Seahawks Draft: Ranking DE/EDGE Prospects; Star for Seattle at No. 5?

After struggling to consistently pressure quarterbacks during the 2022 season, the Seattle Seahawks could use extra help off the edge to complement Uchenna Nwosu and company. Reporter Corbin Smith ranks his top EDGE/defensive end prospects, including a deep crop of day one targets.

With less than two weeks remaining until the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks will soon be on the clock with the fifth overall pick and hold 10 total selections, presenting a prime opportunity to bolster their roster with young talent.

With veterans Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor as well as second-year defender Boye Mafe all set to return in 2023, Seattle has a solid stable of talent at outside linebacker already on the roster. But the unit could still use reinforcements as the team aims to improve from a dismal 28th ranked pass rush win rate per ESPN metrics.

As part of my annual prospect rankings, here's where each of the top EDGE/defensive end prospects from the 2023 class falls on my top 300 with quick scouting reports and reported visits with the Seahawks if applicable.

*Players are listed in order by position with overall ranking in parenthesis.

Tier 1 - First-Round Talents

1 (1). Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

At 253 pounds, Anderson may lack the size to play a prototypical 4-3 defensive end role and won't play inside as much as he did in college. Playing off the edge, however, his combination of elite burst, footwork, and closing speed are unmatched in this year's draft class and he racked up sacks in bunches starring for a dominant Crimson Tide defense. In a 3-4 scheme at the next level, he should resume terrorizing signal-callers from the outset and could have an All-Pro ceiling.

2 (7). Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

Possessing elite size at 6-6, 275 pounds and a relentless motor, Wilson can bully opponents as a bull rusher while exhibiting surprising bend and quickness around the edge for a player of his stature. He will need refinement with hand technique and development of a more advanced pass-rushing plan to succeed in the NFL, but his natural tools and hard-nosed effort should make him a problem for opposing tackles to block on day one.

3 (15). Myles Murphy, Clemson

While dominant at times for the Tigers, the 6'5, 275-pound Murphy hasn't always flashed the best burst, explosiveness, or bend off the edge showcased in his pro day workout, often winning with pure power against opposing tackles. Whoever drafts him will have a tool chest of physical traits to work with and mold him into a more refined rusher with as high of a ceiling as any outside linebacker in this class, but it may take time compared to Anderson and Wilson.

4 (18). Nolan Smith, Georgia

Reported Visit: Combine Formal

Despite being a smaller 235-pound edge defender, Smith proved to be a stout run defender at Georgia, playing with excellent technique and physicality off the edge. His pass rushing has been inconsistent, as his elite burst and quickness is evident but his lack of counter moves and struggles working off blocks have led to fewer pressures than expected of a player of his athleticism and talent. In the right system unlocking his athletic talents, he could be a far better pro than college player.

© Bryon Houlgrave/The Register via Imagn Content Services, LLC

5 (20). Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

Possessing excellent size at 6-5, 265 pounds, Van Ness' calling card remains turning speed into power as a bull rusher and most of his 13 sacks at Iowa came via bullying opposing blockers. He has a lot of work to do developing counter moves and playing with more consistent run fits after not starting a game for the Hawkeyes, but a strong combine performance could vault him into top-15 discussion due to his carbon copy edge build and intriguing array of talents.

6 (23). Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern

Reported Visit: Top-30 Official

A remarkable athlete at 282 pounds who ran a sub-4.50 40-yard dash at the combine, Adebawore could play significant snaps as a 3-tech defensive tackle while also sliding outside as a standup edge, making him scheme flexible. His athletic gifts don't always show up on tape, but he's a high effort player with outstanding positional versatility who can get after quarterbacks and stuff the run, making him well-worth a first round investment with a high ceiling.

7 (28). Tuli Tuipulotu, USC

Somehow flying under the radar despite posting 13.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss for USC in 2022, Tuipulotu is a disruptive, high-energy defender suited to play in either 3-4 or 4-3 fronts off the edge or in the interior. While not the most explosive defender off the snap, he has adequate quickness to shoot gaps and he's masterful with his hands shedding blocks, which should bode well for him to develop into a productive NFL pass rusher with enough upside and versatility to be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Tier 2 - Second/Third-Round Talents

8 (36). Keion White, Georgia Tech

Lacking experience as a converted tight end, White still needs to improve hand placement and technique off the snap. But he often compensated for those flaws with elite athletic tools at 280 pounds, allowing him to overcome poor starts out of his stance. Capable of rushing from multiple alignments along the defensive line, he may be one of the most intriguing 3-4 scheme prospects at the position and teams overlooking his advanced age could like him early on day two.

