We are now under two weeks from the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at some of the top prospects entering this year's draft, breaking it down position by position:
Let's continue with the edge rushers. The rankings and analysis are taken from Pro Football Focus’s Big Board, ESPN’s Best Available and Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 Prospect Rankings from NFL.com.
Names of Note
David Bailey - Texas Tech
Measurables
Height - 6'4"
Weight - 251 lbs
Arm - 33 3/4"
Hand - 10 1/4"
Prospect Overview
Bailey transferred to Texas Tech after three seasons at Stanford. He was named Associated Press First-team All-American and Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025 with the Red Raiders, tying for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks and was second with 19.5 tackles for loss.
Rankings and Analysis
"Bailey lacks ideal size and length but compensates with elite explosiveness and twitch. He may not be a three-down player, but his pass-rush upside is significant."
"Bailey is an ultra-explosive edge rusher with outstanding production. He operated out of both a two-point and four-point stance in Texas Tech's scheme. His game is all about get-off and winning early in the down. He eats ground in a hurry and uses a dip/rip move before flattening quickly to the passer…Overall, Bailey has areas to address, but his ability to create short corners to the passer is exceptional."
"At Bailey's size, his 4.5-second 40-yard dash time is outstanding. He possesses a very thick lower half where he harnesses his explosiveness that shows up on film. Bailey is a polished pass rusher who makes it tough for blockers to get a clean punch on him. He puts offensive tackles on their heels with a quick first step, then has the agility to redirect and spin inside to shoot the open gap."
Rueben Bain Jr. - Miami
Measurables
Height - 6'2"
Weight - 263 lbs
Arm - 30 7/8"
Hand - 9 1/8"
Prospect Overview
Bain was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 as well as First-team All-ACC and Second-team Associated Press All-American. He started all 16 games for the national runner-up Hurricanes, compiling 9.5 sacks and 54 total tackles.
Rankings and Analysis
"Bain's lack of length will be a talking point, but his production and play strength outweigh those concerns. He consistently wins with power and intelligence as both a run defender and pass rusher."
"Bain is a thick, square edge rusher with short arms. His game tape is littered with disruption, destruction and dominance. As a pass rusher, he lacks an elite get-off, but he wins with leverage, power and polish.…Overall, he might lack ideal speed and length, but those shortcomings haven't stopped him from taking over big games in key moments."
"Bain was an All-American in 2025, anchoring the Miami defense. He plays with a nasty demeanor and impacts the pass and the run. Even though he possesses short arms, Bain is a powerful edge rusher who drives offensive tackles into the backfield. He is good at dipping and ripping through offensive tackles, and he has the explosion to go through their chest."
Akheem Mesidor - Miami
Measurables
Height - 6'3"
Weight - 259 lbs
Arm - 32 1/2"
Hand - 10"
Prospect Overview
Mesidor spent two years at West Virginia before transferring to Miami, where he spent four years. He was Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2022 and 2024 but missed most of 2023 with an injury. This past season, he tied for third in the FBS with 12.5 sacks and was First-team All-ACC.
Rankings and Analysis
"Mesidor will be one of the older prospects in the class, but his pass-rush traits and technique stand out. He projects as a top-50 pick with an impact role as a 3-4 outside linebacker."
"Mesidor was a highly productive edge rusher for the Hurricanes. He has an ideal frame, relentless motor and pass-rush instincts. Against the pass, his game is more about power than pure speed. He will shake/bull OTs, knock their hands off and push/pull for pressures. Overall, Mesidor is a better version of 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton."
"Mesidor plays with violent hands, making it difficult for pass blockers to land cleanly while he uses his upper body strength to knock them off balance. He excels as a pass rusher off the edge but also has the ability to be effective when working inside. He has good fluidity and multiple pass rush moves in his repertoire."
