Sleeper Alert: Under The Radar 2026 EDGE Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These promising EDGE defenders in the 2026 class are still flying under the radar...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1205287"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a0ef4ba5413"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sleeper EDGE defender in Atlanta who can absolutely play somewhere at the next level, Johnson Jr is coming off an impressive junior season where he made play after play on a weekly basis and lived in the backfield all year long. At 6-foot-1 230-pounds, this sleeper defender shows a quick first step off the line and does a great job of attacking the ball-carrier in the backfield. He was one of the more productive EDGE defenders in the Atlanta area, making 77 total tackles, 39 TFLs, 12 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He's tough, disruptive, and bound for a gigantic season once again in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1573191"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a0ef4ba5479"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated pass-rushers and overall EDGE defenders south of Atlanta, Bridges is coming off a giant junior season last fall where he made 63 tackles, 22 TFLs and 11 sacks. He explodes off the snap, shows quick, violent hands, and has enough athleticism to dip under offensive tackles to attack the quarterback. He moves well at 6-foot-2 205-pounds and knows how to wrap up properly when taking down the ball-carrier. He's one of the more underrated defenders in the area and has more than enough talent to find a place to play at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616554"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a0ef4ba54c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An instinctive defender who can rush the quarterback, stop the run, and play the ball in the air, Braxton brings size and playmaking ability at 6-foot-2 215-pounds. He's a natural defender and a sure tackler who tackled everything in sight last fall for an outstanding Langston Hughes team. One of the more productive defenders on an extremely talented defense, Braxton made 96 tackles, 14 TFLs and a team-leading 11 sacks and two big INTs. Look for him to be added to the next 2026 rankings update this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616560"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a0ef4ba5504"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile defensive lineman who can play inside or on the edge, Edwin brings a compact frame at 6-foot-0 240-pounds with a high motor and the ability to deliver a sound hit in the backfield. He's coming off a productive junior season where he made 66 tackles, 18 TFLs and nine sacks. He does a good job of playing with leverage, can shed blocks, and knows how to make plays in the backfield. He's easily one of the more underrated defenders on that side of Atlanta and will be an easy addition to the next Prep Redzone rankings. If he continues to improve and develop over the next several months, Edwin could be in store for another massive season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1576112"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a0ef4ba5546"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Still one of the top sleeper EDGE defenders in Gwinnett County, Coxwell is a max-effort, playmaking defender who shined on a weekly basis against some of the top teams in the state all season long. The big, physical lineman made big plays in the backfield all year long as a junior for the Bulldogs, making 53 total tackles, 20 TFLs, and seven sacks. He also made one INT and blocked one punt during his strong 2024 season. Look for him to be even better as a senior in 2025. The 6-foot-5 235-pounder saw several offers come his way last month and more are likely on the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->