9 (38). Felix Azudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

There's much work to be done with Anudike-Uzomah as a run defender, starting with continued development of hand usage to dispel blocks. He also struggled with missed tackles, posting an ugly 18 percent miss rate last season. But while he may not be an every down defender right off the bat, his electric first step off the line as a rusher should make him an immediate threat on passing downs in the league and his ability to create turnovers also adds value to his stock as an early day two candidate.

10 (43). Derick Hall, Auburn

Aggressive hunting quarterbacks using a power-oriented approach maximized by his lengthy 34 1/4-inch arms, Hall put together two impressive seasons to cap off his college career with 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He will need to diversify his pass rushing approach to enjoy similar success at the next level and he guesses too much defending the run at this stage, but his demeanor and motor should pave the way for him to improve those areas as a long-term starter.

11 (50). Will McDonald IV, Iowa State

A lean 241 pounds, McDonald plays bigger than his build suggests, using strong hands and excellent length to disengage from blockers. With that said, setting the edge can be problematic for him and he will be best suited in a 3-4 where he can line up out wide and let his athleticism work to his advantage, as the Cyclones put him inside far too often. One of the bendiest rushers in this class, he could be a day two steal in the right situation.

12 (62). BJ Ojulari, LSU

Possessing an explosive first step at 250 pounds, Ojulari looks the part of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but his performance has been hit and miss in college. He can tantalize with his speed and explosiveness off the edge to rocket around tackles to collapse the pocket, only to disappear for stretches afterward. While a capable run defender, there have been clear lapses in effort at times, which puts him squarely in second/third round range for the draft.

© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

13 (64). Byron Young, Tennessee

Reported Visit: Top-30 Official

An explosive athlete who ran in the low 4.4s and posted a 38-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine, Young possesses a NASCAR-worthy accelerator flying off the edge and used that burst to amass 12.5 sacks in two seasons against SEC competition. Weighing 250 pounds, he can be overwhelmed at the point of attack as a run defender, but still made plenty of plays in that regard due to his quickness and ability to split gaps. If he wasn't going to be 26 years old as a rookie, he might be in the mix for first round.

14 (71). Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame

Built with an ideal 6-5, 262-pound frame, Foskey often won at the college level with power, including a devastating long arm move. To find success in the NFL, development of another quality counter move or two will be essential, as he isn't the most flexible speed rusher and lacks the bend to dip and turn the corner with regularity. Average testing numbers likely pushed him down into the middle of day two for the draft.

15 (84). Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss

Possessing great size at 6-6, 257 pounds with intriguing athletic traits, Robinson has shown flashes of excellence as a run defender and pass rusher in the SEC and when he did get to the quarterback last year, he forced a conference-high five fumbles. He will need to get stronger and focus on development of counter moves to complement his bull rush and may need a redshirt year as a reserve, but his potential as a 4-3 end or standup linebacker could jump him into day two consideration.

16 (91). Colby Wooden, Auburn

Wooden lacks the prototypical NFL defensive tackle build at under 285 pounds and has battled persistent leverage issues, making it easier for opponents to get underneath him. However, he plays bigger than his size against the run and deploys a healthy array of counters to disengage from blocks rushing the passer, which should help him produce in that regard at the next level. Still a bit of a project, he could be a late day two steal playing in either 4-3 or 3-4 alignments as a big end.

17 (95). Zach Harrison, Ohio State

A former five-star recruit, injuries and inconsistent play limited Harrison's production to only 11 sacks in four college seasons. Though his film leaves much to be desired in many regards, including sluggish hands on counters and less juice than expected given his athleticism,  his size, physical traits, and pedigree could still enamor teams enough to warrant an earlier selection than expected based on his stat line with hopes of unlocking his potential in the pros.

Tier 3 - Day Three/Undrafted Talents

18 (98). Isaiah McGuire, Missouri

Weighing in at 271 pounds at the Senior Bowl, McGuire has the size to thrive as a base defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and primarily was used in that capacity with the Tigers. Often winning with speed turned into power as a bull rusher and a stellar rip move, he has a refined counter game coming into the pros, but he hasn't exhibited the burst of some of his draft peers and may not have enough versatility to be a 3-4 outside linebacker with coverage responsibilities.

