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Pass Rush

All articles tagged with #pass rush

Defensive blueprint to slow Rodgers-powered Steelers in 2026
sports15 days ago

Defensive blueprint to slow Rodgers-powered Steelers in 2026

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.

49ers miss chance to pull Greenard trigger, may reshape their pass rush
sports1 month ago

49ers miss chance to pull Greenard trigger, may reshape their pass rush

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.

Bengals Build Wave-Depth Across Roster With 2026 Draft After Dexter Lawrence Trade
sports1 month ago

Bengals Build Wave-Depth Across Roster With 2026 Draft After Dexter Lawrence Trade

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.

49ers draft Romello Height to bolster ailing pass rush
sports1 month ago

49ers draft Romello Height to bolster ailing pass rush

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.

Chiefs roll the dice on Clemson’s Peter Woods at 29
sports1 month ago

Chiefs roll the dice on Clemson’s Peter Woods at 29

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.

Jets Target Arvell Reese Exposes OSU's Pass-Rush Gap
sports1 month ago

Jets Target Arvell Reese Exposes OSU's Pass-Rush Gap

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.

Jets eye pass-rush upgrade in the 2026 NFL Draft
sports1 month ago

Jets eye pass-rush upgrade in the 2026 NFL Draft

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.

Ravens optimistic Hendrickson upgrade elevates pass rush, Minter says
sports1 month ago

Ravens optimistic Hendrickson upgrade elevates pass rush, Minter says

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.

OSU taps NFL pass-rush guru and taekwondo coach to lead defensive line
college-football2 months ago

OSU taps NFL pass-rush guru and taekwondo coach to lead defensive line

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'.

Chiefs Face Nine Key Draft Gaps After Free Agency
sports2 months ago

Chiefs Face Nine Key Draft Gaps After Free Agency

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.

Ravens Ink Hendrickson, Target Long-Term Pass-Rush Dominance
sports2 months ago

Ravens Ink Hendrickson, Target Long-Term Pass-Rush Dominance

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.