NFL Draft: Edge Rusher Discussion

[speakhands]

It's obvious that we need edge rushing talent and it's widely speculated that we will use one of our first three picks on an edge rusher. So I wanted to make a thread devoted to comparing the talent in the upcoming draft. I am not nearly as knowledgeable as I am sure many of you are, so I would love to hear some opinions.

Early on, my impressions are as follows, with rankings:

1. Nick Bosa - blue chip pure rusher who would probably most thrive as a 43DE; will be gone by our first pick
2. Josh Allen - explosive, versatile juggernaut; will almost certainly be gone by our first pick
3. Jachai Polite - blazing first step and decent hand usage; underwhelming production and playing time; stocky
4. Clelin Ferrell - productive power rusher, but benefited from a less attention by offenses
5. Brian Burns - fluid, bendy rusher in the make of Arden Key, but lacks desired bulk and hand usage
6. Montez Sweat - great size and speed, but seriously lack bend around the edge
7. Jaylon Ferguson - elite production and great leadership, but average speed and explosiveness
8. Oshane Ximines - plus instincts and production, but average bend and speed
9. D'Andre Walker - good versatility and burst; very rudimentary pass rush moves
10. Jalen Jelks - long-armed and agile, but seems stiff-hipped
11. Joe Jackson - great size and good speed; lacks pass rushing moves

Other names to consider: Chase Winovich, Carl Granderson, Shareef Miller, Anthony Nelson

What are everyone's thoughts?

 

[Dblbogey]

Some good information. Other than Bosa it seems to be a crap shoot with deep potential . I would trade both #1's and a 3 to move up for Bosa. The Packers so badly need an absolute stud, perennial pro bowler on their defense.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Some good information. Other than Bosa it seems to be a crap shoot with deep potential . I would trade both #1's and a 3 to move up for Bosa. The Packers so badly need an absolute stud, perennial pro bowler on their defense.

With Bosa possibly going #1 that won't be enough to move up for him. There's a small chance the Packers could make a move for Allen though.

 

[GreenNGold_81]

We'd have to give up the majority of our draft and likely picks from next year to get the top pick. Not likely obviously.

 

[sschind]

Some good information. Other than Bosa it seems to be a crap shoot with deep potential . I would trade both #1's and a 3 to move up for Bosa. The Packers so badly need an absolute stud, perennial pro bowler on their defense.

I disagree. With the #12, #30, #44 and #76 picks I think the Packers are sitting very well with a chance to add several stars to their roster in a variety of positions of need. I'd rather stay put and get these 4 players than trade most of them away for 1 player even if that 1 player is a stud. I wouldn't be opposed to moving say #76 if moving up from 30 or 44 would net a better player but I'd still like to see at least 3 players out of these 4 picks and I think all 3 (maybe 4) could be day one starters.

 

[Packer96]

Did the best edge rusher in the league play Sunday? No. I agree we need an edge rusher, but the SB was won by a scheme not a player. If the stud player is hurt you still have a chance. Edge with 12, TE at 30, OLine the next couple picks, FA for D. And my pet peeve, get a FB! Need Arod to understand that first downs are sometimes more important than the bomb for a TD. The weakness in our QB is he is very aware of his stats, Brady only cares about one stat, winning.

 

[Arod2gjdd]

Trade up for Josh Allen. I'm telling you, that man is going to transform a defense.

 

[7thFloorRA]

I love Winovitch and he can be gotten on day 2. That kid just makes plays. He would be a great part of the defense...not neccesarily a focal point. His motor is off the charts. The tape on him is very impressive.

 

[morango]

The packers’ cupboard is pretty bare at edge rusher. There’s a decent can of chunky soup in there called Kyler Fackrell, some stale old crackers called Perry and Matthews, and a package of unlabelled mystery meat called Reggie Gilbert. The packers need to get to the corner grocery and do some shopping.

I am actually in favor of beefing up the pass rush from the inside out, and selecting a DT/DE with power, burst and energy to collapse the pocket next to Kenny Clark AND getting an edge guy as well.

I am not in favor of trading up unless someone falls unexpectedly into the 5 to 8 range (like Bosa or Allen). Packers have too many needs otherwise.

I like Winovich but he is climbing up some boards lately and may go at the tail end of the first.

Doesn’t this thread belong in the draft forum?

 

[HardRightEdge]

Here's another to add to the list, just not at #12:

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[brandon2348]

Here's another to add to the list, just not at #12:

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Ah yes, Mr. Ferguson. I've been on him for a bit. I think he is exactly what the Packers need and a decent chance we can get him at 30 if the Packer choose to do so. I wouldn't mind at all if they traded back from 12 a couple times and and snatched him up either.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

And my pet peeve, get a FB! Need Arod to understand that first downs are sometimes more important than the bomb for a TD.

The Packers have a lot of needs this offseason but adding a fullback won't solve any of them.

Trade up for Josh Allen. I'm telling you, that man is going to transform a defense.

Unfortunately I think it would be way too expensive to move up for Allen.

 

[Arod2gjdd]

Unfortunately I think it would be way too expensive to move up for Allen.

Agreed. Just a bit if wishful thinking =/

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Trade up for Josh Allen. I'm telling you, that man is going to transform a defense.

I agree with Captain, the Packers might have to get up to #2 or #3 pick to assure themselves of getting Allen. Now if he doesn't have a great combine and he is still sitting on the board at #6 or so, might only cost the Packers their #12 and #44 picks to move up and grab him.

 

[HardRightEdge]

Ah yes, Mr. Ferguson. I've been on him for a bit. I think he is exactly what the Packers need and a decent chance we can get him at 30 if the Packer choose to do so. I wouldn't mind at all if they traded back from 12 a couple times and and snatched him up either.

From what I've seen, I don't think any of these guys past the top 2 are worth a #12 pick. Ferrell, maybe, but his best fit looks to be 4-3 DE. With the standard formula being best player at a position of need, with needs being several, suggests to me that #12 will not be an edge rusher.

 

[brandon2348]

From what I've seen, I don't think any of these guys past the top 2 are worth a #12 pick. Ferrell, maybe, but his best fit looks to be 4-3 DE. With the standard forumula being best player at a position of need, with needs being several, suggests to me that #12 will not be an edge rusher.

Unless they reach it absolutely wont.

 

[Packer96]

The Packers have a lot of needs this offseason but adding a fullback won't solve any of them.

So the team that has been to 3 Super Bowls in a row is doing it wrong with a FB?

 

[Pkrjones]

Sadly, Ripkowski signed last week with the Chiefs. Still have super-back Danny Vitale on the roster, maybe he'll be our next Kuhn?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

So the team that has been to 3 Super Bowls in a row is doing it wrong with a FB?

The Patriots having James Develin on the roster isn't one of the reasons they're that successful.

 

[PackerDNA]

From what I've seen, I don't think any of these guys past the top 2 are worth a #12 pick. Ferrell, maybe, but his best fit looks to be 4-3 DE. With the standard formula being best player at a position of need, with needs being several, suggests to me that #12 will not be an edge rusher.

I agree. A guy who I'm looking at for #12 if he's still around is the LB from LSU (don't have his name in front of me )

 

[Curly Calhoun]

I agree. A guy who I'm looking at for #12 if he's still around is the LB from LSU (don't have his name in front of me )

Devin White?

More of an inside guy, but yes, an intriguing prospect that would bring something to the table.

 

[PackerDNA]

Yep that's him. Thanks Curly. All reports I see on him are 3 down, impact player. I think he's a monster under Pettine.