2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Edge rushers

Coaches will probably like Jackson more than scouts. He is an average athlete with above average play strength, but the two-time team captain wins with all-out hustle and the persistence of a 7-year-old asking their mother for a candy bar at checkout. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Nelson Ceaser (Jr., Houston, 6-3, 254)

Ceaser was a productive two-year starter and 2023 team captain for the Cougars. There's work to do if he's going to be an asset against the run, but he already has a diverse rush toolbox, including a long-arm bull rush, Eurostep, and an effective spin move as a counter, inside and outside. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Jaylen Harrell (Sr., Michigan, 6-4, 250)

The former four-star recruit's father, James, was a linebacker at Florida before playing in the NFL and USFL. Harrell features an impressive wingspan, and has room to add extra weight to his frame. He's shown promise as a run defender and has a legitimate inside spin move he can win with rushing the passer. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Jaylx Hunt (Sr., Houston Christian, 6-4, 252)

Hunt transferred from Cornell where he played safety. He played wide receiver in high school. Those two sentences tell you he's intelligent and athletic. The small-school dynamo showcased his upside at the Senior Bowl where he consistently won 1-on-1 reps with his explosiveness and strength. Unsurprisingly, he also tested well at the combine. It's best to see Hunt as a developmental project considering he's only played the position two years, but man, there is a lot to work with here. He could be a core special teamer on Day 1. Projected: Rounds 5-7

— BONUS: Xavier Thomas (Sr., Clemson, 6-2, 244)

Thomas was the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2018 class. After tasting early success with the Tigers, he dealt with injuries and depression (something he's discussed with NFL teams). Thomas is a bit undersized, but he tested extremely well in Indy and at his pro day. His 4.56 40-yard-dash actually improved from the combine where he ran 4.62. Despite playing six seasons in college, he still relies on pure talent and will require more seasoning in the NFL. Projected: Rounds 5-7

— BONUS: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-5, 239)

Jean-Baptiste spent four years at Ohio State before transferring to South Bend. A stomach virus in January caused him to lose 20 pounds, but he was able to regain about half of it back before participating in the Senior Bowl where he struggled. Then he contracted food poisoning right before field testing at the combine, dropping eight pounds overnight. He put together an impressive overall athletic performance despite the bad luck. Jean-Baptiste features a combination of size and movement skills worth taking a chance on day three of the draft. Projected: Rounds 5-7