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?