2026 Draft: EDGE

[stelfans]

I'm really talking myself into TJ Parker right now should he fall. I took the above formula and used it on Parker's '24 stats. He would have finished in 2nd place, ahead of Bain but behind Bailey. Interviews and study will have to determine why he had a down year this year, but there's clearly the talent there. Should he fall to the bottom of the first, I'm starting to think there might be a bargain to be had.

Thats what im leaning towards to. He offers a different type of skillset that we dont really have on the roster right now.
Ideally we need 2 new guys on the edge, plus either re sign Chiasson or sign some other FA.

I like this plan.

 

[manxman2601]

Thats what im leaning towards to. He offers a different type of skillset that we dont really have on the roster right now.
Ideally we need 2 new guys on the edge, plus either re sign Chiasson or sign some other FA.

I like this plan.

I wouldn't be opposed to a second edge rusher. I'm not a huge fan of Chaisson who I think isn't much better than adequate - his wins are too inconsistent for my taste - and maybe not worth the money of an extension.

I will forever bang the desk for Mesidor but he's similar in style to Parker. How about Clev Lubin if he declares as a complimentary piece? He's built more like an OLB than an every down DE (6-3, 250) but in two seasons, he's been extremely productive.

2025 - 59 pressures, 9 sacks
2024 @ Coastal Carolina - 46 pressures 10 sacks

When you can step up from a smaller school like CC to a power 4 team and be just as productive, that's a really good sign for development potential. I remember watching Clemson- Louisville with the plan to focus on Clemson's RT Blake Miller who was getting quite a lot of hype at the time. On the very first play, he was beaten around the edge for a sack by Lubin. That really peaked my interest.

 

[stelfans]

I wouldn't be opposed to a second edge rusher. I'm not a huge fan of Chaisson who I think isn't much better than adequate - his wins are too inconsistent for my taste - and maybe not worth the money of an extension.

I will forever bang the desk for Mesidor but he's similar in style to Parker. How about Clev Lubin if he declares as a complimentary piece? He's built more like an OLB than an every down DE (6-3, 250) but in two seasons, he's been extremely productive.

2025 - 59 pressures, 9 sacks
2024 @ Coastal Carolina - 46 pressures 10 sacks

When you can step up from a smaller school like CC to a power 4 team and be just as productive, that's a really good sign for development potential. I remember watching Clemson- Louisville with the plan to focus on Clemson's RT Blake Miller who was getting quite a lot of hype at the time. On the very first play, he was beaten around the edge for a sack by Lubin. That really peaked my interest.

Completely agree. I want Curry but the same thing applies, he is too similar to Parker. I think depending on who they target in FA that might not be a problem.
Next on my list are Lubin and Crawford. I've seen a mock with Lubin as a potential 1st round if you can believe that, i think he could go much higher than we think because as you say he was very productive.

 

[manxman2601]

Completely agree. I want Curry but the same thing applies, he is too similar to Parker. I think depending on who they target in FA that might not be a problem.
Next on my list are Lubin and Crawford. I've seen a mock with Lubin as a potential 1st round if you can believe that, i think he could go much higher than we think because as you say he was very productive.

I'm warming to Curry. I don't love the length but I do love the effort. My only real concern is whether he's just this years Jack Sawyer.

 

[stelfans]

I'm warming to Curry. I don't love the length but I do love the effort. My only real concern is whether he's just this years Jack Sawyer.

Its a fair comparison. I wouldnt put my expetactions too high and wouldnt draft him higher than the 4th round. Thts why Parker is so appealing to me.

 

[Clonamery]

Burke. Or of near like motor.

 

[manxman2601]

Burke. Or of near like motor.

I presume you're talking about Ethan Burke. He, Curry and Crawford are the motor kings in this draft. I wish Burke was a productive as Curry.

 

[Clonamery]

I presume you're talking about Ethan Burke. He, Curry and Crawford are the motor kings in this draft. I wish Burke was a productive as Curry.

