The Las Vegas Raiders are scouting EDGE rushers for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on adding depth to their pass rush. With Kwity Paye and Maxx Crosby leading the charge, the team aims to enhance its defensive line after not drafting an EDGE rusher since Tyree Wilson.
Key points
Raiders scouting EDGE rushers for 2026 NFL Draft
Last drafted EDGE rusher was Tyree Wilson
Kwity Paye added to enhance pass rush
Malcolm Koonce aims to return to form
Team needs more true pass rushers
Las Vegas RaidersKwity PayeMalcolm KoonceTyree Wilson
Cian Slone
Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack defensive end Cian Slone (8) at the coin toss before the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
I broke down the Las Vegas Raiders early round EDGE rusher options earlier on in my draft scouting process. The Raiders haven’t drafted a true EDGE rusher since Tyree Wilson, and despite adding Kwity Paye a late round target to add depth is a very likely, and smart, idea to help build out the room. Malcolm Koonce is coming off a decent 2025 season, and two years removed from an ACL tear in 2026 should allow him to bounce back to his 2023 form.
Additionally, the Raiders added Kwity Paye who will help take pressure off Maxx Crosby as a run defender, but Crosby remains the marquee aspect of the Las Vegas pass rush. Las Vegas also has core depth pieces of Charles Snowden, and Brennan Jackson but you aren’t able to have enough true pass rushers, and for a team in the modern NFL to not select a pass rusher for four years is almost unheard of.
NFL Techniques, Defensive Line:
Below is a graphic outlining NFL techniques, a key distinction for defensive lineman as a 5 tech and 1 tech may both be labeled as interior lineman, but are completely different players. A quick breakdown of each is below as well:
A Gap: Area between center and guard
B Gap: Area between guard and tackle
C Gap: Area between tackle and Tight End
D Gap: Area outside the TE inline
Man Control: Two Gapping lineman, play through certain offensive lineman. Usually utilized in a 3-4 front or 4-3 even, which the Raiders will be running a majority in 2026 and forward under Rob Leonard. This front usually contains a 0, 2, 4, 6, and depending on personnel a 7/9 technique in diverse packages. The package is traditionally used to be a run first approach, and often is paired with an attack front ideology.
*Gap Control:*Lineman responsible for stopping and holding a gap specific per play. Very common in 4 lineman fronts with spread lineman, and 5 down lineman as well. Often contains a 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 9 technique designated to specific strengths. More commonly found in the NFL currently with teams playing an RPO approach at times, requiring lineman to work better in space.
Q&A
Who are the top EDGE rushers the Las Vegas Raiders are considering for the 2026 Draft?
The Raiders are evaluating several EDGE rushers, including Kwity Paye and potential late-round targets to bolster their pass rush.
Why haven't the Las Vegas Raiders drafted an EDGE rusher since Tyree Wilson?
The Raiders have not selected an EDGE rusher in four years, which is unusual in the modern NFL, likely due to focusing on other positional needs.
How did Malcolm Koonce perform in the 2025 season for the Raiders?
Malcolm Koonce had a decent performance in the 2025 season and is expected to bounce back to his 2023 form after recovering from an ACL tear.
What impact will Kwity Paye have on the Raiders' pass rush?
Kwity Paye is expected to relieve some pressure off Maxx Crosby and improve the team's run defense, enhancing their overall pass rush strategy.
