The Likes of Chop Robinson, Nic Scourton, Adisa Isaac, Jaylen Harrell, and Braiden McGregor are gone, and Purdue’s Kydran Jenkins is moving to linebacker full-time. Yet, the 2024 Big Ten EDGE Rankings are still loaded with collegiate stars and future NFL Draft picks, and that’s with Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington adding just four names to the top 20!
Big Ten 2024 EDGE Rankings
10) Mikail Kamara, Indiana Hoosiers
At 6’0″ and 265 pounds, Mikail Kamara is one of the smallest EDGEs in the conference, but you couldn’t tell by his play or production. He recorded 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles for James Madison last year and brings his momentum-altering ability to the Indiana Dukes, I mean, Hoosiers under Curt Cignetti.
9) Darryl Peterson, Wisconsin Badgers
Darryl Peterson flashed his strengths as a run defender in 2022, but as a starter in 2023, he displayed his pass-rushing chops, racking up 4.5 sacks and plenty more pressures. His natural leverage allows him to slip under taller offensive tackles and penetrate the backfield to stop runs or hit the QB.
8) Donnell Brown, Maryland Terrapins
Rotating behind Quashon Fuller and Kellan Wyatt, St. Francis transfer Donnell Brown got his feet wet in the Big Ten and displayed the skill set that caught the Terrapins’ eye.
He was right there with Fuller as the team’s best pass rusher and was the best run defender of the three EDGEs. But most surprising were his two interceptions in coverage, where he added another pass deflection for good measure.
7) Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State Nittany Lions
With Robinson and Isaac off to the NFL, it’s Dani Dennis-Sutton’s time to shine, and he’ll benefit from the sheer havoc Abdul Carter will be causing across from him.
MORE: 2024 Big Ten QB Rankings
As a backup last season, DDS produced 3.5 sacks and six TFLs. Now in a full-time role, he can unleash his 6’5″ and 270-pound frame on ill-prepared offensive tackles with regularity.
6) Derrick Moore, Michigan Wolverines
If you like speed-to-power EDGEs, Derrick Moore will pop on film. He is explosive off the snap and has the long, compact 6’3″ and 258-pound frame to crash the pocket and stuff runs heading his way. With Harrell and McGregor out of Ann Arbor, Moore will battle with Josaiah Stewart (more on him later) for the EDGE1 mantle.
5) Jah Joyner, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Jah Joyner was a premier pass rusher last season, posting 7.5 sacks and two fumbles. Turn on the tape against Bowling Green, Illinois, and Michigan State, and you’ll believe you’re watching the second coming of Boye Mafe or Carter Coughlin. However, his inconsistencies as a run defender and tackler limit his ceiling in the 2024 Big Ten EDGE Rankings.
4) Josaiah Stewart, Michigan Wolverines
Following a 15.5-TFL, 12.5-sack sophomore campaign at Coastal Carolina, Josaiah Stewart transferred to Michigan and helped the team to a national championship victory. In a four-man rotation, he generated 8.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks and proved his playmaking ability wasn’t limited to the Group of Five stage.
Tackling, run defending, pass rushing, and even spot-dopping into coverage, Stewart can do it all — and do it well.
3) J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State Buckeyes
J.T. Tuimoloau hasn’t quite lived up to his five-star billing, but he has the size and power profile that defensive coordinators covet.
He has to increase his pass-rush arsenal to make up for deficiencies in bend and finesse, but the building blocks are there for a dominant presence on the edge. If his development stalls again, Tuimoloau could tumble down the 2024 Big Ten EDGE Rankings.
2) Jack Sawyer, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jack Sawyer has the power to manhandle offensive tackles both as a pass rusher and run defender.
KEEP READING: 2024 Big Ten Weekly Football Schedule
His lack of pure speed and bend limit his pass-rush upside, but at the collegiate level, his raw strength is more than enough, and it’s especially handy when blowing up run plays.
1) Abdul Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions
Abdul Carter can be a playmaker from wherever he lines up, but he was built in a lab to rush off the edge. His combination of power, speed, bend, and sixth sense at 6’3″ and 250 pounds will have Big Ten QBs seeing ghosts on the field.
2024 Big Ten EDGE Rankings | 11-20
11) Jordan Burch and Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
12) Aaron Lewis, Rutgers
13) John Pius, Wisconsin
14) Deontae Craig and Ethan Hurkett, Iowa
15) Danny Striggow, Minnesota
16) Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman, Illinois
17) Isaiah Ward, Washington
18) Jamil Muhammad and Nate Clifton, USC
19) Stefon Thompson and Jimari Butler, Nebraska
20) Jaylen Pate and Richie Hagarty, Northwestern
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