High-Quality Starter
Grades 84-804 players
11
Jonathan Greenard
Jonathan Greenard · Edge11
80Grade
Jonathan Greenard
Edge11Edge DefenderAge 29
Pass Rush26/30
Run Defense21/25
Disruptiveness17/20
Tackling9/15
Versatility7/10

While Greenard's sack production took a significant hit last season, the downturn can be explained away since he battled a shoulder injury that caused him to miss five games. He's still a high-motor pass-rusher who can win with speed around the edge, turn speed-to-power and utilizes a nasty inside-spin move as a counter. The 2024 Pro Bowler does need to improve at finishing plays, though, as he's had tackling issues throughout his six-year career. That weakness partially contributed to his low sack total a year ago. Regardless, Greenard is a good all-around player who can set the edge against the run, too.

10
Jared Verse
Jared Verse · Edge10
80Grade
Jared Verse
Edge10Edge DefenderAge 25
Pass Rush27/30
Run Defense19/25
Disruptiveness18/20
Tackling8/15
Versatility8/10

As a pass-rusher, Verse's game is rooted in his ability to turn speed-to-power. He can collapse the pocket against offensive tackles, with a few nice counter moves off his primary approach, using his hands and quickness to keep tackles guessing. Additionally, the second-year pro is effective on stunts and can rush from a few different alignments. Verse was more impactful against the run as a rookie, but he still showed the strength to set the edge and be a plus-run defender last season. The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year has a bright future and projects as a high-quality three-down player for years to come. He does need to clean up his tackling, though.

9
Nik Bonitto
Nik Bonitto · Edge9
81Grade
Nik Bonitto
Edge9Edge DefenderAge 26
Pass Rush28/30
Run Defense17/25
Disruptiveness17/20
Tackling12/15
Versatility7/10

Bonitto is an explosive pass-rusher who can win in a variety of ways. He has an incredible initial burst to win with speed around the edge, can turn speed-to-power and possesses the quickness and change-of-direction skills to take advantage of oversets by beating offensive tackles on an inside path. The two-time Pro Bowler blends in as a run defender, though. He can use his speed and athleticism to take advantage when he's unblocked or cause an offensive lineman to miss and occasionally make tackles near the line of scrimmage. However, Bonitto struggles to take on and disengage from blocks.

8
TJ Watt
TJ Watt · Edge8
82Grade
TJ Watt
Edge8Edge DefenderAge 31
Pass Rush26/30
Run Defense18/25
Disruptiveness17/20
Tackling13/15
Versatility8/10

A gold jacket is waiting for T.J. Watt whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. However, the future Hall of Famer's production dipped last season, as he isn't the same player he used to be. Watt can still win on the high side of the rush but lacks a good change-up to keep offensive tackles honest. At this stage of his career, Watt is also more of a finesse player against the run.