Editor’s note: The Union-Tribune’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 24-26). Here are his top 10 edge rushers, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

— 1. Abdul Carter (Jr., Penn St., 6-foot-3, 250 pounds)

After spending his first two years as an off-ball linebacker for the Nittany Lions, Carter moved to edge last season, where the former four-star recruit led the FBS with 23 1/2 tackles for loss. The consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year also finished with 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. Carter is a bit shorter than the average edge prospect who most consider to be a top-5 lock, but there are no false steps in his approach or wasted motion when he bends and flattens out his rush. In other words, he’s Roy Hobbs. He’s had one season as a full-time pass rusher, and he’s already this good. Carter features a half-dozen (at least) effective moves in his pass rush repertoire, while most rookies enter the league with maybe one or two. Physicals at the combine revealed Carter had suffered a stress fracture in his right foot. A recent recheck in Indianapolis showed the injury is healing and won’t require surgery. Projected: Top-3

— 2. Jalon Walker (Jr., Georgia, 6-1, 243)

What I wouldn’t give for the former five-star recruit to be coached by Brian Flores in the pros, but this kid is getting nowhere near the Vikings’ pick at No. 24 overall. An off-ball linebacker turned rusher, like Penn State’s Carter, Walker won the Butkus Award last season. He was at his best against Texas, producing 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in two victories. I don’t see a true “hybrid” or “tweener” like some. I see the type of chess piece and playmaker defensive coordinators usually salivate over. He masks what a defensive front looks like, depending on where he’s at pre-snap, in space or off the edge. You can move him off-ball, you can walk him down and add him to the rush, or even move him back and stand him up. Regardless, he needs to weaponized as a pass rusher, because that’s what he does best. He’s a slightly smaller Von Miller, or an even better comp would be former Colts’ five-time Pro Bowler Robert Mathis. There’s All-Pro upside, assuming he can get stronger at the next level. Projected: Top-10

— 3. James Pearce Jr. (Jr., Tennessee, 6-5, 245)

Pearce produced 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss his sophomore season in Knoxville, primarily beating SEC tackles with his explosive first step and elite athleticism (9.40 RAS). He followed that up with 7 1/2 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, while being selected as a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. Pearce effortlessly converts speed to power. If he continues to develop his pass-rush arsenal and adds some bulk to his tall frame, he’s talented enough to challenge Penn State’s Carter as the best pure pass rusher in this draft. There are perceived maturity issues, but they’re overblown. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 4. Shemar Stewart (Jr., Texas A&M, 6-5, 267)

Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch. The former five-star recruit handled his business during Senior Bowl week, with some NFL execs calling him the best player in Mobile, Ala., and then he blew the roof off of Lucas Oil Stadium with a historic performance at the combine. He earned a perfect 10 relative athletic score (RAS) which is first out of 1,802 defense ends since 1987. Stewart sets an ironclad edge against the run, and he’s a disruptive pass rusher, but he lets the quarterback off the hook too often. Projected: Round 1

— 5. Mykel Williams (Jr., Georgia, 6-5, 267)

A former five-star recruit, Williams hasn’t put it all together yet, but it doesn’t require a lot of imagination to foresee him having success at the next level. He oozes the physical traits and talent defensive coordinators seek, and is already a plus-run defender. Williams said injuries kept him limited to about 60% last season, which is a scary thought, considering he earned second-team All-SEC recognition for the second straight season. He didn’t test at the combine due to a foot injury he suffered at the Sugar Bowl, but he ran unofficial times of 4.73 and 4.81 in the 40-yard dash at the Bulldogs’ pro day. Projected: Round 1

— 6. Donovan Ezeiruaku (Sr., Boston College, 6-2, 248)

Ezeiruaku was second in the FBS with 16 1/2 sacks and fourth with 20 1/2 tackles for loss, earning the Ted Hendricks Award (best defensive end) and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He wins with speed and an elite swim move, while being slippery at the point of attack. He scripts detailed pass-rush plans that baffle offensive tackles, but he doesn’t offer much as a run defender. Ezeiruaku finished with the fastest three-cone drill (6.94) and short shuttle (4.19) among participating defensive linemen in Indy. He joined Mathias Kiwanuka as the only players in program history to reach 30 career sacks. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 7. Mike Green (So., Marshall, 6-3, 251)