Curry plays on a special DL.

 

[manxman2601]

@mayoclinic suggested the Pats switching to a 3-4 with Kayden McDonald/Caleb Banks playing the nose with Barmore/Williams as the DEs. I actually like this plan and have suggested something similar in the past.

The reason I'm posting this in the EDGE thread is because I really like the flexibility it provides for edge prospects. It opens up the Romello Heights', R Mason Thomas', Clev Lubin's etc as potential picks. Prospects that don't necessarily fit a 4-3 setup. I don't think I'd want to do this with any NT - it would have to be someone like McDonald, a first round quality nose.

I don't think Vrabel would go that route but I like it as a possibility.

 

[stelfans]

They will need to figure out the DC situation anyway so a change is not out of the question, but i dont see that switch happening.

 

[Clonamery]

@mayoclinic suggested the Pats switching to a 3-4 with Kayden McDonald/Caleb Banks playing the nose with Barmore/Williams as the DEs. I actually like this plan and have suggested something similar in the past.

The reason I'm posting this in the EDGE thread is because I really like the flexibility it provides for edge prospects. It opens up the Romello Heights', R Mason Thomas', Clev Lubin's etc as potential picks. Prospects that don't necessarily fit a 4-3 setup. I don't think I'd want to do this with any NT - it would have to be someone like McDonald, a first round quality nose.

I don't think Vrabel would go that route but I like it as a possibility.

He won't even though he played in it unless the possibility of a new DC.

 

[dliverey44]

I am pretty much at the point that we should trade up for whomever the deem as the best pass rusher. Either from the DE or OLB position.

 

[manxman2601]

Dane Brugler on Rueben Bain.

- Says he has been underwhelmed by his tape.
- Says some teams see him as a DT
- Doesn't think he'll go top 15.
- Says some teams don't view him as a first round pick
- But does think he'll go in the first.

Maybe he's the guy we might want to fall.

 

[manxman2601]

Brugler on Mesi-Adore

- You could argue he wins in more ways than Bain
- Probably should go on day two so long as the medicals work out

 

[manxman2601]

When you watch this, just remember he's the highest graded edge run defender in the class too.

 

[Clonamery]

When you watch this, just remember he's the highest graded edge run defender in the class too.

Maturity is a good thing, no? Relentless.

 

[manxman2601]

It would be ironic if, having been fans of getting Bain when we were 1-2 and facing a potential high draft pick, to perhaps getting him after a 12-14 game winning season and potential playoff run.

 

[Clonamery]

It would be ironic if, having been fans of getting Bain when we were 1-2 and facing a potential high draft pick, to perhaps getting him after a 12-14 game winning season and potential playoff run.

Rueben Bane.

 

[BobDigital]

By popular demand.. my scouting of Akheem Mesidor!

First the negatives. Only 1 year with 4 PDs... 0 in any other years. Don't love that. At 6'3 he probably won't have the length to get a lot. Also he will be 25 by the time he drafted. So not great either. He has very likely physically maxed out already. There are definite draw backs with this player, and if you draft him by the time his 2nd contract comes around he will be 29 and you will be faced with a decision on if you want to do a long term extension on a guy who may decline by the end of that contract. All important factors to consider if you draft a guy in round 1 or 2... less so if round 3.

And.. now for the positives. There are a lot. At 280lbs he moves incredibly fast and quickly. His run defense is really solid as you would expect for that size. He seems just as good anchoring as penetrating. So whatever you need him to do he can do it. By why not have him go up field? On a few occasions i saw him even drop into coverage. His quickness served him well there. He wasn't as fast as a 240 LB or anything, but he was incredibly light on his feet for 280. His ability to change direction at his side is almost in what i would classify physical freak territory. And i don't use that term lightly. Again, he isn't quite that... but he is close to it.

