2026 Draft: EDGE

[manxman2601]

[QUOTE="mayoclinic, post: 7159529, member: My very crude sketch at a ranking of EDGE players, as the CFB regular season winds down. Order within tiers is approximate.

Tier 1: Game Changers

These are guys who can take over a game and destroy an entire gameplan. All 1st round values.

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio St. The Freak.
Reese combines elements of Lawrence Taylor, Brian Urlacher, and Reggie White. Can play off ball LB, but most devastating blitzing and coming off the edge. HOF potential. Top 10 talent.

2. David Bailey, Texas Tech. The Disruptor. Has Dwight Freeney potential to blow up every play. Top 15-20 talent.

3. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama. The Big Play. RS Sophomore who has blown up the SEC this year. Makes game changing plays. Plays the Wolf position, can drop into coverage or stand up, but like Reese is best rushing the passer.

4. Rueben Bain, Miami. The Tasmanian Devil. I have some concerns about Bain's length, speed, and ability to finish, but he will be a force on every play.

5. Keldric Faulk, Auburn. The Monster. Faulk has freakish size, versatility, and upside. Not quite as productive as the others yet. I'm a bit leery of this type after the Keion White fiasco, but if Vrabel likes him, I'm for it.


Tier 2: Solid Starters with Upside

These are guys who lack the explosive traits to dominate at the next level, but who I think can be productive starters early on. Generally 2nd/early 3rd round prospects.

6. Quincy Rhodes, Arkansas. Has the talent to jump into the next tier, but not there yet.

7. TJ Parker, Clemson. I like his heavy hands and combat skills. Lacks burst, bendability, and lateral mobility. Will be a productive player.

8. Jonathan Joseph, Tennessee.

9. Akheem Mesidor, Miami. The Dog. All roads lead to Akheem Mesidor.

10. Zion Young, Missouri. The Psycho. Great effort, and a bit crazy at times. Lacks the burst and explosiveness of the Tier 1 guys.

11. Damon Wilson, Missouri.

12. Derrick Moore, Michigan.


Tier 3: The Sub Rushers

These are guys who are very productive and disruptive, but who lack the size and/or length to be every down players. I see these as mostly Day 2 values, some Day 3 They are not my preferred type, but used well can have a significant impact. Some may go higher than some Tier 2 prospects because of their pass rush impact.

13. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M. 1st round production.

14. Romello Height, Texas Tech.

15. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma.

16. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

17. Clev Lubin, Louisville.


Tier 4: Developmental Guys

These are mostly Day 3 picks, but some are very talented and could develop into quality starters. Some may move up into Day 2; I personally prefer a lot of these to the sub rushers in Tier 3, some may end up being very productive pros. In no particular order:

- Matayo Uigalelei, Oregon
- Anto Saka, Northwestern
- Vincent Anthony, Duke
- Anthony Smith, Minnesota
- Anthony Lucas, USC
- Keyron Crawford, Auburn
- Mikail Kamara, Indiana
- Caden Curry, Ohio St.
- Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio St.
- Max Llewellyn, Iowa
- Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
- Tyreak Sapp, Florida
- Gabe Jacas, Illinois

That's about 30 prospects. Not a fan of LT Overton or Dani Denis-Sutton, personally.

[QUOTE="mayoclinic, post: 7159529, member: My very crude sketch at a ranking of EDGE players, as the CFB regular season winds down. Order within tiers is approximate.

Tier 1: Game Changers

These are guys who can take over a game and destroy an entire gameplan. All 1st round values.

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio St. The Freak.
Reese combines elements of Lawrence Taylor, Brian Urlacher, and Reggie White. Can play off ball LB, but most devastating blitzing and coming off the edge. HOF potential. Top 10 talent.

2. David Bailey, Texas Tech. The Disruptor. Has Dwight Freeney potential to blow up every play. Top 15-20 talent.

3. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama. The Big Play. RS Sophomore who has blown up the SEC this year. Makes game changing plays. Plays the Wolf position, can drop into coverage or stand up, but like Reese is best rushing the passer.

