A “Too Early” Look at the Top Edge Rusher Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft

In a league that covets edge prospects with burst, speed, and positional flexibility, this position is nearly as important to the defense as the quarterback is to the offense. Each team needs disruptors that can get after the quarterback but can also slip into pass protection or set the edge against the run.  

The 2026 NFL Draft features a crop of potential elite pass rushers for fans to keep an eye on during the upcoming NCAA season. Here’s a look at some of the top edge rusher prospects that could headline the 2026 class:

T.J. Parker (Clemson)

Parker is 6’3”, 265 lbs., and runs a 4.65 forty-yard dash. If teams conjured up a textbook definition of an edge rusher, there would be a picture of Parker on page one. He plays the run as well as any edge in this class and plays the game with the reckless abandon teams want from their “Disruptor-in-Chief”. 

Parker uses his hands effectively to shed blocks and already has a complete repertoire of pass-rush moves to defeat linemen and slip chip blocks. He has a high football IQ and a non-stop motor that may remind scouts of the Rams’ Jared Verse. 

Keldric Faulk (Auburn)

Faulk is a monster defensive end, fitting the mold in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. At 6’6” and nearly 290 lbs., Faulk uses his size and strength to set the edge against the run and may be the best in this class at it. He’s got deceptive speed and can get around the corner faster than most will think. Another high-motor player who can excel in multiple schemes at the next level.

Faulk will need to add some pass rush moves and not just rely on size and speed at the next level to succeed, but Draft Nation is confident he will use his time in Auburn to hone those skills this fall. Watch for him to dominate in SEC play in the fall. 

Rueben Bain, Jr. (Miami, FL)

Bain could prove to be the best edge in the class before all is said and done. He’s got a great burst and gets off the snap the best in this group of rushers. He also has a fully developed repertoire of moves and counters to reach the quarterback and never gives up on a play. Watching his bull rush will open eyes in the film room of any opposing team.

Bain is athletic and agile for a man his size and is a consistent play-in, play-out performer for the ‘Canes. He will go in the first round next April and has a chance to be the first edge rusher off the board.

Peter Woods (Clemson)

Woods is an immovable force at end for Clemson, weighing in at an interior lineman size instead of that of an edge rusher. The 315 lb. Woods is great against the run, and he uses his hands well to shed blockers and get to the runner. He’s versatile for his size and can play a traditional 3-technique or bump outside and play edge. For the big man, he’s explosive and plays the leverage game well. 

Woods will need to add a few moves when he gets to the next level, which will help him as a pass rusher, but he has all the tools and intangibles to be dominant in the NFL. 

LT Overton (Alabama)

Imagine that? An Alabama Edge/DE ending up in a top-5 list? Overton is the Tide’s next great edge rusher. He’s a versatile chess piece, and can play in varying techniques along the defensive line. He can be deployed outside or as a 3-technique and does equally well at both. He’s a great run stopper and is physically gifted enough to balance his size with his great lateral movement. 

Overton may not be the flashiest edge/end in this draft but is the most consistent. He could be a late first or early second-round pick in next year’s draft.