Top 10 Edge Rushers 2017 NFL Draft
1.Myles Garret Texas A&M
Height: 6’4 Hand Size: 10 1/4”
Weight: 272 Arm Length: 35 ¼”
Games Started: 36
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 12 Games, 53 tackles (29 solo/24 assisted), 14 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 1 kick/punt blocked.
2015: 13 Games, 59 Tackles (37 solo/22 assisted), 19.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 2 PBU, 1 kick/punt block, 5 FF, 1 INT
2016: 11 Games, 33 Tackles (18 solo/15 assisted), 15 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF, 1 kick/punt block
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.64 sec 10 yard Split: 1.63 sec
Bench: 33 reps Vertical Jump: 41”
Broad Jump:128” Short Shuttle: DNP
Three Cone: DNP Combine Notes: Participated in LB Drills
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Myles Garrett is an all-around athlete, that can be a big time playmaker in the NFL. Garrett has the playmaking ability that most NFL teams covet, and look for in an edge rusher. At 6’4 272 pounds, Garrett has the prototypical size to be a successful in the NFL. Garrett showed the ability to be a productive pass rushers by accumulating 22.5 sacks, 145 tackles, 3 blocked kicks, 7 forced fumbles, and one interception. 2016 showed to be a down year by his standards, however, Garrett is one of the most NFL ready pass rushers in this draft and should see himself taken with in the first 3 picks.
Round Value: Top 5
2. Solomon Thomas Stanford
Height: 6’3 Hand Size: 9 3/8”
Weight: 273 Arm Length: 33”
Games Started: 36
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2015: 14 Games, 39 Tackles (24 solo/15 assisted), 10.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 FR, 1 TD
2016: 13 games, 62 tackles (41 solo/21 assisted), 15 TFL, 8 sacks, 7 QB hurries, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.69 sec 10 yard Split: 1.66 sec
Bench: 30 reps Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump:126” Short Shuttle: 4.28
Three Cone: 6.95 Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Thomas is an explosive power rusher that was very productive in college. Only two years as a starter but extremely productive as a LE. Thomas played a 5 Tech in Stanford’s 3-4 defense, but he should see some success as a traditional pass rusher in a 4-3. Thomas has strong hands and a solid base, that allows him to shed blocks and get to the ball carrier. He does have short arms, which may be a concern for him to play inside as a UT in a 4-3 or a 5 tech in a 3-4. Because of his shorter arms, he can be wash down on run blocks. Overall, Thomas is a productive pass rusher that does not quit on any play.
Round Value: Top 10
3. Haason Reddick Temple
Height: 6’1 Hand Size: 10 1/8”
Weight: 237 Arm Length: 32 ¾”
Games Started: 33
Team Captain: Yes
Career Statistics:
2013: 9 Games, 14 tackles (11 solo/3 assisted), 4 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 PBU
2014: 10 Games, 24 tackles, (16 solo/8 assisted), 7.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU
2015: 14 games, 46 tackles (29 solo/17 assisted), 12.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 1 PBU, and 1 FF
2016: 14 games, 65 tackles (43 solo/22 assisted), 22.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 3 PBU, 3 FF and 1 INT
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.52 sec 10 yard Split: 1.60 sec
Bench: 24 reps Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump:133” Short Shuttle: 4.37
Three Cone: 7.01 Combine Notes: Participated in LB drills
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Haason Reddick will likely spend his time in the NFL as a LB in either a 4-3 or 3-4. His skill set allows him to rush the passer from a standing up position, but he can drop back into coverage from time to time. Reddick showed continuous improvement as he grew more into a role as a playmaker. That improvement should continue into his rookie year. NFL teams would be wise to bring him a long slowly and be patient for his potential.
Round Value: 1st
4. Derek Barnett Tennessee
Height: 6’3 Hand Size: 10”
Weight: 259 Arm Length: N/A
Games Started: 39
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 13 games, 72 tackles (47 solo/25 assisted), 20.5 TFL, 10 sacks
2015: 13 games, 69 tackles (44 solo/25 assisted), 12.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 7 QB hurries, 1 PBU, and 1 FF
2016: 13 games, 56 tackles (40 solo/16 assisted), 19 TFL, 13 sacks, 16 QB hurries, 5 PBU, 2 FF, and 1 INT
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.88 sec 10 yard Split: 1.70 sec
Bench: DNP Vertical Jump: 31”
Broad Jump:117” Short Shuttle: 4.44
Three Cone: 6.96 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Barnett is one of the most productive pass rushers from the SEC in long time. Barnett is not a quick twitch or as explosive as a player like Myles Garrett, however, he has the ability to be a terrific pass rusher. Barnett has strong hands and the ability to disengage from blocks quickly. He can be a little slow coming out of his stance at times, but makes up for it with a high motor. Barnett is solid against the run, which is why he is one of the more balanced pass rusher in this draft.
