2021: Edge Defenders

These edge players are becoming freaks.

Gregory Rousseau-DE-Miami-6’7”-266-2nd Round-94

I made note of this player in 2019 that I thought I was watching DeMarcus Lawrence playing for the Canes. Rousseau racked up 15 sacks that season as a Sophomore and opted out of 2020. He’s not a twitchy speed rusher, but he has exceptional length and can keep himself free from grabby offensive tackles. It is a projection from his age 19 season in 2019 to where he’ll be in the NFL but I fully expect him to come off the board in round 1. He needs time to develop and needs to have his hand in the dirt and please please future defensive coordinator, give him a chance to rush on the interior on 3rd down.

Jaelan Philips-Edge-Miami-6’6”-260-Top 25-93

Very odd prospect. Extremely high touted prospect who at one point quit football, transferred across the country from UCLA to Miami and then lit it up to the tune of a 2nd team All-American season in 2020. And Rousseau opted out so you can’t even say it was a result of playing across from another future high draft pick. Look, he’s got ideal size for an edge player and ran a 4.56 in the 40. On the field, he’s without a doubt a first rounder. Most likely, he belongs in the top ten. Think about some of the defensive ends who have gone top ten recently. Josh Allen. Leonard Floyd. Dante Fowler. Philips looks easily that good on the field, but where is his head? The answer to that question in draft rooms will decide if he goes top 20 or not. He reminds me of Dee Ford with length.

Jayson Oweh -Edge-Penn State-6’5”-260-1st Round-90

Remember when JaDeveon Clowney ran a 4.53 and we all fainted? Yeah Jayson Oweh ran a 4.36 (at a pro day) at nearly the same size. Unbelievable specimen, literally unprecedented. I think he belongs in a wide 9 set and really let him threaten lineman with his elite traits. At Penn State, he got shoehorned into a classic edge player with read and react responsibilities which completely negates the speed element. I think the Jason Pierre-Paul comparison is ideal, although JPP was longer, Oweh is more explosive.