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
72 68 63
83.1
2

Gabe
Jacas

LB
/ED
Illinois   Mascot
Illinois Mascot
66 76 62
80.0
3

Mitchell
Melton

LB
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
54 73 73
65.2
4

Princewill
Umanmielen

LB
/ED
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
42 76 63
81.6
5

Keanu
Koht

LB
/ED
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
56 51 48
43.7
6

Samuel
M'Pemba

LB
/ED
Georgia   Mascot
Georgia Mascot
70 54 41
51.3
7

Mikail
Kamara

DE
/ED
Indiana   Mascot
Indiana Mascot
75 93 91
85.2
8

Adepoju
Adebawore

DL
/ED
Oklahoma   Mascot
Oklahoma Mascot
75 68 61
86.4
9

Solomon
Tuliaupupu

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
61 59 72
85.2
10

Kamran
James

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
61 58 74
74.0
11

Keaten
Wade

DE
/ED
Colorado   Mascot
Colorado Mascot
74 66 81
72.5
12

Da'Shawn
Womack

DE
/ED
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
72 79 76
80.0
13

Cade
Denhoff

DE
/ED
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
45 44 50
45.4
14

Rueben
Bain Jr.

DL
/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
48 80 80
88.5
15

Jalen
Thompson

DL
/ED
Michigan State   Mascot
Michigan State Mascot
70 64 84
84.9
16

Adonijah
Green

DL
/ED
Louisville   Mascot
Louisville Mascot
54 59 42
35.6
17

Braylan
Shelby

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
69 65 68
86.7
18

Demon
Clowney

DL
/ED
Charlotte   Mascot
Charlotte Mascot
53 56 54
61.3
19

Keldric
Faulk

DL
/ED
Auburn   Mascot
Auburn Mascot
84 81 93
89.5
20

LT
Overton

DE
/ED
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
62 80 82
86.0