In this Buccaneer Blitz breakdown, I’m evaluating the top potential edge rushers for the upcoming draft. I’ve excluded Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, as he played more off-ball linebacker at Ohio State than as an edge rusher. However, he could very well transition to edge in the NFL.
I ranked this group based on productivity, potential, and fit within the Bucs’ scheme. I believe Jason Licht should target quick-twitch athletes for this position, rather than bigger, lumbering players like Anthony Nelson. We need edge rushers who can explode off the line and apply pressure to offensive tackles, helping to funnel quarterbacks into the consistent push from players like Yaya Diaby on the outside and Vita Vea on the interior.
These types of explosive Edge athletes usually must be drafted early in the draft (first or second rounds). After that your usually left drafting more off potential. The Edge position is also a position that doesn’t see a ton of production during their rookie seasons. Over the last 10 years, 15 players have had 5 or more sacks during their first season (8 of those were 1st rounders). Obviously your going to get those one-offs, like Aidan Hutchinson’s 9 sacks in 2021 or Bradley Chubb’s 12 sacks in 2018, but on average there are maybe 2 rookie edge players a year that hit 5 or more sacks in a season.
Here are my Buccaneer Blitz rankings:
1. Rueben Bain Jr. – Miami – 6’2″, 263 lbs, 4.72 Most ready to contribute on day one. He’s a three-down edge with strong skills against both the pass and run. Bain can excel in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, showcasing a deceptively quick first step and excellent speed-to-power transition. He’s explosive, with relentless pursuit and play until the whistle blows. A solid run defender and able to crash gaps, Bain could also slide inside in pass situations. Projected as a top 5 pick.
2. Akheem Mesidor – Miami – 6’3″, 259 lbs, 4.9 Mesidor shows a good initial burst that facilitates various pass rush moves. While he may not be the fastest, he has functional quickness and makes plays in big games (e.g., 2 sacks in National Championship). His high school experience at local, Clearwater Academy, makes me want to root for him even more. He sometimes gets out of position in the run game due to over-pursuit and has a history of foot injuries. But I’d take him at 15. Projected as a mid-first round pick.
Miami Hurricanes Edge Akheem Mesidor
3. R Mason Thomas – Oklahoma – 6’2″, 241 lbs, 4.67 Thomas has an explosive first step, with impressive bend and pad level that make it easy for him to navigate around tackles. A scrappy player who doesn’t give up on double teams, his tape suggests he could be special. However, his smaller frame raises concerns about his ability to hold up against bigger NFL linemen. After watching more film, I couldn’t help but move him up to #3 on this list. Projected as a late first round pick.
4. David Bailey – Texas Tech – 6’4″, 251 lbs, 4.5 Bailey boasts one of the best first steps among edge rushers in this draft, along with impressive bend. He may appear less polished than some top prospects but possesses strong athleticism and instincts. While he can be utilized on passing downs right away, he needs to bulk up to handle NFL run games. Projected as a top 15 pick.
Texas Tech Edge David Bailey
5. Cashius Howell – Texas A&M – 6’2″, 253 lbs, 4.59 With a great first step and impressive bend, Howell flashes big-play potential throughout games. He has a diverse set of pass-rush moves, including an incredible inside spin move to counter his speed rush. Although he has historically small arm length for the position, he can be coached to improve his run technique. I wouldn’t mind having him in Tampa if we trade down into the bottom on the first or early second rounds. Projected as a mid-first round pick.
6. Keldric Faulk – Auburn – 6’6″, 276 lbs, 4.67 Despite a down year statistically in 2025, Faulk was versatile, playing across the defensive line. He excels in run defense and sets a strong edge, fitting well into Bowles’ scheme. While he may not have the quickest first step, he can step in and contribute immediately against the run. I’d prefer we don’t add Faulk to the roster. Projected as a Day 2 pick.
7. Zion Young – Missouri – 6’6″, 262 lbs, 4.75 Young showcases good speed-to-power and sets a solid edge. His relentless motor allows him to play against the run from day one, but he lacks great bend and struggles to challenge tackles outside their shoulders. I’d pass on Young. Projected as a late Day 2 pick.
Missouri Edge Zion Young
Other Prospects
– Peter Woods – Clemson – 6’2″, 298 lbs, 4.75 More of a DE or DT in Bowles’ scheme, Woods has a good first step for a bigger guy, but lacks a range of pass-rush tools. He has only 5 career sacks.
– TJ Parker – Clemson – 6’4″, 263 lbs, 4.68 Parker can drop into coverage against RBs and TEs, showcasing good hands. However, he lacks quick get-off speed, great pursuit, and overall athleticism.
My Bucs’ Draft Hopefuls: I think Bain will be gone by the time we pick. After Bain, I think Mesidor would hit the ground running better than anyone else on this list. He could play the run and pass, and has the maturity to play immediately. I group Thomas, Bailey, and Howell very closely. I like their athleticism and would be happy to have any one of them. My preference would be to trade down from 15, if Bain and Mesidor are gone, and draft one of these three somewhere later in the first round. Bailey is so athletic, but he worries me with how unpolished he looks. Howell looks like the real deal, but Thomas may have the highest ceiling of these three.
I’m not a big fan of Faulk for this defense. And it worries me that Coach Bowles may think he’s a perfect fit. Bowles likes the wild cards or players he can move around. Faulk could play all of the defensive line positions and edge. But I’ve seen too many times where that doesn’t always work out. Maybe he play them all fine, but can he play any one of them great? I don’t see it from Faulk.
What are your thoughts on this position in the draft? Who would be your dream pick for the Bucs?
