NFL mock draft: Ranking the 5 best pass rushers

There are three positions in the NFL that are more valued than others. Quarterback, offensive tackles, and pass rushers are the biggest game changers in the sport, and they are rewarded for their value with big contracts.

As the 2020 NFL Draft approaches, let’s take a look at the five best available pass rushers, who are likely to be key contributors for many years.

5. Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

Simmons is more of a coverage player, but make no mistake, if and when defensive coordinators opt to use him in pass-rushing situations, he is going to be a nightmare.

Simmons recorded a scorching, 4.39-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, and contributed seven sacks for Clemson in 2019. He can line up anywhere on the field and at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is large enough to handle anyone on the other side of the ball.

4. Terrell Lewis (Alabama)

Lewis has battled injuries during his career at Alabama, but there’s no question he is a serious pass-rushing weapon when healthy. He is long and lean, and in 2019 led Alabama’s defense with the most quarterback hurries (16). Alabama produces NFL linemen, and Lewis is the next man up.

3. K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

Speed is key attribute for most pass rushers, and Chaisson he has plenty. The edge rusher and linebacker has recovered from a torn ACL in 2018, and while that injury presents questions, everything he has done on the field since his return indicates he can be a dangerous weapon off the edge.

He led the national champions with 6 1/2 sacks in 2019 and jumps out on film as a high-motor player who will keep after the quarterback.

2. A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)

Epenesa just completed some disappointing Combine workouts, but it shouldn’t stop teams from looking seriously at Epenesa as a potential star on the edge.

He isn’t as fast as many at the position, but he is a strong bull rusher who notched 20 1/2 sacks in his last two seasons at Iowa. He has been called out by multiple Big Ten offensive tackles as one of the top two toughest defenders they’ve ever faced, and he seems to only be improving. He ended his final month in college as impressively as any other period in his career.

He can stop the run as well as the pass, and he is a smart player who will continue to develop his pass-rushing techniques.

1. Chase Young (Ohio State)

Nick Bosa of the 49ers just won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and by many accounts, Young was more impressive during his time at Ohio State.

Young is 6-foot-5 and weighs 235 pounds. He is fast and strong, and everything you would expect from an immediate-impact top draft pick. He had 16 1/2 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2019, and while he skipped the Combine workouts, there is little doubt the physical tools he possesses.

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