Las Vegas Raiders Summer Scouting: EDGE Rankings

I broke down the 2027 scouting classes in my early summer scouting series, and the room has a ton of potential with a long list of potential standout players. I broke down the offense and defense in articles and I suggest reading those for a broad aspect of the room. The Raiders do have some talent on the interior OL, and I’d expect Las Vegas to add more in 2027 as John Spytek does.

These rankings are extremely early, and they will evolve over not only the summer but the next 8-10 months throughout the season, and into draft season. Some lists will feature 10, 15, 20, or more ranked prospects but I’ll include others on the list below to note.

1. Colin Simmons, Texas – 6’3/245, Jr
   • Simmons is twitched up, and he’ll have a race to be the first EDGE off the board with Dylan Stewart. He’s posted a career 29.5 TFL and 21 sacks in two seasons and he’s extremely athletic, strong, and shows a ton of pass rush moves. Simmons converts his speed to power, uses his full body, and plays with extreme violence. While slightly undersized, Simmons does have elite length, he is extremely quick off the ball, and moves exceptionally well when working laterally. Simmons has the ability to anchor vs the run, shows great lower body flexibility, and his biggest goal in 2026 is to continue developing and stay healthy. Simmons reminds me a lot of Jared Verse, and should be a perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL.
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2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina – 6’5/250, Jr

   • If you want to know what a scouting report means when they say twitch, speed to power, and explosiveness watch Stewart. The 20 year old flys off the line of scrimage, has exceptional length, and he appears to teleport at times. Stewart is extremely athletic, has a ton of lower body agility, and his ability to bend is exceptional with an innate ability to basically play lateral to the ground. I’d like to see Stewart add a bit more strength and not rely solely on the speed to power conversion. He has great lateral movement, is able to plant and drive, and his hand combat while raw shows a ton of true dominant moves. He’s more raw than Stewart, but he’s longer, more athletic, and likely has a higher ceiling as well.

3. Anthony Smith, Minnesota – 6’6/280, R-Jr

   • Anthony Smith will fly up boards, and he is an impressive player. He broke out in 2025 with 17.5 TFL’s and he’s shown improvements as a pass rusher over time. Smith has awesome length, a good first step, and his ability to play in 2, 3, 4 point stances is impressive. The junior fires off the ball, drives up field, and has good hip/ankle flexibility with decent bend. Smith does a great job converting his second step speed to power, and shows great strength across his full body while driving the core through the rep consistently. Smith is raw, but he’s shown the speed to power, athleticism, and a ton of versatility to thrive in any modern NFL defense.

4. Clev Lubin, Louisville – 6’3/255, R-Jr

   • Lubin was a fan favorite in the 2026 class, and in 2027 he should have a chance to be a quick riser as well. Lubin, a former JUCO standout has never failed to record double digit sacks/TFL in his career across JUCO, Coastal Carolina, and now Louisville. He’s undersized, but does have good length, though he wins off pure speed, speed to power, and lower body agility. Lubin has flashes of elite hand strength, his pass rush moves are violent, and he has a diverse bag with an NFL ready chop/swipe/euro step. Lubin is smart, he knows how to rush the passer, and he does an excellent job setting tackles up to use his athleticism to his advantage. He uses his core, fires off the ball, and shows incredible second/third step pass rush athleticism. Lubin is a weakenss vs the run, he’s needing to add lower body power, and his frame makes him an easier target but there’s no denying the pure elite pass rush ability he has.

5. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon – 6’5/275, Sr

   • A true 3-4 end or base big end in a 4-3, Matayo is the brother of former Clemson/Oregon State/Florida State and Chargers QB DJ. He’s a stout physical defensive end with great explosion off the line of scrimmage, a strong second step, and elite speed to power. Uiagalelei does a good job using his full body in the rep, and he can be stiff at times, with a move to DT possible in his future. Uiagalelei has great length, elite core strength, and his overall pass rush arsenal is inconsistent but shows flashes of brilliance. This is a high rank, I think Uiagalelei can get back to his form from 2024 after a disappointing 2025, but he has the blend of athleticism, power, and technique to be a dominant EDGE.

6. Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame – 6’4/250, R-So

   • Traore will rise, and while reading these defensive breakdowns prepare to hear Notre Dame a ton. Traore has just 16 TFL and 10.5 sacks in his career but he’s on pace for a breakout 2026. Traore has elite speed to power, is extremely strong, and also shows a diverse set of pass rush moves. Traore can defend the run at an elite level, and he needs to develop as a pass rusher.

