All articles tagged with #edge defenders
The Steelers finalized a four-year, $100 million extension for outside linebacker Nick Herbig, tying him to Pittsburgh through 2030. Despite limited starts, Herbig has delivered a career 16 sacks and 9 forced fumbles, including a breakout last season with 7.5 sacks in 15 games and strong pass-rush metrics, as he joins T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in a pricey edge trio.
The Patriots' edge defender group has undergone significant offseason changes, adding veterans Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson, along with developing Keion White and promising rookies, creating a potentially disruptive and versatile pass rush unit that could elevate the team's defense.
The New England Patriots have re-signed edge linebacker Anfernee Jennings to a three-year deal worth $12 million, keeping their edge group intact and bolstering their run defense. Jennings' return also provides an experienced presence in special teams, and the incentive-laden deal reflects the team's strategy in free agency. With this move, the Patriots have retained four members of their 2020 draft class, solidifying their roster for the upcoming season.
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine featured on-field workouts for defensive tackles, edge defenders, and off-ball linebackers, with standout performances from T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II among the defensive tackles, and impressive showings from edge defenders like Chop Robinson and under-the-radar prospects like Mohamed Kamara and Myles Cole. Linebackers Payton Wilson, Edgerrin Cooper, Trevin Wallace, and Kalen DeLoach also showcased their skills, adding depth to the draft class.
The 2024 NFL Free Agency is set to feature top edge defenders like Josh Allen, Brian Burns, and Bryce Huff. Potential landing spots for these players include the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. PFF's player comparisons and contract projections provide insight into the potential impact of these free agents on their new teams.
As bye weeks and injuries impact fantasy football rosters, it's important to check weekly rankings for players to target and avoid. Among the linebacker options, Henry To'oTo'o stands out as the safest bet for the Texans, while Devin Lloyd is expected to return for the Jaguars. Haason Reddick and Jaelan Phillips are heating up as edge defenders, while Justin Madubuike is a strong option as an interior defender. Jayron Kearse and Julian Love are worth monitoring at safety, and Marco Wilson and Brandon Stephens are productive cornerbacks to consider.
The 2023 NFL Draft class has a deep group of edge defenders, with Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama leading the pack. Tyree Wilson of Texas Tech and Nolan Smith of Georgia are also top prospects. Lukas Van Ness of Iowa and BJ Ojulari of LSU round out the top five. The rest of the rankings include Myles Murphy, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Isaiah Foskey, Tuli Tuipulotu, Andre Carter II, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Derrick Hall, Will McDonald IV, Zach Harrison, KJ Henry, Byron Young, David Perales, YaYa Diaby, and Nick Herbig.
The New York Giants may consider selecting an edge defender with their No. 25 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, despite investing high draft capital in the position over the past two years. While the team has promising starters in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, depth is an issue. Potential options include smaller, explosive players like Nolan Smith and B.J. Ojulari, or bigger, physical players like Myles Murphy and Keion White. The Giants may also look to address their edge need on day two of the draft.