The 2024 Senior Bowl is almost here, and the edge rusher class has some exciting depth with some first-round NFL Draft-caliber talent. The 2024 edition will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the all-star game that has alumni on every NFL team.
Who are the top EDGE prospects at the 2024 Senior Bowl?
Senior Bowl EDGE Rankings
1) Laiatu Latu, UCLA
If not for injuries, Laiau Latu would likely be considered the best edge rusher in this class.
The impactful outside linebacker suffered neck/spinal cord numbness while at the University of Washington, which wasn’t fixed by surgery. Medical professionals said Latu continuing to play would risk paralyzation, forcing Washington to medically retire him from the game.
Latu then entered the transfer portal in 2022 and moved to the UCLA Bruins. With different doctors, they were happy for him to play football and provided advice on how to mitigate any further potential injuries.
Latu has recorded 85 total tackles, 23.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles since arriving at UCLA. In 2023, he won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and is expected to go in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Medical checks and interviews at events such as the Senior Bowl could prove crucial to his chances of attaining that standing come April.
2) Chris Braswell, Alabama
Other players on Alabama’s defense are being spoken about more than Chris Braswell, such as CB Terrion Arnold and fellow edge rusher Dallas Turner, who are both expected to be drafted early. However, don’t let Braswell’s lack of exposure lure you in.
With eight sacks in his senior season, Braswell was able to turn it on in 2023. At 6’3” and 255 pounds, he has the frame to hold up in the NFL while having the requisite arm length.
Braswell is a powerful but explosive pass rusher who has great technique, especially with his hand usage. His hands are powerful when he gets a shot on his opponent. Braswell also has the reflexes and speed to swipe counters away.
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While being explosive, Braswell isn’t a flexible athlete. He lacks the ankle flexion to bend around the edge. It leads him to prefer to win on the inside rather than attacking the outside shoulder.
However, at this year’s Senior Bowl, Braswell has the opportunity to put himself in the conversation for an early Day 2 pick, with the potential of even making it to the late first round.
3) Adisa Isaac, Penn State
Adisa Isaac is another name rising right now and should attract even more attention after a good week in Mobile. Despite his running partner Chop Robinson taking all the plaudits, Isaac had the more productive year in 2023, registering 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss.
It isn’t surprising, as Isaac’s game is solid all-around. While he still could improve his pass rush, Isaac has the power profile and arm length to overcome opponents with a swim move and rip move that puts him in areas to succeed.
At 6’4” and 249 pounds, Isaac holds up physically, but his game is still developing. The Penn State product will be hoping to show scouts at the Senior Bowl that he has more flexibility and burst than he occasionally demonstrated on tape. If he can do that, and a team thinks they can develop him, Isaac could be a Day 2 player.
4) Austin Booker, Kansas
After spending two seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Austin Booker transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks for the 2023 season and had a breakout year. With 12 TFLs and eight sacks, he has quickly grabbed the attention of national scouts.
Booker is simply explosive. With a pass-rush plan that he executes to devastating effect, Booker can rise into a Day 2 pick if he can overwhelm in 1-on-1s at the Senior Bowl. He’s underrated nationally right now, but that may all be about to change at the Senior Bowl.
5) Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Marshawn Kneeland is a prototype. At 6’3” and 275 pounds, he has all the size and strength to hold up against the run. This combination gives him the versatility to line up across the defensive line.
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As a pass rusher, Kneeland has surprising flexibility and bend while having the counters to swipe away blockers and penetrate the pocket. His impressive athleticism is on full display when tasked with dropping into coverage. While it may not be something you want him to do often, Kneeland’s natural, fluid movement and agility shine through.
Other EDGEs To Watch at the Senior Bowl
- Javon Solomon, Troy
- Nelson Ceaser, Houston
- Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss
- Brennan Jackson, Washington State
- Eric Watts, UConn
- Myles Cole, Texas Tech
- Jaylen Harrell, Michigan
All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!
