2026 Draft: EDGE

[dliverey44]

A chart displaying how pass rushers balanced out between run defence and true pass set win %.

Two of my early favourites for the Pats, Akheem Mesidor and Joshua Josephs balance out quite nicely. Bain is elite and I need to watch Louisville for Clev Lubin and, of course, Chris Bell.

Did someone mention Lubin. I watched some of him last year and loved the traits, so he became an early favorite for me. Right now I have a late 2nd early 3rd round grade on him. I just need to see more.

 

[manxman2601]

Did someone mention Lubin. I watched some of him last year and loved the traits, so he became an early favorite for me. Right now I have a late 2nd early 3rd round grade on him. I just need to see more.

I think he has the build of an OLB rather than a 4-3 DE but that's based upon limited watching. You can't knock his production though.

 

[manxman2601]

I've just seen in a video that Cashius Howell of TAMU has "confirmed sub 31" arms. That's disappointing if true.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

I've just seen in a video that Cashius Howell of TAMU has "confirmed sub 31" arms. That's disappointing if true.

Bulk him up and switch him to LT.

 

[mayoclinic]

Shhh, again.

 

[Clonamery]

I've just seen in a video that Cashius Howell of TAMU has "confirmed sub 31" arms. That's disappointing if true.

RS Sr. Was 22 yrs old in 2021 according to this link for a recruiting site. Cashius Howell's Football Recruiting Profile

 

[stelfans]

I think he has the build of an OLB rather than a 4-3 DE but that's based upon limited watching. You can't knock his production though.

I need to watch more from him but i think he has the exact type of profile they look for in their DE's, Landry and Chaisson are not very different. Very very interesting name.
My EDGE board is not very big but he's definitely getting up there.

 

[manxman2601]

Strengths/weaknesses on Quincy Rhodes via AI

Strengths​

Pass Rush Arsenal: Rhodes incorporates club-swims, cross-chops, rips and a dominant spin move into his pass rush repertoire, with a long-arm rush as his preferred method to bull through offensive tackles He already mastered the spin move


Footwork: His best attribute is his footwork - it's rare for a defensive lineman his size to move with such control and balance, which gives analysts optimism about his ability to improve as a run defender and learn more advanced rush moves


Closing Burst: His footwork shows up in his closing burst, which takes quarterbacks by surprise


Versatility: His frame and arm length allow him to reduce inside and play multiple positions along the defensive line

Areas for Development​

First Step: He lacks elite explosiveness in his first step, though he covers ground quickly with long strides


Pass Rush Plan: Rhodes is still developing his pass rush plan and needs to focus on working rush combinations and building a mental pass rush plan throughout the course of a game


Physicality: He needs to play more physically at the point of attack, and his pad level creates some leverage issues, though his wide base and long arms give him tools to overcome this

 

[manxman2601]

Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota, 6-6, 285lbs

Currently jointly leads CFB in sacks with 6.

As you can see from his PFF grades, he's been very consistent throughout his college career. Probably not a potential top pick but he's certainly being productive this year.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

I love this sack by Clev Lubin. Beats the OT off the snap and even though the RB is on his side, is too fast for the RB to even get his hands on him. Lowly opposition applies but it really demonstrates what he's capable of.



I don't know what to think about Lubin. Look how he grades on PFF



Whether it's run defense, run stops or pass rush, he's at, or close to, the top of every category and he's shown remarkable consistency. But then, he doesn't look like a hand in the dirt guy so doesn't fit our system. I really like him but I just don't think he fits this team.

This isn't a great draft for traditional 4-3 DEs but is excellent for undersized pass rush specialists: David Bailey, Romello Height, Max Llewellyn and Clev Lubin. I think there's plenty of NFL sacks there. If it was me as GM, I'd be tempted to draft one of those four along with Mesidor with Mesidor as a base DE in either 4-3 or 3-4 looks and one of the DPRs above subbing in on passing downs. I think you'd get similar, or better, production than drafting one of the more traditional 4-3 ends.

