All articles tagged with #pass rush
A Sports Illustrated piece cites a defensive coordinator outlining how to slow Aaron Rodgers if he quarterbacks the Steelers in 2026: disrupt his passing reads with varied coverages and generate free rushes to force quicker decisions, while Pittsburgh’s revamped offense—headlined by an improved run game with Rico Dowdle and receivers Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard—could become more dynamic.
During the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired defensive end Jonathan Greenard from the Vikings for the 98th pick, a future third, and a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed, while the 49ers passed on a move using the 90th pick (later used on Kaelon Black) and a future third to land Greenard. The 49ers instead drafted Romello Height at 70, hoping he becomes an impact edge rusher; the piece argues San Francisco should have been more aggressive to add a proven pass rusher with Greenard’s 38 sacks in 77 games, and may regret not acting.
The Bengals used the Dexter Lawrence trade to push their defense forward, adding seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft and signing Cashius Howell as a pure pass rusher to unlock a wave of linemen. They bypassed linebacker in the draft, leaving that position as a potential free-agent target, and closed with four offensive picks (Connor Lew, Colbie Young, Brian Parker II, Jack Endries) plus Navy DT Landon Robinson on Day 3, aided by a Jets trade that moved up Lew and Young. The plan is a multi-layered defense with more depth and a deeper, more versatile offense, though needs at nickel corner and linebacker persist.
The 49ers used the No. 70 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height, aiming to bolster a weak pass rush that finished with only 20 sacks last season. Height (6'3", 239 lbs) posted elite athletic traits (4.64 40, 39" vertical) and had a 9.5-sack season in college, and is expected to play as a nickel edge rusher to pressure quarterbacks while Nick Bosa returns from a torn ACL.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods with the 29th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a bet on his pass-rush upside despite questions about size, production, and how he’ll fit with other interior linemen. The pick drew mixed feedback from analysts, with one caller it a solid B+ and others skeptical about upside and development needed for Woods to reach his ceiling.
Jacksonville trades Maason Smith to Atlanta for defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, a move the piece views as a win for the Jaguars thanks to Orhorhoro’s pass-rush upside, Smith’s uncertain roster status and injury setbacks, and the resulting Draft/roster-building flexibility for Jacksonville.
New York Jets draft target Arvell Reese says Ohio State never taught him pass-rush moves, relying on instinct instead. At age 20, he posted 6.5 sacks on 119 pass-rush snaps as a true junior without formal coaching, suggesting a high NFL ceiling once he’s trained. With Reese viewed as a top candidate for the Jets’ second overall pick, the revelation could sharpen the Jets’ evaluation amid comparisons to David Bailey and potentially influence their draft decision by prioritizing upside over a ready-made edge rusher.
The Jets added T’Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata this offseason but could still pursue an athletic pass-rushing defensive lineman in the 2026 draft. Florida’s Caleb Banks is a potential option, though foot injuries could push him to Day 2; the second round (No. 33) is seen as a sweet spot for defensive tackles, and the team may also seek depth in the later rounds.
Charles Omenihu says defenses haven’t figured out Josh Allen yet, praising Allen’s arm strength and size, while arguing Lamar Jackson is more easily contained with a disciplined five-man rush and collapsed pocket; neither QB has won a Super Bowl yet, but current AFC betting favorites could shift if either team makes a deep run.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter says Trey Hendrickson will boost Baltimore’s pass rush and make coverage easier by drawing attention, after the team signed him to a four-year, $112 million deal following a failed trade for Maxx Crosby. The move fills a key need as other offseason pieces depart (e.g., Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely), and Baltimore still has 11 picks in the 2026 draft with multiple avenues to add more through free agency, trades, or the draft.
Ohio State hired Joe Kim, a veteran NFL pass-rush consultant and renowned taekwondo instructor, to coach the defensive line. Kim spent last season at Illinois and has worked with 11 NFL teams, including the Patriots and Browns, and will help OSU develop its pass rush under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, joining the Buckeyes after Illinois’ Robby Discher; he’s credited with producing top pass rushers and was praised by Nick Saban as the 'pass-rush guru'.
After free agency, the Chiefs still have nine draft targets, led by upgrading the defensive end/pass-rush group (ideally a top-10 pick or early trade). The next priority is adding a starting outside wide receiver. Cornerback and safety depth are concerns, followed by right tackle. Additional needs include tight end depth, defensive tackle, linebacker, and a short-yardage back, most of which could be addressed with Day 2/3 picks or veteran signings rather than immediate starters.
Brad Biggs answers reader questions in a Bears Insider Q&A about whether Chicago will sign a veteran edge rusher to boost the pass rush, outlining potential targets and considerations; article content is behind a paywall.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter says the defense will deploy Trey Hendrickson to disrupt opposing quarterbacks by drawing attention and creating favorable one-on-one matchups, leveraging his proven sack production to wreck the game.
The Ravens signed defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract with $60 million guaranteed—the highest-paid outside free agent in Ravens history—signaling a win-now push. GM Eric DeCosta said Hendrickson has a lot left in the tank and can be a game-wrecker for years, while Hendrickson vows to stay in top form and chase a Lombardi Trophy in Baltimore.