Myles Murphy, Clemson
It’s no exaggeration in saying that Clemson’s Myles Murphy is an absolute freak of nature who can make an immediate impact as a pro. The 275-pounder moves like a running back and is extremely consistent in his rushing ability, a trait which makes him a fairly safe bet for many.
The only doubts are that Murphy needs some refinement to his pass rushing. But he’s big enough to handle himself well inside against the run, and he’s quick enough to get around the edge and generate pressure. Murphy has enjoyed tremendous success at college level, and now it’s about translating that in the NFL.
2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
The more tape we watch of Wilson the more we love him as a player game. He’s a scary prospect after a successful time at Texas Tech as a dominant, high-motor pass rusher who can take over games.
Tyree Wilson had 17 sacks during his career with the Red Raiders. He is a stud as a run defender and there is no doubt in our mind that he should be a top ten pick on April 27.
By no means is he the finished product, but Wilson has the size, length and versatility to become one of the premier players in his position.
1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
An elite prospect, who will be some peoples best overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft. Anderson is a rarity, a player with such unique talents and huge athletic traits. He’s incredibly strong, frighteningly quick for his size and has the agility and coordination to be a quarterback’s nightmare in the NFL.
There are still things to work on as a pro; Anderson has shown inconsistency at times when it comes to miss tackles. But 201 pressures in three seasons at Alabama is unheard of, so it’s easy to see why he’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Von Miller and Khalil Mack.
No doubt about it, Anderson is the real deal.
