Editor's note:This is part of a series in which Falcons analyst and former NFL quarterback Dave Archer shares his insights after scouting some of the top players at each position in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The edge players in this draft are not an overly impressive group as a whole, but there are a few that could be difference-makers. Chase Young, without question, is the headliner here and probably the best player in the draft. The rest of these guys are a mix of LB types that can rush on third down or bigger edge players with versatility to move side inside on third down. Pick your poison! I think only three or four will be first-rounders.
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Chase Young
School: Ohio State
Grade: Junior
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 265 pounds
Measurables: 4.57 (40-yard dash), no bench press numbers, 33¾" arms
Strengths
- Elite level athlete with rare size, speed, and power combination
- Multiple pass rush moves
- Quick hands with a unique ability to strip ball from QBs
Weaknesses
- Not a great edge-setter in run game
- Awareness and tracking the football less than ideal
K'Lavon Chaisson
School: LSU
Grade: RS sophomore
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 254 pounds
Measurables: 4.68, no bench press numbers, 32¼" arms
Strengths
- Quick, twitchy athlete with excellent range
- Thick lower half provides excellent speed to power transfer
- Smart, high-character guy
Weaknesses
- Missed 2018 ACL injury
- Inconsistent vs. run game
A.J. Epenesa
School: Iowa
Grade: Senior
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 275 pounds
Measurables: 5.04, 17 repetitions bench (225 pounds), 34½" arms
Strengths
- Excellent setting edge in run game, stout with heavy hands
- Uses power to set up pass rush, good short area quickness
- Pure 4-3 DE, with ability to side inside on third down if needed
Weaknesses
- Slow to change directions, might be lack of recognition
- Doesn't have much bend for speed rush
Yetur Gross-Matos
School: Penn State
Grade: Junior
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 266 pounds
Measurables: 4.62, no bench press numbers, 34-7/8" arms
Strengths
- Excellent motor, relentless pursuer
- Strong hands, good feet in playing off blocks or stunting in pass rush
- Quick change of direction
Weaknesses
- Average at the point of attack
- Still learning the position, disappears at times
Curtis Weaver
School: Boise State
Grade: RS junior
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 265 pounds
Measurables: 4.84, no bench press numbers, 32-3/8" arms
Strengths
- Tremendous production over three years (34 sacks, 46 TFL)
- Excellent hands, very slick vs. OT, excellent instincts as rusher
- Good vision to see beyond blockers
Weaknesses
- Not great athlete like others at position
- Must improve defending the run
Keep an eye on these guys:
Bradlee Anae – Utah (Sr.)
- 6'3", 257 pounds
- Quick, explosive first step, good in pursuit
Marlon Davidson – Auburn (Sr)
- 6'3", 303 pounds
- Moved outside senior year, better fit as three-technique but love his versatility
Terrell Lewis – Alabama (RS Jr.)
- 6'5", 262 pounds
- Long, athletic player with good feet and suddenness
