I ask Who is the best DE coming up in the draft?
Here are some of the names to watch, based on current rankings and expert analysis:
- Abdul Carter, Penn State: Carter is a highly athletic and versatile defender who can excel as both an edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker. His speed, explosiveness, and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
- James Pearce Jr., Tennessee: Pearce is a physically gifted edge rusher with a high motor and a knack for making big plays. He has the size, speed, and strength to dominate offensive tackles and consistently generate pressure.
- Mykel Williams, Georgia: Williams is a powerful and disruptive defensive end who excels at setting the edge and stuffing the run. He also has the athleticism to rush the passer and has shown improvement in his pass-rushing technique.
- Nic Scourton, Texas A&M: Scourton is a well-rounded defensive end who is effective against both the run and the pass. He has a good combination of size, strength, and athleticism, and he is known for his consistent play and high football IQ.
- Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss: Umanmielen is a disruptive force on the edge with a combination of size, speed, and power. He has a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays, and he is a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks.
It's important to remember that these are just a few of the many talented defensive ends who are expected to be available in the upcoming draft. The evaluation process is ongoing, and there will likely be some surprises and risers as the season progresses and the draft gets closer.
To stay updated on the latest rankings and analysis, I recommend following resources like:
- NFL Draft Buzz: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/
- Walter Football: https://walterfootball.com/DERankings2025.php
- Pro Football Focus (PFF): https://www.pff.com/nfl/grades/position/ed
I hope this information is helpful!
SR in the Fab 5 -
"I believe trading for Myles Garrett is the least likely scenario for the Bucs this offseason in their pursuit of a pass rusher. Why? Because if Tampa Bay only needed an alpha edge rusher it would be different. But the Bucs defense also needs two starting inside linebackers, possibly another strong safety to replace Jordan Whitehead and potentially another starting cornerback to replace the oft-injured Jamel Dean."
SR is not always right, but he usually has a pretty good line on what Licht is thinking and the gist of the Fab5 article is that a blockbuster trade by Licht would be his first.
"The two Super Bowl-winning edge rushers he acquired – Pierre-Paul and Barrett – came via a trade with a third-round pick and via a one-year, prove-it deal worth $5 million, respectively."
The last time the Chiefs had this exact scenario heading into a Super Bowl, they had kind of a tough night of it…against a really tough scoring defense…
Folks have learned not to bet against the transcendent QB - but I’ll bet many gamblers are taking note of the similarities to that Tampa Super Bowl…
The game was damn-near a carbon copy of the 2020 Superbowl. Good call.
There a wide difference between "elite" and "damn good." And while I can agree that TB's OL played at a high level for much of the season, the tape says that they (in particular the IOL) got worked on multiple occasions. I mean, there's a reason that Coen shifted to a quick hitter 1-read passing offense that featured a heavy dose of WR screens. So many, in fact, that opposing defenses began to anticipate those screens/quick hitters and began sitting on them.
Bottom line, the stats are great, but once again they don't tell the whole story, in particular they don't show how Coen adapted his gameplans when it became clear that the OL couldn't consistently hold up more than a couple seconds against top pass-rushing units.
If you want to split hairs over elite vs. damn good, give me your top-5 OL units across the NFL.
Okay. In no order:
PHI, DET, BUF, DEN, BAL.
Probably put MIN next, then KC.
If you do any rudimentary internet search, you'll find Tampa's OL is top-5 on damn-near any grading service that monitors such things. For you not to have them listed among your top-7, which includes a team that has had to play a Guard at LT, tells me that this conversation isn't worth continuing.
That KC OL was super impressive. Top 7, no doubt.
LOL! Yeah that KC line definitely better than our Bucs. 🤣
Their line played like shit but let's call a spade a spade. Mahomes played atrocious. Some of the sacks were very Baker-like.
And as I've said, he hasn't played well all year and this game was the cherry on top
Their line played like shit but let's call a spade a spade. Mahomes played atrocious. Some of the sacks were very Baker-like.
And as I've said, he hasn't played well all year and this game was the cherry on top
I don't disagree. He forced some balls. He made some inaccurate throws. He would drop his head, trying to move within the pocket because of the pressure. Kelce and Hopkins also had drops. The entire offense was discombobulated.
But you could clearly tell Mahomes was rattled by the constant pressure. Not an excuse, but it was reality.
Their line played like shit but let's call a spade a spade. Mahomes played atrocious. Some of the sacks were very Baker-like.
And as I've said, he hasn't played well all year and this game was the cherry on top
I don't disagree. He forced some balls. He made some inaccurate throws. He would drop his head, trying to move within the pocket because of the pressure. Kelce and Hopkins also had drops. The entire offense was discombobulated.
But you could clearly tell Mahomes was rattled by the constant pressure. Not an excuse, but it was reality.
For sure... But when you have Reid and Mahomes continuity you should have a way better audible (plan B) package out of the gate.
They went 10 plays before they did a few token runs.
It was really bad all around. And his stats were massively padded at the end.
But it does go to show you that an elite pass rush wins games
Not sure if it was by design or good fortune but Mahomes got stuck in the pocket a lot. Were used to seeing him breaking out to make some flip pass or short run.
Design of the Eagles rush or Mahomes just having a really bad night, but either way the Eagles were dominating on defense. The pick 6 is classic game pressure forcing
SR Mailbag
" I think Jason Licht will continue to look for value free agents, as he’s had more success there with players like outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, running back Leonard Fournette, wide receiver Antonio Brown and quarterback Baker Mayfield. Each of those players were “change of scenery” guys who signed one-year, prove-it deals in Tampa Bay.
