2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Edge rushers

theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players available in the 2023 NFL Draft.

QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S

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It's undeniable that Anderson is the top defensive prospect in this year's class. It's hard to pick out flaws in the Alabama product's game. Anderson's excelled at the highest level, producing 27.5 sacks in the SEC over the last two years, and he has all the physical tools necessary to replicate that production in the NFL. Anderson has various tactics to get to the quarterback as he flashes a strong bull rush, swipe, and rip move. His play speed is also mighty impressive, but his work against the run is what'll make him a Day 1 starter. Anderson's strong base and arms get him off blocks and set the edge on the outside. Thanks to his well-rounded profile, he should start and star in the league for years to come.

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Wilson is your ultimate boom-or-bust edge rusher prospect. Betting on him to reach his potential could deliver huge riches, or it'll be a huge investment wasted if he flops. It only takes one look at Wilson to see why many are head over heels for him. At 6-foot-6 with nearly 36-inch arms, the Texas Tech product looks like he was created in a lab. Even on the field, Wilson seems non-human as his athleticism and strength overpower opposing tackles. His speed-to-power bull rush is also a marvel to see. Against the run, he uses his long frame to get off blocks well, and his athletic gifts provide him with a huge tackle radius. Wilson still needs a fair bit of polish on his technique and likely won't be a Year 1 star, but with some time, he could become a fearsome NFL pass-rusher.

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Looking at the tape, Van Ness was a player utilized in multiple roles at Iowa while never being a true starter. It may sound weird that he's a heralded prospect, but peering into a crystal ball shows his future team hoping he develops into the total package. There's no denying that he'll need some work due to his inexperience while finding a true fit for his tweener-like build. On the flip side, Van Ness' rawness gives him a gigantic ceiling. His explosiveness, bull rush, and strength in run defense served as teasers for what might be yet to come. A lengthy pass-rusher who can also shift inside, it'll be a worthwhile project for his future employer to try molding Van Ness to their liking.

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Smith has undeniable first-round talent. With his athleticism and build, the pass-rusher feels like the perfect match to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Though Smith will be far from the biggest guy at his position, he blasts off the tape with his freakish 4.39 speed, quick-area movement, and pass-rush arsenal. When it comes to getting after the quarterback, Smith showcases proper bend, flexibility, a bull rush, and an inside move set up by his athleticism. He's not afraid to lay a lick either, as the Georgia star is a very physical player. Smith's work against the run is also impressive, and his ability to crash inside to disrupt plays is easily translatable to the next level.

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There's a whole lot in Murphy's toolbox that'll make his future team dreamy when thinking about his outlook. When size meets athleticism, the result is a rare, high-ceiling edge product like Murphy. The Clemson pass-rusher has a lot of skills to work with, including his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage and his speed-to-power conversion. Murphy demonstrates good usage of his hands to set up his foes, though more polish is needed in this area. At the moment, he doesn't appear to show a plan to get to the quarterback. His pass-rush arsenal is also limited, but there's a lot of room for him to expand and develop in this area. Murphy shows some stiffness as well, but his tool set should still make him a capable starter in the future if he can be unlocked.

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McDonald comes with a rare genetic makeup as he carries a ton of athleticism, but his gigantic wingspan from his nearly 35-inch arms is what makes him stand out. He puts those arms to good use, displaying a capable swipe-and-rip move, but there could be even more to add to his repertoire with some refinement. McDonald's length also helps him shed blocks in run defense. As a pure pass-rusher, he has the athleticism to flatten the edge, shows off a spin move to counter, and has a quick release off the line of scrimmage. Undoubtedly a high-ceiling player, the major concerns with his profile surround his undersized build and his struggles setting the edge at the point of attack. However, McDonald has the makings of a project worth working on.

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White is a one-of-a-kind prospect in this year's edge class, but for different reasons than expected. There's no disputing he can flat-out play while his size opens up his versatility for the next level. White has a relentless motor in all phases of the game and shows a knack for crashing the pocket as a pass-rusher and run defender. His power is his go-to weapon as he packs a powerful punch, which, combined with his burst and strength, becomes a dangerous trait. The biggest issue in White's projection is visualizing a ceiling. The Georgia Tech product is already 24 years old and is still raw as a pass-rusher. Considering he's likely maxed out his frame, there will be a ticking clock to get White up to speed at the next level. How fast that happens will likely determine the verdict of his value.

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Ojulari never lit up the stat sheet at LSU, with seven sacks being his personal best. Still, the belief that he can produce at the next level is an idea worth buying. There will still be a fair bit of development needed as Ojulari lacks a counter or real pass-rush plan. However, he's got no shortage of moves in his arsenal. Ojulari's game revolves around his speed, using his swiftness to get around the edge. He also flashes a nifty dip move. His hand usage needs polish, but he already shows the ability to chop and get tackles off balance. Ojulari's athleticism aids his inside move, which is hard to stop due to his quickness. Still just 21 years old, Ojulari has some time before hitting his physical peak, making his profile and tools an enticing purchase in the draft.

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Anudike-Uzomah produced at the collegiate level to the tune of 20.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles over three years. There's no reason he can't be that sort of player under the brightest lights in the NFL. His pass-rush tool set is full of riches, with his bend, hand usage, and power having significant juice behind them. Anudike-Uzomah also demonstrates some kind of planning as he sets up tackles with his reach before unleashing an inside move. He's occasionally vulnerable to losing balance when flattening at the apex of the bend, and his play at the point of attack needs work. However, Anudike-Uzomah is nowhere close to his ceiling, but if he gets there, he could be worth his draft slot and some more.

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Adebawore might not even end up being a true edge rusher at the next level, but his talent is too hard to ignore to leave him unmentioned. He displayed off-the-charts athleticism at the combine, with his 40-time, vertical, and broad jump all in the 88th percentile or higher. The majority of that makes its way onto the tape, too, as Adebawore crashes the pocket quickly when slanting through a gap. His strength is equally as impressive. The Northwestern product is a mega-run defender, as he's consistently shown he can plug gaps or set the edge. As a pass-rusher, Adebawore has a nasty bull rush and motor. But don't expect much bend, which, coupled with excellent skill at the point of attack against the run, makes a position switch to the interior possible.

Other notable prospects

Derick Hall, Auburn
Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
Zach Harrison, Ohio State
Byron Young, Tennessee

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