The best pass rusher in this draft class is
Josh Allen. The Kentucky prospect not only has the physical attributes but he has a long resume of production, including his final season when he tied for sixth nationally with 21.5 tackles for loss and ranked second in the FBS in both sacks (17) and forced fumbles (five). He displays dominant flashes on tape and his rare combination of speed, quickness and power allows him to turn the corner consistently. Plus, he's a good worker and his game will continue to improve at the next level.
The best pass rusher in this draft is Ohio State's
Nick Bosa. He can be quick and explosive off the edge to beat offensive tackles, and he also shows the ability to beat blockers on the inside. He can pressure the quarterback and rush from anywhere on the defensive line with his quickness, explosiveness and versatility.
When evaluating pass rushers, it's all about production and what they
actually did at the college level -- not their potential in the NFL. That's why I have to go with
Josh Allen. The Kentucky edge rusher logged 17 sacks last season (second in the FBS), which tells me that he has the goods to make the passer consistently uncomfortable.
There's only one pass rusher in this class (that I see) that has an advanced skill set coming into the league:
Nick Bosa. A lot of other guys have great potential, but they aren't close to finished when it comes to learning the art of pass rushing. Bosa can dip, bend, play the left or right side of the line
or inside. He is so versatile and has countless counter moves so he doesn't stay blocked. He has an uncanny ability to consistently get to the quarterback because of that elite skill set coming out of college.
Kentucky's
Josh Allen is the best pass rusher in this class because he gets to the quarterback in critical moments, whether it's during a play on third down, in the red zone or down the stretch in the fourth quarter. The explosive defender compares to Denver's
Von Miller in the way that he can cause a disruption on any given play, and how he can put a game away with a batted down pass or strip. Allen's a closer-type player that every NFL team is trying to get.