19 (102). Nick Herbig, Wisconsin

Reported Visit: Top-30 Official

Despite being undersized at 240 pounds, Herbig emerged as one of the nation's premier pass rushers thanks to an explosive first step and sneaky-good hand usage to work off of blocks, producing 20 sacks in his final two seasons. An instinctive player who understands the game and how to attack opponents, his lean frame may make it difficult for him to be more than a rush specialist at outside linebacker, but such a role could still be quite valuable for an early day three pick.

20 (103). DJ Johnson, Oregon

Throwing violent hands that can knock even the strongest tackles off their mark, Johnson's raw power helped him break out with six sacks as a senior after playing tight end the previous two years. He has intriguing day two athleticism with 4.49 speed, but his lack of experience shows in his technical game where he struggles working off of blocks or executing changeups from his bull rush with a lack of counters. He's a project with a low floor and lofty ceiling depending on coaching.

21 (105). Dylan Horton, TCU

A late bloomer after starting out slow at New Mexico, Horton found his footing with the Horned Frogs, jumping from 1.5 sacks to four sacks to 10.5 sacks over the past three seasons. Carrying a muscular 257-pound frame, he looks the part of an NFL defensive end, but a lean lower body coupled with inconsistent hand strike placement hurts him when battling blocks in the run game. He has enough juice and power off the edge to be a rushing threat in the league, but he's still a work in progress.

22 (117). Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State

A second cousin of Bucs star Vita Vea, Fehoko tied for sixth in the nation with 19 tackles for loss for the Spartans last season and earned Mountain West Defender of the Year honors. More quick than fast at 276 pounds, he can turn speed to power as a bull rusher and deploys effective swipe and swim counters to disengage and collapse on the pocket. He's a tweener who plays too upright at times against the run and finding a position for him will determine if his college production translates in the NFL.

23 (122). Mike Morris, Michigan

Reported Visit: Combine Formal

A breakout player for the Wolverines with 7.5 sacks last season, Morris disappointed with ugly testing numbers at the combine. But he moves much faster and quicker on film and at 292 pounds, he plays with powerful hands at the point of attack and in spurts, he exhibited off-the-charts athleticism rushing upfield for a player of his size. He's rough around the edges and his testing will scare some teams off, but there's still plenty of day three upside.

24 (125). Brenton Cox Jr., Florida

Football-wise, Cox has plenty of talent, capable of taking on blocks and shedding them to make plays in the run game and beating tackles with underrated power off the edge at 250 pounds. But he has been too much of a one-trick pony without any signature pass rushing counters to lean on and teams will have serious questions that need answered after he was booted by both Georgia and Florida's programs, a major red flag that puts him squarely in day three territory.

25 (135). Andre Carter II, Army

One of the best players ever to suit up at a service academy, the 6'7, 260-pound edge defender was one of college football's most prolific pass rushers in 2021, racking up 14.5 sacks and earning Third-Team All-American honors. He wasn't as productive as a senior and didn't test well at the combine, dropping his stock after initially being viewed as a day two prospect. Hitting an NFL weight room will work wonders and given his football talent, he's still an intriguing day three target.

© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

26 (139). Karl Brooks, Bowling Green

One of the more underrated EDGE defenders in this class, as evidenced by the lack of a combine invite, Brooks stuffed the stat sheet in the MAC with 17.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss in 2021 and 2022. While he's not the most explosive athlete, he has shocking quickness at 303 pounds and a motor that doesn't quit, allowing him to slip past blocks and consistently make plays in the backfield. Capable of playing inside and out with great technique, he has a chance to be a day three gem.

27 (141). Moro Ojomo, Texas

Weighing under 290 pounds, Ojomo is a classic tweener whose position remains uncertain in the NFL. He may not have enough sand in his britches to play 3-tech defensive tackle in the league and while his motor always runs hot, his athleticism may not be quite good enough to play off the edge in a 4-3 scheme either. Still, he's a great football player going under the radar and offers value as a mid-day three rotational defensive lineman.

28 (146). KJ Henry, Clemson

Another former top recruit, Henry never quite lived up to his billing in the shadow of players such as Clelin Ferrell and Murphy. He has the athletic skills to be a problem off the edge with 4.6 speed at 251 pounds, but he struggled to develop his counters and pass rushing plan off of upfield speed rushes, leading to disappointing sack and pressure numbers. If coaches can reach him, there's still plenty of untapped upside for him to be a starter down the line.

29 (147). Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan

A short, compact 6'2, 265 pounds, Incoom lacks great speed or the typical desired length of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he compensates for that deficiency with a powerful upper body that allows him to disengage from blockers to make tackles. After impressing in Mobile, he tested better than anticipated with a 4.66 40-yard dash and could be in fourth/fifth round range for 4-3 or 3-4 teams.