 

[stelfans]

Any word on Jaishawn Barham? Seems like he was a inside LB that has been moved permanently to EDGE by Michigan given how good he has been. 3 sacks in the last 2 games.

 

[manxman2601]

Any word on Jaishawn Barham? Seems like he was a inside LB that has been moved permanently to EDGE by Michigan given how good he has been. 3 sacks in the last 2 games.

I'll do some work on him over the weekend.

 

[manxman2601]

One team to keep an eye on is Missouri. They have two edge guys in Damon Wilson 6-4, 250lbs (a transfer this year from Georgia) and Zion Young, 6-5, 262lbs.

Damon Wilson is currently jointly top amongst power 4 teams in pressures (22 with 3 sacks) and Zion Young is second (21 pressures, 2 sacks). There's something in the water at Mizzou. Or at least the scheme. Or schedule. Both have pass rush win rates above 20 which is what I consider the 'excellent' cut-off for a pass rusher.

Missouri play Alabama next weekend which will be a good opportunity to see them.

 

[mayoclinic]

This isn't a great draft for traditional 4-3 DEs but is excellent for undersized pass rush specialists: David Bailey, Romello Height, Max Llewellyn and Clev Lubin. I think there's plenty of NFL sacks there. If it was me as GM, I'd be tempted to draft one of those four along with Mesidor with Mesidor as a base DE in either 4-3 or 3-4 looks and one of the DPRs above subbing in on passing downs. I think you'd get simBailey ilar, or better, production than drafting one of the more traditional 4-3 ends.

I have no idea what Vrabel will do, but I personally am not a fan of small situational sub rushers. I'd rather have a versatile LB like Reese, Styles or Hill who I can use in different ways. Not sure if Barham, Lubin or Height can play that role.l; need to see more of them. I see Bailey mainly as a pure sub-rusher, less interested in him.

The other group that interests me are the bigger, more powerful EDGE guys: Bain and Faulk in the first tier and likely out of reach; Parker, Rhodes and Uiagalelei in the next.

Very interested in Reese/Styles/Hill and Bain/Faulk/Rhodes/Parker/Uigalelei in the first round or high 2nd if they are BPA at any point they are within reach.

 

[manxman2601]

I have no idea what Vrabel will do, but I personally am not a fan of small situational sub rushers. I'd rather have a versatile LB like Reese, Styles or Hill who I can use in different ways. Not sure if Barham, Lubin or Height can play that role.l; need to see more of them. I see Bailey mainly as a pure sub-rusher, less interested in him.

The other group that interests me are the bigger, more powerful EDGE guys: Bain and Faulk in the first tier and likely out of reach; Parker, Rhodes and Uiagalelei in the next.

Very interested in Reese/Styles/Hill and Bain/Faulk/Rhodes/Parker/Uigalelei in the first round or high 2nd if they are BPA at any point they are within reach.

I want someone who can stress OTs off the edge whether through athleticism and speed, length or power. I'm not convinced Matayo is that guy and for me it's a bit early to christen Rhodes as a top 15 pick. We haven't really had a guy that separates himself yet from the pack to be worthy of a top 20 pick. Plenty of time for someone to do that.

 

[mayoclinic]

Bain and Faulk will be gone, Parker/Rhodes/Uiagalelei outside the top 20 for me right now. I'm intrigued by Rhodes' bendiness at his size. Waiting to see how things go and who shows signs of stepping up to the next level.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

Akheem Mesidor had 8 pressures last night and 1 sack. I thought he had two, but one counts as a TFL. He now only trails Bain by 3 pressures, but leads him in sacks and pass rush win rate on true pass sets. Of draftable guys, only David Bailey and Rueben Bain have more pressures and Mesidor has the highest win rate in true pass sets among draftable players.

Note - This is not an anti-Bain tweet, it's very much a pro-Mesidor one.

ps. Oh yes, Mesidor ranks 3rd among all CFB Edge prospects in run defense too (Bain is first).

There are reasons the Pats won't draft him - his age and scheme fit notably, but I firmly believe there is no-one who can better him for energy, effort and the will to win. Character wise, at least, he's a dream Vrabel fit.