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

Mitchell
Melton

LB
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
56 75 74
65.2
3

Princewill
Umanmielen

LB
/ED
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
42 76 63
81.6
4

Gabe
Jacas

LB
/ED
Illinois   Mascot
Illinois Mascot
65 78 64
80.0
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

Boubacar
Traore

DL
/ED
Notre Dame   Mascot
Notre Dame Mascot
57 74 72
86.5
8

Adonijah
Green

DL
/ED
Louisville   Mascot
Louisville Mascot
63 61 45
35.6
9

Demon
Clowney

DL
/ED
Charlotte   Mascot
Charlotte Mascot
53 56 54
61.3
10

Keldric
Faulk

DL
/ED
Auburn   Mascot
Auburn Mascot
84 81 93
89.5
11

Cashius
Howell

DL
/ED
Texas A&M   Mascot
Texas A&M Mascot
68 94 73
81.5
12

Patrick
Payton

DL
/ED
Florida State   Mascot
Florida State Mascot
46 67 67
82.6
13

Solomon
Tuliaupupu

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
61 59 72
85.2
14

Da'Shawn
Womack

DE
/ED
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
72 79 76
80.0
15

Kamran
James

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
65 56 75
74.0
16

Derrick
Moore

DE
/ED
Michigan   Mascot
Michigan Mascot
68 89 72
82.9
17

Dani
Dennis-Sutto...

DE
/ED
Penn State   Mascot
Penn State Mascot
58 80 76
83.0
18

T.J.
Parker

DE
/ED
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
70 86 85
90.4
19

Rueben
Bain Jr.

DL
/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
48 81 81
88.5
20

Keaten
Wade

DE
/ED
Colorado   Mascot
Colorado Mascot
74 66 81
72.5