QB Nightmares: Ranking the Top 10 Edge Rushers in the NFL
The edge rusher position is arguably the most sought-after one in football, and as they start to make more and more money, so much so that players are starting to hold out due to ongoing contract disputes, it is hard to determine who the top guys are in the league. Quarterbacks are getting faster, running backs are getting bigger, and offensive linemen are becoming more agile, making the edge’s job that much more complicated. Here are the best of the best at the position, the guys who can turn a game upside down even though they are not scoring touchdowns or making dazzling catches. The ability to not only provide pressure but also finish the play is so valuable, and these players do it best.
1. Myles Garrett, Browns
Myles Garrett is the best edge rusher in the NFL, and it is not particularly close. The former first-overall pick, defensive player of the year, and three-time All-Pro was rewarded with the biggest contract ever by a non-quarterback. His prowess as a pass-rusher and run-defender proves to be an issue for opposing offensive lines, as he collected his 100th sack in 2024, the youngest player of all time to accomplish that feat. Cleveland’s offense might be the worst unit in the NFL, but as long as Garrett is tearing off the edge, the Browns’ defense has the ability to keep them in games. His bull rush is nearly unstoppable, and he disengages from blocks faster than anyone across the league. The ex-Aggie is simply a superhuman athlete who gives his team a chance to win, even though he plays on the defensive side of the football.
2. T.J. Watt, Steelers
T.J. Watt is a game-wrecking, pass-rush technician who has been arguably the most consistent defender in the NFL since 2020. Watt utilizes every single pass-rush move in the book and executes them all to perfection. He has the rare ability to turn a game upside-down, as he forced six fumbles last season, ranking first in that category among all edge rushers. Not only is he an extraordinary blitzer, but he took home PFF’s run-defender of the year award in 2024, further emphasizing his well-rounded game and true superstar status. His partner in crime, Alex Highsmith, benefits from Watt, too. Watt’s prowess as a rusher leads to more one-on-one opportunities for his linemates, ultimately resulting in more pressure and, of course, more sacks.
3. Aidan Hutchinson, Lions
Aidan Hutchinson might be the most fun player to watch off the edge across the NFL. His plethora of pass-rush moves keeps opposing offensive tackles guessing, and his speed at the position is, well, unmatched. The former number two overall pick turns the corner quicker than anyone in the league, plus he can win with power, something that is so undervalued these days. His 2024 season was cut short due to a major leg injury, but reports say his recovery went smoothly and that he will be ready for 2025. He was leading the NFL in pressures, sacks, and tackles for loss before his injury, something he plans to do again, this time for a full year in 2025. The only reason he does not land at number two on this list is because of his struggles against the run. If Hutch can improve at setting the edge, he could very well become the number one threat off the edge in the NFL very, very soon.
4. Maxx Crosby, Raiders
Maxx Crosby is not only a terrifically well-rounded edge defender, but he is the definition of a team captain and leader for this Raiders squad. Crosby might not dazzle on the stat sheet, but the advanced metrics say otherwise. He had a whopping 54 pressures in just 12 games last year. He is a master of deception on the edge, as he uses his tremendous acceleration and bendiness to perfection. Crosby plays the game with passion, and it shows when he is on the field. He took home PFF’s run-defender of the year in 2023 and is a three-time second-team All-Pro. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Maxx Crosby has played the most consecutive snaps of any defensive lineman since 2016 with 446. This feat is impressive for a plethora of reasons. For one, the toll that playing 446 snaps in a row takes on a player’s body cannot be put into words, but as an edge rusher, it is remarkable. Mad-Maxx makes a living in the backfield, and if he can figure out what a tackle is expecting, good luck stopping him. Once he gets into a rhythm, there is no answer for the Vegas superstar.
5. Micah Parsons, Cowboys
This might seem a little low for Micah Parsons, but the top-four guys on this list just mean more to their team. With that being said, Parsons is set up beautifully to rise on this list, as DeMarcus Lawrence departed in free agency, and it has been reported that the former Nittany Lion will primarily be utilized rushing the passer. The common misconception about Parsons is that he can only win with power, and that he can, but his speed and agility when rushing the passer are extremely impressive at his size. He also has one of the highest motors in the league, as it seems like he is involved and makes an impact on every single play. He has recorded 70+ pressures in every season since he entered the league, too.
6. Nick Bosa, 49ers
When Nick Bosa is on the field, he has the ability to get around any tackle off the edge. His get-off is extremely fast, and the way he can force quarterbacks to step up in the pocket is rarely seen. The thing with the younger Bosa brother is health. He has not been healthy for a full season, and it has really hurt the 49ers’ pass rush. They have been forced to rely on aging defenders like Leonard Floyd, who just do not have the same impact on the game that Bosa does. If he can stay off the sidelines, he might cement himself as a top-five edge, but here he lands at six.
7. Trey Hendrickson, Bengals
The fact that Cincinnati is not paying Trey Hendrickson is blasphemy. He led the league in sacks by a wide margin in 2024 and is also a terrific run-stuffer. His prowess as a power-rusher impacts the game in ways that do not show up on the stat sheet. When watching Hendrickson, it is hard not to notice how often he beats double teams. The Bengals also drafted Shemar Stewart, yet he has not signed his rookie contract either. If both of them end up taking the field this year, Cincy’s pass-rush could surprise people across the NFL.
8. Jonathan Greenard, Vikings
Jonathan Greenard is one of the more underrated players in the NFL, and it all stems from his ability to just get into a groove. When he is on, he is on, but when he is not winning, it can get ugly. The reason he finds a spot at number eight is because of how often he is utilized as the primary blitzer for the Vikings. Brian Flores blitzes more than any other defensive coordinator, and Greenard is a pure pass-rusher. He uses a wide array of tricks to beat his man, and it very often results in a throw-away or sack.
9. Will Anderson Jr., Texans
After being selected number three overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Will Anderson Jr. had immediate pressure to become one of the top edge threats in the NFL; it is safe to say the pick was a home run. Anderson’s burst off the edge is out of this world, especially at his size. He is a legit contender for Defensive Player of the Year, mainly because of how well he plays his role. He simply does exactly what Houston asks him, and never, ever takes a play off. He gives his all on every down and plays nearly every snap. He is a blossoming superstar in this league, and the stats back it up.
10. Nik Bonitto, Broncos
Nik Bonitto burst onto the scene in 2024, recording 15 sacks, good for the second-most in the league. He has elite speed, as fast as an edge rusher can get, and he uses it to perfection. The way that the ex-Sooner can just run directly past a tackle before they are even set is remarkable, and he does it a lot. Bonitto is a rising star in this league and deserves much more attention. Jonathan Cooper and the speedy Bonitto make for one of the more intriguing pass-rush duos to watch in the NFL this season.
