The upcoming NFL draft features a deep pool of edge rushers, with top prospects like Arvell Reese and David Bailey expected to be top 10 picks. The talent extends through the first three rounds, making it a standout position group.
Key points
NFL draft features a deep pool of edge rushers
Arvell Reese and David Bailey are top prospects
Both could be top 10 selections
Talent extends through first three rounds
Draft is next week in Pittsburgh
Mentioned in this story
Arvell ReeseDavid Bailey
NFL DraftMiamiTexas A&MClemson
When it comes to difference-making edge rushers/pass rushers, the NFL draft has an abundance from the first round through the third round. And there could even be one or two good ones selected on Day 3 of the draft.
The edge rushers are a very deep and impressive group, perhaps the strongest unit of the draft.
Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey lead the way, and both could be top five selections. In the worst realistic scenario, they’ll both certainly be top 10 picks.
Edge rushers continue with a fervor in the first round with players such as Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., and Akheem Mesidor, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Clemson’s T.J. Parker. Edge rushers continue strongly through the second and third rounds where players such as UCF’s Malachi Lawrence and Michigan’s Derrick Moore expect to be selected.
As a reminder, the draft is next week in Pittsburgh.
The Dolphins have 11 picks — two in the first round (Nos. 11 and 30), one in the second (No. 43), four in the third (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), one in the fourth (No. 130), one in the fifth (No. 151) and two in the seventh (Nos. 227 and 238).
Here are the top five edge rushers, in order:
Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Reese (6-foot-4, 241 pounds) is an elite prospect who combines size with 4.46-second 40-yard dash speed and tenacity. He can play inside (off-ball) or as a stand-up on the edge. Reese posted 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 10 TFLs (tackles for loss) last season.
Who are the top edge rushers in the 2026 NFL draft?
The top edge rushers include Arvell Reese from Ohio State and David Bailey from Texas Tech, both projected to be top 10 picks.
What teams might select edge rushers in the NFL draft?
Teams looking to bolster their defense may select edge rushers, particularly in the first round, including Miami and Texas A&M players.
When is the 2026 NFL draft taking place?
The 2026 NFL draft is scheduled for next week in Pittsburgh.
How deep is the edge rusher class in the 2026 NFL draft?
The edge rusher class is considered very deep, with strong prospects available from the first round through the third round.
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Bailey (6-4, 251) is explosive whether he’s standing up or has a hand in the dirt, evidenced by his 14.5 sacks and 19.5 TFLs. He plays strong using both leverage and quick-twitch skills. Bailey is not especially strong but that can be addressed.
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Bain (6-2, 263) is a high-motor guy who combines aggression with polished technique. He recorded 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 15.5 TFLs last season. Bain rushes the passer with bad intentions, which covers for his shorter-than-desired arm length (30 7/8 inches) for his position.
Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Mesidor (6-3, 259) is disruptive, evidenced by his 12.5 sacks, 17.5 TFLs and 4 FFs (forced fumbles). He plays with a high motor and has versatility as he can move inside in third-down packages. Mesidor is valued for pass rush skills but also plays the run very well.
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell (6-2, 253) is twitchy and bendy, two traits he showed as a stand-up pass rusher and recording 31 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 13 TFLs. He is regarded as a pass-rush specialist who has the ability to improve his run defense. Howell’s arms (30 1/4) are shorter than Bain’s.
Best of the rest
Auburn’s Keldric Faulk (6-6, 276) combines mammoth size with quality run-stopping skills. … Clemson’s T.J. Parker (6-4, 263) is an outstanding athlete whose 2025 season (5.0 sacks) didn’t match his 2024 season (11.0 sacks). … Missouri’s Zion Young (6-6, 262) is strong against the run but he also had 6.5 sacks among his 16.5 TFLs. … Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas (6-2, 241), the Cardinal Gibbons High product, is a speedy pass rusher (6.5 sacks in 10 games) with bend. … UCF’s Malachi Lawrence (7.0 sacks, 11 TFLs) is a fierce pass rusher who is explosive and has a nose for QBs. … Michigan’s Derrick Moore (6-4, 255) had 10.0 sacks in 12 games while showing skill at setting the edge.
Class Grade: A
This class has it all as far as instant impact players and guys who will emerge as impact players in a year or two. They can rush the passer, play inside, stop the run and play standing up or with a hand in the dirt. It’s a very complete group of edge rushers through three rounds.
Teams in need
The N.Y. Jets, who pick No. 2, can select between Reese and Bailey with most mock drafts favoring Reese.
Arizona, which picks No. 3, could select Bailey, regarded as the BPA (best player available), or it could surprise the mock drafts and go elsewhere.
Buffalo acquired 29-year-old ex-Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb but that’s not a long-term solution.
Indianapolis doesn’t have a first-round pick but this draft is loaded so the Colts should be OK.
Dallas still hasn’t made up for trading Micah Parsons, and it might not be possible, but adding an edge rusher would help.
Kansas City continues losing quality defensive players, so acquiring someone opposite edge rusher George Karlaftis is a priority.
Miami could use a pass rushing edge rusher and/or a run-stopper, but preferably the former.
Philadelphia couldn’t re-sign edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, so look for the Eagles to turn to the draft.
Jacksonville is defensive-minded so don’t be surprised if they add to edge rushers Javon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
Tennessee traded for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson but the Titans could use more opposite Johnson.
Green Bay might not have Parsons (knee) available for the first month of the coming season.
Dolphins’ focus
The Dolphins could definitely use a top-notch edge rusher or two as well as depth. Right now, Chop Robinson, Josh Uche and David Ojabo are the best ones on the roster.
