The Philadelphia Eagles have spent over two decades believing that winning games starts in the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines have long defined their teams, and that core belief has led to a lot of success.
The Eagles’ defense has struggled to generate sacks or even disrupt passing lanes in more than two games all season. Howie Roseman and the front office value the ability to generate pressure off the edge and have been searching for a difference-maker there, and using a first-round pick to solve it could be a top priority in the 2027 NFL Draft.
If the Eagles select as high as many believe, there are a few at the top of the draft that have been classified as can’t-miss prospects.
Here is an early look at three edge rushers in the 2027 NFL Draft who share elite athleticism, physical traits, and long-term upside.
Stewart is at the top of this list due to having the highest ceiling. He exudes the most athletic traits of every edge rusher in this class and has the abilities that can lead to being a generational talent.
The South Carolina junior is 6'5 and 250 pounds with outstanding length and an explosive first step. His raw ability combined with his size and pass-rushing upside could put him in the top-5 conversation.
He’s an impressive athlete who can disrupt opposing quarterbacks without relying on an extensive collection of pass-rush moves, but as he develops them, he will be even more lethal.
Stewart recorded 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in 2024, followed by 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in 2025. In 2026, he recorded two sacks, and as of today, he’s forced three fumbles in all three seasons.
Stewart’s physical tools are highly impressive, but some evaluators have questioned his consistency, and there have been concerns raised after a recent disciplinary issue and a couple of unprofessional on-field moments viewed as childish or reckless, depending on one’s stance. Many evaluators believe maturity is the only hurdle to his NFL dominance.
Stewart will look to harness all of his elite speed, length, and rare physical traits for whichever team drafts him and become an unstoppable force for their franchise.
Having Colin Simmons second on this list raises the question of what the team values more: floor or ceiling.
At 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, Colin Simmons doesn't have elite size or length, but he might also be the most appealing pure pass-rushing prospect of this Edge class, and he is the best pure pass-rushing talent in the draft.
The Texas junior is an explosive athlete with a motor that never quits. He has an exceptional first step, and the ability to bend around the edge and close on quarterbacks quickly.
Simmons has shown that he can produce against top-tier collegiate competition and has improved his sack total year over year. He collected nine in 2024 and increased that to 12 in 2025. His 2026 production has continued that trajectory, as he has amassed 10.5 sacks as of early November.
Simmons combines speed, athleticism, flashy handwork, and a relentless motor, making him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive tackles.
At 246 pounds, some have concerns about his ability to consistently hold up against the run and bigger NFL tackles, but he is ready for the challenge, and many franchises are believers that he can. He is a legitimate top-three first-round talent.
At 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, Yhonzae Pierre is an intriguing edge-rushing prospect. Pierre had impressive production in 2025, with 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles.
He offers more than just the ability to get after the quarterback and is the most versatile of the three. Pierre is an explosive athlete with a good first step, strong hands, and the ability to turn speed into power. He plays well against the run, is physical and instinctive, and shows good gap discipline.
The Alabama senior has the ability to line up at multiple positions, play on the edge, and drop into coverage when needed. He added an interception and a touchdown to his resume so far in 2026.
Yohnzae will likely need to develop a more extensive pass-rushing arsenal to succeed at the next level, but his physical tools and versatility give him a head start to becoming a valuable three-down defender at the next level.
