Edge rusher prospects lack sure thing but boast plenty of boom or bust intrigue

8th in a series

Edge rushers are such a premium in the NFL we're accustomed to finding a handful in the top 15 every year, but this year's draft will be different.

The surefire dominator isn't there. Just outside the top 15, this class is rich with great physical talent and traits.

Day 1 prospects

1. Kwity Paye, Michigan (6-2½, 261, Senior)

Paye is pretty much the consensus top prospect because of his character, toughness, leadership qualities and a nonstop motor. But much of his effectiveness at Michigan came from lining up all over the field and the mismatches it created. He did a lot of damage lining up inside with a hand on the ground, which may not translate to the next level. He'll have to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, which he hasn't done much yet, to deliver maximum production.

2. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia (6-2, 249, Sophomore)

He's built to play the outside rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He looks like he lives in the weight room and has developed real aggression on the field but is actually somewhat introverted and quiet off it. There is concern about his ability to shed blockers, but with enhanced technique he may be special.

3. Jaelan Phillips, Miami, Fla. (6-5½, 260, Junior)

He missed half his freshman year at UCLA due to injury, transferred to Miami and sat out 2019, so last season is his only full year of tape. His much bigger frame gives him options. He could line up outside in a 3-4 or possibly be a hand on the ground right end in a 40 front. Phillips' ceiling may be the highest of the top three.

4. Jayson Oweh, Penn St. (6-5, 257, Sophomore)

Oweh not only has great size to play either outside linebacker or defensive end, a lot of his 257 pounds have been added in the weight room since he arrived in Happy Valley. His technique is either poor or missing in a number of areas, but his traits are off the charts.

Second round prospects

5. Joe Tryon, Washington (6-5, 260, Junior)

If you were building the perfect edge rusher in a lab you might end up with Tryon. But as great as his size, strength and athleticism are, his technique is lacking and temperament uncertain. Will need a little time, but he has the tools.

6. Greg Rousseau, Miami, Fla. (6-7, 266, Sophomore)

Rousseau has snow shoes for hands and the wingspan of an albatross, but after breaking his ankle after two games as a freshman and opting out last season, he's only played one season of college ball. He was dominant in 2019, and has several teams drooling over his unlimited ceiling.

7. Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest (6-3, 274, Senior)

He's a 4-3 right end who may slide inside in obvious pass-rush situations. He's more likely to be a complete edge defender than a dominant edge rusher.

8. Joseph Ossai, Texas, (6-4, 256, Junior)

Played as much inside linebacker as edge at Texas but looks like a better fit outside, and his character and passion for the game will excite teams with a year or two to be patient developing him.

Third round prospects

9. Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt (6-5, 285, Senior)

Another 4-3 right end prospect but Odeyingbo may even be able to handle the five-technique in 30 fronts. He might have been a Day 2 pick, but a torn Achilles in January just before the Senior Bowl will severely damage his draft stock.

10. Payton Turner, Houston (6-5, 270, Senior)

A 4-3 right end, Turner is still growing and learning the nuances of the game. He's a great traits guy who still needs to be developed.

11. Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma (6-2½, 253, Junior)

He played with a hand on the ground in Norman, which won't be an option in the NFL, but his production at Oklahoma was very impressive.

12. Charles Snowden, Virginia (6-6, 243, Senior)

He's a leader and an athlete, but he may have to add 15 or 20 pounds and put a hand on the ground to compete.

13. Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Notre Dame (6-4½, 260, Senior)

Ogundeji was a slow developer in South Bend, adding weight and muscle every year. He has a great NFL body but no special traits.

14. Patrick Jones, Pittsburgh (6-4, 261, Senior)

Great character and frame but Jones didn't produce enough at Pitt to project as any more than a rotation guy.

15. Chris Rumph, Duke (6-3, 244, Junior)

Dad is the Bears new defensive line coach. He'll have to play outside linebacker at the next level due to his lack of size. Showed some pass rush skills at Duke and will be an interesting boom or bust pick.

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