Blake's Big Board: Ranking the Top 10 Edge Rushers in 2023 NFL Draft

Cincinnati could use more help on the edge.

Author:
Parker Blake
Publish date:
Apr 17, 2023 5:14 PM EDT

In this story:

The Bengals could try to add another edge rusher to their team in the 2023 NFL Draft.

While Mike Santagata took a close look at who the Bengals could target, which guys crack the top 10 of our edge rankings?

Check out the complete list below. For more of our rankings, go here.

1. Will Anderson, Alabama

Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports — Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson is the top overall player in this draft. He's explosive off the ball, extremely bendy around the edge and is able to force blockers into bad positions consistently.

While he isn't the thickest rusher and he can be too aggressive at times, his balance allows him to recover and his high motor allows him to make plays that most edge guys can't. Anderson is a great flex option on the edge and is just as effective against the run as he is as a pass rusher.

2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

Wilson has arms that are pushing 36-inches long and can take over games with his impressive play strength. Being a bigger player, he can get caught playing tall and needs to learn how to have a game plan going into a pass rush opposed to being reactionary.

He has showcased an expansive tool box and his long arms allow him to get hands on runners that would be out of range for other edge players. Wilson's natural strength and athleticism give him a high floor in the NFL and I expect to see significant improvement in his game early in his career.

3. Derick Hall, Auburn

Hall is most effective when it comes to working from speed to power. He's a strong, explosive, player that anchors well and is a highly aggressive run defender. He prefers going through blockers on his pass rush opposed to bending around the edge and doesn't counter well off his primary moves. Hall isn't a flashy player, but has a power game that I believe will translate well to the NFL.

4. Tuli Tuipulotu, USC

Nov 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (49) following the victory against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports — Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tuipulotu is a versatile player that, while categorized as an edge, can flex into a 3-tech spot and still be successful. He is an exceptional bull-rusher with his natural strength and has powerful hands that easily displace opposing linemen.

His arm length can be seen as a negative, but the leverage he plays with makes up the difference. He doesn't seem to be a twitchy player, however, his aggressive approach allows him to still get onto blockers' toes. Overall, Tuipulotu isn't a perfect player, but his high motor should allow him to develop into a very solid player at the next level.

5. Nolan Smith, Georgia

Smith is a leaner edge prospect, but he's an elite athlete. Twitchy off the ball and with high end redirection ability, he uses his unrelenting motor to chase down and finish plays. Though he's a leaner guy, he tends to attack blockers head on opposed to working half of a man. I'd like to see Smith develop a better pass rushing strategy, but overall, he will be a quality player and make a team very happy.

6. Felix Anduike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Anduike-Uzomah is an aggressive edge player that is a real disrupter in the backfield. His mediocre launch timing and stiffness around the edge are concerns against more powerful blockers, but his high motor allows him to recover effectively and track down plays.

He was able to force eight fumbles over the last couple years and has a high level of production. While he isn't a blue chip prospect, his physical play style and ability to use his power will have him competing for a starting spot this summer.

7. Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

Van Ness is an interesting prospect in this year's class. He was a player that came off the bench at Iowa, but was still able to generate a decent amount of production. At 6-5, 270+ pounds, he's a thick edge player that can bump back inside and still be an effective player.

While he plays a bit stiff at times and needs to develop his hands, Van Ness is a balanced player that is naturally strong and uses it well. He needs to develop as a rusher in order to be an effective edge long term, but his ability in the run game should allow him to get meaningful snaps early in his career.

8. Will McDonald IV, Iowa State

McDonald IV is a long, twitchy, edge rusher. He's able to explode off the ball early and easily bend around the short corners that creates. His ability to maintain separation throughout his rushes is unique, however, he can still unleash an effective bull-rush. Though he's another lean rusher that can be handled with ease from time to time, McDonald is a developmental talent that could flourish into a quality starter.

9. BJ Ojulari, LSU

Ojulari was a name that popped up early in the process, but has cooled off dramatically as the draft has gotten closer. It's easy to see why he got early hype with his quick get off and impressive ability to evade offensive linemen with his high level bend.

He's an average edge player as far as size goes and can get displaced easily at times. His ability to generate power seems inconsistent and that shows up when he tries to anchor the edge of the line or rush with power. Ojulari's effort shouldn't be lost, though, as he often chases plays down from the backside. While he's a project, I think he projects well at the next level.

10. Myles Murphey, Clemson

Murphey is a bigger edge player sitting right around 270 pounds with 33.75" arms. He has an incredible get off and plays with impressive balance through contact. He doesn't have an amazing tool box as far as moves go and doesn't seem to rush with a purpose.

I would've liked to see better production out of him, but his ability to knock blockers off the ball make him a great run defender. Murphey is able to anchor well, even against double teams, and should be a high floor player in the NFL.

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