4. Rueben Bain, Miami. The Tasmanian Devil. I have some concerns about Bain's length, speed, and ability to finish, but he will be a force on every play.

5. Keldric Faulk, Auburn. The Monster. Faulk has freakish size, versatility, and upside. Not quite as productive as the others yet. I'm a bit leery of this type after the Keion White fiasco, but if Vrabel likes him, I'm for it.


Tier 1B: Elite Potentual

These are guys who lack the explosive traits to dominate at the next level, but who I think can be productive starters early on. Generally 2nd/early 3rd round prospects.

6. TJ Parker, Clemson. I like his heavy hands and combat skills. Lacks burst, bendability, and lateral mobility. Will be a productive player.

7. Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio St.

8. Malachi Lawrence, UCF.

9. Akheem Mesidor, Miami. The Dog. All roads lead to Akheem Mesidor.


Tier 2: Solid Starters with Upside

These are guys who lack the explosive traits to dominate at the next level, but who I think can be productive starters early on. Generally 2nd/early 3rd round prospects.

10. Jonathan Joseph, Tennessee.

11. Zion Young, Missouri. The Psycho. Great effort, and a bit crazy at times. Lacks the burst and explosiveness of the Tier 1 guys.

12. Damon Wilson, Missouri.

13. Derrick Moore, Michigan.


Tier 3: The Sub Rushers

These are guys who are very productive and disruptive, but who lack the size and/or length to be every down players. I see these as mostly Day 2 values, some Day 3 They are not my preferred type, but used well can have a significant impact. Some may go higher than some Tier 2 prospects because of their pass rush impact.

14. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M. 1st round production.

15. Romello Height, Texas Tech.

16. Clev Lubin, Louisville

17. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

18. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma


Tier 4: Developmental Guys

These are mostly Day 3 picks, but some are very talented and could develop into quality starters. Some may move up into Day 2; I personally prefer a lot of these to the sub rushers in Tier 3, some may end up being very productive pros. In no particular order:

- Matayo Uigalelei, Oregon
- Anto Saka, Northwestern
- Vincent Anthony, Duke
- Anthony Smith, Minnesota
- Anthony Lucas, USC
- Keyron Crawford, Auburn
- Mikail Kamara, Indiana
- Caden Curry, Ohio St.
- Ethan Burke, Texas
- Max Llewellyn, Iowa
- Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
- Tyreak Sapp, Florida
- Gabe Jacas, Illinois

My goal is for the Pats to draft 1 of the top 9, plus a second EDGE.
[/QUOTE]
Good list. Drink driving aside, I like the idea of someone called "The Psycho" on the Pats!

 

[mayoclinic]

Zion Young was a favorite 2nd EDGE pick for me until his DUI. Too out of control for my taste right now.

 

[manxman2601]

Chris Bell just about survives a hit from Akheem Mesidor in coverage. Mesidor drops off quite a bit for Miami I’ve noticed. We’re only talking about covering the short outside, but it’s another string to his bow - something I suspect Vrabel would appreciate.

 

[mayoclinic]

Akheem Mesidor just about survives a collision with Louisville WR Chris Bell. Not many defenders can win a collision with Bell - but then, Miami's Akheem Mesidor is no ordinary defender.

 

[BobDigital]

So in the spirit of continuing to run through Edge guys... My breakdown of Cashius Howell. I've seen him listed at 6'2 to 6'4 and 220lbs to 255lbs. He looks a hair over 6'3 and 245-250lbs so i will go with that.

First his run defense is okayish. Considering his size it is pretty good. And when he anchors or attacks the line with a run stopping mind set he is actually okay in this role. Where i see the trouble here is transitioning between live plays. On unknown downs he tends to usually start as a pass rusher then when it turns into a run tries to become a run defender but doesn't have the strength to always get back to his block point on time.

Also i noticed he sometimes over extends getting up field on these plays and leaves a big hole for the RB to run through. It happened once i noticed on a 3rd and 9 for a huge gain and okay... totally get pinning your ears back there, it was a good play call. But he sometimes will do the same thing on 1st and 10 and give up a big run lane. He doesn't always think about down and distance with how he attacks.

