The top edge prospects, sleepers and deep sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft
USA TODAY Sports' Christian D'Andrea breaks down the top cornerback studs, sleepers and deep sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Video Transcript
2026 NFL draft is loaded with edge rushing talent.
In fact, we might get three edge rushers within the first five picks.
Let's talk about three guys who are going to have very different draft positions.
Our stud, David Bailey, Texas Tech.
Yes, the Stanford standout cashed in those Cody Campbell bucks, went to Texas Tech.
What'd he do?
Led the FBS in sacks, fourteen and a half.
This is a guy who can win so many different ways.
He's explosive with his first step.
He can bend underneath opposing offensive tackles.
He can spin back inside.
He can punch and slide.
This is a guy with an array of moves that are going to keep lockers swatting at ghosts.
Our sleeper, Ny Dennis Sutton.
Yes, Penn State defensive end, edge rusher, six foot six, four point six second forty speed.
A tremendous athlete, maybe a little bit light, maybe plays a little bit too high with his pad level, but a guy who can not only hold down the edge and get you sacks, eight and a half of each of the last two seasons, but he can make sure he's not getting washed out on run plays.
He's someone you can potentially trust all three downs.
And finally, our Rem Cycle star, Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan, who tied with David Bailey for the FBS sack lead.
That's Tucker.
This is a guy who played basketball in high school, wasn't really on anyone's radar until junior college.
Three years at Houston, basically zero impact, but one season at Western Michigan, tore it up.
Now, the competition wasn't great, but in his three biggest games, Michigan State, North Texas, and the MAC title game, five sacks.
This is a guy, not the biggest, not the most athletic, but he gets it done, and he's absolutely worth a flyer late in this year's draft.