I am in NCAA Men's Basketball until tomorrow. Then I will look at the draft.
Reaching at 15 for edge will be a mistake imo
So, I spent some time looking at this after the game last night. These are my initial thoughts on potential prospects.
If the Buccaneers stick at 15:
- David Bailey - An elite speed rusher with a "ridiculous" first step and rare closing burst. He is a "designated pass rusher" specialist who struggles significantly as an anchor in the run game due to a lighter frame. 21.2% win rate
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Akheem Mesidor - A highly polished rusher with an advanced arsenal including cross-chops, club-rips, and double swipes. He lacks elite raw athleticism but wins with superior technique, hand placement, and a high motor. He is considered a "quality starter" who can contribute immediately in both run and pass situations. 21.6% win rate.
If the Buccaneers trade down or wait until the second round:
- Akheem Mesidor - A highly polished rusher with an advanced arsenal including cross-chops, club-rips, and double swipes. He lacks elite raw athleticism but wins with superior technique, hand placement, and a high motor. He is considered a "quality starter" who can contribute immediately in both run and pass situations. 21.6% win rate. I think Mesidor might fall to as low as 25.
- Zion Young - He is arguably the best edge-setter in the 2026 class, earning an elite 96.0 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. While he lacks top-tier explosive burst, he wins with a devastating bull rush and a high-motor pursuit that forces pocket collapse. He is best suited for a 4-3 front but has the mass (265 lbs) to play as a 5-technique in hybrid schemes. I would only take him in the second round, but targeting him would allow the Buccaneers to target a different position in the first round.
- T.J. Parker - Parker is a technical power-rusher known for having "hammers for hands" and an elite ability to force fumbles. He features an advanced long-arm technique and is nearly impossible to move at the point of attack in the run game. However, his stock cooled in 2025 after his sack production dropped from 11 in 2024 to just 5-6 in his junior year, leading to concerns about his limited athletic ceiling and hip stiffness. I need to look at more reports on Parker. He might be worth a first-round pick if the Buccaneers trade back to 25 through 32. I think he will be gone by the time the Buccaneers pick in the 2nd round.
- Keyron Crawford - An explosive and athletic rusher who played Auburn’s "Buck" position. A role specifically requiring him to drop into zone coverage and handle space. He is a late-bloomer with exceptional lateral agility and pursuit speed. His calling card is a high-end first step that often catches offensive tackles before they can establish their set. Despite splitting time in coverage, Crawford recorded 43 pressures and 5.0 sacks in 2025. His 18.3% pass-rush win rate ranked among the top draft-eligible SEC edge defenders. He is a prime candidate if the Buccaneers trade down from #15 into the #25 - 30. Depending on the scenario, they could trade back up to get him in the early part of the 2nd round.
I need to look at other positions, but I do believe that pass rush has to be fixed. The issue last year, IMHO, was not due to poor DB play but a lack of ability to generate pressure and finish plays.
@firebowles2026 - depends who is remaining. We can wait, but egde isn’t a position you can usually wait for, unless you’re just looking for guys that can set the edge.
@firebowles2026 - depends who is remaining. We can wait, but egde isn’t a position you can usually wait for, unless you’re just looking for guys that can set the edge.
Or... guys who waive their hands around and fail to make plays. Lots of them to be had in the later rounds. :-)
Mesidor seems to be a favorite of SR and the above posters as well. But isn't 15 a bit high for him? How far could you trade down and still get Mesidor?
Pittsburgh has two 2nd round picks, one of which could go to the Bucs in a trade down from 15 to 21. But Edge is a need for a lot of teams in the first round including those picking between 15 and 21. I don't see Mesidor sliding. The Bucs will have to take him at 15 if that's who they want, and that's if he gets that far.
The Cowboys, Rams and Ravens draft right before the Bucs and have Edge as a need. The Jets, Lions and Cowboys again draft right after the Bucs and also have Edge as a need. It's going to be tough to get the guy we want at Edge.
Mesidor is a reach
Mesidor is a reach
Not really. He's 19th on the Consensus Big Board.
Where do you have him going?
I think concerns about his age, injury history, and arm length will cause some teams to go for other players.
Personally, I don't think he solves the puzzle for the Buccaneers. I prefer David Bailey or Keyron Crawford.
Reaching at 15 for edge will be a mistake imo
So, you would just ignore the edge position, again, for another year?
I’m a big fan of M. Thomas and Lawrence.
Both of them will most likely go in the 2nd.
I have Mesidor tracking around 20-21. I love his ability. His injury history is a bit more of a concern for me than it is for others. This team always favors the walking wounded and all we would be doing is adding another candidate to that list. Not in favor of that. If I had to choose, I would probably take Faulk over Mesidor. Faulk is tracking at 19 for me. If the Bucs stand firm at 15, then they have a shot at one of the top O-Linemen in the draft. I would find it very hard to pass on a talent like Monroe Freeling or Spencer Fano at 15 and almost assuredly, one of them will be available. I also think they can address Edge on down in the draft (2nd to 3rd round).
I did run another sim and actually took a trade proposal from the Eagles for 23rd and 54th for our 15th. I took the trade. Mesidor was gone at 20 to the Cowpukes and oddly enough, the Eagles took Faulk at 15. All the premier O-Linemen were gone as well. I think trading down is a very risky proposition the way the draft is shaping out through simulations especially if the Bucs want either a top Edge talent or a top O-Line talent. They could inevitably trade down thinking they were getting something and end up completely reshuffling the deck. I would NOT want that to happen under any circumstance.
if the Bucs stand firm at 15, then they have a shot at one of the top O-Linemen in the draft.
sounds similar to the way we got Egbuka