NFL Draft 2015 Positional Preview: Edge Rushers
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NFL Draft 2015 Positional Preview: Edge Rushers

With the way NFL offenses sling the ball around every week, defenses must have guys who can get to the opposing passer. The value placed on edge rushers is clear based on recent drafts. Three edge rushers have gone in the top 10 in each of the past two drafts, and 32 defensive ends and outside linebackers have gone in the first round in the past five drafts.

Four edge rushers could go in the top dozen or so picks this year — Clemson’s Vic Beasley, Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr., Nebraska’s Randy Gregory and Missouri’s Shane Ray. And it’s not a stretch to think six could go in the first round; there have been six first-round edge rushers in each of the past two drafts, and eight went in the first round in 2011.

Dante Fowler, Jr.: Fowler is a competitive pass rusher getting by on athleticism and inside moves right now, but has a Pro Bowl ceiling.

Shane Ray: An alpha male packaged in an explosive frame, Ray has the traits and skills to be a dominant pass rusher and potential Pro Bowler.

Vic Beasley: Beasley has the speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator.

Randy Gregory: Gregory is a 3-4 outside linebacker with the length, toughness and closing burst to immediately help a run defense.

 

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