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*0 Tech:*Head up on the Center (Vita Vea)
*1 Tech:*Outside Shoulder of the Center, to either side (DJ Reader)
*2 Tech:*Head Up on the Guard (Aaron Donald)
*2i Tech:*Inside Shoulder of the Guard, 2-Tech inside, responsible for A Gap (Aaron Donald)
3 Tech: Outside Shoulder of the Guard, to either side (Grady Jarrett)
4 Tech: Head Up on Offensive Tackle (DeForest Buckner)
*4i Tech:*Inside Shoulder of the Tackle. 4-Tech inside, responsible for B Gap must be able to work outside (DeForest Buckner)
5 Tech: Outside Shoulder of the Tackle, still within sub 1 yard of tackle (Myles Garrett)
6 Tech: Head Up on the TE (Myles Garrett)
7 Tech: Inside Shoulder of the TE (Maxx Crosby)
*9 Tech:*Outside Shoulder of the TE (Von Miller)
5/7 Tech (4-3 End):
Early Round Targets & Already Touched On:
Rueben Bain (Miami), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), Zion Young (Missouri), R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), Joshua Josephs (Tennessee), Keyron Crawford (Auburn), Mikail Kamara (Indiana), Max Llewllyn (Iowa)
Curry lacks size, and he lacks length as well with a 30 1/8” arm length, which is going to impact him at the NFL level, and it has in college as well. He plays quick, and he plays fast throughout the rep, Curry gets off the line of scrimmage quickly, he’ll engage the tackle before they can engage him, and it helps to eliminate the poor arm length. He shows great lateral movement, good hand combat skills, and an ability to dip and bend the edge. He has a nonstop motor, which he pairs with his athleticism, and above average strength. Curry doesn’t stop, and despite the clear length concerns, he’s able to play through the rep and doesn’t let it limit him fully. Curry struggles to anchor vs the run, where he can’t engage the offensive tackle or tight end. Additionally, Curry should be able to bend the corner better, and he can get stiff before being boxed out. He’s an average EDGE prospect, who does pair a non stop motor with good athleticism, but there’s clear limitations and a limited ceiling as well.
Williams is very intriguing, he has a chance to bulk up and play more of a 4/4i technique, but he wins very frequently when he’s at the 5T. Williams has exceptional lower body power and strength, he anchors well, rushes the passer extremely well, and he also has an elite bull rush. Williams has fluid hips, good knee flexibility, and he has intriguing lower body agility that shows when he dips and bends the edge but he’s limited by average ankle flexibility. Williams does well working laterally, he’s a true stunt and twist threat, and the Duke product also plays with extremely fun and active hands, which he’ll consistently use to drive and fight through block attempts. Williams is limited positionally, and he needs to do better trying to rush with finesse, looking very average and inconsistent at times. His pad level is high consistently, and he doesn’t do the greatest at setting the EDGE where he too often looks to go laterally instead of setting vertically and stacking/shedding the block. Williams is fun, he’s a situational pass rusher, but he shows the ability to come in on key situations and make an impact, while developing more strength and refined technique to become a possible every down player.
#Duke EDGE Wesley Williams has been the picker on these stunts all night, so it's only right that he get rewarded as a looper on the T/E with a sack of his own pic.twitter.com/g3ZuJ5zsrF
The brother of Utah tackle Spencer Fano, Logan has some very similar traits. He’s a very well built, pure muscle pass rusher. Fano has an exceptional usage of pass rush moves, showing good diversity, and he also has a well refined bag with violent heavy hands. Fano does a good job anchoring vs the run, he has a thick lower half, and Fano does well to seal the EDGE and get outside with strong technique. He has decent initial burst and quickness off the line of scrimmage, and he’ll show some ability to turn the corner but is inconsistent. He’s not an outstanding athlete on film, comparative to his testing, but it doesn’t limit him fully. He’s best when working straight across the T instead of out wide as a 7-Tech due to the stiff hips, and poor ankle flexibility. Fano doesn’t have a huge runway to being a top pass rusher, but he anchors well, has good strength, and refined technique but his limited ceiling will push him down the board. Fano projects as a solidified third or fourth pass rusher in the NFL.
Burke is a very very good 5-Tech, and he should stay as such in the NFL. He has long natural length, and a thick frame that he plays with good power through his core, upper, and lower body. Burks gets into the defenders chest well, is able to come off the ball quickly, and while he lacks a ton of athleticism to turn the corner, he does win with just straight pure power. Burke is able to utilize his speed to power, and his bull rush ability to drive through the tackles chest and he plays with low pad level that helps him utilize leverage at his size. Burks can get pushed around at times, largely because he’s shown poor footwork, but he does have some flash with his natural power to drop the knee and drive defenders across their face. He has good hands, they’re violent, and Burke does a good job utilizing a variety of pass rush moves. He’s shown a great ability to anchor, shed an stack, and works well laterally in the run game. Burke projects as a strong depth defender who will carve out a role as a run defending first player, and add some talent vs the pass in brief situations.
