National Football League

2017 NFL Draft: 10 Best EDGE Rusher Prospects Pre-Combine

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:23 p.m. ET

Fansided, Randy Gurzi/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Edge rushers are aways in high demand and the 2017 NFL Draft has plenty of them. Which players make the top 10 of the class before the NFL Combine?

Players won't arrive to the NFL Scouting Combine until Feb. 28th, but that doesn't mean the prospects aren't already being measured up. One group of players that always gets a lot of attention is the edge rushers. NFL teams love guys who can get after the quarterback, and the 2017 NFL Draft is considered to be strong with players who can do just that.

Of course, not every player who is good at racking up sacks in college is able to see that talent transition to the NFL. Some may excel against lesser talent in the college world, but then the strength and athleticism of players already in the NFL prove to be too much for them to handle.

That's why scouts love seeing how players measure up at the combine. There, they're able to get accurate measurements of hands, arms, height, and weight. To many of us, these are just numbers, but NFL executives are able to see something more. That's only the beginning though as from there they can see how players get in and out of tight spaces with cone and shuttle drill. And of course there's everyone's favorite, the 40-yard dash, which measures the player's burst with a straight-line burst.

That's all future discussion for these players though. As of now, we want to see how the top-ten edge rushers in the 2017 NFL Draft rank pre-combine.

Sep 15, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) reacts after tackling Cincinnati Bearcats running back Mike Boone (not pictured) for a safety in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Houston won 40-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

10. Tyus Bowser — Houston

It's not a name that jumps out at you, and he wasn't even the top sack-artist on his team. Still, Houston defensive end/outside linebacker Tyus Bowser has some NFL level pass rushing skills and was able to wreak havoc for the Cougars.

Vitals

Height: 6-3
Weight: 244 pounds
Career Tackles: 137
Career Sacks: 22.5

Rundown

The best pass rusher in Houston was linebacker Steven Taylor, but he created all his pressure via well-timed blitzes. Bowser, on the other hand, displayed the type of skills that will translate into him becoming a legitimate NFL edge rusher. He has such a good mix of athletic skills and pass rush fundamentals that Eric Galko of Sporting News believes he deserves consideration in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Tyus Bowser is a high-level athlete that should test extremely well at the NFL Scouting Combine. He extends and bends well off the snap and shows great lower half coordination to adjust, reposition and generate lower half force to push the pocket.

While first round may be a stretch, Bowser can be a real player. He has the feel of a second day pick, but being under 250 pounds hurts him as most 4-3 teams will take him off the boards. He isn't big enough to play as a true end and therefore seems like a 3-4 guy only.

Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) forces a fumble by Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

9. T.J. Watt – Wisconsin

Oh goodness, here we go again. Another Watt coming out of Wisconsin. Will this one be forgotten like fullback Derek Watt, who quietly plays for the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected in the sixth-round last season? Or will he be like the first of the family in the NFL, J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans? That Watt plays defensive end for the Houston Texans and is constantly seen on pretty much every commercial possible.

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Vitals

Height: 6-5
Weight: 243 pounds
Career Tackles: 70
Career Sacks: 11.5

Rundown

Wisconsin edge rusher T.J. Watt may be the victim of living in his brothers shadow. Going to the same school and rushing the passer like his big brother seems to make it almost laughable that he could be the next great pass rusher. But it really isn't crazy. Watt was a really good player for the Badgers in 2016, but the problem is that's the only season he really produced at all.

In 2015, he appeared in just eight games and recorded only seven tackles. He followed that up with 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks and an interception. He really could have benefited from another season, but obviously felt comfortable with what he had done.

As it stands now, the 243-pound Watt is in the same boat as Bowser from Houston. He is too small to play end in a 4-3 and looks the part of an edge rushing linebacker. Watt is strong enough as well as fast enough to beat blockers in multiple ways. He also has access to one of the best tutors in the world in his big brother.

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

8. Solomon Thomas — Stanford

Perhaps this is a bit low for Solomon Thomas. The Stanford defensive end is flying up boards and mock drafts all over the internet, but he isn't a traditional edge rusher. This doesn't mean he isn't a good defensive lineman, because he is. It also doesn't mean he isn't a sure-fire first rounder, because once again, he is. Thomas just doesn't provide as much of the speed and length that teams covet in an edge rusher.