T.J. Parker - Clemson
Measurables
Height - 6'4"
Weight - 263 lbs
Arm - 33 1/8"
Hand - 9 1/2"
Prospect Overview
After a Freshman All-American season in which he set the Clemson freshman record with 12.5 tackles for loss, Parker was named Second-team All-ACC in 2024 and tied for second in the FBS with a school-record six forced fumbles. He was Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2025.
Rankings and Analysis
Pro Football Focus: No. 29 overall (No. 6 EDGE) "Parker is a well-rounded edge defender who does many things at a solid level but lacks a true difference-making trait. He projects as a rotational player with starting potential if he develops more strength or explosiveness."
"Parker is an intriguing edge rusher with the versatility to slide inside. He had a monster 2024 campaign (11 sacks) but saw his production drop off this past season (five sacks). He is a rugged pass rusher with a powerful shake/bull move coming off the edge…Overall, Parker wasn't quite as impactful in 2025, which ultimately could lead to a real value selection for his drafting team, but he did help himself with a strong week at the Senior Bowl."
"Parker broke Clemson's true freshman record for tackles for loss (12.5) in 2023 and set the single-season record for forced fumbles (six) in 2024. Though his numbers took a dip in 2025, he performed well at the Senior Bowl and tested well at the combine. He has the length to keep blockers off his frame and can shed blocks at the top of his rush."
Cashius Howell - Texas A&M
Measurables
Height - 6'2 ½"
Weight - 253 lbs
Arm - 30 1/4"
Hand - 9 ¼"
Prospect Overview
Howell spent three seasons at Bowling Green and was Third-team All-MAC in 2023 before transferring to Texas A&M. He had a breakout season in 2025, being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-team Associated Press All-American, tying for seventh in the FBS with 11.5 sacks.
Rankings and Analysis
"Howell's measurables are not ideal, but his hand usage, burst and pass-rush arsenal allow him to be disruptive in one-on-one situations as a situational edge defender."
"Howell is an undersized edge rusher with outstanding twitch, tenacity and production. He lacks ideal length, but it didn't cause him problems in the games I studied. As a pass rusher, he wins in a variety of ways. He can win early with speed, rush with power or use his instincts to counter when OTs overset outside. I know he lacks prototypical measurements, but a smart team will set that aside and add an energetic force off the edge."
"Howell made a name for himself after transferring from Bowling Green. He is an explosive and relentless pass rusher who finished second in the SEC with 11.5 sacks last season. He possesses good flexibility to dip and rip as a speed rusher; he can harness speed and power to push the pocket."
Keldric Faulk - Auburn
Measurables
Height - 6'6"
Weight - 276 lbs
Arm - 34 3/8"
Hand - 9 7/8"
Prospect Overview
Faulk enters the NFL Draft after three seasons at Auburn. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2023 and tied for the team lead with seven sacks in 2024. This past season he was named Third-team All-SEC and tied for the team lead with four pass breakups.
Rankings and Analysis
"Faulk is not a pure pass rusher, but his length and strength make him an ideal fit for multiple or odd fronts. He excels at holding the line of scrimmage and generating pressure through power."
"Faulk is a versatile defensive lineman with an ideal frame and length. He aligned up and down the front in Auburn's scheme. He lacks ideal twitch and explosion, but he's a very loose, fluid mover. As a pass rusher, he doesn't have an elite get-off but still finds ways to win with a swooping arm-over or steady pocket push…Overall, I was hoping he would play with more ferocity, but there's a lot to dream about with his potential."
"Faulk is talented against the run and pass, possessing the tools to be successful at the next level. He has the strength and power to play on the edge and slide down inside, but is better suited on the edge. Faulk is very long, which keeps blockers off his frame. His vertical rush speed beats offensive tackles over the top, and he is savvy shedding blocks."
Zion Young - Missouri
Measurables
Height - 6'6"
Weight - 262 lbs
Arm - 33"
Hand - 9 1/2"
Prospect Overview
Young spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri. He was named First-team All-SEC in 2025 and led the Tigers with 16.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
Rankings and Analysis
"Young is a well-built, high-effort edge defender who brings consistent energy and strength in run defense. His overall athletic limitations may cap his pass-rush production."
