BEST EDGE RUSHERS IN RUN DEFENSE 2026 NFL Draft

2026 BEST EDGE RUSHERS IN RUN DEFENSE

The linchpin in anchoring solid run defense often comes from the peripheries. Edge rushers, such as Jadeveon Clowney from South Carolina, have exemplified the significant role that disciplined and aggressive play on the exterior defensive line can have in stymieing the opponent’s ground game, forcing negative yardage plays and altering offensive strategies.

Delve into the data below to identify the emerging edge rushers in college football, defining their legacy through an adept ability to stifle run plays. Explore metrics such as tackles for loss, run stops, and edge containment to discern how these adept defenders are imperiling offensive game plans and sealing off pivotal rushing lanes.

2026 Edge Rushers ranked by RUN DEFENSE

RANK Player Pos Team TACKLING PASS RUSH RUN DEFENSE Rating
1

Keldric
Faulk

DL
/ED
Auburn   Mascot
Auburn Mascot
80 81 92
89.5
2

Peter
Woods

DL
/ED
Clemson   Mascot
Clemson Mascot
48 75 86
80.0
3

Jalen
Thompson

DL
/ED
Michigan State   Mascot
Michigan State Mascot
72 65 85
84.9
4

Kelby
Collins

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
87 69 79
87.6
5

Da'Shawn
Womack

DE
/ED
LSU   Mascot
LSU Mascot
74 79 79
80.0
6

Rueben
Bain Jr.

DL
/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
47 78 74
87.0
7

Kamran
James

DE
/ED
Florida   Mascot
Florida Mascot
59 56 72
74.0
8

Solomon
Tuliaupupu

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
70 59 72
85.2
9

Matayo
Uiagalelei

DE
/ED
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
63 77 72
84.0
10

Mitchell
Melton

LB
/ED
Ohio State   Mascot
Ohio State Mascot
54 73 71
65.2
11

Boubacar
Traore

DL
/ED
Notre Dame   Mascot
Notre Dame Mascot
57 72 71
86.5
12

Princewill
Umanmielen

LB
/ED
Nebraska   Mascot
Nebraska Mascot
46 77 67
81.6
13

Braylan
Shelby

DE
/ED
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
63 69 66
86.7
14

Suntarine
Perkins

LB
/ED
Ole Miss   Mascot
Ole Miss Mascot
77 72 66
83.1
15

Adepoju
Adebawore

DL
/ED
Oklahoma   Mascot
Oklahoma Mascot
75 67 65
86.4
16

Samuel
M'Pemba

LB
/ED
Georgia   Mascot
Georgia Mascot
70 54 41
51.3
17

Adonijah
Green

DL
/ED
Louisville   Mascot
Louisville Mascot
51 61 41
35.6