Edge Rushers

[Martin]

What’s everyone’s take on Abdul Carter? I haven’t watched any Penn State games but he seems to be the consensus number one edge rusher. Is he only a rusher or can he set the edge against the run as well?

[45catfan]

I start my dive into draft prospects soon.  I think we go Edge with our first pick.  The question is if Evero gets another gig, will we stay with the 3-4? I could possibly see CB, but I think a pass rusher is the likely route.  Of course BPA will be in play, but unless it's an early run on Edge guys, I can't really see us going another position unless the value is simply to good to pass up.

[Bear Hands]

They all have pretty big warts.  I don't think any would have been taken ahead of Verse, Latu or Turner last year.  

Carter was an offball linebacker not long ago, but you're not getting a Parsons every time this type of prospect comes along.  I find the other hybrid offball/edge in Walker just as interesting, although he weighs a tad more heavily on the offball side.  

Pure edge, I like the kid from BC - Ezeriuaku.  He' probably my favorite for us in this draft come Round 2.  I could see him as a riser through the draft process.  

[mrcompletely11]

On 11/28/2024 at 10:02 AM, Martin said:

What’s everyone’s take on Abdul Carter? I haven’t watched any Penn State games but he seems to be the consensus number one edge rusher. Is he only a rusher or can he set the edge against the run as well?

Super raw, not sure he is worth a top 10 pick.  Primary a pass rusher.  A bit like Burns, very fast athletic but doesnt always follow the play.  His highlights look good but when you watch him play you can see he is just raw and needs to develop

[Basbear]

The top guys have not had top-level play. I think it's going to be one of those 10 teams that have 10 different top 10 rankings, with lots of players being 2nd on some lists and 8th on others.

[bythenbrs]

I think there may be more value in trading down and taking an edge in late first or 2nd.  Let’s not get impatient and overdraft. 

[Bear Hands]

On 11/29/2024 at 8:23 AM, Bear Hands said:

They all have pretty big warts.  I don't think any would have been taken ahead of Verse, Latu or Turner last year.  

Carter was an offball linebacker not long ago, but you're not getting a Parsons every time this type of prospect comes along.  I find the other hybrid offball/edge in Walker just as interesting, although he weighs a tad more heavily on the offball side.  

Pure edge, I like the kid from BC - Ezeriuaku.  He' probably my favorite for us in this draft come Round 2.  I could see him as a riser through the draft process.  

Speak of the devil...

Quote

Ezeiruaku is a blend of twitch, athleticism, and flexibility off the edge that has become a consistent talking point when discussing the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and the eligible group of sack artists. Primarily aligned at five-tech (outside shoulder of the OT), Ezeiruaku has showcased good bend and ankle flexion to threaten the outside with consistency, including a refined and ever-improving pass-rush repertoire. While the long-time Boston College Eagle has lived at the five, he’s been best when aligned as a wide-nine rusher with a direct route to the pocket. 

By working at such an extended angle, Ezeiruaku’s ability to force lineman to turn their shoulders square to his frame allows him to showcase an inside move that has proved successful all campaign long. Specifically, in his final two starts to finish his senior season. 

https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2024/12/01/donovon-ezeiruakus-nfl-draft-stock-rise

[Basbear]

These last couple playoff/championship games for the edge class will mean millions.

Someone will have a big game and become the favorite top edge.

Everything is on the line for the edge group now.  

[ncfan]

He’s primarily going to be a standup 3-4 OLB.   Doesn’t have the build or frame to stand up as a full time 4-3 DE.

Athletic as fug with a motor.  His get off and acceleration for someone his size is eye popping..  He is more than worth a top 5 pick and probably the top player not named Travis Hunter IF you’re running 3-4 system.

 

If not, he’ll be lower down some teams board due to fit.

[mrcompletely11]

11 hours ago, ncfan said:

He’s primarily going to be a standup 3-4 OLB.   Doesn’t have the build or frame to stand up as a full time 4-3 DE.

Athletic as fug with a motor.  His get off and acceleration for someone his size is eye popping..  He is more than worth a top 5 pick and probably the top player not named Travis Hunter IF you’re running 3-4 system.

 

If not, he’ll be lower down some teams board due to fit.

Hes undersized, over run plays and stinks against the run.  Not worth a top 10 pick.  Mini burns

[ncfan]

2 hours ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Hes undersized, over run plays and stinks against the run.  Not worth a top 10 pick.  Mini burns

I’ll have to agree to disagree

You don’t see him overrunning plays on film.  Run defense, he’s pretty good against the run…..from that standup LB role.

 

I’ll partially agree.  He is plenty big enough for the 3-4 OLB role.  He’s the same height and length as Micah Parsons coming out, but 7 pounds heavier.  
He’s like Parsons, played a LB  role until this last year when he moved into more of an edge rusher.

 

Now if we go to a 4-3.  I 10000% agree, he is small, and won’t be able to hold up against the run.   If we move schemes,  I’ll agree he won’t be top 10 on my board.

 

Now to the Brian Burns comp.  That’s James Pierce Jr.  same size frame, etc.  gets pressures, no sacks.  Liability in the run game