7. Quincy Rhodes Jr, Arkansas – 6’6/275, R-Jr

8. Damon Wilson, Miami – 6’5/255, R-Jr

9. Kenyatta Jackson Jr, Ohio State – 6’6/270, Sr

10. Adam Trick, Texas Tech – 6’4/245, R-Jr

    • Trick was dominant in the MAC at Miami (OH) with 18 TFL, 13 sacks, and 5 FF in the last two seasons. He converted to EDGE from ILB in 2024 and has since been a standout at the position as well, he’s an elite run defender with an ability to breakdown blocks, use his lower body strength, and has elite anchor/stack technique. Trick is a very raw pass rushers, he’s an elite athlete with a ton of moves but nothing flashes as NFL ready yet. Trick will win with strength, he’s able to use his core and lower body to defeat tackles, has great length, and does have good bend ability. Texas Tech has produced defensive lineman, and I’d expect them to develop Trick’s pass rush bag quickly.

11. John Henry Daley, Michigan – 6’4/250, Jr

    • Daley is coming off a serious knee injury but he’s a very similar player to Trick with improved pass rush technique, though he’s an adequate athlete. There’s a huge ceiling for Daley as a third pass rusher, high end run defender.

12. Princewill Umanmielen, Ole Miss – 6’5/250, Sr

13. Teitum Tuioti, Oregon – 6’3/264, R-Jr

14. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama – 6’3/250, R-So

15. Will Heldt, Clemson – 6’6/270, R-Jr

    • Heldt can rise, and I’d almost expect him too quickly. He’s new to the EDGE position and broke out in 2025 with 7.5 sacks and 16 TFL. He has elite athletic ability, has an elite frame, and does show good strength at the POA as well. Heldt is raw, he doesn’t know how to rush the passers, and he too often can be too aggressive. His ability to rush out of multiple stances and techniques is intriguing, but limited him in terms of development. Heldt also has below expected strength, and that will be crucial to develop this season. The sky is truly the limit with Heldt, and you can’t teach length/athleticism.

Colin Simmons, Texas – 6’3/245, Jr

• Simmons is twitched up, and he’ll have a race to be the first EDGE off the board with Dylan Stewart. He’s posted a career 29.5 TFL and 21 sacks in two seasons and he’s extremely athletic, strong, and shows a ton of pass rush moves. Simmons converts his speed to power, uses his full body, and plays with extreme violence. While slightly undersized, Simmons does have elite length, he is extremely quick off the ball, and moves exceptionally well when working laterally. Simmons has the ability to anchor vs the run, shows great lower body flexibility, and his biggest goal in 2026 is to continue developing and stay healthy. Simmons reminds me a lot of Jared Verse, and should be a perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL.

Simmons is twitched up, and he’ll have a race to be the first EDGE off the board with Dylan Stewart. He’s posted a career 29.5 TFL and 21 sacks in two seasons and he’s extremely athletic, strong, and shows a ton of pass rush moves. Simmons converts his speed to power, uses his full body, and plays with extreme violence. While slightly undersized, Simmons does have elite length, he is extremely quick off the ball, and moves exceptionally well when working laterally. Simmons has the ability to anchor vs the run, shows great lower body flexibility, and his biggest goal in 2026 is to continue developing and stay healthy. Simmons reminds me a lot of Jared Verse, and should be a perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL.

Dylan Stewart, South Carolina – 6’5/250, Jr

• If you want to know what a scouting report means when they say twitch, speed to power, and explosiveness watch Stewart. The 20 year old flys off the line of scrimage, has exceptional length, and he appears to teleport at times. Stewart is extremely athletic, has a ton of lower body agility, and his ability to bend is exceptional with an innate ability to basically play lateral to the ground. I’d like to see Stewart add a bit more strength and not rely solely on the speed to power conversion. He has great lateral movement, is able to plant and drive, and his hand combat while raw shows a ton of true dominant moves. He’s more raw than Stewart, but he’s longer, more athletic, and likely has a higher ceiling as well.

If you want to know what a scouting report means when they say twitch, speed to power, and explosiveness watch Stewart. The 20 year old flys off the line of scrimage, has exceptional length, and he appears to teleport at times. Stewart is extremely athletic, has a ton of lower body agility, and his ability to bend is exceptional with an innate ability to basically play lateral to the ground. I’d like to see Stewart add a bit more strength and not rely solely on the speed to power conversion. He has great lateral movement, is able to plant and drive, and his hand combat while raw shows a ton of true dominant moves. He’s more raw than Stewart, but he’s longer, more athletic, and likely has a higher ceiling as well.

Anthony Smith, Minnesota – 6’6/280, R-Jr

• Anthony Smith will fly up boards, and he is an impressive player. He broke out in 2025 with 17.5 TFL’s and he’s shown improvements as a pass rusher over time. Smith has awesome length, a good first step, and his ability to play in 2, 3, 4 point stances is impressive. The junior fires off the ball, drives up field, and has good hip/ankle flexibility with decent bend. Smith does a great job converting his second step speed to power, and shows great strength across his full body while driving the core through the rep consistently. Smith is raw, but he’s shown the speed to power, athleticism, and a ton of versatility to thrive in any modern NFL defense.

