Tag: edge defender

Available free agent pass rushers for the Broncos in 2024

The Broncos need more from their pass rush in 2024. Here are some edge defenders they could target during free agency.

The Denver Broncos need to get more from their pass rush in 2024. Jonathon Cooper led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, followed by Nik Bonitto (8.0 sacks). Those are fine numbers for rotational players, but Denver needs an elite edge defender.

Baron Browning has the potential to emerge as a top pass rusher in 2024, but injuries have prevented him from having a breakout season thus far. The Broncos will likely look to add reinforcements to the outside linebacker room this spring, so we’ve put together a quick list of 16 pass rushers the team could consider during NFL free agency next week.

Falcons 2021 draft profile: EDGE Adetokunbo Ogundeji

The Atlanta Falcons needed a pass rusher in this draft to add to the rotation and Adetokunbo Ogundeji was their attempt at filling the role. Atlanta will utilize Ogundeji in both an outside linebacker and defensive end role playing in Dean Pees’ multiple defensive scheme.

The Atlanta Falcons needed a pass rusher in this draft to add to the rotation and Adetokunbo Ogundeji was their attempt at filling this role. Atlanta will utilize Ogundeji in both an outside linebacker and defensive end role playing in Dean Pees’ multiple defensive scheme.

Athletic Testing and Comparison

Stats and Awards

2020: 12 Games Played, 23 Tackles, 7.0 Tackles for Loss, 7.0 Sacks, 7 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, All-ACC Honorable Mention

2019: 13 Games Played, 34 Tackles, 7.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 3 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2018: 13 Games Played, 24 Tackles, 3.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2017: 5 Games Played

2016: Redshirted

Highlights vs. Boston College

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWuOrP8HtYU

How does Ogundeji fit on the field?

Adetokunbo Ogundeji is one of the better edge defenders in the college ranks. He should fit right into the Falcons’ rotation with Dante Fowler, Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Steven Means. He’ll be able to help the Falcons as a linebacker for their three man fronts or as a defensive end in their four man fronts and gives them more multiplicity.

As a run stuffer, Ogundeji can stuff the run effectively. He sets the edge efficiently as a linebacker or with his hand in the dirt. He rarely gets fooled when there’s a play-action towards his side, and when the play goes the other direction, he handles the back-end of the play well and doesn’t get sucked into the play-flow like other linebackers and ends would.

As a pass rusher, Ogundeji is one of the more polished players in the class. He needs to improve his hand usage and technique, but he can burst off the ball and understands how to time the snap properly to get to the quarterback. Ogundeji will force teams to focus on him and has the potential to be a great pass rusher in the NFL if he puts it all together.

How does Ogundeji fit off the field?

Ogundeji was a captain for the 2020 Fighting Irish squad and was a vocal leader. The Falcons have a leadership void on that side of the ball and they have addressed it in this draft by adding captains like Ogundeji. He’s a great teammate as proven by being voted captain on one of the most prestigious college football programs in the country.

Why Ogundeji over Shaka Toney or Quincy Roche?

The Falcons could have gone with either one of those guys and filled their need for a pass rusher. However, they decided to go with Ogundeji for his length and overall athletic profile making more sense for a Dean Pees’ defense than the other two. Ogundeji also plays the run better and since he could be a starter potentially, this aspect of his game is just as important.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Pernell McPhee

Pernell McPhee was never one of the biggest sack producers in the NFL, but he was always a good pressure creator capable of stuffing the run. Atlanta would love it if Ogundeji could be the same kind of player — someone who maxes out around seven sacks in a season, but is highly productive because he understands and fits the scheme so well. McPhee also played for Pees.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE Kwity Paye

The Atlanta Falcons have a ton of options at No. 4 overall, but Kwity Paye would be an interesting option after a small trade down. 

If the Atlanta Falcons can trade back in the draft to somewhere within the top 10, Michigan’s Kwity Paye would be an interesting option. Paye is a great fit early on as a sub-package pass rusher who can eventually develop into a strong-side defensive end in the base packages. The Falcons’ pass rush would be much improved with Paye added to the roster.