Vitals

Height: 6-3
Weight: 273 pounds
Career Tackles: 98
Career Sacks: 12

Rundown

The big question then becomes, where does he play? Is he an edge rushing defensive end, or a three-technique tackle that provides a rush up the middle? As a tackle, Thomas could be hurt by his size according to NFL.com scout Lance Zierlein. He believes Thomas is more of an interior rusher, but that he doesn't have the necessary weight to hold up there. More from Zierlein:

One of the things that makes Thomas so appealing is that he combines foot quickness with above-average strength into a motor that revs as hot as any muscle car out there. In my opinion, there is no doubt that he will be a disruptive, productive pro, but NFL evaluators are always a little concerned about players who fall beneath their positional norms for size

Of course, good players find a way to get on the field and Thomas is a really, really good player. He most likely fits best an end, but could produce rushing from the inside on third downs as well.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) is sacked by Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

7. Charles Harris — Missouri

Missouri underclassmen Charles Harris has ben heralded as a first round talent ever since declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft following his junior season. He improved in each season he played for Missouri and was able to get to the quarterback against some nasty offensive linemen while playing in the SEC.

Vitals

Height: 6-3
Weight: 255 Pounds
Career Tackles: 136
Career Sacks: 18

Rundown

The first thing people will hear about the defensive end is he has a nasty spin move, which he really does. Harris is able to spin free of blockers without losing any of his speed. While that move is highlighted, Jon Ledyard of Scout.com talked up Harris' explosive first step in a tweet about the draft prospect:

As I indicated in my write up weeks ago, Charles Harris might have the best first step in the class. Crazy explosive. pic.twitter.com/LG79ea6Pd3

— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 7, 2017

Looking at potential, Harris may be a better option than some of the players who rank higher than him in this list. The reason he doesn't at this moment is his limited arsenal. While Harris' spin move worked in college, NFL teams will find a way to limit it's success if that's the only thing he brings to the table. Working with NFL coaches will do wonders for him as they can help Harris refine his other moves. The best thing is he has all the traits you look for in an edge rusher and should have a long NFL career.

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball against Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

6. Taco Charlton — Michigan

Here we have a guy named Taco. What's not to love? Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton is a well-rounded defensive end who worked under a tough head coach with an NFL background in Jim Harbaugh. Charlton was a key piece to the turnaround for the Wolverines as they recently went from obscurity to contenders in the blink of an eye.

Vitals

Height: 6-6
Weight: 272 pounds
Career Tackles: 91
Career Sacks: 19

Rundown

Charlton was a late bloomer after becoming a full-time starter in his senior season. He had just nine career sacks entering his final year with Michigan, but more than doubled that total by posting 10 as a senior. He has incredible size and long arms, which can be incredibly annoying to quarterbacks who have to try and throw over his tree limbs.

Unlike many of the taler prospects, Charlton doesn't get the dreaded "lengthy" label either as he is a solid 272-pounds. There are concerns about his inconsistencies, but when you look at his pure skill as an edge rusher, he is just outside of the top five. Had he been more consistent, he most likely would be higher, but as it stands an NFL team could get a real talent who is still improving with the selection of Charlton in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) pulls away from Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

5. Carl Lawson — Auburn

Here's another player who doesn't have stats that scream top pick, but Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson is an elite pass rusher who could make an immediate impact at the next level. Despite that, he may not even be a first-round pick.

Vitals

Height: 6-2
Weight: 253 pounds
Career Tackles: 67
Career Sacks: 14.5

Rundown

The reason Lawson may not be one of the first 32-players taken in the 2017 NFL Draft is because of injury concerns. A cracked hip one year and a torn ACL in another forced him to play in just seven games in 2015 while missing all of 2014. He returned for his senior season last year and had 9.5 sacks, as well as 14.5 tackles for loss.

Lawson is on the shorter side, but is well-defined and muscular. He has more power than others in the lower 250-pound range and that can be seen in his ability to win hand fights. He's also quick enough off the snap to win with his athleticism. Many will be scared off because of his missed games, but some team will give him a shot despite his injury history and, if he stays healthy, he will make some general manager look incredibly smart.

October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Takkarist McKinley — UCLA

Until 2016 UCLA outside linebacker Takkarist McKinley was considered a dark horse pass rushing prospect. After his junior season he is now being considered an elite pass rushing prospect and could very well be taken off the board within the first 15 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Vitals

Height: 6-2
Weight: 265 Pounds
Career Tackles: 99
Career Sacks: 16

Rundown

McKinley was a spot player for two seasons, but then broke out in his third year with the Bruins by recording 18 tackles for a loss and ten sacks. One AFC scout was apparently not too thrilled that McKinley broke out when he did, as he considered the 265-pound edge rusher a sleeper pick when cited by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein:

He was my sleeper headed into the season, but that went out the window with the season he had this year. I think he's a second rounder who needs time but he'll probably get overdrafted. He's going to be a productive pro.

