Best Edge Rushers in the NFL Today – Going into week 14
These are the top 10 best Edge Rushers in the NFL today based on overall talent, production so far this season, and projected production going forward.
10. Khalil Mack
2022-23 Season stats: 37 TACKLES, 7.0 SACKS, 1 PASS DEFLECTION, 10 QB HITS, 0 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 2 FORCED FUMBLES, 2 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 10 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
While this isn’t prime Khalil Mack, he is still one of the premiere pass rushers in the NFL. His inconsistency keeps him out of the top 5.
9. Brian Burns
2022-23 Season stats: 53 TACKLES, 10.0 SACKS, 2 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 17 QB HITS, 0 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 1 FORCED FUMBLE, 0 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 13 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
The Carolina Panthers are a dumpster fire of a team this season. That being said, they have a lot of young talent on defense. Brian Burns is a stud with a bright future ahead.
8. Trey Hendrickson
2022-23 Season stats: 28 TACKLES, 6.0 SACKS, 3 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 22 QB HITS, 2 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 2 FORCED FUMBLES, 0 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 5 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
The Cincinnati Bengals are starting to come along. Trey Hendrickson has an unlimited motor and often gets double-teamed.
7. Za’Darius Smith
2022-23 Season stats: 35 TACKLES, 9.5 SACKS, 5 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 19 QB HITS, 0 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 0 FORCED FUMBLES, 0 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 15 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
Za’Darius Smith is only a half sack away from double digit sacks. This Vikings defense has been carried by their pass rush. I could easily include fellow Vikings Danielle Hunter on this list as well.
6. T.J. Watt
2022-23 Season stats: 22 TACKLES, 1.5 SACKS, 4 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 4 QB HITS, 2 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 1 FORCED FUMBLE, 0 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 3 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
He has missed most of the season, but T.J. Watt deserves recognition on this list. He just had a game in which he struggled, but I can’t help but be a believer in Watt for the rest of the season.
5. Matthew Judon
2022-23 Season stats: 46 TACKLES, 13.0 SACKS, 3 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 24 QB HITS, 2 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 1 FORCED FUMBLE, 1 FUMBLE RECOVERY, 11 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
Matthew Judon is a sack machine. The Patriots continue to be a powerhouse defense with Judon leading the pack up front. The only problem is his ability to stop the run.
4. Maxx Crosby
2022-23 Season stats: 69 TACKLES, 10.5 SACKS, 3 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 23 QB HITS, 0 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 3 FORCED FUMBLES, 1 FUMBLE RECOVERY, 17 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
Speaking of unlimited motors. Maxx Crosby is one of the few players in the NFL that plays pretty much every snap for his defense. He is both a force stopping the run and rushing the passer.
3. Nick Bosa
2022-23 Season stats: 36 TACKLES, 14.5 SACKS, 0 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 34 QB HITS, N/A INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 1 FORCED FUMBLES, 0 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 15 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
Nick Bosa is fresh off one of his best games ever. The San Francisco 49ers continue to be contenders because of players like Bosa making the difference.
2. Micah Parsons
2022-23 Season stats: 52 TACKLES, 12.0 SACKS, 3 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 22 QB HITS, 0 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 3 FORCED FUMBLES, 1 FUMBLE RECOVERY, 13 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
Micah Parsons is a rising superstar. He was flip-flopping between being off-ball and on the line of scrimmage, but it’s clear pass rushing is his best trait. The Cowboys defense is arguably the best defense in the NFL and he is the best player on this defense. Sorry Trevon Diggs.
1. Myles Garrett
2022-23 Season stats: 33 TACKLES, 10.0 SACKS, 2 PASS DEFLECTIONS, 16 QB HITS, 0 INTERCEPTIONS, 0 TOUCHDOWNS, 2 FORCED FUMBLES, 0 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 11 TACKLES FOR LOSSES
The stats may not jump off the screen, but don’t be fooled. Myles Garrett has been the best edge rusher in the NFL this season. No player in the NFL demands more attention than Myles Garrett. He gets doubled more than anyone and still finds ways to make plays.
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