We’re getting accustomed to hearing hype surrounding a edge rushers who played college ball in Columbus, Ohio. Both Joey and Nick Bosa starred for the Buckeyes before becoming as can’t-miss as a prospect can be heading into their respective drafts (Joey went No. 3 to the Chargers in 2016; Nick was the second-overall selection last year.)
Chase Young, though, could reach another level. He was easily the best player in the Big Ten — which happens to have produced five of the top six players on my list this year.
I expect at least three edge rushers to be selected in the first round Thursday night, with two others potentially slipping into the end of the round.
1. Chase Young, Ohio State
This one is a no-brainer. Young is not only the best edge prospect in this class, but he’s probably the best football player in it, as well. He was a dominant force game in and game out for Ohio State and even got some Heisman buzz early on in the season. Young has everything you want in a draft prospect: Size, strength, speed, agility and technique. He’s the surest thing in the class. Whichever team lands him will be getting a star on the edge for the next decade.
Grade: Early 1st Round
2. Zack Baun, Wisconsin
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Baun may never be a guy you just line up on the edge and expect him to beat NFL tackles, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a valuable NFL player. He’ll need some schematic help, but if he lands with a smart defensive coaching staff, he’ll be a Pro Bowler. Baun will likely settle into role not too different from the one we’ve seen Kyle Van Noy play in New England. He’ll mostly be used as an off-the-ball blitzer who can drop into coverage without being fully exploited. He’s that good of an athlete.
Grade: Late 1st Round
3. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Epenesa will tell us if teams are really leaning more on the tape during this unique draft season. He wasn’t expected to blow up the combine, but a 5.04 40-yard dash will certainly give teams questions. Athleticism was never a selling point for the Iowa edge. He’s more of a power pass rusher who can kick inside on passing downs. Even if Epenesa never develops into a dominant edge rusher, his run defense should allow him to find a role in the NFL. Outside of Chase Young, he’s the safest edge prospect in the class.
Grade: Late 1st Round
4. Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
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Okwara is far from a finished product, but that can be said of a lot of the prospects in the year’s class of pass rushers. He is, however, built like an NFL pass rusher and his athleticism should allow him to be a productive player from the time he steps on an NFL field. Teams may be scared off after a leg injury prevented Okwara from participating in Combine drills but it’s evident on tape this dude has special tools. He’s not a versatile pass rusher, lining up almost exclusively on the edge for the Irish, but he does have the ability to drop into coverage if need be. If a team can get him interested in stopping the run, Okwara could be a star.
Grade: Early 2nd Round
5. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
NFL teams will be drawn to Gross-Matos’ potential. His tape is somewhat underwhelming but the Penn State product has the tools to develop into a productive player if he lands with a good coaching staff. He’s explosive off the line and has the flexibility to turn the corner after beating his blocker. He just needs to do that last part more often. Adding more pass rush moves (and counters) to his toolbox will help. Gross-Matos has the frame to get stronger, which should help against the run. Until that happens, the 22-year-old will have to settle for a rotational role.
Grade: Early 2nd Round
Five more prospects to keep an eye on…
6. Josh Uche, Michigan
7. K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
8. Curtis Weaver, Boise State
9. Terrell Lewis, Alabama
10. Jonathan Greenard, Florida
More 2020 NFL Draft Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Offensive Tackle | Interior OL | Defensive Tackle | Linebacker | Cornerback | Safety