EDGE Kwity Paye, University of Michigan

6-foot-4, 271 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 4 Games Played, 16 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, Second team All-Big Ten

2019: 12 Games Played, 50 Tackles, 12.5 Tackles for Loss, 6.5 Sacks, 3 QB Hurries

2018: 13 Games Played, 29 Tackles, 5.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2017: 9 Games Played, 5 Tackles, 1.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack

Highlights: Vs. Penn State

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7DtRy55e0U

Strengths

Paye’s biggest strength is his athleticism. His great first step combined with his ability to bend the edge and attack the quarterback bending the arc will be an asset to whatever team he ends up with. He’s not a dip-and-rip guy, but his speed-to-power and exceptional ability to bull rush and set the edge come from this high level of athleticism.

On top of this, he has exceptionally heavy hands combined with long arms that will make him tough to get around in the run game. He doesn’t let guys get into his center while he’s rushing the passer either. Paye’s motor will remind you of the Energizer bunny, and he relentlessly gets after the quarterback on every pass rush. He can play any technique from a 1-technique tackle to a 9-technique defensive end effectively depending on formation and scheme responsibilities.

Weaknesses

The former Wolverine has solid overall football intelligence, but is still very raw in his role as a pass rusher and as a run defender when it comes to hand usage and plan of attack. His instincts will help forgive some of this, but he’ll have to work on this. Paye’s lateral mobility limits his positional versatility to a guy who will only ever have his hand on the line.

Leadership

Paye has exceptional off-field abilities as a leader and his teammates recognized him as a captain in the 2020 season. He’s also huge into social justice causes and should fit the Falcons locker room well considering that. His leadership is more of the vocal kind and the Falcons have too many “lead by example” types on the roster.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Justin Smith

Much like Smith, Paye profiles better in the 4-3 than the 3-4, but his best years won’t be until he adds around 10-15 pounds and moves to more of a 5-technique role in a multiple defense like Smith did. Paye’s going to be an asset regardless of where he goes, but he could have real long-term staying power in a more multiple scheme with a 3-down lineman base.

How Paye would fit into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons want to draft Paye, they could probably get away with trading back a few spots first. He’d be a perfect fit for the defense and the Falcons could use him as the end opposing Grady Jarrett in the base defense long-term, but his instant impact will be felt more with the sub-package as a pass rusher on the edge.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE Gregory Rousseau

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of options for the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, but Gregory Rousseau shouldn’t be one of them.

The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of options in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, but Gregory Rousseau shouldn’t be one of them. His fit in the scheme doesn’t bode well for success in Atlanta, however, he is a fine prospect in his own right. The Falcons are likely to run a multiple defense that would really only use him in four-man fronts.

EDGE Gregory Rousseau, University of Miami, Florida

6-foot-7, 265 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: Sat out the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2019: 13 Games Played, 54 Tackles, 19.5 Tackles for Loss, 15.5 Sacks, 7 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Pass Deflection, ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, First Team All-ACC, Second Team All-American, Freshman All-American

2018: 2 Games Played, 5 Tackles, Redshirted due to an injury to close out the year

Highlights: Vs. Virginia Tech – 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xfsfetZAJg

Strengths

Gregory Rousseau has all the talent in the world as a defensive end. His frame, length, strength and agility make him a great prospect for teams seeking an end for a 4-3 scheme. His history as a wide receiver and safety in high school give him a unique view of his role on defense and allows him to see the game differently than most defensive ends.

The raw talent he possesses is immeasurable. His ceiling is that of someone who can be a regular 12-15 sack player in a 4-3 defense. He ideally would match up against right tackles and overpower them with speed-to-power moves or bend the edge against them. Rousseau’s exceptionally high ceiling gives him a shot at being the top pass rusher in this draft class.

Weaknesses

Part of his issue with playing defensive end is his lack of experience in the role. This shows up in how he defends the run and the lack of angles he takes. When he’s rushing the passer, his hands aren’t as heavy as you’d like or used with as much technique as they should be. This hurts his projection at the next level as an instant impact player.

His first step also leaves one wanting. Though, this looks more like a technique issue than a true athleticism issue. The burst is there at times and shows up when he uses proper technique. The issue of versatility within the scheme comes from his questionable scheme fit for a 3-4 team. He’s not really ideal for linebacker coverage but is a good fit for a hand down lineman.

