Top Eleven Edge Defenders

The more I analyzed edge rushers for this piece, the more I realized that the edge defender designation was the important one. The standard for excellence at the position shouldn’t just be about the ability to get to the quarterback — it should also be about run defense, and the ability to negate potential big plays no matter the assignment. And that means the ability to tear off from rushing the passer to stop a running back from getting to the second level. It means the ability to drop into credible coverage when necessary. In short, it means the ability to be a complete player.
Top 11 Edge Defenders