Ethan Burke | DE | TEX
Big framed, high effort rusher w/ the ability to kick inside. Pocket condensing rusher who keeps hands active late into down.
Great run defender on the edge; uses length to extend blockers, locate ball, & shed. + contact balance to power through gaps. pic.twitter.com/5BzjO4NkAe
James-Newby started his career at Montana Tech, then Idaho, and finally wrapped it up at New Mexico where he continued his success logging 52 tackles, 15 TFL, 9 sacks, and 2 FF. He’s undersized, and does lack length, which shows in his run game fits where James-Newby struggles to anchor or jab the tackle which causes him to be pushed out of the play. Additionally, James-Newby will need to add more weight to his frame, especially in muscle, where he relies too often on his initial quickness and twitch. He’s very explosive, flys off the line of scrimmage, and James-Newby shows good active hands in the pass rush. He pairs that with fluid hips, good ankle flexibility, and he’s shown strong consistent develop year after year which is a crucial aspect heading into the NFL. James-Newby is pure pass rush focused depth EDGE rusher, who will have his struggles vs the run consistently.
New Mexico EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby was one of the best in the country in 2025, earning 1st Team All-MWC honors.
The Helena, Montana native tallied 53 tackles, including 15 for loss and 9 sacks, giving opposing OL nightmares all season long.#GoLobospic.twitter.com/9SeYYY9AY2
I’m really high on Hubbard, he’s going to end up top 20 at the position for me, with a consensus late day three report. Hubbard has a good frame, and he’s a pure athlete. He has an ability to set the EDGE consistently, he comes off the line of scrimmage quickly, has an explosive second gear, but he lacks hip flexibility to turn the corner consistently. Hubbard can play high at times, but he also has a natural understanding of leverage, strong violent hands, and a variety of pass rush moves that help him get through contact quickly. Hubbard has exceptional speed to power ability, his leg drive is consistent, and he uses a great bull rush to get through the defender. Hubbard works well going laterally, can work in the stunt and twist game, and as a boundary run defender he’s extremely stout. I’d like to see Hubbard do better coming off the line of scrimmage, and despite his size I’d like to see him add more weight and muscle to prevent getting washed out. Hubbard is a foundational player, he has a limited ceiling, but his true run defending impact should be enough to hear his name called mid day three.
Heldman broke out in 2025 with 48 tackles, 17 TFL, and 10.5 sacks while adding 2 FF. He rose his career pass rush win rate greatly, with a 11% mark in 2023, 17% in 2024, and an absurd 29% in 2025 including a 58% win rate on true pass win rate. He has exceptional lower body athleticism, a strong blend of pass rush technique, instincts, and Heldman doesn’t get stalled out during the pass game when he struggles to get initial win. Heldman shows good hip flexibility, can collapse from the backside of the play with great backside contain quickness, a violent second step, and Heldman does a good job landing his stabs with violent active hands. He shows great anchor, strong lower half strength, and he has an impressive anchor ability. I’d like to see Heldman get better at landing his punches consistently, and he also struggles at times off his physical profile where he has average length, and he’ll need to engage his core more often to utilize leverage and drive up through defenders. Heldman produces, he’s a good athlete, and he’s consistently developed, the ceiling may be limited, but he’s a solidified consistent player who can rotate in as a pass rusher in diverse fronts working out of 2, 3, or 4 point stances.
CMU ED Michael Heldman has a draftable grade from me. Big stats, big pro day:
Played FCS, G5, and P4 football. Most productive season with JMU in 2024. Has decent lateral burst, showcases good athletic traits to work horizontally. A violent player has quick violent hands. Lacks core strength and LBP to consistently hold up in pass rush vs bigger lineman. Shows good initial burst and twitch, does have some ankle flexibility to turn the corner. Does anchor well in pass protection Can tend to play with high pad level, is flushed out of the run too consistently. Has strong hands, and does a good job with a variety of pass rush moves. Showcases ability to rip, chop, and swipe. High motor player. Full of traits, older player but does have natural upside with AA, experience, & pass rush moves. Will need to develop additional pass rush plan, and be better vs the run to carve out a longer NFL career. O’Neil can impact the NFL quickly, he’s likely a UDFA but should have a chance to fight for a roster spot.