That’s actually the same approach the Super Bowl champion Eagles took with each of their starting linebackers, Zack Baun and Oren Burks. "
SR Mailbag
" I think Jason Licht will continue to look for value free agents, as he’s had more success there with players like outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, running back Leonard Fournette, wide receiver Antonio Brown and quarterback Baker Mayfield. Each of those players were “change of scenery” guys who signed one-year, prove-it deals in Tampa Bay.
That’s actually the same approach the Super Bowl champion Eagles took with each of their starting linebackers, Zack Baun and Oren Burks. "
Eagles are 2nd best odds to land Garrett. That would be a damn shame
Almost don't even count Fournette and AB because that was likely more Brady chirping in Licht's ear.
Barrett was a nice find but so was the JPP trade. I think we almost have to trade for an edge unless we want to go with like Khalil Mack signing for less years, less investment.
what we can't do is try and draft an edge high again. let's get a proven player
From the Fab 5
"I just want to give you some reasonable expectations when it comes to Tampa Bay’s upcoming free agency foray in a few weeks. Your definition of “all in” this year is going to be different than Jason Licht’s version of “all in.”
That’s not to say that there won’t be a big name signing in free agency, as I think a player like Ward or inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw would be a great fit in Tampa Bay. Especially if Greenlaw came on a cheap, one-year prove-it deal, considering he missed most of 2024 recovering from an Achilles injury during the Super Bowl the year prior.
But there is a way that the Bucs can go “all-in” with a far less risky approach. In some ways, it’s what the Eagles did last year in free agency en route to winning the Super Bowl. Read Fab 2 for those details."
and to round out the "flood' the position approach
"I’m not sure that the Bucs will be pursuing Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat or aging Chargers star Khalil Mack in free agency because of their hefty price tags. But Tampa Bay could target Chiefs edge rusher Josh Uche for around $3 million and hope that a change of scenery could turn him into the next Shaq Barrett. And then pursue the 26-year old athletic Raiders edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson with a one-year, prove-it deal worth $1.25 and hope for the same result.
Yaya Diaby and Chris Braswell would be locks to make the team, and then Uche and Chaisson could compete with Anthony Nelson, who is likely to re-sign, along with holdovers Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez for the final three roster spots. Then draft another edge rusher with a premium draft pick and make it even more competitive"
or this:
"Who would you rather have in free agency – Philadelphia All-Pro inside linebacker Zack Baun for around $14 million per year over three years, or Lavonte David, Dolphins linebacker Tyrell Dodson and Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo – each on a one-year deal with all three contracts totaling about $13 million?
For the price of one potential superstar, the 28-year old Baun, who had one great season with the Eagles last year, the Bucs could re-sign the 35-year old legend in David and add the 26-year old Dodson and take a chance on a very athletic 26-year old in Deablo who may just need a change of scenery."
From the Fab 5
"I just want to give you some reasonable expectations when it comes to Tampa Bay’s upcoming free agency foray in a few weeks. Your definition of “all in” this year is going to be different than Jason Licht’s version of “all in.”
That’s not to say that there won’t be a big name signing in free agency, as I think a player like Ward or inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw would be a great fit in Tampa Bay. Especially if Greenlaw came on a cheap, one-year prove-it deal, considering he missed most of 2024 recovering from an Achilles injury during the Super Bowl the year prior.
But there is a way that the Bucs can go “all-in” with a far less risky approach. In some ways, it’s what the Eagles did last year in free agency en route to winning the Super Bowl. Read Fab 2 for those details."
if his idea of success is what we did the last 2 offseasons, we are in trouble. That would mean basically resign Godwin and call it a day
if we are ok with another 9,10 wins and early playoff exit then ok, but I think we should aim for higher this season. We survived the Brady dead cap hit years and it was enjoyable to watch. Now let’s take it from going the speed limit to 10 mph over
From the Fab 5
"I just want to give you some reasonable expectations when it comes to Tampa Bay’s upcoming free agency foray in a few weeks. Your definition of “all in” this year is going to be different than Jason Licht’s version of “all in.”
That’s not to say that there won’t be a big name signing in free agency, as I think a player like Ward or inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw would be a great fit in Tampa Bay. Especially if Greenlaw came on a cheap, one-year prove-it deal, considering he missed most of 2024 recovering from an Achilles injury during the Super Bowl the year prior.
But there is a way that the Bucs can go “all-in” with a far less risky approach. In some ways, it’s what the Eagles did last year in free agency en route to winning the Super Bowl. Read Fab 2 for those details."
if his idea of success is what we did the last 2 offseasons, we are in trouble. That would mean basically resign Godwin and call it a day
if we are ok with another 9,10 wins and early playoff exit then ok, but I think we should aim for higher this season. We survived the Brady dead cap hit years and it was enjoyable to watch. Now let’s take it from going the speed limit to 10 mph over
I think he is just saying that the model is not salvation by ONE splash free agent (Garrett), it is salvation by numbers, especially for a team that is desperate for multiple defenders and still with a load of dead cap. The model is to find the next Barretts, not to pay for the Bauns.
Who is to say if Licht believes that, especially when some FA moves are as much about TICKETS and TV? I at least agree that the Bucs have limited $$ are more in need of a defensive RE-tooling than a single splash FA to push them over the top.
We need more GOOD players (plural), more than one great. I agree with that because we had mutiple guys playing SIGNIFICANT snaps last year who probably dont play on most other 2024 playoff team defenses.
