BEST EDGE RUSHERS IN RUN DEFENSE 2026 NFL Draft

2026 BEST EDGE RUSHERS IN RUN DEFENSE

The linchpin in anchoring solid run defense often comes from the peripheries. Edge rushers, such as Jadeveon Clowney from South Carolina, have exemplified the significant role that disciplined and aggressive play on the exterior defensive line can have in stymieing the opponent’s ground game, forcing negative yardage plays and altering offensive strategies.

Delve into the data below to identify the emerging edge rushers in college football, defining their legacy through an adept ability to stifle run plays. Explore metrics such as tackles for loss, run stops, and edge containment to discern how these adept defenders are imperiling offensive game plans and sealing off pivotal rushing lanes.

2026 Edge Rushers ranked by RUN DEFENSE

RANK Player Pos Team TACKLING PASS RUSH RUN DEFENSE Rating
1

Keldric
Faulk

DL
/ED
Auburn   Mascot
Auburn Mascot
84 81 93
89.5
2

Tyreak
Sapp

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
73 85 91
80.2
3

Mikail
Kamara

DE
/ED
Indiana   Mascot
Indiana Mascot
70 94 86
85.2
4

T.J.
Parker

DE
/ED
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
70 86 85
90.4
5

LT
Overton

DE
/ED
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
62 79 85
86.0
6

Peter
Woods

DL
/ED
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
59 75 84
83.5
7

Jalen
Thompson

DL
/ED
Michigan State   Mascot
Michigan State Mascot
70 64 84
84.9
8

Keaten
Wade

DE
/ED
Colorado   Mascot
Colorado Mascot
74 66 81
72.5
9

Rueben
Bain Jr.

DL
/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
48 81 81
88.5
10

Da'Shawn
Womack

DE
/ED
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
72 79 76
80.0
11

Dani
Dennis-Sutto...

DE
/ED
Penn State   Mascot
Penn State Mascot
58 80 76
83.0
12

Kamran
James

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
65 56 75
74.0
13

Mitchell
Melton

LB
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
56 75 74
65.2
14

Cashius
Howell

DL
/ED
Texas A&M   Mascot
Texas A&M Mascot
68 94 73
81.5
15

Solomon
Tuliaupupu

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
61 59 72
85.2
16

Boubacar
Traore

DL
/ED
Notre Dame   Mascot
Notre Dame Mascot
57 74 72
86.5
17

Derrick
Moore

DE
/ED
Michigan   Mascot
Michigan Mascot
68 89 72
82.9
18

Matayo
Uiagalelei

DE
/ED
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
65 78 69
85.5
19

Braylan
Shelby

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
69 65 68
86.7
20

Patrick
Payton

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