Other Names To Know:
Patrick Payton, LSU -> Career 37 TFL, 17 sacks, 19 PBU. Transferred to LSU after 4 seasons at Florida State. 10.7% win rate and 44 run stops in career.
Nuer Gatkuoth, Wake Forest -> Canadian, big athlete, needs refinement. 9.7% win rate, 33 run stops
Marvin Jones Jr, Oklahoma -> Run first, big frame (6’5/260) raw. 5.8% win rate, 23 run stops | 8.25 RAS
Arden Walker, Colorado -> Raw prospect, consistent improvement. 17.2% win rate, 44 stops in career
C’Kelby Givens, Southern -> Elite Production with 198 tackles, 72 TFL (28 in 2024), 32 sacks, 4 PBU, and 10 FF in 42 games. Added a 14% win rate, 170 pressures.
Roy Williams, Northern Illinois -> Physically imposing frame with 6’6, 265 frame. Lacked production, great athlete, great size, versatile on the DL. 8.9% win rate, 47 run stops in career. Best season in 2023
Bryan Thomas Jr, South Carolina -> Decent athleticism, average production. He’s struggled in key situations, will be a practice squad player
Colorado #2026NFLDraft EDGE Arden Walker shows some quality NFL traits
Generated 74 pressures, 9 sacks, and a 16% win rate across the last three seasons. Listed 6'2, 250 will be interesting to see his arm length. Quality run defender, has a quick first step approach, does a good… pic.twitter.com/At15fQCVes
David Bailey (Texas Tech), Cashius Howell (Texas A&M), Malachi Lawrence (UCF), Gabe Jacas (Illinois), Derrick Moore (Michigan), Jaishawn Barham (Michigan), Romello Height (Texas Tech), Anthony Lucas (USC), Nadame Tucker (Western Michigan), Trey Moore (Texas)
Hutchins doesn’t have a ton of experience, but he’s extremely juiced up, and has an exceptional motor. Hutchins plays with elite first step quickness, he has fluid hips, good ankle flexibility, and does show an ability to consistently impact the passer bending the corner with speed and twitch. He has good hands, a diverse bag of pass rush moves, and Hutchins does a good ability utilizing his athleticism to defeat tackles despite his lack of power he’s not flushed out as often ad you’d expect in pass rush situations. Hutchins does a good job with balance, a good pad level, and he’s fairly active with his hands which he pairs to an elite motor allowing him to consistently drive and play relentlessly. Hutchins is washed out in the run game with his poor size, but he tackles well, can anchor at a decent level vs the TE, and he is able to show some flashes fully utilizing his athleticism over power. He’s a pass rush specialist at the NFL level, but he can add some aspects vs the run, though he’s a fairly fun middle round prospect to develop and at worst is a qualified 3rd or 4th pass rusher.
Boston College EDGE Quintayvious Hutchins is a fascinating evaluation. Disruptive pass rusher with the juice and bend you look for, but the production doesn’t match (5.5 career sacks). Looked very explosive at the Senior Bowl.
Anthony enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with 13 TFL and 7.5 sacks, both career highs, and Anthony has continued to develop year after year with Duke. I expect Anthony to go higher than expected, he has exceptional length, great arm length, and he blends his length/size with exceptional lower body athleticism. Anthony has a diverse set of pass rush moves, including an NFL caliber swim and swipe move, where he’ll impacts the NFL immediately. Anthony fires off the line of scrimmage, he uses speed to power effectively, and overall Anthony will work the outside shoulder of the tackle well. He can move well laterally, shows good pass rush instincts, and he also has a surprising amount of leverage at his size. Anthony struggles to anchor, and in the pass rush he can look awkward when trying to rush with power or keep his legs moving. He has a tendency to stand up as he engages, which opens his chest to the tackle, additionally, I’d like to see him do better keeping his feet under him in the run game where he’ll be pushed around or not have an ability to drop the knee and fight through contact. Anthony is a pure pass rusher in the NFL, he shows some traits of diagnosing the run, was able to utilize his hands to get through the backfield, but the lack of initial anchor and overall play strength limit him heavily.