Anthony Smith will fly up boards, and he is an impressive player. He broke out in 2025 with 17.5 TFL’s and he’s shown improvements as a pass rusher over time. Smith has awesome length, a good first step, and his ability to play in 2, 3, 4 point stances is impressive. The junior fires off the ball, drives up field, and has good hip/ankle flexibility with decent bend. Smith does a great job converting his second step speed to power, and shows great strength across his full body while driving the core through the rep consistently. Smith is raw, but he’s shown the speed to power, athleticism, and a ton of versatility to thrive in any modern NFL defense.

Clev Lubin, Louisville – 6’3/255, R-Jr

• Lubin was a fan favorite in the 2026 class, and in 2027 he should have a chance to be a quick riser as well. Lubin, a former JUCO standout has never failed to record double digit sacks/TFL in his career across JUCO, Coastal Carolina, and now Louisville. He’s undersized, but does have good length, though he wins off pure speed, speed to power, and lower body agility. Lubin has flashes of elite hand strength, his pass rush moves are violent, and he has a diverse bag with an NFL ready chop/swipe/euro step. Lubin is smart, he knows how to rush the passer, and he does an excellent job setting tackles up to use his athleticism to his advantage. He uses his core, fires off the ball, and shows incredible second/third step pass rush athleticism. Lubin is a weakenss vs the run, he’s needing to add lower body power, and his frame makes him an easier target but there’s no denying the pure elite pass rush ability he has.

Lubin was a fan favorite in the 2026 class, and in 2027 he should have a chance to be a quick riser as well. Lubin, a former JUCO standout has never failed to record double digit sacks/TFL in his career across JUCO, Coastal Carolina, and now Louisville. He’s undersized, but does have good length, though he wins off pure speed, speed to power, and lower body agility. Lubin has flashes of elite hand strength, his pass rush moves are violent, and he has a diverse bag with an NFL ready chop/swipe/euro step. Lubin is smart, he knows how to rush the passer, and he does an excellent job setting tackles up to use his athleticism to his advantage. He uses his core, fires off the ball, and shows incredible second/third step pass rush athleticism. Lubin is a weakenss vs the run, he’s needing to add lower body power, and his frame makes him an easier target but there’s no denying the pure elite pass rush ability he has.

Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon – 6’5/275, Sr

• A true 3-4 end or base big end in a 4-3, Matayo is the brother of former Clemson/Oregon State/Florida State and Chargers QB DJ. He’s a stout physical defensive end with great explosion off the line of scrimmage, a strong second step, and elite speed to power. Uiagalelei does a good job using his full body in the rep, and he can be stiff at times, with a move to DT possible in his future. Uiagalelei has great length, elite core strength, and his overall pass rush arsenal is inconsistent but shows flashes of brilliance. This is a high rank, I think Uiagalelei can get back to his form from 2024 after a disappointing 2025, but he has the blend of athleticism, power, and technique to be a dominant EDGE.

A true 3-4 end or base big end in a 4-3, Matayo is the brother of former Clemson/Oregon State/Florida State and Chargers QB DJ. He’s a stout physical defensive end with great explosion off the line of scrimmage, a strong second step, and elite speed to power. Uiagalelei does a good job using his full body in the rep, and he can be stiff at times, with a move to DT possible in his future. Uiagalelei has great length, elite core strength, and his overall pass rush arsenal is inconsistent but shows flashes of brilliance. This is a high rank, I think Uiagalelei can get back to his form from 2024 after a disappointing 2025, but he has the blend of athleticism, power, and technique to be a dominant EDGE.

Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame – 6’4/250, R-So

• Traore will rise, and while reading these defensive breakdowns prepare to hear Notre Dame a ton. Traore has just 16 TFL and 10.5 sacks in his career but he’s on pace for a breakout 2026. Traore has elite speed to power, is extremely strong, and also shows a diverse set of pass rush moves. Traore can defend the run at an elite level, and he needs to develop as a pass rusher.

Traore will rise, and while reading these defensive breakdowns prepare to hear Notre Dame a ton. Traore has just 16 TFL and 10.5 sacks in his career but he’s on pace for a breakout 2026. Traore has elite speed to power, is extremely strong, and also shows a diverse set of pass rush moves. Traore can defend the run at an elite level, and he needs to develop as a pass rusher.

