2024 NFL Draft: NFL.com shakes up edge rusher rankings as draft nears

The NFL Draft is one week away. And there’s a disruption in the rankings for best pass rusher. It seems that a certain UCLA Bruin now is a step ahead of all the others who chase the quarterback.

Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst for NFL.com, updated his position rankings this week. And he now believes that former Bruin Laiatu Latu is the top edge rusher in the NFL Draft. This appears to be a consensus among other analysts who are cheering on Latu over Alabama’s Dallas Turner.

Keep in mind that edge rusher is a newish, catch-all phrase. It includes outside linebackers in a 3-4 or conventional defensive ends in a 4-3. These players feel comfortable in any base defense so long as they can harass the opposing quarterback. Now, let’s dive into Brooks’ top five, plus a bonus sixth guy.

1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu certainly picked up most of the trophies following his tremendous senior season. He won the Lombardi, the Ted Hendricks Award, and the Polynesian Defensive Player of the Year honor after 2023. But the main NFL draft concern was in regards to Latu’s health. He retired from football when he played for Washington because of a neck injury. But he transferred to UCLA and revived his career.

Brooks wrote of Latu, saying he’s “the high-energy pass rusher that every defensive coordinator wants in the “DPR” (designated pass rusher) role. He explodes off the ball with cat-like quickness, but he also displays the strength, power and technique to win with force or finesse.”

2. Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner seemed to be the consensus choice to become the first defender selected in the NFL Draft, possibly going eighth to the Falcons. But with Latu’s surge, does Turner stick in the top 10?

Brooks wrote: “Turner possesses the first-step quickness, burst and overall athleticism to wreak havoc off the edges as a disruptive force. The Alabama star is a natural pass rusher with the instincts, awareness and hand-to-hand skills to utilize multiple maneuvers to get to the quarterback.”

3. Jared Verse, Florida State

Verse was a one-time star of the Albany Great Danes. But he also was one of those guys who played the transfer portal to perfection, traveling from a small school in upstate New York to blue blood Florida State. He excelled in Tallahassee, earning All-America honors for two straight years.

Brooks wrote of Verse: he’s “an explosive, heavy-handed edge defender with a motor that doesn’t quit. The Florida State standout excels at turning the corner, utilizing a dazzling array of power and finesse maneuvers to get to the quarterback.”

4. Chop Robinson, Penn State

Robinson has all the skills, but scouts aren’t in love with his production. After all, an ace pass rusher needs some sacks. Robinson registered 9.5 in the last two seasons. That’s a nice total, if it’s for one year. Mel Kiper, the top NFL Draft analyst at ESPN, even suggested that Robinson may be “over-drafted” because edge rusher is such a position of need. He thinks later half of the first round.

However, Brooks loves Robinson’s athleticism. He wrote, “Robinson is an athletic freak with the first-step quickness and bend-and-burst skills to create chaos as a sack artist at the next level. His production at Penn State … didn’t match his physical tools, but the upside makes him an intriguing option as an early-round selection.”

5. Bralen Trice, Washington

Trice has been holding down the fifth spot in Brooks’ position rankings throughout this NFL Draft process. However, it’s unclear whether Trice is a first-rounder. In one of Brooks’ initial rankings, he described Trice as an “ideal candidate to fill a role as a complementary pass rusher opposite an established playmaker.”

In the latest rankings, Brooks called Trice a “blue collar worker.” He said he brings a “rock-solid game built on hustle and technique.”

As always, Brooks adds a “keep an eye on” player. He designates Alabama’s Chris Braswell. If you’d like to check out all of Brooks position rankings, click it here. And, you may catch up On3’s NFL Draft coverage here.