Guy saw success in 2024 with a 22% win rate, 5.5 sacks, 8 hits, and 6 TFL before returning in 2025 where he saw down periods with a 13% win rate, 2 sacks, and just 3 hits. He’s a versatile defender, and does best when lined at 7-Tech, but he can also work some as a true ILB where Michigan dropped him down to the defensive line more in 2025 and 2024. He has a decent first step, but typically is pretty slow off the LOS, not having a full grasp of the position. Additionally, Guy is limited in his football experience having just started playing in 2020 his final year of high school. Guy also struggles to utilize his hands, and more won with the second step, hip flexibility, and ankle flexibility allowing him to get into the tackles chest, win to the outside and show good rip moves. He has decent hand combat skills, but his functional play strength is lacking, and shows in the run game where Guy is easily uplifted and moved, he’ll need to improve his pad level as well which allows defenders into his frame. Overall, there’s flashes of Guy’s film, but he lost his spot to Jaishawn Barham and Derrick Moore in 2025, and he’ll need to add more strength, technique, and refine traits to be a consistent NFL pass rusher.
Slone started at JUCO, then Utah State, and finally NC State, and he’s dominated each spot he’s been. Explosive player, showcases elite athletic traits for the position. Strong initial burst and quickness, explosive first step off LOS. Violent player, relentless motor. Fluid hips work well in space. Has ability to bend the corner, good ankle flexibility. Has good rip and swipe moves, showcases an ability to dip and rush the passer. Good anchor ability in the run game, able to stack and work to the outside well. Has understanding of run concepts, electric backside contain player. Upper body and core strength need to be improved, and will have to develop more pass rush moves instead of relying on athletic ability. MOTOR!!!! Showcases fluid hips and ability to work in space and drop into coverage. Almost needs to slow the game down for himself, plays too quick. Raw prospect, is a player to work with, and someone I am exceptionally high on.
2026 NFL Draft prospect Cian Slone gets a down block & squeezes/takes the air out of his gap. @CianSlone sees the pulling blocker coming & collisions him in the backfield.
Pena has logged two straight seasons of 20+ TFL with 23 in 2024 alone, while also having three straight seasons of 11 sacks, and back to back seasons of 75+ tackles. Basically, Pena has been flat out dominant, and instead of transferring in 2025 he chose to come back to Rhode Island to try and win a title, turning down over 6 figures from Georgia, Texas Tech, Miami, and others. Pena is undersized, and it does hurt him at times, he has very below average length, is an average athlete, and he struggles to show consistent hip/ankle flexibility. Pena for his size wins with a lot of pure power, he has an exceptional ability to knock back defenders, drives his hips through the rep, and he’ll utilize a very strong upper body & core. Pena plays with good pad level, understands leverage, and looks to be an overpowering figure vs the pass. He does well vs the run with a good stout lower half that can anchor and uses his upper body to work through contact. Pena is very average off the ball, he needs to learn more pass rush moves, and he’ll rely too heavily on speed to power to try and uptick tackles. He’ll likely wind up a late day three or UDFA but has the production, experience, and instincts to allow him a chance at competing for an NFL roster despite a lack of consisent strength, length, and average athletic traits .
Other Names To Know:
Zach Durfee, Washington -> Converted from off-ball LB to EDGE, traitsy pass rusher, shows good twitch and bend. Sets the EDGE well, will be a UDFA but has a ton of athletic upside to develop into a rotational pass rusher. 19.2% win rate, 19 run stops including 25% win rate in 2025, 9.78 RAS, 6’5/250 with elite explosiveness and short area movements.
Jack Pyburn, LSU -> 8.5% win rate, 32 run stops in career
Mitchell Melton, Virginia -> Met with the Raiders on a 30 visit, broke out in 2025 after transferring from Ohio State with 45 tackles, 10 TFL, 5 sacks, and 3 FF. 13% win rate, 21 run stops
Mo Westmoreland, Tulane -> 110 tackles, 25 TFL, and 19 sacks in three seasons. Has played primarily at 7/9 Tech with just 65 snaps of his career coming at 5-Tech or other spots. True twitch and bend, shows good ability to set EDGE. PFA who can push for roster. 18.9% win rate, including 27% in 2025, and 88 run stops
Dasan McCullough, Nebraska -> Indiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska in four seasons. 50/50 between EDGE and OLB, will get a chance to play OTTO role in the NFL. Has been productive, has subtle athleticism. Needs to be in creative defensive system. 6’5/250, can play off-ball linebacker, 4.52 40.