Quincy Rhodes Jr, Arkansas – 6’6/275, R-Jr

Damon Wilson, Miami – 6’5/255, R-Jr

Kenyatta Jackson Jr, Ohio State – 6’6/270, Sr

Adam Trick, Texas Tech – 6’4/245, R-Jr

• Trick was dominant in the MAC at Miami (OH) with 18 TFL, 13 sacks, and 5 FF in the last two seasons. He converted to EDGE from ILB in 2024 and has since been a standout at the position as well, he’s an elite run defender with an ability to breakdown blocks, use his lower body strength, and has elite anchor/stack technique. Trick is a very raw pass rushers, he’s an elite athlete with a ton of moves but nothing flashes as NFL ready yet. Trick will win with strength, he’s able to use his core and lower body to defeat tackles, has great length, and does have good bend ability. Texas Tech has produced defensive lineman, and I’d expect them to develop Trick’s pass rush bag quickly.

Trick was dominant in the MAC at Miami (OH) with 18 TFL, 13 sacks, and 5 FF in the last two seasons. He converted to EDGE from ILB in 2024 and has since been a standout at the position as well, he’s an elite run defender with an ability to breakdown blocks, use his lower body strength, and has elite anchor/stack technique. Trick is a very raw pass rushers, he’s an elite athlete with a ton of moves but nothing flashes as NFL ready yet. Trick will win with strength, he’s able to use his core and lower body to defeat tackles, has great length, and does have good bend ability. Texas Tech has produced defensive lineman, and I’d expect them to develop Trick’s pass rush bag quickly.

John Henry Daley, Michigan – 6’4/250, Jr

• Daley is coming off a serious knee injury but he’s a very similar player to Trick with improved pass rush technique, though he’s an adequate athlete. There’s a huge ceiling for Daley as a third pass rusher, high end run defender.

Daley is coming off a serious knee injury but he’s a very similar player to Trick with improved pass rush technique, though he’s an adequate athlete. There’s a huge ceiling for Daley as a third pass rusher, high end run defender.

Princewill Umanmielen, Ole Miss – 6’5/250, Sr

Teitum Tuioti, Oregon – 6’3/264, R-Jr

Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama – 6’3/250, R-So

Will Heldt, Clemson – 6’6/270, R-Jr

• Heldt can rise, and I’d almost expect him too quickly. He’s new to the EDGE position and broke out in 2025 with 7.5 sacks and 16 TFL. He has elite athletic ability, has an elite frame, and does show good strength at the POA as well. Heldt is raw, he doesn’t know how to rush the passers, and he too often can be too aggressive. His ability to rush out of multiple stances and techniques is intriguing, but limited him in terms of development. Heldt also has below expected strength, and that will be crucial to develop this season. The sky is truly the limit with Heldt, and you can’t teach length/athleticism.

Heldt can rise, and I’d almost expect him too quickly. He’s new to the EDGE position and broke out in 2025 with 7.5 sacks and 16 TFL. He has elite athletic ability, has an elite frame, and does show good strength at the POA as well. Heldt is raw, he doesn’t know how to rush the passers, and he too often can be too aggressive. His ability to rush out of multiple stances and techniques is intriguing, but limited him in terms of development. Heldt also has below expected strength, and that will be crucial to develop this season. The sky is truly the limit with Heldt, and you can’t teach length/athleticism.

• Taylor Wein, Oklahoma

• Anto Saka, Texas A&M

• Jordan Ross, LSU

• Toby Anene, Colorado

• Trey White, Texas Tech – Former San Diego state standout, smaller, limited athlete. Ton of production. EDGE 3/4 player

• Ade Adebawore, Oklahoma – Up/Down career, likely a true 4/5 tech similar to Tonka Hemingway. Elite athlete, struggles vs the run

• Melkart Abou-Joude, UNC – Elite athelte, struggles to defeat top tackle with average length and inconsistent pass rush plan.

• Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Boise State

• Wendell Gregory, Kansas State

• Bryce Young, Notre Dame – 6’7/270 EDGE with twitchy alien like athleticism. Extremely raw strength and pass rush technique, diverse, versatile pass rusher. Good season can skyrocket him into Round 1.

• Beau Atkinson, Ohio State

• Indiana Trio – Three adequate pass rushers/run defenders, no true standout.

Trey White, Texas Tech – Former San Diego state standout, smaller, limited athlete. Ton of production. EDGE 3/4 player

Ade Adebawore, Oklahoma – Up/Down career, likely a true 4/5 tech similar to Tonka Hemingway. Elite athlete, struggles vs the run

Melkart Abou-Joude, UNC – Elite athelte, struggles to defeat top tackle with average length and inconsistent pass rush plan.

Bryce Young, Notre Dame – 6’7/270 EDGE with twitchy alien like athleticism. Extremely raw strength and pass rush technique, diverse, versatile pass rusher. Good season can skyrocket him into Round 1.

Indiana Trio – Three adequate pass rushers/run defenders, no true standout.