BEST EDGE RUSHERS IN COVERAGE 2026 NFL Draft

2026 BEST EDGE RUSHERS IN COVERAGE

The demand for edge rushers who can efficiently merge pass-rushing prowess with coverage aptitude has risen notably in modern football. Players like Khalil Mack (Buffalo) and Anthony Barr (UCLA) have exemplified this dual-threat nature at the collegiate level, showcasing that the capability to disrupt passing plays and provide coverage adds a multifaceted defensive weapon. Their influences echo in the subsequent generations, underscoring an evolution in the defensive playmaker archetype.

Below, embark on a journey through the present landscape of college football, identifying edge rushers who not only manifest a relentless ability to pressurize quarterbacks but also surprise offensive plays with their deftness in pass coverage. Dive into metrics such as passes defended, coverage snaps per reception, and coverage grades to highlight how these adaptable defenders are augmenting their team’s defensive strategy by blending stellar pass rush with coverage prowess.

2026 Edge Rushers ranked by COVERAGE

RANK Player Pos Team TACKLING PASS RUSH RUN DEFENSE Rating
1

Suntarine
Perkins

LB
/ED
Ole Miss   Mascot
Ole Miss Mascot
75 71 64
83.1
2

Mitchell
Melton

LB
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
54 73 73
65.2
3

Princewill
Umanmielen

LB
/ED
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
46 77 67
81.6
4

Keanu
Koht

LB
/ED
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
56 51 48
43.7
5

Samuel
M'Pemba

LB
/ED
Georgia   Mascot
Georgia Mascot
70 54 41
51.3
6

Keldric
Faulk

DL
/ED
Auburn   Mascot
Auburn Mascot
82 80 93
89.5
7

Adepoju
Adebawore

DL
/ED
Oklahoma   Mascot
Oklahoma Mascot
75 67 63
86.4
8

Braylan
Shelby

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
66 67 65
86.7
9

Kamran
James

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
61 58 74
74.0
10

Jalen
Thompson

DL
/ED
Michigan State   Mascot
Michigan State Mascot
70 64 84
84.9
11

Adonijah
Green

DL
/ED
Louisville   Mascot
Louisville Mascot
54 59 42
35.6
12

Peter
Woods

DL
/ED
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
49 76 81
80.0
13

Rueben
Bain Jr.

DL
/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
43 77 74
87.0
14

Solomon
Tuliaupupu

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
70 59 72
85.2
15

Da'Shawn
Womack

DE
/ED
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
74 79 79
80.0
16

Boubacar
Traore

DL
/ED
Notre Dame   Mascot
Notre Dame Mascot
57 71 71
86.5
17

Matayo
Uiagalelei

DE
/ED
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
63 78 70
84.0