5. Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Fletcher Cox has certainly lived up to the expectations that come with an early selection. If you want productive pressure from a defensive lineman, Cox is your man. In 2018 he put together one of the best seasons you will see from a pass rusher from the interior, as he notched 101 total pressures, 11 sacks and 65 quarterback hurries. His 2019 numbers – while incredible as well – seem almost pedestrian by comparison. Last season Cox got home four times to go with 60 pressures and 30 hurries. Still tremendous production from an interior defensive lineman.
How does he do it? With a combination of athleticism and technique you would love to see from an EDGE defender. We have discussed some technique already, but watch this picture-perfect rip move he implements on the right guard to get to Josh Allen:
And now, the power against the left guard to strip Dak Prescott:
I left the celebratory jig in there for good measure.
This season, he’ll have Javon Hargrave to run with on the inside, along with the usual suspects of Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett on the outside, Is another three-digit pressure campaign in store? Odds are in his favor.