Round Value: 1st
5. Charles Harris Missouri
Height: 6’3 Hand Size: 9 5/8”
Weight: 253 Arm Length: 32 3/8”
Games Started: 37
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 13 games, 19 tackles (13 solo/6 assisted), 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 2 PBU and 1 FF
2015: 12 games, 56 tackles (32 solo/24 assisted), 18.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 PBU, and 2 FF
2016: 12 games, 61 tackles (35 solo/26 assisted), 12 TFL, 9 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 2 PBU, 2 FF and 1 FR
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.82 sec 10 yard Split: 1.65 sec
Bench: 21 reps Vertical Jump: 32”
Broad Jump:109” Short Shuttle: 4.42 sec
Three Cone: 7.47 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Charles Harris is an explosive pass rusher with long arms and a strong base. He is a loose athlete, which allows him to move well in space and move around. Harris has the ability to play outside linebacker a 3-4 or a defensive end in a 4-3. Harris should see success as an explosive pass rusher in either scheme. Due to his size, Harris is likely to struggle to get off blocks in the NFL as he did at Missouri. He needs to keep his playing weight, in order to keep his explosiveness, so he must learn new techniques to get off blocks.
Round Value: 1st
6. Taco Charlton Michigan Position: Edge
Height: 6’6 Hand Size: 9 3/4”
Weight: 277 Arm Length: 34 1/4”
Games Started: 35 Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2013: 10 games, 2 tackles (1 solo/1 assisted) and .5 TFL
2014: 12 games, 19 tackles (14 solo/5 assisted) 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and 3 QB hurries
2015: 13 games, 30 tackles (21 solo/9 assisted), 8.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, and 1 FF
2016: 11 games, 42 tackles (19 solo/23 assisted), 13.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 8 QB hurries, and 2 PBU
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.92 sec 10 yard Split: 1.65 sec
Bench: 25 reps Vertical Jump: 33”
Broad Jump:116” Short Shuttle: 4.39 sec
Three Cone: 7.17 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Taco Charlton is a long pass edge player that fits as a left end in a 4-3. Charlton is a smooth pass rusher, that combines length, size and athleticism. Charlton bends very well, which helps him get the lower leverage on offensive tackles. Charlton bends and flattens around the corner well, allowing him to get to the QB, using the best angle. His biggest knock is on his production, which started off slow, and did not amount to much until his senior year. He has also shown that he could use some strength training. Regardless, Charlton has shown plenty of ability through out his career, to be a difference maker as an edge rusher.
Round Value: 1st
7. Takkarist McKinley UCLA
Height: 6’2 Hand Size: 9 3/4”
Weight: 250 Arm Length: 34 3/4”
Games Started: 33
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 9 games, 5 tackles (3 solo/2 assisted), 3.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 QB hurries, and 1 FF
2015: 13 games, 35 tackles (28 solo/7 assisted), 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 4 PBU, 2 FF and 1 kick/punt blocked
2016: 11 games, 61 tackles (50 solo, 11 assisted), 18 TFL, 10 sacks, 3 Qb hurries, 6 PBU and 3 FF
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.59 sec 10 yard Split: 1.61 sec
Bench: 24 reps Vertical Jump: 33”
Broad Jump:122” Short Shuttle: 4.62 sec
Three Cone: 7.48 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
McKinley has been an all-around productive LB/Edge rusher for UCLA over the past three seasons. He really broke out in 2015 when he showed his ability to make plays from multiple spots on defense and on special teams. UCLA has been known to crank out linebackers, such as Eric Kendricks, Myles Jack, and Anthony Barr, McKinley looks to join them as another successful LB in the NFL. McKinnley fits in any system as a LB, however, he fits best in a 3-4 defense. McKinley should get the call at the end of the first round or very early second round.