Jordan Botelho, Notre Dame -> Undersized, physical, plays with good strength and twitch. Rotational pass rusher in college, has the traits to make an NFL impact in depth roles, can drop into coverage age well. 24 turning 25 this year. 14.8% win rate, 41 run stops
Gumbs spent two seasons as a TE with Northern Illinois, transitioned to EDGE in 2023 and logged 32 tackles, 7 TFL, and 4 sacks before transferring to Florida where he continued to develop into a potential day two draft pick. Gumbs has an excellent frame, he’s light on his feet, and he does a good bit of everything which is very enticing. Gumbs shows an elite understanding of the run game, knows how to deconstruct blocks, and does a good job firing off the ball into the rep with strong hands and pure strength to help drive through the block. He has aggressive, violent hands, knocks defenders down and will slice through gaps to get upfield. Gumbs can work out of a variety of techniques and it works best for him, he has subtle initial athleticism, and is a run first player but does show flashes against the pass as well. He uses good hip and ankle flexibility to turn the corner, but he’ll need to refine his hand skills as a pass rusher where he’s learning more pass rush moves, and how to properly keep his pads low. Gumbs is learning the position, he shows a learning curve that will be necessary, and he’ll need to add traits to be a proven pass rusher, but as a pure EDGE setting run defender he will make an NFL roster immediately and make an instant impact.
You don't always see George Gumbs Jr.'s combine spider chart insanity on the field (yet), but when it's there, it's there. The first rep, where LSU's right tackle said, "F this dip-and-rip; I'm just going to tackle him" is pretty funny. And he gave Monroe Freeling problems. pic.twitter.com/a5TdtwVHqs
Reiger saw a breakout 2025 after missing all of 2024 with a lower body injury. He came back with a career high 17.5% win rate, 48 pressures, and 7.5 sacks which all were career highs. Reiger has a great frame, he’s well built, and plays with an exceptional blend of speed and power. He first off the line of scrimmage, show good ankle and hip flexibility to turn the corner, and Reiger has a want to rush the passer with an elite motor. He contains the run game well working on stack and shed concepts, with good athletic traits to be a backside contain and pursuit player. Reiger will work through the rep well with good pad level, he has quick hands, but he’ll need to add a few pass rush moves to his repertoire. Additionally, Reiger struggles to keep his legs engaged throughout the rep, and he can get off balance which leads to him being a pretty easy snap and trap defender. He lacks lower body strength, but he can hold it on his frame which will allow him to play with more power as a pass rusher and be a better run defender. His tackling form is average, and Reiger has a wide range of missed tackles from being over aggressive. He’s a productive player, is a high motor, non stop pass rusher, and he’s moldable. Reiger can impact a roster quickly, but he’s a 2 year project with immense upside.
Credit to @LanceZierlein for putting Wisconsin EDGE Mason Reiger on my radar. He is a big time sleeper in this class. Twitched up, disruptive pass rusher who could’ve had double-digit sack numbers if he finished better. Has his limitations vs the run, but his quickness and… pic.twitter.com/7pis2WzFle
Bradley Weaver, Rutgers -> Favorite sleeper of mine, lacks some twitch and bend, probably a 4/5 Tech in the NFL. Has been productive including 30 TFL, 15 sacks in 2023 and 2024 combined. Shows good power, wins with long arms, anchors well, will be a UDFA that can push for a roster spot. 12.4% win rate, 58 run stops. 7.45 RAS Score
Stephen Daley, Indiana -> Led country in TFL for 2025, small frame, shows decent power. Limited with his hands, lack true explosiveness. Can make an impact as a run defender, great power, ability to anchor, and work his hands well as a run defender. Daely has good movement off the LOS, but the very poor frame (6’0, 240) is a massive concern, and he doesn’t have a full understanding of what’s going on. Coming off torn ACL.
