2022 Edition NFL Draft/Edge Rushers

We're going to be taking a look at the Edge position in a deep class, beginning with players I believe will be available in rounds 2 and beyond. We all understand the premium they put on the position so it will be addressed early and perhaps again later on. I'm focusing on Ford's replacement and first step explosion combined with power. First player up:

Boye Mafe, 6'4" 261 lbs., 32 5/8" arms, 9 7/8" hands, 4.5 speed with a 1.61 10 yard split. 38" vertical, 10'5" broad jump. Made a name for himself in the Senior bowl with 2 sacks, a forced fumble and 3 TFL's. He has an explosive first step with a powerful jab and chop. Plays with good leverage, and he attacks with some strategy. Seems like a smart player, and one that Kocurek/Bosa could turn into a star. Feels like he'll go in the top of the 2nd round, where the 49ers could find themselves if they trade Jimmy G.

Arnold Ebiketie, 6'2" 250 lbs., 34 1/8" arms, 10 1/4" hands, 38 vertical, 128" broad jump. Technically proficient with active hands. Rarely allows OT's into his chest and has more than a few ways to win. He's got some power in his hands which he uses in conjunction with speed. Plays the position like a vet even though it took him until his 5th year to breakout. Given his size I think he'd be best served in a sub-package pass rushing role, similar to the way Aldon Smith was used in his rookie season. His pro day is March 24th and it's then we'll get a 40 yard dash, 10 yard split and 3 cone. Another candidate to be taken at the top of round 2.

Nik Bonitto, 6'3" 248 lbs., 32 1/2" arms, 9 3/8" hands, 4.54 speed, 35.5" vertical, 120" broad jump, 7.07 three cone, 1.59  ten yard split. He's undersized and the scheme he played in allowed him to attack. He'd be another sub-package rusher until he gets a year of NFL strength and conditioning. He's twitchy as hell, and he's a quick processor. I think he could excel in this wide 9 under Kocurek. I anticipate him having the best chance of the three to still be on the board late in round 2. 

Dominique Robinson, 6'5" 253 lbs., 33 1/4" arms, 9 3/4" hands, 4.72 speed, 41" vertical, 121" broad jump, 1.69 ten yard split. Former wr turned pass rusher, therefore lacking experience. Technically he has a lot to learn, but it's all there to exploit. Fluid, sudden, change of direction traits are all there. He looked the part in the Senior bowl. I'd expect him to go in that late 2nd early 3rd round. 

 Joshua Paschal, 6'3" 268 lbs., 32 3/4" arms, 9 5/8" hands, 4.77 speed, 37.5" vertical, 123" broad jump, 1.62 ten yard split. Versatile. Kentucky used him up and down the line. He's got some twitch off the snap for a big man. He had a down year in 2020 but owned 2021. This is a player I could see Lynch designating as a "Gold Star" player, and another late 2nd, early 3rd round prospect. 

 Amare Barno, 6'5" 246 lbs., 34" arms, 9" hands, 4.36 speed, 37" vertical, 131" broad jump, 1.54 ten yard split. Explosive athlete that needs development. The skies the limit but the floor could drop out. Doesn't play with the same intensity of some of the others. Needs to learn to counter at the top of his pass rush in order to clear and soften the edge. I think you could have something in year 3, and I'd expect him to be a late 3rd or early 4th round prospect.