Bend It Like Beckham: Breaking Down Mid-Round EDGE Defenders

Hey Mr.GM, good to hear from you again. Looks like your defense last year was missing a pass rush. You have young corners that have confidence that is crumbling because not even superman can cover Julio Jones for 4 seconds. Your linebackers are getting killed in the run game because we can’t set an edge on running plays. The good players are frustrated as are the fans. Sounds like we need some EDGE, nothing solves the pass rush woes like a couple of bendy dudes. Athletes that are making the opposing QB speed up that internal clock, set the edge, and most importantly hit the man trying to score on you. With today’s pass-happy game the pass rush has never been this important. Let’s take a look at some of the mid-round pass rushers that will give you the most bang for your buck. 

Cameron Sample

Tulane 6’3 280 pounds. The first thing that pops off the tape with Cameron is his leverage, his pad level on the edge is top-notch. He has a punch on his bull rush that is bone-crushing. Has shown the ability to kick inside has been equally productive there. He had the highest win rate at the senior bowl and that is the least surprising thing I’ve written all day. The bull rush is his go-to and he will need to diversify that portfolio in the pros. He only had one year of really strong performance, so it remains to be seen if he can maintain this level of production at the next level. We will probably see him come off the board in the middle of the third. 

Rashad Weaver 

PITT 6’5 270 pounds. Rashad has immaculate technique, most importantly he is consistent. If not for the torn ACL in 2019 he would probably be quicker off the board. There was a bit of a slow start to 2020. Not to mention Rashad will also turn 24 in the middle of his rookie year. He has the most plug-and-play potential of the folks we are talking about here. Most impressive is his ability to control the action at the line of scrimmage, the height and weight balance here is great. Weaver possesses an arsenal of pass rush moves and does a great job of mixing them. He should contribute to the run game also immediately and will be a solid part of the rotation.

Dayo Odeyingbo

Vanderbilt 6’6 276 pounds. Dayo is VIOLENT, you can see it in his hands when he comes off the ball. He is a physical 6’6, he plays hard and fast. I would love to see him add some weight, but as is he is the most physically gifted prospect in this range. He did appear to coast at times and would love to see him improve his balance. He has a tendency to be slow to counter when his first move doesn’t hit. Has a propensity to miss tackles 23 out of 109 attempts over three years. That being said, the tools are there for him to become an impact player in the league. 

Alright, Mr.GM, we have some options here. Do we go high floor? Do we have the team in place to polish the diamond in the rough? That is up to you. Just remember, when it comes to the EDGE it’s bendy dudes only.