A former three-star recruit, Green earned first-team All-American recognition after leading the nation with 17 sacks. The Virginia transfer’s 22 1/2 tackles for loss were also tops until Penn State’s Carter surpassed him during the College Football Playoff. Green has arguably been the biggest riser in this year’s draft class, considering 2024 was his first season as a full-time starter. He’s a twitched-up sack artist who didn’t look out of place against Ohio State in September or at Senior Bowl practices in January, but he’s a work-in-progress against the run. Green was suspended entering his second season at Virginia because of a sexual assault allegation and decided to leave the program. He was not charged after the Charlottesville police suspended the investigation. Green also faced a sexual assault allegation his senior year of high school, but no formal charges were filed. Green denied any wrongdoing at his combine press conference. Projected: Round 1

— 8. J.T. Tuimoloau (Sr., Ohio St., 6-4, 264)

Only QB Quinn Ewers was ranked higher in the 2021 recruiting class. I’ve allocated too much mental real estate to his performance against Penn State in 2022. He had six tackles, two sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), a forced fumble he recovered, and a pass deflection that was intercepted by a teammate. Tuimoloau had 6 1/2 of his 12 1/2 sacks last year in four playoff games to help the Buckeyes secure their first national title in a decade. He is a rugged edge defender with the size, athleticism (9.33 RAS) and the ability to shed blocks, meaning he could become an elite run defender in the NFL right away. However, his pass rush plan begins and ends with power, and will need to be developed/expanded if he hopes to maintain even half of his 2024 sack production in the pros. Projected: Round 2

— 9. Nic Scourton (Jr., Texas A&M, 6-3, 257)

Scourton led the Big Ten in sacks (10) and produced 15 tackles for loss as a sophomore at Purdue. The former four-star recruit took his inside-outside versatility and nasty spin move to the SEC last season, where he had five sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his only season with the Aggies, earning second-team All-American recognition. Scourton is a physical presence with highly-skilled hands and efficient footwork. He slimmed down from 285 pounds for the combine just to show NFL teams he could, and plans to play closer to 270 in the pros. Projected: Round 2

— 10. Landon Jackson (Sr., Arkansas, 6-6, 264)

The eighth-ranked edge defender in the 2021 recruiting class, Jackson spent a year at LSU before joining the Razorbacks in 2022. He’s a two-time team captain who has earned All-SEC recognition the past two seasons. His size, reach and elite power makes him a finisher against the run, and a vacuum for any QB who happens to drift anywhere near his vicinity. Jackson made several plays for the National team in the Senior Bowl, including a forced fumble with a strip-sack on former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart. He is one of just four players since 2003 to weigh more than 260 pounds and jump higher than 40 inches in the vertical at the combine. The other three were Mario Williams (2006), Myles Garrett (2017) and Shemar Stewart this year. Both Williams and Garrett were selected first overall in their respective drafts. Projected: Round 2

— 11. Josaiah Stewart (Sr., Michigan, 6-1, 249)

A former three-star recruit, Stewart spent two years at Coastal Carolina before joining the Wolverines in 2023. He earned All-Big Ten recognition both seasons in Ann Arbor, and was voted team captain as a senior. He led the team in sacks (8 1/2), tackles for loss (13) and forced fumbles (two) last season. Stewart is undersized, but he features explosive get-off with a variety of pass-rush moves, and he’s a competent edge-setter. Projected: Round 3

— 12. Jared Ivey (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-6, 274)

A former four-star recruit, Ivey played two seasons at Georgia Tech before joining the Rebels in 2022. He has prototypical size and length for an edge defender, and finished last season with 10 1/2 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. He increased his sack production all five seasons in college. Ivey wins with power, technique and a high football IQ. Multiple front teams will love his versatility — he primarily played on the interior in 2023 for Ole Miss. Ivey’s strength enables him to stack blockers and set the edge. Developing a bull-rush in the pros could unlock another level. Projected: Round 5

— 13. Ashton Gillotte (Sr., Louisville, 6-2, 264)

A former three-star recruit, Gillotte earned second-team All-American recognition in 2023, ranking seventh in the FBS in sacks (11) while leading the Cardinals with 14 1/2 tackles for loss. His production took a bit of a dip last season (4 1/2 sacks and 10 TFL), but he was still selected second-team All-ACC. Gillotte features violent hands and a devastating bull-rush. He consistently wins leverage battles despite his height and length, primarily because of his stout lower half (he’s built like a fullback). Gillotte had one of the better pro days this cycle, running a 4.65 40-yard dash with a 1.59 10-yard split, a 4.35 short shuttle and 6.95 three-cone drill — all impressive times for his position (9.74 RAS). Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 14. Jordan Burch (Sr., Oregon, 6-4, 279)

