EDGEs | 3-4 OLBs
The were eleven EDGEs selected in the 2021 draft, as follows:
Round 1 - 3
Round 2 - 1
Round 3 - 1
Round 4 - 3
Round 6 - 1
Round 7 - 2
I define EDGEs as guys that play off the LOS, can be called upon to drop into space and take on a LB duty. Schematically, they are typically along the outside of 3-4 front.
With the above clarified, the 2021 EDGE draft class wasn't deep in terms of the number of guys selected, but it offered up very good talent.
The 2022 EDGE draft has some gifted prospects as well, but will most likely fall short compared to the 2021 offering of talent.
1) Adam Anderson | 6'5 | 235 | EDGE | Georgia
9/4 Clemson - Anderson had a very nice outing. While I still feel that Clemson's OT situation is suspect, it's still Clemson. Anderson had 5 tackles, 1 sack. He was able to create problems coming off the edge in spurts throughout the night. He used good bend and arm extension to get the best of his blocker. He looks to be one of the better draft-eligible edges this draft has to offer.
2) Myjai Sanders | 6'4 | 235 | EDGE | Cincinnati
3) Nik Bonitto | 6'2 | 235 | EDGE | Oklahoma
9/4 Tulane - The stat line isn't much, as Bonitto had just 2 tackles, .5 TFLs. However, he showed that he can be a force off the edge, and play with strength despite giving up a ton of size. He did a decent job holding the edge vs. the run, while displaying a wicked inside counter move when rushing the QB.
4) DeAngelo Malone | 6'3 | 235 | EDGE | Western Kentucky
5) Christopher Allen | 6'4 | 252 | EDGE | Alabama (Out for Season)
9/4 Miami - Allen unfortunately had to leave the game early after executing a strip-sack fumble, but his game play was very good up to said point. He showed integrity vs. the run and showcased a good arc edge rush.
6) Jeffrey Gunter | 6'4 | 260 | EDGE | Coastal Carolina
9/10 - Kansas - Gunter had an impressive game. While he was only credited with 2 tackles and .5 TFLs, he was a menace in this one. He consistently grinded through blocks with a blend of speed and power. Kansas had to put a second hat on him multiple times.
7) Ochaun Mathis | 6'5 | 247 | EDGE | TCU
9/11 - California - Mathis had a solid game. He showed a good combination of burst and bend around the edge. He ran his motor hot and came close to the QB a number of times.
8) Nolan Smith | 6'3 | 235 | EDGE | Georgia
9/4 Clemson - While his teammate Anderson gets the nod, Smith wasn't far behind. He notched a sack as well, showing his ability to bend around the edge and win with technique, quickness and converting speed to strength. While not real big, he displayed solid functional strength.
9) Zion Tupola-Fetui | 6'2 | 280 | EDGE | Washington
9/11 - Michigan - DNP
10) Jeremiah Moon | 6'5 | 230 | EDGE | Florida
9/18 - Alabama - Moon had a solid game. He showed off his versatility by playing both on and off-ball LB roles. He displayed very good quickness and some resolve despite not being real thick.
11) Jordan Strachan | 6'4 | 225 | EDGE | South Carolina
12) Zach McCloud | 6'2 | 254 | EDGE | Miami
9/4 Alabama - McCloud showed up a couple times, but he was held in check throughout the balance of this game. He operated solely out of a 3-point stance, which doesn't look to be his best posturing. Having been converted from his more natural LB position, he may do better as an off-ball EDGE.
13) Amare Barno | 6'6 | 235 | EDGE | Virginia Tech
9/3 North Carolina - Barno had a solid game overall, with a few splash plays. While his thin lower half was an obvious lack of functional strength/girth when trying to play the run, his quickness and athleticism shown through when he was in space. He was in on 6 tackles, 3.5 TFLs.
14) Tomon Fox | 6'3 | 253 | EDGE | North Carolina
9/3 Virginia Tech - Fox had a much maligned game. His fluidity stood out a few times, was able to get .5 TFLs. However, he didn't created much pressure in the pass game.