30 (154). YaYa Diaby, Louisville

Reported Visit: Top-30 Official

Due to his relative inexperience, Diaby remains a work in progress with fundamentals, including an unrefined tool box in the counter moves department. However, he offers top-flight burst off the edge and knows how to find his way into the backfield for impact plays, which allowed him to become an All-ACC performer in 2022. With his motor, athleticism, and emerging pass rushing prowess, he will be coveted as a developmental day three asset.

31 (162). Eku Leota, Auburn

Though Leota did post seven sacks in his first season with the Tigers after transferring from Northwestern, he's far from a dynamic edge rusher with an unpolished counter toolbox and his production in that aspect was fleeting. But he's a stout run defender who doesn't get pushed around off the edge and plays with sturdy hands, creating value in the middle rounds as a 3-4 outside linebacker where he isn't locked into frequent trench battles inside the tackles.

32 (172). Nick Hampton, Appalachian State

Weighing under 240 pounds with a frame that likely won't allow for much added muscle, Hampton lacks the strength to hold up as an every down defender in the NFL. But specialty pass rushers can carve out long careers in the league and he's a blazer shooting upfield off the edge with sub 4.6 speed, possessing the natural athleticism, explosion, and bend to be an effective rotational force at the next level if a coordinator can find a way to mitigate his size concerns schematically.

© William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

33 (181). Lonnie Phelps, Kansas

Lacking NFL size for a defensive end at 244 pounds and posting average testing numbers, Phelps won't wow with his measurables. But he produced quality sack and tackle for loss numbers at Miami (OH) and Kansas and showed well at the Senior Bowl, generating multiple pressures in the all-star game with unexpected power and punched out a fumble. With the potential to start with a bit more time in the weight room, he's a quality day three flier candidate.

34 (188). Tyrus Wheat, Mississippi State

A steady, if unspectacular edge for the Bulldogs, Wheat posted at least five sacks in each of his three college seasons. He exhibits the toughness and physicality necessary to win off the snap as a rusher and run defender, but opposing blockers had success sealing him due to poor lateral quickness and delayed reads. An underwhelming combine showing didn't do him any favors, but his solid numbers and experience playing multiple positions in the SEC should lead to a day three selection.

35 (196). Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan

Weighing under 250 pounds, Ramirez seems disinterested at times defending the run and opponents can take him for a ride on drive blocks, limiting his overall value. However, he has elite quickness and change of direction skills coupled with a refined pass rushing palette, putting those skills on full display racking up 12 sacks as a senior for the Eagles. He's not a one-trick pony as a rusher, giving him a shot to splash as a rotational defender hunting quarterbacks.

36 (198). Ali Gaye, LSU

Reported Visit: Local Pro Day

Heralding from Lynnwood, Washington, Gaye has the prototypical size (6'6, 263 pounds) and alluring athleticism teams covet from an edge rushing prospect. However, he's the textbook definition of raw, lacking the strength and technical refinement at this point to utilize his length and explosiveness effectively as a playmaker. His natural talent justifies a day three selection, but he may need a year of seasoning before he's ready to play extensive snaps in the league.

37 (209). Robert Beal Jr., Georgia

Stuck behind numerous NFL prospects, Beal never had the breakout season many hoped as a former five-star recruit, though he did lead the Bulldogs with 6.5 sacks in 2021. Due to his lack of game action, he's not near as polished of a defender as he should be, lacking the urgency to work off blocks and leaving plays on the field with below-average pursuit skills. But with good size, excellent length, and 4.48 speed, he remains play dough that can be sculpted into a quality player at the next level in time.

38 (215). Isaiah Land, Florida A&M

Weighing only 225 pounds soaking wet, Land doesn't look like a prototypical NFL edge rusher and lacks the meat in his lower body to hold up as a run defender in the trenches. However, he surprised with his physicality in Mobile and in today's pass happy game, his explosiveness and top-tier get off should give him a chance to get drafted and carve out a role as a situational rusher and special teamer in the league.

39 (252). Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State

Checking in at close to 280 pounds, Lacy projects as a base defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or a defensive tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Though capable of splitting gaps and doing damage as a penetrator, his production has been hit and miss in college and he lacks power as an interior rusher, which could limit his positional flexibility. An experienced prospect, teams seeking a rotational 5-tech end or 3-tech tackle could take a day three flier hoping to unlock a bit more from him as a rusher.

Previous Positional Rankings

Defensive Tackle | Quarterback

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