The 2022 edge class was loaded with talent. The first two picks in the draft were Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson. Walker showed some inconsistency, but Hutchinson had a strong rookie campaign. George Karlaftis put on a show at the end of last season. Kayvon Thibodeaux showed game-changing potential. With all that said, this article is not about those guys. It is about who will take the next step in 2023 from the lesser-known edge prospects. If we can find those edge rushers who have breakout potential in their second season, they become huge draft values in redraft and potentially cheap trade targets in Dynasty. Let's take a look at year two edge rushers ready to break out.
Drake Jackson, San Francisco 49ers
2022 Stats: 14 tackles (8 solos), 3 sacks, 8 passes defended, 1 interception
Jackson showed incredible potential in 2022. His tackle total was low, but so was his snap-share. Jackson only saw played 33% of the 49ers' defensive snaps. He showed versatility, being able to drop in coverage while having active hands at the line with eight passes defended. That placed him in a three-way tie for the NFL lead for defensive linemen. As a pass-rusher, Jackson still came away with three sacks showing some of the best bend and athleticism on the edge of the 2022 draft class. The 49ers let Samson Ebukam walk in free agency and did not add any significant edge talent to threaten Jackson from eating into Ebukam's 59% snap-share from 2022. With a stout defensive line including reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, and stud interior lineman Javon Hargrave, the 49ers are loaded. If Jackson can double his snap-share from his rookie season without being the focus of offensive lines, the sky is the limit. He is one of the better year two edge rushers.
Arnold Ebiketie, Atlanta Falcons
2022 Stats: 30 tackles (21 solos), 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble
There was plenty to Ebiketie's rookie season to love. He played a healthy snap-share (46%), had a solid tackle total (30), total pressures (28 per PFF), as well as coverage ability. Edge defenders are asked to drop more in coverage to mask team schemes, so this versatility that Ebiketie and Jackson showed as rookies is huge for potential volume. The Falcons did add Bud Dupree in free agency as a pass-rusher, though I do not think this will affect Ebiketie's snap-share, or at least alter it. Ebiketie is the better run defender and showed promise as a pass-rusher, so the Dupree signing is just adding much-needed depth to the Falcons' defensive line. With a full season under his belt, high-level athleticism, and a healthy snap volume, Ebiketie could make a leap. All he needs to do is hit home on his rushes a little more; the tackle numbers are already looking impressive.
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David Ojabo, Baltimore Ravens
2022 Stats: 1 solo tackle, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble
Ojabo saw time in one regular season game for the Ravens last season after he tore his Achilles during his Michigan pro-day. That one game was enough to see his potential and leave fantasy managers excited for a full season. He only played 20 snaps in that one game and made a single tackle, though it was a sack-fumble. Ojabo is an unbelievable athlete with bend and explosiveness unmatched currently on the Ravens defense. Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser will likely dominate early downs, but neither player has close to the pass-rush potential that Ojabo possesses. Ojabo should see a nice ascension up edge rankings after 2023; acquire him while you can.
Sam Williams, Dallas Cowboys
2022 Stats: 22 tackles (15 solos), 4 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries
Sam Williams's potential was on full display in 2022. He only saw a 27% snap share but was an explosive playmaker. Many are worried that the breakout of Dorance Armstrong in 2022 (28 tackles and eight sacks) is going to hinder Sam Williams... you shouldn't be. Williams only trailed Armstrong by six total tackles and came away with half as many sacks while also forcing or coming away with more turnovers than Armstrong on less than half of the number of snaps played. Williams will push for a more even snap-share with Armstrong as the number two edge rusher behind Micah Parsons. Armstrong is a bit overrated, Demarcus Lawrence is aging, and Dante Fowler Jr is no longer a factor. Williams should see a healthy increase due to his play-making ability.
Cameron Thomas, Arizona Cardinals
2022 stats: 18 tackles (7 solos), 3 sacks, and 1 pass defended
Of the edge defenders the Cardinals drafted in 2022, it is Myjai Sanders who is receiving most of the hype going into 2023... it's the wrong guy. Comparing the two from their rookie seasons, the choice should be easy. The difference is that Sanders looked more explosive, while Thomas is more powerful and methodical, not as flashy. Thomas graded better than Sanders in both tackle grade (80.1 to 56.5) and pass-rush grade (70.5 to 62.9) per PFF. Literally, in every aspect of the game, Thomas was better. Now, incoming rookie BJ Ojulari may be the best of the group; he is a rookie and will be brought along slower. The Cardinals lost JJ Watt to retirement and Markus Golden to free agency. The depth chart is wide open with plenty of volume to spare. Thomas should be the main benefactor as the most complete edge defender.
Final Thoughts
All of these players showed potential in 2022. Going into 2023, they should all have expanded roles. The volume should be available for all of these players to break out. No player mentioned here is ranked higher than Edge 28 in Footballguys consensus rankings, making all of them screaming values. I appreciate everyone taking the time to read this article and who follow my work. Good luck in 2023!