The assessment that he's a second-round talent seems off. He has all the skill and more of many of the edge rushers routinely mocked in round one and has the versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense as an outside linebacker or defensive end. McKinley finds himself high on this list because he has a great mix of speed and power. He also has several pass rush moves in his arsenal and worked with former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator Jim Mora Jr., who is currently the head coach for UCLA.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Tim Williams — Alabama

Alabama produces pro players at an amazing rate. This makes sense because they're constantly either the NCAA National Champion, or the runner-up like they were this past season. Led by head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is a defensive powerhouse and their newest pass rushing sensation to head to the pros in outside linebacker Tim Williams.

Vitals

Height: 6-4
Weight: 252 pounds
Career Tackles: 57
Career Sacks: 20

Rundown

His overall statistics don't scream first-round talent, but the majority of his production came in his final two seasons. As a freshman and sophomore, Williams played in just nine games and had eight tackles and 1.5 sacks. He hit his stride as a junior recording 9.5 sacks and followed it up as a senior with another nine. On top of his quarterback harassment, Williams was responsible for 30 tackles for a loss. His stats may indicate he didn't make a ton of plays for the Tide, but those numbers show that the plays he did make were impactful.

Overall as a player though, he doesn't rank as high as several people on this list. As a pure edge rusher though, he's up with the elite. If a team drafts him based on that alone, Williams could go very high. If they want a guy who is more well rounded, they should look elsewhere.

Williams is an athlete that wins with his quickness and is best suited to stay as a 3-4 linebacker, although he has enough weight to play in a 4-3 as well should a team that plays that defense like what he brings. There are concerns about his ability to handle a huge load with the playbook, and he's also had some off-field issues. Still, a guy who can rush the passer will always have a job even if that's all he does.

Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) throws the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

2. Derek Barnett — Tennessee

Anyone who breaks a record set by the legendary Reggie White deserves to be praised. Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett broke White's sack record for a freshman at Tennessee and should have a long career ahead of him in the NFL.

Vitals

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 265 Pounds
Career Tackles: 198
Career Sacks: 33

Rundown

Barnett is a high-motor guy that wins with strength. His ability to free himself from blockers with his hand maneuvers is unbelievable. He also possesses a bull rush that is NFL ready. He's such a talented player that NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks believes he is the only player who could challenge Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett for the title of best pass rusher in the 2017 NFL Draft:

I'm a firm believer that sack production translates to NFL performance, and Barnett should be a great pro based on his impressive resume at Tennessee. When I study the tape, I see a relentless pass rusher with an outstanding combination of skill and technique. Barnett is one of the best hand-to-hand combat fighters that I've watched in years, and his ability to win with a variety of slick maneuvers makes him nearly impossible to slow down off the edge.

Brooks is right that Barnett will be a beast. Will he be the best in this draft? Maybe so. Only time can answer that question, but whoever drafts him won't be feeling like they missed out on anything.

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in action during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

1. Myles Garrett — Texas A&M

This isn't a shocker at all. The No. 1 ranked edge rusher in the 2017 NFL Draft is without a doubt Myles Garrett from Texas A&M. In fact, there's really no debate by anyone in the NFL world that Garrett is the top rated player in the entire draft.

Vitals

Height: 6-5
Weight: 270 pounds
Career Tackles: 141
Career Sacks: 31

Rundown

Myles Garrett burst on the scene for the Aggies as a freshman pass rusher, recording 11 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. He was disruptive from the start and followed that season up with another 11.5 tackles and 19.5 sacks. He missed a few games as a junior, and finished with a career low 8.5 sacks, but was still as disruptive as ever for A&M.

Now the question for him becomes will the Cleveland Brown take him first overall? Garrett jokingly asked the team not to, as he begged the Dallas Cowboys to move up for him. That won't happen, so Garrett won't be able to stay in Texas. Instead, what will probably happen is he will go to the Combine and measure off the charts in every category.

Garrett has fantastic height, is in incredible shape and, on top of his strength, he can flat out fly off the snap. Once all his athletic traits are on display, it should all but seal his fate as the No. 1 overall pick.