All articles tagged with #edge rush
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane could move up in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure an edge defender ahead of the Chicago Bears, who own the 25th pick. The Bills reportedly want more pass-rush help despite signing Bradley Chubb, and mock drafts circulate potential edge targets for both teams as draft weekend approaches.
After the first week of the 2026 free agency period, The Athletic’s NFL writers re-rank each team’s remaining needs, stressing that roster-building remains a draft-and-sign process. The common themes are upgrading the trenches (OL/DL), adding credible edge rush and interior defense, and bolstering quarterback depth or top playmakers at receiver, with notable gaps at center for the Ravens, left tackle for the Panthers, inside linebacker for the Cowboys, edge help for the Chiefs and 49ers, and skill-position upgrades for teams like the Jets, Commanders, Titans, and Saints.
Patriots executive VP Eliot Wolf defended seven new signings and said the team will explore any player who can help, including a potential pursuit of Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby and possible trades for players like A.J. Brown, with the door open to Stefon Diggs return if the price is right. The plan also includes lineup changes (Will Campbell to left tackle, Alijah Vera-Tucker to left guard) and Christian Gonzalez extension talks, while Romeo Doubs is projected as the team’s top receiver and the club eyes upgrading the pass rush within salary-cap constraints.
The Eagles reportedly offered free-agent edge Trey Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, but he signed with the Baltimore Ravens instead, as Philadelphia regrouped after losing Jaelan Phillips.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and EVP Eliot Wolf say New England will focus on four areas to build on 2025: boost offensive playmakers around QB Drake Maye (especially at wide receiver) without forcing the ball; improve kickoff returns and special-teams efficiency; strengthen the edge to pressure QBs with more than blitzes; and bulk up the roster through better strength and conditioning to raise physical play and consistency in big games.
Day 1 of the NFL Combine featured a mix of red flags and breakout displays for edge-rushers and linebackers: Rueben Bain Jr. and Cashius Howell posted among the shortest arm lengths for the position, raising questions about their ability to create separation despite strong tape; Arvell Reese’s measurements suggest he may be better suited as a high-end off-ball linebacker. LT Overton and Lee Hunter posted disappointing explosiveness numbers, potentially tempering early-round momentum. On the upside, Malachi Lawrence, Sonny Styles, Caleb Banks, Demonte Capehart, and Kyle Louis delivered elite athletic marks (Styles: 4.46 40, 43.5" vertical, 10' broad, 10.00 RAS), signaling serious upside and pushing some into Day 2/Day 1 consideration despite positional questions. In short, Day 1 deepens the arm-length vs. athleticism debate while highlighting several players with standout burst.