Bleacher Report · Scouting Department · 2026 SeasonB/R Scouting Department
The top experienced edge defenders in pro football, graded and ranked by the B/R Scouting Department. Rookies to be graded separately.Player photos: AP Images
Backup, Developmental
Grades below 607 players
91
Jacob Martin
Jacob Martin · Edge91
53Grade
Jacob Martin
Edge91Edge DefenderAge 30
Pass Rush19/30
Run Defense11/25
Disruptiveness11/20
Tackling7/15
Versatility5/10

While Martin is coming off a career season where he set personal highs in tackles (39), sacks (5.5) and QB hits (18), it's hard to ignore the fact that he was a starter in just one of the eight prior years. The veteran edge defender can provide some pass-rush depth with his active hands, high motor and solid long-arm move; he just isn't an impact run defender. The majority of Martin's tackles in that phase of the game come when unblocked.

90
Bud Dupree
Bud Dupree · Edge90
54Grade
Bud Dupree
Edge90Edge DefenderAge 33
Pass Rush17/30
Run Defense12/25
Disruptiveness10/20
Tackling10/15
Versatility5/10

Dupree is certainly at the tail end of his career, and his days as a starter are in the rear-view mirror. But the 33-year-old can provide some value by adding depth to a defense's pass rush. Last season, he still showed a decent rip move to win around the edge and the ability to be an effective looper on stunts.

89
Tyree Wilson
Tyree Wilson · Edge89
55Grade
Tyree Wilson
Edge89Edge DefenderAge 26
Pass Rush14/30
Run Defense17/25
Disruptiveness10/20
Tackling8/15
Versatility6/10

Wilson was undoubtedly a bust in Las Vegas, making just seven starts in three years after being a top 10 pick. He does have decent edge-setting ability against the run and some power to push the pocket as a pass-rusher, but the 2023 No. 7 overall selection has a lot of work to do to live up to the pre-draft hype. Unfortunately, Wilson's role in New Orleans is blurry, as the Saints head into this season with Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan at edge.

88
Anfernee Jennings
Anfernee Jennings · Edge88
57Grade
Anfernee Jennings
Edge88Edge DefenderAge 29
Pass Rush15/30
Run Defense17/25
Disruptiveness10/20
Tackling10/15
Versatility5/10

Last season, Jennings went from being a two-year starter to a role player for the New England Patriots. He can add value to a defensive line rotation as an edge-setter against the run, but don't expect much from him as a pass-rusher. While the 2020 third-round pick starts a new chapter of his career in New Orleans this fall, it's hard to see his playing time increase significantly. The Saints have an abundance of edge defenders after trading for Tyree Wilson during the draft and re-signing Cameron Jordan in mid-June. That's in addition to starters Chase Young and Carl Granderson.

87
Dondrea Tillman
Dondrea Tillman · Edge87
57Grade
Dondrea Tillman
Edge87Edge DefenderAge 28
Pass Rush16/30
Run Defense17/25
Disruptiveness10/20
Tackling9/15
Versatility5/10

Tillman has put up solid numbers during his first two seasons, most notably with nine career sacks despite making zero starts and being the Broncos' fourth edge rusher. But he actually stands out more against the run with his ability to beat tight ends and make tackles for short gains. The 2024 undrafted free agent is more opportunistic and takes advantage of being the forgotten pass-rusher on Denver's deep defensive line.

86
Keion White
Keion White · Edge86
57Grade
Keion White
Edge86Edge DefenderAge 27
Pass Rush18/30
Run Defense12/25
Disruptiveness11/20
Tackling9/15
Versatility7/10

Putting White into the edge bucket doesn't quite do his skill set justice, as the Georgia Tech product has been known for his unique versatility since his college days. Also, while the 2023 second-round pick is still figuring it out against the run, he may have found a niche as an interior pass-rusher after getting traded to the 49ers halfway through last season. So, the 6'5", 290-pound defensive lineman could be making a slight position switch moving forward.

85
Cameron Thomas
Cameron Thomas · Edge85
58Grade
Cameron Thomas
Edge85Edge DefenderAge 26
Pass Rush17/30
Run Defense14/25
Disruptiveness11/20
Tackling10/15
Versatility6/10

While Thomas is a depth player at this point in his career, the four-year pro has a decently well-rounded skill set. He can push the pocket and is solid at working the hands as a pass-rusher, and he has some edge-setting ability against the run. The 2022 third-round pick just doesn't bring enough to the table to see him making a big jump moving forward.