Burch was the eighth-ranked recruit nationally in the 2020 class. He spent three years at South Carolina before joining the Ducks. He’s a scheme-versatile defender who can play multiple positions along the line. Burch features physical gifts you can’t teach — he ran a 4.67 40-yard dash with a strong 1.65 10-yard split in Indy. He has a strong first step, but can disrupt a play with his long arms even if he doesn’t get to the QB (11 career passes defensed). He’s an excellent tackler, and solid against the run, but his pursuit lags if the play is away from him. Burch turns 24 in October. Projected: Round 2

— 15. Jack Sawyer (Sr., Ohio St., 6-4, 260)

Sawyer produced 4 1/2 sacks and six pass breakups during the Buckeyes’ four-game playoff march to the title. His strip-sack, 83-yard scoop and score against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal is one of the most clutch individual plays in college football history. The former five-star recruit is a one dimensional pass rusher who wins with power, sets a strong edge and features a relentless motor, but missed tackles have been an issue. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 16. Sai’vion Jones (Sr., LSU, 6-5, 283)

The 10th-ranked edge defender in the 2021 recruiting class, Jones became a two-year starter for the Tigers. He’s tough, physical, athletic (9.20 RAS) and relentless. Jones has the size and length to play inside or outside, and he may be a better pass rusher from the interior. He maxes out every play, but he misses too many tackles in space. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 17. Kyle Kennard (Sr., South Carolina, 6-4, 254)

A former three-star recruit, Kennard spent four years at Georgia Tech before joining the Gamecocks for his breakout season. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defender) and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award (nation’s top lineman), ranking eighth in the FBS in sacks (11 1/2) while leading South Carolina with 15 1/2 tackles for loss. Kennard features a good variety of pass-rush moves. There’s no false steps in his approach, and he easily converts speed to power. The effort is there as a run defender, but too often linemen will simply escort Kennard away from the point of contact. He turns 24 in December. Projected: Round 4

— 18. Princely Umanmielen (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-4, 244)

Umanmielen spent four years with Florida, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2023, before joining the Rebels last year. He produced career highs in sacks (10 1/2) and tackles for loss (14) in his only season at Ole Miss, earning first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American honors. He features a quick first step, good size and the athleticism (8.99 RAS) to regularly threaten the QB, but struggles to consistently set the edge, so he projects as a designated pass rusher early in his NFL career. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 19. Antwaun Powell-Ryland (Sr., Virginia Tech, 6-2, 258)

A former four-star recruit, Powell-Ryland spent three years at Florida before joining the Hokies in 2023. He’s produced 25 1/2 sacks and 33 1/2 tackles for loss the past two seasons, earning second-team All-American recognition in 2024. He’s had four sacks in a game three times at Virginia Tech, joining Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick, as the only players in program history to do that multiple times. Powell-Ryland is a bit stocky, and lacks length, but he’s a polished pass rusher with a deep arsenal of moves, including counters. He’s athletic (9.18 RAS), and has a knack for separating ball-carriers from the ball — three forced fumbles in straight seasons. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 20. Bradyn Swinson (Sr., LSU, 6-3, 255)

A former three-star recruit, Swinson spent three years at Oregon before joining the Tigers in 2023. He led the team in sacks (8 1/2) and tackles for loss (13) last season, his only one as a full-time starter. Swinson wins with length, speed and flexibility. His 59 pressures ranked fifth in the FBS last year. He could benefit from adding more mass to improve his ability to anchor against the run in the pros. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 21. Barryn Sorrell (Sr., Texas, 6-3, 256)

A former three-star recruit, Sorrell became a three-year starter for the Longhorns, earning All-Big 12 recognition twice. He led them with 49 pressures last season, and is more powerful than explosive as a pass rusher. His motor is non-stop against the run, but he was an inconsistent tackler in 2024. Sorrell was No. 79 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list last season with a 425-pound bench press, 575 squat and 355 power clean (9.31 RAS). He was also voted the American Team’s top defensive lineman during practices at the Senior Bowl. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 22. Oluwafemi Oladejo (Sr., UCLA, 6-3, 261)

A former three-star recruit, Oladejo spent two years at Cal before joining the Bruins in 2023. He led the team in sacks (4 1/2) and tackles for loss (13 1/2) in his first season playing off the edge, after switching from off-ball linebacker. Oladejo has flashed a developing spin move, but his pass-rush toolbox is just beginning to fill up. He still features a linebacker’s range and remains a physical presence against the run, but his play diagnosis from the edge needs work. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 23. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (Jr., Georgia, 6-5, 276)

