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2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Edge rushers

Eddie Brown, The San Diego Union-Tribune on

Published in Football

Kneeland isn't a top-tier athlete, but he has an NFL-ready body. His impressive strength helps him consistently set the edge against the run and bull-rush his way to the quarterback. His performance at the Senior Bowl proved he can hold up against better competition. Projected: Round 3

— BONUS: Adisa Isaac (Jr., Penn State, 6-4, 247)

Isaac features a solid combination of size, strength and athleticism. He's proven effective as a partner running D-line games (stunts and twists), and demonstrated resilience after returning to full capacity following a ruptured Achilles in 2021. Isaac was named the Nittany Lions' defensive MVP after producing a career-high 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss last season. Projected: Rounds 2-4

— BONUS: Austin Booker (So., Kansas, 6-4, 240)

Booker was a three-star recruit who also played basketball in high school. It shows up in the crossover he uses against tackles, and an impressive wingspan attached to a wiry frame. He'll need to get bigger and stronger, but he features a surprising amount of nuance in his pass-rush abilities for someone who barely stepped on the field before 2023. Booker produced eight sacks for the Jayhawks despite only starting one game and has barely played 500 total snaps of collegiate ball. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— BONUS: Javon Solomon (Jr., Troy, 6-1, 246)

 

Solomon is short for an NFL edge defender, but he balances that with impressive athleticism and an advanced plan-of-attack to rush the passer — he led the FBS with 16 sacks last season. His size could hinder him against the run at the next level, possibly limiting him to a role as a third-down pass-rush specialist. Projected: Rounds 3-5

— BONUS: Gabriel Murphy (Jr., UCLA, 6-2, 247)

Murphy was a three-star recruit who transferred from North Texas ahead of the 2022 season. He's short-armed, but he's slippery and features a premium mix of athleticism and agility. The Bruins used him in creative ways across various alignments. The versatility will serve him well in the pros. Projected: Rounds 3-5

— BONUS: Brennan Jackson (Sr., Washington State, 6-4, 264)

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©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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