"Young is a big, powerful rusher with excellent length and competitiveness. He's a little bit of a herky-jerky mover, but he has heavy hands to jolt blockers and create knock-back pop. He destroys tight ends assigned to block him… Overall, Young isn't the most dynamic athlete, but he's a physical presence on the edge and has three-down value."
"Young earned first-team all-SEC honors in 2025, lining up primarily in a three-point stance -- and he can also serve as a stand-up edge rusher. His best trait is his strength and power at the point of attack, combined with his length. Young can also hold at the point of attack against double-teams, eventually shedding linemen to make a play on the ball."
Malachi Lawrence - UCF
Measurables
Height - 6'4"
Weight - 253 lbs
Arm - 33 5/8"
Hand - 9 1/4"
Prospect Overview
Lawrence spent five years in Orlando with the Knights and was First-team All-Big 12 in 2025, leading the team with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Rankings and Analysis
"Lawrence has the tools to be a rotational 3-4 outside linebacker, but inconsistencies in both strengths and weaknesses may limit him to a flash player role."
"Lawrence has ideal size, length and twitch for his position. He's at his best rushing from a loose alignment off the edge. He explodes off the line and can rip through the outside arm of the offensive tackle before bursting toward the quarterback…Overall, Lawrence is a dynamic talent with the upside to emerge as one of the better pass rushers in the draft class."
"Lawrence is a high-motor edge rusher with the length to get into the blocker's chest, and he plays with active hands to keep offensive linemen from locking on to him. He has very good fluidity, displaying the ability to bend and dip while continuing his forward momentum, slipping past blocks. His skill set enables him to track the ball and play with active hands to shed in the direction of the ball carrier."
R Mason Thomas - Oklahoma
Measurables
Height - 6'2"
Weight - 241 lbs
Arm - 31 5/8"
Hand - 8 7/8"
Prospect Overview
Thomas was named Second-team All-SEC in 2024, leading the Sooners with nine sacks. He was First-team All-SEC last season, compiling 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a safety despite missing three games with injury.
Rankings and Analysis
"Thomas brings explosive traits from his track background, giving him pass-rush upside despite size limitations. He projects as a situational contributor."
"Thomas is an instinctive and physical edge defender. He lacks ideal height/length/bulk for the position, but he is a difference-maker. As a pass rusher, he covers a lot of ground with his first three steps and has multiple ways to win. A widen/bull rush and swipe-and-rip are some of his favorite moves…Overall, Thomas doesn't fit the prototype, but I believe he'll be a valuable NFL starter."
"Thomas tallied 65 tackles in his career and captured first- and second-team All-SEC honors in his junior and senior seasons. He has sudden movement coming off the edge and can translate speed to power. Thomas has very good top-end speed for a player with his measurements, and his closing speed is one of his best attributes."
Watch the 2026 NFL Draft April 23-25 on ESPN and NFL Network.
Take a look at some of the top EDGE rusher prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey (31) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is sacked by Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. during the second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) lines up for a play against South Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) runs around the edge during the College Football Playoff national championship against Indiana, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Indiana defeated Miami, 27-21. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) plays during an NCAA college football game between Clemson and SMU, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) lines up against UTSA during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Missouri defensive end Zion Young warms up before an NCAA college football game between Missouri and Massachusetts Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) follows the play during the second half against South Carolina in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
Central Florida defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) plays during an NCAA football game against Ball State on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Illinois defensive end Gabe Jacas in action against Washington during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Auburn defensive end Keyron Crawford (24) rushes in on Baylor during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) runs around the edge during an NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA defeated Penn State, 42-37 (Ryan Kang via AP)
Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore (8) defends during an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. USC defeated Michigan, 31-13 (Ryan Kang via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (22) works against Wisconsin offensive lineman Riley Mahlman (71) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