Leadership

Rousseau has a perfectly fine motor on the field, but off the field, he’s not exactly a vocal leader. He’s more of a follower type who will put in the effort in the gym and the work in the film room. That’s all well and good for a unit led by Grady Jarrett.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Myles Garrett

Keep in mind, this is a best case scenario. Rousseau is an amazing talent when at his peak. He has the potential to be a game-changing pass rusher in the NFL. Adding around 10-15 pounds of muscle to his frame could help him be the run defender that Garrett is as well. But with a full season removed and his tape picked apart, teams will only have a late-first to mid-second grade on him.

How Rousseau fits into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons were to draft Rousseau, it would likely be at the top of the second round as a value pick. As a 6-foot-7 defensive end, Rousseau would likely have to bulk up to around 280-285 pounds to play in Atlanta’s defense. He’d play either a strong-side five-technique role on the ground in three-man fronts or would align as a pure defensive end in four-man fronts.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

The Atlanta Falcons could solve a nearly decade-long deficit for a premiere pass rusher with the selection of Azeez Ojulari. 

The Falcons could solve a nearly decade-long need for an elite pass rusher with the selection of Azeez Ojulari. The former Georgia Bulldog was a highly productive player and is hoping to turn a ridiculous showing in the Peach Bowl into a first-round selection. Atlanta would be a great schematic fit for Ojulari as well.

EDGE Azeez Ojulari, University of Georgia

6-foot-3, 240 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 10 Games Played, 30 Tackles, 11.5 Tackles for Loss, 8.5 Sacks, 16 QB Hurries, 3 Fumbles Forced, 2 Pass Deflections, Second Team All-SEC

2019: 14 Games Played, 36 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 5.5 Sacks, 18 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced

2018: 3 Games Played, 4 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, Redshirted due to injury recovery after two games

Highlights: Vs. Auburn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ft4QC9Wb8

Strengths

In terms of overall athleticism, Azeez Ojulari has a ton of raw explosiveness and lateral agility. He’s able to turn that, along with his ability to turn speed into power, into a ton of pressure on quarterbacks. He can beat anyone off the line and attack the quarterback with the best of them. His non-stop motor helps him create plays when he does get stone-walled initially.

He also has exceptional football intelligence that allows him to make the right decision off the snap to either set the edge for a run or attack the quarterback. This helps him make plays against the run by attacking from the backside or setting the edge efficiently in the run to either force plays inside or cause short losses.

Weaknesses

In coverage, Ojulari is extremely raw. His lack of hip flexibility in coverage can be a bit alarming, and he shouldn’t be used as a man coverage linebacker in any way. He’s also needs to add some more pass rush moves to his game. Ojulari’s intelligence and motor will allow him to be successful in pass rushing situations, but adding some better moves would really help.

Size and length are going to be considered weaknesses for him if teams are looking at him as a 4-3 defensive end. At just 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, he comes off as small for that role, but a 3-4 team might be okay with him on the edge. He may need to move to an unfamiliar role as an inside linebacker for some teams.

Leadership

As a redshirt sophomore, Ojulari was voted a team captain multiple times. He’s a true leader and makes the guys around him play harder. His energy in the Peach Bowl played a big part in the Bulldogs winning that game.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Shaquil Barrett

Ojulari reminds me of Shaq Barrett coming out of school, but with better overall athleticism. He’s super raw as a pass rusher, but has the potential to be great for the team that drafts him as a stand up edge rusher. Worst case for him early on will be as a nickel rusher attacking from multiple angles.

How he fits into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons were to trade down in the first round, Ojulari should be one of the top targets for them in the mid-first. He’s a top-flight pass rusher that the team hasn’t had in years. Combining him with Deion Jones, Foye Oluokun and Grady Jarrett on nickel downs would give Atlanta at least four pieces of a disguised blitz package that Dean Pees likes to feature in his defenses.

Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE/LB Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is one of the best edge defender prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons radar at No. 4 overall.

Micah Parsons is one of the best edge prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons’ radar at No. 4 overall. While he’s listed as a linebacker, Parsons’ best fit in the pros is at edge defender.

