Ranking the 10 best edge rushers in 2026 NFL Draft, from Arvell Reese to Malachi Lawrence
Here's breaking down the best sack artists and upfield havoc-wreakers available to select in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ranking the 10 best edge rushers in 2026 NFL Draft, from Arvell Reese to Malachi Lawrence originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . There is another strong class of edge pass rushers coming into the league in the 2026 NFL Draft.
From versatile linebackers to beefy ends, there are plenty of impact defenders to help a variety of schemes. Whether a team runs a base 4-3 or 3-4, hybrid principles are in play to get the most out of productive college sack artists. There are also teams looking to follow the Seahawks ' Super Bowl-winning model with a deep pass rush by committee.
Here are the top edge options available early on April 23 and April 24, the first three rounds: MORE: Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft Ranking the 10 best edge rushers in 2026 NFL Draft 1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds) Reese is a very active playmaker who has proved he can stand out in the pass-rush capacity as well as disrupt well laterally all over the field on the second level. He is a pure defensive weapon who will allow a schemer to be very creative to put him in a position for maximum upfield impact.
Draft projection: Early first round 2. Rueben Bain Jr. , EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds) Bain is a strong, powerful end prospect who is a natural force against the run and tapped into his massive upside getting to the quarterback during the Hurricanes' surprise push to the CFP national championship game.