He has had 7 and 6 passes defended the last few years. Great to see. IDK if he knocked any up into falling ducks, but any PD is a plus play in my book. That is A LOT and consistency too.

As far as being a pass rusher he is very solid. He has a number of very good moves. His speed is good. His bend is slightly better imo. He has a solid first step and his quickness and change of direction is note worthy. He is not elite in any of these areas but of all the things i saw i think his ability to make a B line to the QB after winning on the outside is most note worthy. And he is good in all of them. His bull rush is very solid. His hands are fairly active, but could be better. His inside to outside move is also pretty good, but again, not elite. I saw him do a spin move exactly once, and it was really good. Surprised he didn't break it out more.

His bag of tricks is deep to say the least and he is competent with all of them. But his main bread and butter is beating you with speed on the outside and then making the play. However, since his speed and quickness and bend aren't elite (and this is how he does 75% of his business I'd guess) his 'win point', for lack of a better term, is a tiny bit deeper than I'd like. Hence the problems with run D in those big holes at times and perhaps issues with this move at the next level as he may need to win even a step deeper which would put him behind the QB further than I'd like. And while he has the speed and quickness to chase down most mobil QBs i see this as a bit of an issue as stepping up or escaping up field for a small gain or buying extra time will be possible more than I'd like.

If he wants to see more than pure pass rushing snaps (which i think he can to an extent) he needs to be more aware of down and distance and less reliant on his outside game and lean more on his inside tools, which aren't bad. But need to be developed a bit further.

Just to be clear cause this may have come off negatively... I like the player. I think he can be a very good pass rusher at this level, his highlight tape is very good for a reason. But snap to snap consistency could use a little work. I think there is a decent chance for much of his rookie deal and maybe all of his career he is relegated to a specialist and not even one of the true elite ones. So i see him as a top 96 player cause i don't think he deserves a top 80 spot exactly... but he is much closer to 80 than 96 IMO. So an elite in that tier. But i could see him being a 3 down player on occasion if he cleans some things up, though probably not a prefered 3 down player unless he improves more than i think he will in certain areas.

 

[BobDigital]

My breakdown of Malachi Lawrence. I'll try to keep this one shorter.

Lawrence indeed lacks elite traits. His speed, power, bend, ect... it's all only okay. He looks to play at 6'4 and around 260lbs give or take. His main moves are the edge rush and the bull rush. Spins, inside/outside, and other moves are seen rarely if at all. He is somewhat active with his hands but uses them better to disengage than engage or block passes. Not to say he isn't good at using them with his pass rush, but his ability to get off his block on demand is particularly impressive. Has 3-4 PDs in the past 2 years. I was hoping with his long arms and frame he'd have more. Mild disappointing there. He does not look to have the makers of a top end pass rusher, nor do i think he will ever be a 10 sack guy at the next level.

All that aside lets get too the good stuff. He has the size and power to be a 3 down player in this league. His run D is okay. IDK how it measured out stat wise... but from my POV it seemed passable for an every down player at the NFL level. He is less a play maker and more of a 'do your job' reliable cog in the machine. He almost always keeps the play in front of him. Is very quick to get off his current assignment to the next one and is usually on time when doing it. He holds his angles and if forced into a bad situation he can reliably make the least bad choice. My favorite play from him was not a sack, but one of those no win situations where he is forced to either shadow the RB going out for a pass or go for the QB on the move. He knocked the small RB at the LOS back 3 yards with a hard push then went for the QB. He made the QB throw to the RB well short of where the play was designed to go and the RB was taken down before the line of gain to force a punt by a teammate who was now is good position to make it happen after the fantastic set up. These are the kind of smart steady things you will see Lawrence do. He won't force the win often, but make the solid play to put his team in a good position.

