What is the solution at EDGE?
Looking at the roster, we currently have two options. Anfernee Jennings (6 career sacks) and Keion White who is a part time EDGE and is probably better inside.
As for FA, we've had plenty of leaks about WR and OT, clear interest in Milton Williams and even reported interest in CB2 but the only news we've had about an edge rusher is our lack of interest in Josh Sweat. I can see someone like Malcolm Koonce being of interest if there's enough money left after the priority FA signings or even Landry himself.
Which takes us to the draft. Obviously Abdul Carter is the obvious solution but looks increasingly unlikely and the options at 4 (with a trade back?) look limited to Shemar Stewart and Mike Green.
I think this leaves us exposed. Now I can see someone like Levi Onwuzurike, who had almost as many snaps at DE as he did in Detroit last year and ended up with 47 total pressures, being brought in as the 'LDE' but that still leaves a hole for the 'Landry role'.
So looking at current draft projections, are we looking at the following?
Round Two
Donovan Ezeiruaku - Looking less and less likely he makes it to 38
Princely Umanmielen. - Non-stellar combine, not especially physical
Brandon Jackson - Stellar combine but more of a straight line guy than a bendy pass rusher
James Pearce Jr - Some suggestion he may fall due to character concerns
Nic Scourton - Not really a bendy rusher but there could be good value here
Brady Swinson - You all know my feelings on him but I think he's one I'd hope falls to 69
JT Tuimoloau. - Another that is more of a strong side DE than a pure pass rusher
Jack Sawyer - Great character fit, very good production but T-Rex arms leave questions
A lot of good questions but there question marks on a lot of them. Also 38 is a really good spot for a WR, a DT or a LT backup to Ronnie Stanley.
Round Three
I think this might be the sweet spot with two really good candidates for the Landry role.
Kyle Kennard - The SEC defensive player of the year and voted the best defensive player in CFB (Bronco Nagurski Award winner). He is a pure pass rusher and not an edge setter but Vrabel isn't really an edge setting kind of guy prioritising DL that can play on 'the other side of the line'. Kennard fits that description.
Josaiah Stewart - Another really good option for the Landry role. Vrabel certainly couldn't complain about his workrate and effort and he had one of the best pass rush win rates in college.
Later Rounds
Que Robinson - Alabama. Long and lean and has only played limited snaps, but there's a lot of promise there
Antwuan Powell-Ryland. - Tiny arms but a seriously productive rusher.
Femi Oladejo - A body beautiful recent convert to the position but is a real upside guy with long arms, good athleticism and work ethic. Possibly my favourite option after those two round three guys.
