Sophomore Edge Rushers Ready To Break Out

Photo: USA Today Sports

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.