EDGE/LB Micah Parsons, Pennsylvania State University

6-foot-3, 245 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: Opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2019: 13 Games Played, 109 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 5.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 4 Fumbles Forced, 5 Pass Deflections, All-American, First Team All-Big Ten, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP

2018: 13 Games Played, 83 Tackles, 5.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, First Team Freshman All-American

Highlights: Vs. Michigan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpF7k-Pjbq4

Strengths

Micah Parsons’ biggest strength is his ability to get after the passer. His ideal fit would be in a multiple defense that allows him to move around the formation and attack the passer. Parsons is able to shed blocks with ease and has the ability to wrap up on any quarterback or running back and close plays out.

Against the run, he’s one of the smartest defenders coming out of the draft. He knows the angles to attack and is tough to block out of plays. Even if he gets blocked, he’s able to stack-and-shed as a linebacker against the run. He sets the edge effectively and can even play the run well when lined up as a true off-ball linebacker.

The versatility he has to play either edge defender or inside linebacker will help him see a lot of playing time too. Big, strong and fast, Parsons’ athletic profile should be right up there with the Von Millers and Khalil Macks of the world. The difference from guys like Vic Beasley is he’s extremely competitive and has a non-stop motor.

Weaknesses

Over-aggression is something that Parsons will have to overcome at the pro level if he ends up with the wrong defensive coordinator. He’s not a true read-and-react kind of guy, but more of an attack-and-conquer kind of linebacker. Parsons needs more discipline, which definitely shows up in coverage. He’s got the raw abilities to be effective in coverage, but he doesn’t have the instincts yet.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Clay Matthews III

Parsons could be a good fit early on rushing the passer and playing the run while continuing to work on his coverage skills. His best attribute is how well he can rush the passer from a multitude of angles. Much like Clay Matthews III, he will be a pass rusher primarily early in his career, but towards the middle of it, could slide into more of a true Mike role.

How Parsons fits into the Falcons’ plans

The Atlanta Falcons could take Parsons in the first round as early as fourth overall, and it would still be a good pick. He could instantly start on the edge in Dean Pees’ defense. Once he improves in coverage, the Falcons could use him as part of a three-man LB unit that’s always out there on the field with Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun.

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Texans’ Romeo Crennel says DE Charles Omenihu is starting to ‘find his spot’

Houston Texans defensive end Charles Omenihu is beginning to find his place to contribute consistently on defense.

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The Houston Texans have a promising edge defender in defensive end Charles Omenihu, but the problem for the former 2019 fifth-round pick has been finding his spot.

According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, the 23-year-old former Texas Longhorn is starting to find ways to be a consistent contributor to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s scheme.

“I talk with Charles all the time,” Crennel told reporters Monday. “We have a good d-line-head coach relationship because I’ve got a d-line background. So, I can talk to him about what I see and what I think he needs to do. I think Charles is beginning to find his spot and how he needs to play the game because of his length and what he brings to the table.”

Against the Indianapolis Colts, Omenihu provided the Texans with two combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups in the 26-20 loss at NRG Stadium Sunday afternoon.

“He can’t play the game the way, let’s say Whitney Mercilus. He can’t play the game the way Whitney Mercilus plays the game. He can’t play the game the way J.J. (Watt) plays the game,” said Crennel. “He has to find out what his way to play the game is, and I think he’s beginning to find that.”

On the season, Omenihu has collected seven combined tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups and 11 quarterback hits through his 11 games, two of which he has started.

Is Clay Matthews still a possibility for the Broncos?

Broncos coach Vic Fangio was asked about Clay Matthews before Thursday’s practice.

Broncos general manager John Elway tried to sign free agent Clay Matthews but wasn’t able to reach an agreement with the veteran pass rusher. Before practice Thursday, coach Vic Fangio was asked about the team’s interest in Matthews.

“John and the guys had been looking at possibilities out there,” Fangio said. “I’m sure Clay was one of them. I don’t know exactly where all that stands or where it went or what happened. I really don’t. I just know what was put out there today that he’s not ready to play yet. I don’t know any of the details.”

