2021 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings Top Ten
10. Patrick Jones, Pitt
Size: 6-4, 261
The Good: One of the only three-year producers among the top defensive end/edge rushers in the draft, he improved in each of his last three seasons with 21 sacks and 31 tackles for loss over his last three seasons. He’s got the size and quickness off the ball, and he’s a productive force who should be a team leader if he grabs a starting spot. However …
The Not-So-Good: The attack mode has to be there all the time. It’s not right to say he’s too passive or missing the motor, but some guys just read and react and some just go. Jones sometimes gets erased too easily and is missing that extra thing to get into the backfield.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: You want this guy after the top 50, and you really want him if he slides to Day 3. He doesn’t have the WOW factor of some of the top guys, but add him to a part of the outside linebacker/edge rotation and don’t worry about one of your 11 spots.
Projected Round: Fourth
9. Joseph Ossai, Texas
Size: 6-4, 256
The Good: Arguably the most versatile and best all-around linebacker/end/edge prospect, he made 90 tackles as a sophomore at linebacker, and he cranked up 5.5 sacks with 15.5 tackles for loss when moved to the edge as a junior. Fast enough, he might not be an elite athlete but he makes up for it by never turning it off. He’s bringing the heat for all four quarters.
The Not-So-Good: He’s sort of a tweener. He’ll produce no matter where he plays, but he’s still going to need time time grow into a true NFL edge rusher, he gets blocked a bit too easily, and he’s probably not going to be tried out at linebacker considering where he’ll be drafted.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: High character, a bear of a worker, and versatile, he’s the type of prospect every scout falls deeply in love with. However, he doesn’t quite have that one superstar thing tools-wise compared to some of the other top guys on the list – potentially more overall very good than dominant-great. However, he’s an NFL football player who’ll be a longtime starter in some role.
Projected Round: First
8. Rashad Weaver, Pitt
Size: 6-4, 259
The Good: Pass rush pass rush pass rush. He rushed the passer as a freshman and came up with three sacks, he rushed the passer as a sophomore and came u with 6.5 with 14 tackles for loss, and then he suffered a knee injury that cost him all of 2019. Just when it seemed like there was a question mark about how that would affect him, he rushed the passer as a senior and made 7.5 sacks with 14 tackles for loss in just nine games.
The Not-So-Good: SLOW. He was quick through the short drills – which matter more than a 40 time – but the 4.85 40 was way, way, way too slow for a player of his size. He’s not going to be for every team and might be a one-trick guy at the next level, but …
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: If your one trick is being able to get to the quarterback, the NFL will find a place for you. He might not have the elite athleticism some might like, but some guys just know how to find ways to get into the backfield. Either you have that ability or you don’t.
Projected Round: Third
7. Joe Tryon, Washington
Size: 6-5, 259
The Good: He emerged as a top Pac-12 pass rusher as a sophomore with eight sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 41 tackles. He’s a good all-around hybrid with the length and size to be used as a true end, but the quickness to grow into more of a speed rusher.
The Not-So-Good: One year. He saw time as a freshman and was solid, but he only emerged as a top pass rusher as a sophomore. He opted out on the 2020 season and it probably cost him a round because of seasoning. The NFL world will be looking for more time and more seasoning, and now it’s going to happen as a rookie.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: In a bad draft for pass rushers, he’s going to be a great value get outside of the top 50. He’s got the basics – although it would’ve been nice to be faster than 4.64 – and he’s got the upside to be fantastic. Others with the same question marks will be taken far earlier.
Projected Round: Third
6. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Size: 6-2, 249
The Good: Far more of an outside linebacker than a true defensive end, he’s the hybrid pass rusher everyone is looking for. There’s no better worker, leader, and fighter among the defensive ends in this draft – you don’t do what he did as an underclassman at Georgia without being something special. He’s got the burst to be the pure speed rusher everyone wants, but …
The Not-So-Good: There were too many disappearances. He dominated Auburn and wrecked Cincinnati, but he had minimal impact against Florida and Alabama. He’s absolutely maxed out on his frame without any room to get bigger, and he’s able to get blocked way too easily. And then there’s the time – the 4.63 at the pro day for a guy his size isn’t good enough.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Unlike the top five guys on this list who are more ends than edge rushers, here’s your best outside linebacker/edge guy in the draft. Also unlike the top five guys, Ojulari produced for two seasons. While he’s not the perfect prospect, he’ll have to be accounted for on the outside on every play, he’ll always bring the effort. and he’ll put up sack numbers.
Projected Round: Second