Positional Breakdown: 2024 EDGE/Defensive End

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2024, there may not be a more stacked position group than the entire Defensive Line group. With multiple players in the top 10 and a ton of guys in the top 100, plenty of defensive linemen from New York will play at a high level of college football in the fall of 2024. To cover as many guys as possible, I split the position into more Edge Rusher type players or guys who project as defensive ends at the next level and interior defensive linemen. This way, they are separated by their skillsets and the size variance of the two positions. While the Interior Defensive Lineman group may be a deeper position group amongst DI-level prospects, the defensive end group has many players who are big senior seasons away from solid recruiting attention. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The Top Guy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["241147"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='241147' first='Caden' last='Brown'] regardless of position, is one of the most dominant players in the entire state. The defensive end/edge rusher has some of the most impressive physical traits and has one of the highest ceilings in this class. While Brown, can dominate with his physical traits he is extremely developed in terms of his pass rushing skillset and ability to stop the run. Brown has one of the deepest bags of pass rush moves in this class and he performs multiple moves on an elite level. Brown has incredible instincts and has elite play speed where his diagnosis of the play and ability to react instantly is what helps Brown put dominant games on film. Brown could add a little more to his frame for the next level but the strength is already there, listed at 215lbs Brown shows strength that would make you believe he was 25-30lbs heavier.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f42e467d77"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Five Prospects To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["451505"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='451505' first='Yasire' last='Dejesus'] has one of the best get-offs of any defensive lineman and his burst off the snap is at an elite level. Dejesus' elite quickness make him a mainstay in opponents backfield and his ability not only to get lineman with speed but finish ball carriers and quarterbacks consistently and physically showcase is presence throughout a game. Dejesus put together 8 sacks and 12 TFL facing some of the best lineman in New York in the NYCHSFL and is one of the top returning lineman in the entire state. His elite speed and quickness are high level traits and while the athleticism is there, some more pure power would take Dejesus to the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["528762"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='528762' first='Hopeton' last='James'] is a very physical defensive end who is one of the best returners amongst a really solid Holy Trinity defense. James has a really quick get off the snap and he has the strength and power to make plays on the interior or on the edge. James does a really good job of impacting both the run and pass game consistently where his play standouts in multiple game situations. James does a good job of using his hands to win at the point of attack and can get of blocks using his upper body strength. Overall, James consistency all season resulted in a breakout performance in the NYCHSFL AA championship game where he registered multiple sacks and had the type of performance that will be the expectation this fall.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["521440"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='521440' first='Montrice' last='Webster'] is a game wrecker and the defensive end from Buffalo is one of the most dominant players in all of Western New York. Even though most of Webster's evaluation comes from his sophmore season he is physically one of the most dominant players and his combination of strength and speed are on an elite level. Webster is a good finisher on the quarterback and can win with either quickness off the snap, power through offensive lineman, or with a solid bag of pass rush moves. Webster is pretty positionally versatile as well as he lines up at a few different positions across the LOS but his best play comes from the defensive end position where his power really shines.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["528722"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='528722' first='Ryan' last='Cole'] is more of a Edge/OLB than a true defensive end but he showed this season that he is one of the most productive defensive players in New York. Cole has solid athleticism but when he wins reps it usually is because of his elite motor, strong football IQ, and solid mechanics as a pass rusher. Cole also is really disciplined on the edge and rarely gets caught out of position and while he does show aggression and the ability to make a ton of plays he is very good at staying patient and never being overaggressive losing contain or opening running lanes for cutbacks. Cole does have solid size, but is a little bit of a tweener with his athleticism but based on his high school tape, the edge is where he belongs.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["604480"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='604480' first='Trey' last='Stevens'] is one of the strongest defensive ends in New York and while he may not be as polished as a pass rusher as some of the names above him, his upper body strength and length are elite traits that offensive lineman struggle to deal with. Stevens, although 235lbs and still lean is very strong and he can generate push even against double teams. Stevens does have solid quickness of the ball and can win using his explosiveness. Stevens is a really solid player but can really take the next step by playing with better pad level and showcasing a more diverse ability to rush the passer.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f42e467dcd"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Sleepers That You Should Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["351232"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='351232' first='Kevon' last='Walker'] is one of the most intriguing prospects headed into this season because he has clear D1 size and the athleticism is there but the production not quite to the level of his size and athleticism. Walker was a really solid impactful player for Canisius this season but this fall will be huge for the defensive end. Walker has the ability to dominate and shows flashes of being one of the best defensive lineman in New York. However, if Walker could play with much more consistency and urgency he would absolutely take the next step and become a dominant player instead of just a solid defender who shows the occasional flash of being great. Overall, there is not a player in New York that could make a bigger jump from what we already know to what we could see this season in terms of tape and recruiting than Walker.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["451493"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='451493' first='Nick' last='Leonard'] is one of the many TE/DE guys in New York who could actually play both positions at the next level but with his explosiveness, power, and physicality his skillset at defensive end would likely translate a little stronger at the next level. Leonard does a good job using his hands to win but also is very physical with his hands in creating contact and almost stunning offensive lineman at engagement. Leonard does a good job of winning with strength on the inside but also keeps great contain of the edge and has showcased the speed to take down running backs and other athletes in space. Overall, Leonard has really solid traits but improvements in his ability to shed blocks on the interior and more developed pass rush moves could lead to a big jump this season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["628948"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='628948' first='Sam' last='Atzrott'] was a force to be reckoned with all season in Western New York and his 20 sacks and 24 TFL show that he is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the state. Atzrott is a little lean at only 200lbs but he has elite speed off the edge and his ability to use his great motor and ability to shed blocks contribute to his strong success. Atzrott has a very underrated power aspect to his game where he can pop offensive lineman and unhinge their base or anchor moving them off balance. Atzrott is also quick both in his ability to get past the LOS but to make contact with an OL and use hands or speed to win early in the rep. Overall, Atzrott shows really solid tape as a pass rusher, however, at the next level teams will be looking for more size and overall strength. Atzrott already has some high quality traits but adding some weight in the offseason would be massive for his development.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["723907"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='723907' first='Louis' last='Martinez'] is one of the players to watch this fall as the Monsignor Farrell Defensive Lineman creates one of the best returning defensive line duos in the NYCHSFL. Martinez shows elite versatility with his ability to move inside and win on the interior using strength and very physical hands but also can lineup on the outside and win with speed. Martinez does a really good job shedding blocks and is a very physical finisher of the football. Quarterback, Running Back, Tight End, Wide Receiver, it does not matter Martinez has the motor to pursue everyone and he does a great job of finishing plays.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-640f42e467e14"} /-->