A former four-star recruit, Ingram-Dawkins only made 10 starts for the Bulldogs in four seasons (all in 2024). The production is disappointing, but the athletic profile (9.79 RAS) suggests he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. Almost half of his 17 tackles last year came in the backfield. Ingram-Dawkins is a scheme- and position-versatile prospect with an explosive first step, but he’s far from a finished product. Projected: Round 4

— 24. David Walker (Sr., Central Arkansas, 6-1, 263)

A former no-star recruit, Walker spent three years at Division II Southern Arkansas before joining the Bears in 2022. He has a unique build, reminiscent of recently retired Brandon Graham, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more dominant player in Division 1 football. A three-time consensus FCS All-American, Walker had 39 sacks and 82 1/2 tackles for loss the past four seasons, never producing fewer than eight sacks or 18 tackles for loss in a season. He’s lacking length, but he wins with natural leverage, core strength, and an explosive lower half (8.63 RAS) — his bull-rush is automatic. Walker used his powerful low center of gravity to win several one-on-one reps against top FBS tackles during Senior Bowl practices. He will be 25 in June, and suffered a torn ACL his senior year of high school. Projected: Round 4

— 25. Elijah Roberts (Sr., SMU, 6-3, 285)

A former four-star recruit, Roberts spent three years at Miami before joining the Mustangs in 2023. He earned All-AAC recognition twice, and led the team in sacks both seasons. Roberts is an incredibly disruptive pass rusher who led the FBS with 131 pressures the past two seasons. He plays with brute strength and varies his rush plan to keep tackles off-balance. The senior captain uses his long arms and powerful hands to hold the edge, but he does occasionally get stuck on blocks vs. run. He can also be a little stiff in lateral movements when he’s rushing the passer. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 26. Fadil Diggs (Sr., Syracuse, 6-4, 257)

A former four-star recruit, Diggs spent four years at Texas A&M, where he was a two-time team captain, before joining the Orange last season. He led the team in sacks (7 1/2) and tackles for loss (14). Diggs is a smooth athlete (9.36 RAS) with prototypical size and length. He isn’t a technician, but he uses rip moves effectively. Diggs turns 24 in October. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— 27. Ahmed Hassanein (Sr., Boise St., 6-2, 267)

A former three-star recruit, Hassanein is the first player from Egypt to play FBS football. He was an internationally-ranked CrossFit athlete, who competed in boxing, judo, jujitsu, swimming and wrestling as a teenager in Africa. He became a two-year starter for the Broncos, earning first-team All-MWC recognition twice and was voted team captain last season. Hassanein has been highly-productive, producing 22 sacks, 33 tackles for loss with 115 pressures (third most in FBS) the past two seasons. He’s an average athlete (7.08 RAS) with developing instincts, but he plays with non-stop effort and he’s tough as nails (played most of his junior season with a torn labrum). Hassanein was a finalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year in 2024. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 28. Elijah Ponder (Sr., Cal Poly, 6-3, 251)

A former two-star recruit, Ponder became a four-year starter for the Mustangs, earning All-Big Sky recognition all four seasons. He’s produced at least seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in three of the past four years, while also making an impact on special teams (he’s blocked a field goal and PAT). Ponder made it look easy against primarily FCS competition, but he proved he has the athletic traits (9.70 RAS) to succeed in the NFL. He had the best vertical jump (41 inches) and broad jump (11 feet) in this edge class, and his 1.56 10-yard split was second. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 29. Tyler Batty (Sr., BYU, 6-5, 271)

A former three-star recruit, Batty served a two-year LDS mission in Spain after high school before becoming a four-year starter and three-time team captain for the Cougars, earning All-Big 12 recognition the past two seasons. Batty features NFL size and length with functional athleticism (8.77 RAS). He wins with power and technique, but he’ll need a more imaginative pass rush plan to take on tackles in the pros. Batty turns 26 in May. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 30. Jasheen Davis (Sr., Wake Forest, 6-3, 251)

A former four-star recruit, Davis became a four-year starter and led the Demon Deacons in sacks and tackles for loss each of the past three seasons. His 51 career TFL rank second in school history. Davis has the strength and length to set the edge as a run defender, but it’s his first-step quickness and slippery pass rush ability that will earn him a shot in the pros. Davis turns 24 in December. Projected: PFA

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