Overall he is a 3 down capable player with limited ability in areas but enough in both pass rush and run defense ability. He will very rarely allow himself to be taken out of a play either by his own actions or getting completely over powered. But i question the upside from here a little. He is still youngish but IDK how much more he can improve. With that in mind i like him better as a premier back up than a starter ideally, though he wouldn't be out of place as a starter, but i don't think you'd look at him as your #2 edge and ever think 'We couldn't use an upgrade'. So i am between a top 96 grade (with him being near the bottom) vs a 4th round grade with him being near the top. Personally i would just feel better taking him in the 4th than using a 3rd on him. So i will go there. He gets a 4th round grade for me. But near the top of that round and picking him late in the 3rd wouldn't be out of line. Some people have him in the 2nd or a high 3rd... but i don't see it.

 

[mayoclinic]

Good report.

I'm intrigued with Lawrence's length and upside, have a 3rd round grade on him (70-100 range) - not much different than you, but perhaps slightly more half-full than half-empty.

 

[BobDigital]

Good report.

I'm intrigued with Lawrence's length and upside, have a 3rd round grade on him (70-100 range) - not much different than you, but perhaps slightly more half-full than half-empty.

We aren't far off... I have him as barely or on the edge of a top 100 player... so the very bottom of your range and maybe 10 picks lower. So 97-110? for me? After 115 i think he'd be a steal once you start getting in mid 4th territory. His length is sensational. I am just not convinced on his upside nor do i think his speed is special. Plus while i see him as a passable run blocking he isn't amazing at it or anything or even what I'd term good. Just serviceable. Maybe i am underestimating his potential though. That be a fair criticism.

 

[mayoclinic]

Or I am over-estimating it.

 

[mayoclinic]

Rueben Bain Jr 2026 NFL draft prospect profile, grades, rank, measurements

The Hurricanes defensive lineman is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL draft, and here's everything you need to know about him.

www.si.com

 

[manxman2601]

More Mesidor highlights. There's no getting away from it, age aside, in this class he's a first round pass rusher.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[BobDigital]

Derrick Moore

He's 6'3, but has long arms for his size and packs a lot of power into 260lbs. He has some bend around the edge, but works best in a straight line. Though his straight line can squiggle a pretty good amount. He has some quick feet and his first step acceleration is no joke. So he is able to shift his momentum pretty well. He uses his arm length effectively, and while i do wish his arms were a little more active, he does well with them as is. The last 3 years he has had 2, 2, and 3 PDs... so he does look for them, but not a PD hawk or anything.

His bread and butter is his bull rush. First step to speed, speed to power and then just plain power. His entire game is built around being able to use it effectively. And he has used it well at the college level. He often effects plays even when he doesn't touch the QB just by speeding up the clock or making them move. His outside to inside is pretty good too, but you won't see him swim move much and spinning and stunts aren't really his game. He lacks the side to side change of direction quickness for it. Speaking of.

The weak areas of his game is his quickness and change of direction. He is good in a more or less straight line, but if that momentum doesn't lead to a play or it goes in a different direction he won't be getting back in the play most likely. This also effects him in the run game. He is good holding his spot and penetrating his spot. If the RB goes elsewhere he doesn't have much of an answer, except to dive towards them and hope he can catch them or anyone else he needs to within his long wing spin. He has done that several times at the college level to great effect, but outside of his grasp when guys get twitchy he has no answer. He certainly isn't a player you want dropping back. He is on the line or nothing. Though he can be bounced inside so he has versatility. He can be on the field on all 3 downs, but you want some quick people around to cover for his lack of suddenness if you put him on the edge. I don't trust him to hold a bounce out in open space.

Overall he lacks a large variety of moves and ways to win and so lives or dies by how effective his bull rush is. It is a very good bull rush, but he will be facing but better OTs at the next level that also tend to be heavier. But i think it is good enough to translate to enough to make his pass rush have some teeth, and there is room to grow here. Add in his solid run blocking ability (as far as i saw) and i think you have an okay 3 down player... though i don't see him ever being a core defensive piece.

