Edge Players to watch for the 2023 NFL Draft

Myles Murphy, Clemson

Murphy is a supreme athlete and would add a high-ceiling pass rusher to any team. He is raw with a select number of pass-rush moves, but he has the ability to be a game-changer. He’s exceptional at setting the edge and could be an elite player down the road. His long arms and ability in run defense will immediately get him on the field where he can quickly turn into a force on the edge.

Nolan Smith, Georgia

Smith is a fantastic leader with a relentless motor. He has great length and power combined with a good first step. However, his hand usage is inconsistent. That could be a limiting factor at the next level. His ability to bend and his tools make him an enticing prospect.

Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu broke out this past season as a pass rush specialist. He moved around the defensive line and continued to produce. He tallied 52 pressures on the year and became a cornerstone of the UCLA defense. However, there are some medical concerns. Before the 2022 season, he hadn’t played football since 2019 due to numbness in his neck. If he’s medically cleared, he could be a huge find.

BJ Ojulari, LSU

Ojulari is a fluid athlete that jumps off the line and has the tenacity to finish plays. Elected as a captain in college, he has a great feel for the game and the NFL pedigree with older brother Azeez Ojulari drafted in 2021. While he has a diverse toolbox of pass-rush moves, he’s a bit undersized. He lacks the length to keep tackles off of him and needs to add weight to hold up in the run game.