While he lacks that one single overwhelming pass rush weapon, his bag is deep with quality step. His best of them all IMO his utilizing his quickness to shift outside to inside. It is rather deadly. If he gets an angle I don't care who the guard is, he is going through that arm. Unlike his running mate Bain, his ability to win outside with pure speed can't be underestimated. His bend isn't quite 'Bain Level', but it is pretty good. His hands are active and violent. His motor doesn't stop either.

And unlike his running mate, I do believe in his ability not only to disrupt a play but finish even against mobile QBs. He has the change of direction ability and speed to run them does. He has this 2nd gear in his acceleration he sometimes breaks out when he takes and extra long stride and commits to a direction fully. It can be rather sudden and makes anyone in his 'phone booth' pretty much within reach. Maybe with the exception of Lamar Jackson. He also loves to attack the ball. I'm not sure if this is something he focused on this year more than past years, but it was constant and noticeable.

So time for a bold statement. I like Mesidor. Not bold enough? I prefer him over Bain. I think right now today he is a better player. And while Bain is about 4 years younger i think Mesidor is more pro ready (and still not convinced Bain has much more room to grow, so the age thing doesn't bother me as much).

I give Mesidor a top 32 ranking and if i were making the pick, I'd pick him over Bain. Assuming Medicals are good and he is healthy of course.

 

[manxman2601]

By popular demand.. my scouting of Akheem Mesidor!

First the negatives. Only 1 year with 4 PDs... 0 in any other years. Don't love that. At 6'3 he probably won't have the length to get a lot. Also he will be 25 by the time he drafted. So not great either. He has very likely physically maxed out already. There are definite draw backs with this player, and if you draft him by the time his 2nd contract comes around he will be 29 and you will be faced with a decision on if you want to do a long term extension on a guy who may decline by the end of that contract. All important factors to consider if you draft a guy in round 1 or 2... less so if round 3.

And.. now for the positives. There are a lot. At 280lbs he moves incredibly fast and quickly. His run defense is really solid as you would expect for that size. He seems just as good anchoring as penetrating. So whatever you need him to do he can do it. By why not have him go up field? On a few occasions i saw him even drop into coverage. His quickness served him well there. He wasn't as fast as a 240 LB or anything, but he was incredibly light on his feet for 280. His ability to change direction at his side is almost in what i would classify physical freak territory. And i don't use that term lightly. Again, he isn't quite that... but he is close to it.

While he lacks that one single overwhelming pass rush weapon, his bag is deep with quality step. His best of them all IMO his utilizing his quickness to shift outside to inside. It is rather deadly. If he gets an angle I don't care who the guard is, he is going through that arm. Unlike his running mate Bain, his ability to win outside with pure speed can't be underestimated. His bend isn't quite 'Bain Level', but it is pretty good. His hands are active and violent. His motor doesn't stop either.

And unlike his running mate, I do believe in his ability not only to disrupt a play but finish even against mobile QBs. He has the change of direction ability and speed to run them does. He has this 2nd gear in his acceleration he sometimes breaks out when he takes and extra long stride and commits to a direction fully. It can be rather sudden and makes anyone in his 'phone booth' pretty much within reach. Maybe with the exception of Lamar Jackson. He also loves to attack the ball. I'm not sure if this is something he focused on this year more than past years, but it was constant and noticeable.

So time for a bold statement. I like Mesidor. Not bold enough? I prefer him over Bain. I think right now today he is a better player. And while Bain is about 4 years younger i think Mesidor is more pro ready (and still not convinced Bain has much more room to grow, so the age thing doesn't bother me as much).

I give Mesidor a top 32 ranking and if i were making the pick, I'd pick him over Bain. Assuming Medicals are good and he is healthy of course.

Yes!!!!!

I'm glad you see in him what I do. One word. I think he's dropped weight from 280 and I think he's down to 265-270 now. It was talked about in commentary in a game I watched. It's something that has helped his pass rush. I agree with everything you've said. I noted earlier in the year when I was sharing Bain clips that Mesidor was either getting there first or at the same time as Bain. The other thing I'd say is that his effort is top notch.

Sorry everyone else but BobDigital has become my favourite poster