what does edge mean in nfl draft ?

The NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event for both football enthusiasts and professional teams alike. It’s a time for teams to select new talent and bring in fresh faces to their roster. One term you may hear during the draft is “edge.” In this article, we’ll break down what “edge” means in the context of the NFL Draft, and why it’s such an important position.

Introduction

The NFL Draft is an exciting time for fans and teams alike. Every year, new players are added to rosters and the future of teams can change drastically based on these selections. The draft is broken down into different positions, each with their own unique set of skills and responsibilities. One position that has gained popularity in recent years is the “edge” position. In this article, we’ll dive into what this position entails and why it’s such an important part of the draft.

The Basics of the NFL Draft

Before we can fully understand the “edge” position, we need to have a basic understanding of the NFL Draft. The draft takes place over the course of several rounds, with each team making selections based on their draft order. The draft order is determined by a combination of the team’s win-loss record and playoff performance from the previous season. The first overall pick is awarded to the team with the worst record, and the order continues from there.

What is the “Edge” Position?

The “edge” position in football refers to a specific type of player on defense. This player lines up on the outside of the defensive line, and is responsible for pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run. The position is a combination of both a defensive end and outside linebacker, and requires a unique set of skills.

What Makes the “Edge” Position Important?

The “edge” position is important because it allows defenses to put pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. By doing so, the defense can disrupt the opposing team’s offense and force turnovers. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, having a strong “edge” player is crucial for any defense looking to be successful.

The History of the “Edge” Position

The “edge” position has been around for decades, but it has only recently gained popularity in the NFL Draft. As the game has evolved to become more pass-heavy, the importance of having a strong “edge” player has grown. In the early days of football, the “edge” position was primarily filled by larger defensive ends who focused on stopping the run. As the game has changed, “edge” players have become more versatile, with a focus on both run defense and pass rushing.

How Do Teams Evaluate “Edge” Players?

When evaluating “edge” players, teams look for a variety of different skills. These players need to have a combination of speed, strength, and agility in order to be successful at the position. Additionally, they need to have good instincts and be able to read and react to the offense quickly. Teams will often look at a player’s college stats and game tape to determine if they have the necessary skills to succeed in the NFL.

The Best “Edge” Players in NFL History

There have been many great “edge” players throughout NFL history. Some of the best include Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, Deacon Jones, and J.J. Watt. These players were all dominant at the position and had a huge impact on their team’s success.

Reggie White is widely regarded as one of the best “edge” players of all time. During his career, he recorded 198 sacks and was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Lawrence Taylor is another great “edge” player, known for his speed and agility. He was a ten-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Deacon Jones is another player who is often mentioned as one of the best “edge” players in NFL history. He was known for his incredible speed and strength, and is credited with popularizing the term “sack.” J.J. Watt is a more recent player who has made a huge impact at the “edge” position. He has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and has recorded 101 sacks in his career.

The Future of the “Edge” Position in the NFL

As the NFL continues to evolve, the “edge” position will continue to be important. With offenses becoming more pass-heavy, having a strong “edge” player is crucial for any team looking to be successful. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift towards more versatile “edge” players who can both rush the passer and stop the run. It’s likely that we’ll continue to see this trend in the future, as teams look for players who can have a bigger impact on the game.

Conclusion

The “edge” position is a crucial part of any NFL team’s defense. These players are responsible for pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run, making them an important part of any successful defense. As the game continues to evolve, we’ll likely see the “edge” position continue to grow in importance.

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