Ranking Eagles' best EDGE options in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft

Wow! It feels like the beginning of the new league year was about 15 minutes ago, doesn't it? It wasn't that long ago that the Philadelphia Eagles were torching the NFL landscape in free agency. Are we getting old, or does time fly as we get older? Then again, the Super Bowl feels like it was two months ago, so maybe our sense of time is warped.

In any case, it's draft time. The selection meeting approaches. The Eagles currently own eight picks, including three in the first two rounds. That's exciting.

Now, that could change. Howie Roseman uses draft choices like bartering tools sometimes, but we're certain to see a little action. A couple of handfuls of new Eagles will join the nest. Might the first be an edge rusher?

Dallas Turner tops this list, but there's no way the Eagles are landing him.

The Eagles currently own the 22nd overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft. Everyone has their theories on what should be done including us.

Ideas vary, but most would be accepting of an edge rusher. Dallas Turner is the cream of the crop, but he should be long gone by the time Philly is on the clock.

The Birds currently have several guys to do the job. Each one comes with a story. Here's the rundown of the guys we already know.

Brandon Graham enters his 15th and final season. Nolan Smith is unproven. Josh Sweat is exciting, but there are suddenly worries about consistency. Bryce Huff is the new guy but is here to fill the void left by Haason Reddick.

Yeah, an edge rusher is a nice idea. Here are the best options who should hear their names called on night one.

Here's a list of the top five edge rushers that the Eagles could actually have a shot at landing.

Our top five prospects (or the top six in this case) appear to be on point with what everyone else is saying. What people seem to disagree with, however, is the order in which these prospects should be ranked. Here's an attempt to add another take to the discussion.

Once Dallas Turner is off the board, these five players should follow as first-round selections... maybe.

1. Jared Verse, Florida State

Now, depending on how you value these guys, there's a chance that Philly may miss out on a couple of these guys, Jared Verse included. Some see him as the best athlete at EDGE not named Dallas Turner.

The last time the Birds selected a pass rusher from Florida State, things turned out well. That was Josh Sweat. This is a former two-time First-Team All-American and two-time First-Team All-ACC nod (2022, 2023). He's a future star in the NFL, but do the Eagles have a shot at him?

2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Arguments can be made that Laiatu Latu should be ranked ahead of Jared Verse. Others can argue that he's a stone's throw behind him. Both arguments have credence.

Maybe choosing one over the other is a simple matter of preference. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the top edge rusher on their big board. Let's make this clear. If he's available when Philly is on the clock, they should pounce.

3. Chop Robinson, Penn State

Chop Robinson is becoming a bit of a fan favorite in Philly. He's a former Penn State star. That could have something to do with it.

He stacked 15 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup during his final run with the Nittany Lions but only played in seven games. Physically, he appears to be fine though.

The leg is fine. He looked great at the most recent NFL Combine. He has good character and work ethic. He'd be a fine addition to the Philadelphia Eagles roster.

4. Chris Braswell, Alabama

Anyone who misses out on the Dallas Turner sweepstakes will find a nice consolation prize in his former teammate Chris Braswell. This Second-Team All-SEC nod racked up 42 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception last season.

He hasn't reached his ceiling yet. Look at it this way. If Braswell doesn't fit your team's defensive scheme, the scheme may need to changed to ensure he will be.

Honorable mentions: Darius Robinson (Missouri), Harold Perkins (LSU), Jonah Elliss (Utah)

Jonah Elliss is the younger brother of both current (Noah) and former (Christian) Eagles. And, this might be the best prospect of the three.

He racked up 37 tackles 12 sacks, and a forced fumble last season. Darius Robinson (29 tackles and 8.5 sacks) and Harold Perkins (74 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 2023) are also nice options for teams needing edge rushers.

All three put consistent pressure on the opposing signal-caller. They're probably future second-round selections that could sneak into the back of Round 1. Keep an eye on them once we reach draft night.

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