Judging from the statement Matthews’ agent released, it sounds like Denver and the outside linebacker simply couldn’t agree on contract terms. If the two sides are able to reach a compromise and meet in the middle, there might still be a chance of Matthews signing with the Broncos.

The team will likely add a linebacker to the 53-man roster, either Matthews or someone else, after placing Von Miller on injured reserve.

“We’re always looking and especially our numbers are low there now at that position,” Fangio said. “Yeah, we’re looking, but we’re not going to do something just for the sake of doing something.”

Fangio also confirmed interest in Isaiah Irving, who will visit the team.

“It’s a possibility,” Fangio said of potentially signing Irving. “I think we’re taking a look at a bunch of guys right now. We’d have to create a spot on the practice squad for that to happen. We’ll see where it goes … I’m sure we’re going to see where he’s at physically and if he’s a guy that we might consider.”

Irving totaled 25 tackles and one sack in three seasons with the Chicago Bears, including two seasons playing under Fangio from 2017-18.

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Pro Football Focus: Texans DE J.J. Watt is the best edge defender in the NFL

Pro Football Focus released their annual preseason position rankings, and Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt is the best edge defender in the NFL.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is still getting the respect his reputation has earned for him.

According to Pro Football Focus, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is the best edge defender in the league ahead of the 2020 season — not best over 30 years old, or best 3-4 defensive end — the best in the NFL.

It’s possible to forget that J.J. Watt was once the most devastating defensive force in the NFL before injuries began to attack that player and Aaron Donald arrived on the scene. Watt hasn’t quite got back to that level, but he’s gotten a lot closer than many think. His overall PFF grade in 2018 — his first healthy season since 2015 — was 90.5, and through the first eight games of last year, he was leading the league in total pressures before a pectoral injury took him out. Watt is still an elite-level pass-rusher and has been inching back towards his best form. If he can take another small step in that direction in 2020, he will still be the league’s best edge defender and a true Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Rookie defensive tackle Ross Blacklock says what he has learned the most about Watt is his work ethic is the basis for his success.

“He’s a workhorse,” Blacklock said. “Interesting in a good way. Just trying to pick his brain every once in a while. Just being able to learn from him. He’s a super-vet.

“He’s been in the league since I was a freshman in high school. Just being able to play next to him and play with him, it’s an honor. I’m trying to learn as much as I can while I’m here and while he’s here.”

If Watt can teach youngsters like Blacklock a few lessons while also reminding opposing offenses that he is still as formidable as ever, the Texans defense will be in prime position to help defend their AFC South title.

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Texans could see Jadeveon Clowney twice a year in the AFC South

The Houston Texans could end up seeing former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney twice a year, if he signs with the Tennessee Titans.

The Houston Texans traded edge defender Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks at the end of preseason in 2019. That meant the Texans wouldn’t see Clowney until 2021 when the AFC South played the NFC West.

The former 2014 No. 1 overall pick didn’t re-sign with the Seahawks after his year in the Pacific Northwest, and now he is a free agent who could come back to the AFC South.

According to Titans Radio play-by-play Mike Keith via the Titans Wire, Clowney could sign with the Tennessee Titans, and the Texans would get to see their former first-round pick at least twice in 2020.

“Oh, I think there’s a real chance because the Titans have cap room, they certainly have a connection from Mike Vrabel’s time in Houston,” Keith explained. “They have other connections within the team that are reaching out to him — Johnathan Joseph, former teammate from the same hometown, Taylor Lewan reaching out on social media, other players saying they’d love to have him. If you’re Clowney, the Titans certainly make sense if the dollars make sense… but the Titans have clearly left the door open publicly that they have interest in Clowney. Now, will what they want to pay and what he wants to get paid match up?  That I don’t have any idea, but I wouldn’t rule the Titans out in this, no.”

There are copious Texans connections in Tennessee for Clowney, and what makes them more meaningful is they come from a time in his career where he was at his peak. In 2017, when Vrabel was the defensive coordinator, Clowney produced career highs with 9.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a 71-yard touchdown. All of this was accomplished in the absence of defensive end J.J. Watt, who played just five games.

At 27 years old, Clowney still has plenty of gas left in the tank, and the Texans would have to account for him if he joined the Titans.