He is a top 96 player... but near the very bottom of that. Personally I think when it comes to guys like these you may as well get a specialist instead. I see Moore. Lawrence and Jackson each very close to each other. I you want one just wait and see who falls imo. They all come off to me as 'good enough to start' but just so and better as a rotational back up

 

[manxman2601]

Derrick Moore

He's 6'3, but has long arms for his size and packs a lot of power into 260lbs. He has some bend around the edge, but works best in a straight line. Though his straight line can squiggle a pretty good amount. He has some quick feet and his first step acceleration is no joke. So he is able to shift his momentum pretty well. He uses his arm length effectively, and while i do wish his arms were a little more active, he does well with them as is. The last 3 years he has had 2, 2, and 3 PDs... so he does look for them, but not a PD hawk or anything.

His bread and butter is his bull rush. First step to speed, speed to power and then just plain power. His entire game is built around being able to use it effectively. And he has used it well at the college level. He often effects plays even when he doesn't touch the QB just by speeding up the clock or making them move. His outside to inside is pretty good too, but you won't see him swim move much and spinning and stunts aren't really his game. He lacks the side to side change of direction quickness for it. Speaking of.

The weak areas of his game is his quickness and change of direction. He is good in a more or less straight line, but if that momentum doesn't lead to a play or it goes in a different direction he won't be getting back in the play most likely. This also effects him in the run game. He is good holding his spot and penetrating his spot. If the RB goes elsewhere he doesn't have much of an answer, except to dive towards them and hope he can catch them or anyone else he needs to within his long wing spin. He has done that several times at the college level to great effect, but outside of his grasp when guys get twitchy he has no answer. He certainly isn't a player you want dropping back. He is on the line or nothing. Though he can be bounced inside so he has versatility. He can be on the field on all 3 downs, but you want some quick people around to cover for his lack of suddenness if you put him on the edge. I don't trust him to hold a bounce out in open space.

Overall he lacks a large variety of moves and ways to win and so lives or dies by how effective his bull rush is. It is a very good bull rush, but he will be facing but better OTs at the next level that also tend to be heavier. But i think it is good enough to translate to enough to make his pass rush have some teeth, and there is room to grow here. Add in his solid run blocking ability (as far as i saw) and i think you have an okay 3 down player... though i don't see him ever being a core defensive piece.

He is a top 96 player... but near the very bottom of that. Personally I think when it comes to guys like these you may as well get a specialist instead. I see Moore. Lawrence and Jackson each very close to each other. I you want one just wait and see who falls imo. They all come off to me as 'good enough to start' but just so and better as a rotational back up

So just going from memory you'd be what?

1. Mesidor
2. Lubin
3. TJ Parker
4= Moore, Lawrence, Jackson

Is that about right?

 

[BobDigital]

So just going from memory you'd be what?

1. Mesidor
2. Lubin
3. TJ Parker
4= Moore, Lawrence, Jackson

Is that about right?

Right now (keep in mind this is subject to change... I am keeping track of everything and will post my full board near draft time.)

* = near top of tier. - = near bottom of tier.

(no one is elite top 10 tier... so top 16 implies more of an 8-16 or so ranking)

David Bailey – top 16

Keldric Faulk - top 32*

Ahkeem Mesidore – top 32

Rueben Bane Jr. – top 32

TJ Parker – top 48

Clev Lubin – top 48-

Cashius Howell – top 96*

Anto Saka – top 96

Kenyatta Jackson – top 96-

Derrick Moore – top 96-

Malachi Lawrence - 4th*

Matayo Uiagalelei - 4th*

Tyreak Sapp - 4th

R. Mason Thomas - 5th*

The big surprise on my board so far are Mesi > Bane and Anto Saka who i seem way higher on than most people. But i love his raw potential. He is more ready than most think IMO and his upside from the athleticism i see is very enticing. He is the best of the 'raw' guys I've seen and the one i believe in the most of the projects. I think he is going to be good in this league and is being slept on a little. But to be clear that is based on where i think he will be in a year. He isn't doing much year 1 imo. And really its more of an OLB than DE, so not really a fit for us. Edit: just changed it... I prefer Howell over Saka as a prospect.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

Through 2 playoff games

Rueben Bain - 14 pressures, 4 sacks
Akheem Mesidor - 16 pressures, 3 sacks

 

[mayoclinic]

Redirect Notice

 

[mayoclinic]