Round Value: 1st-2nd
8. Tarell Basham Ohio
Height: 6’4 Hand Size: 10 1/4”
Weight: 269 Arm Length: 34 1/4”
Games Started: 51
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2013: 13 games, 31 tackles, (15 solo/16 assisted), 8.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 1 PBU, and 1 FF
2014: 12 games, 33 tackles (10 solo, 23 assisted), 5.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 2 PBU, 1 FF
2015: 12 games, 43 tackles (20 solo, 23 assisted), 10 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 11 QB hurries, 1 PBU and 2 FF
2016: 14 games, 49 tackles (49 total (29 solo/20 assisted), 10.5 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 2 PBU and 1 FF
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.70 sec 10 yard Split: 1.68 sec
Bench: 15 reps Vertical Jump: 31.5”
Broad Jump:119” Short Shuttle: 4.35 sec
Three Cone: 7.27 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Tarell Basham came from a smaller division one school which is why he is a lesser known rusher, but he should make a name for himself in the NFL. Basham had a breakout 2016 season totaling 10.5 sacks and 12 QB hurries. He showed consistent ability to get to the quarterback on a regular basis, which should continue in the NFL. Do not look for Basham to be a first round pick, however, keep an eye on him in the 2nd round.
Round Value: 2nd-3rd
9. TJ Watt Wisconsin
Height: 6’4 Hand Size: 11”
Weight: 252 Arm Length: 33 1/8”
Games Started: 27
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2015: 13 games, 8 tackles (4 solo/4 assisted), 1.5 TFL, 4 QB Hurries, 3 PBU
2016: 14 games, 63 tackles (38 solo/25 assisted), 15.5 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 13 QB hurries, 4 PBU, 2 FF, and 1 INT for a TD
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.69 sec 10 yard Split: N/A
Bench: 21 reps Vertical Jump: 37”
Broad Jump:128” Short Shuttle: 4.13 sec
Three Cone: 6.79 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
TJ Watt has the lineage of his big brother JJ Watt, but he has to make his own name in the NFL. TJ has some of the same athletic traits that his brother has, which is a high motor and power. TJ only had two years of experience as a starter at Wisconsin, as well as only have one year of true production. 2016 was his only year, but he had an all around good year, good enough for him to receive high notes. Watt lacks the loose hips needed to play in space and will likely see his draft stock fall due to limited playing time and limited some athleticially. Look for Watt to be a day 2 selection.
Round Value: 2nd-3rd
10 a. Dawuane Smoot Illinois
Height: 6’3 Hand Size: 9 1/4”
Weight: 264 Arm Length: 33 1/4”
Games Started: 37
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2013: 7 games, 8 tackles (3 solo/5 assisted), 1 TFL, and 1 sack
2014: 13 games, 33 tackles (17 solo/16 assisted), 7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, and 2 PBU
2015: 12 games, 40 tackles (22 solo/18 assisted), 15 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 2 PBU, 3 FF, and 1 FR
2016: 12 games, 56 tackles (30 solo, 26 assisted), 15 TFL, 5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 PBU, and 2 FF
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.77 sec 10 yard Split: 1.68 sec
Bench: N/A Vertical Jump: 29.5”
Broad Jump:117” Short Shuttle: 4.39 sec
Three Cone: 7.18 Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
DaWuane (Du-WON) Smoot was a hurdler for the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics, which is somewhat suprising for a guy with such a stout frame. Smoot is a strong pass rusher with a high motor, and is always in game shape. His best year was 2015 where he really broke out, however, he had a good year in 2016 which showed some consistency to be a play maker. Smoot does a good job of generating power from his base, and showing an ability to be a quality pass rusher.
Round Value: 3rd -4th
10 b.
Demarucs Walker Florida State
Height: 6’4 Hand Size: 10 1/2”
Weight: 280 Arm Length: 33”
Games Started: 38
Team Captain: NO
Career Statistics:
2013: 11 games, 18 tackles (9 solo/9 assisted), 2 TFL, 1 sack, and 3 QB hurries
2014: 14 games, 38 tackles (27 solo/11 assisted), 6 TFL, 1 sack, 4 QB hurries, and 1 FF
2015: 13 games, 58 tackles (26 solo/32 assisted), 15.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 5 PBU, 1 INT, 4 FF, and 1 kick/punt block
2016: 13 games, 68 tackles (46 solo/22 assisted, 21.5 TFL, 16 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 2 PBU, 3 FF, and 1 Kick/punt block
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.76 sec 10 yard Split: N/A
Bench: 20 reps Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump:115” Short Shuttle: 4.39 sec
Three Cone: N/A Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Demarcus Walker greatly improved his stock with his 40 at his pro day. Walker showed to be a very productive pass rusher with 28.5 sacks in 4 years, 26.5 of those sacks came in 2015 and 2016. At 280 pounds, Walker has the size to kick inside and rush the passer from the defensive tackle position. Walker can fit as a 5 technique or a base 4-3 DE. He brings versatility to any defense, but teams would be foolish to pass up his ability as a rusher. Look for Walker to be taken in the 4th or 5th round. After a productive pro day, he could land in the 3rd round.
Round Value: 3rd -5th