’27 Rankings Update | New DL/EDGE Names to Watch

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The Iowa 2027 rankings have been released, with a major overhaul that added over 150 new names to our rankings and watchlist. To cover the rankings update, I wanted to review some of the notable new names that stood out during the evaluation process. The next group I'm taking a look at is a talented pool of defensive linemen prospects.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    Glenwood's [player_tooltip player_id='1616410' first='Drake' last='Buthe'] was one of the top newcomers to this rankings update, landing as the top defensive lineman and top-15 overall. Buthe played on both sides of the ball for the Rams and recorded 28.5 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, seven sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Drake stands out immediately with his lengthy frame at 6'5" and 265 pounds, with room to continue bulking up at the collegiate level. His lengthy reach allows him to fully extend when shooting from his stance and to be the aggressor at the point of contact. Buthe is relentless in his pursuit, showing a nonstop motor that runs from snap to whistle and the lateral quickness to track down backs and corral scrambling QBs. Drake is effective as a power rusher, displaying strong hip and upper-body power to drive defenders off their spot. Very good mobility and agile on his feet. Mean streak that leads him to finish his plays with a stop or pancake, depending on which side he's on.      Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1361315' first='Ben' last='Booth'] is a player who really popped on tape and earned himself a top-25 debut in the rankings. Ben played a key role on the Tigers' defensive line with 27 tackles, 10 TFLs, and five sacks. Ben is a versatile defender who stood out for his ability to adapt his pass-rushing approach, combining power, finesse, and speed off the ball. He has the strength in his hands and leg drive to bull rush his way into opposing backfields. Booth's mobility was also impressive on film, as he demonstrated good footwork while executing spin moves, stunts, and other speed moves. Another aspect of Ben's game that stood out is his ability to move between end and tackle on the defensive line, showing he can beat tackles when rushing off the edge and be an elite interior space-eater who can blow up gaps.      Marion's [player_tooltip player_id='1677050' first='Elijah' last='Dreyer'] is a player with massive upside and seems to be only starting to scratch the surface. Elijah ended his junior season with 12 tackles, seven TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Dreyer impressed at defensive end with his ability to be a nuisance to opposing QBs and contain the edge when defending the run. He plays with good pop in his hands, which helps him keep blockers off of him and stay free to chase down the ball carriers. He closes on the ball very well and is an effective tackler once he reaches the ball carrier. Dreyer could also receive some looks on offense, where he is a key blocker on the offensive line.      SEP's [player_tooltip player_id='1207832' first='Cooper' last='Chebuhar'] already took a big step from his sophomore to junior year, and now looks primed to make a leap going into year four. Chebuhar recorded 22 tackles and 3.5 TFLs during his junior campaign. Cooper is a player I can see moving around the defensive front due to his athleticism and versatility. He's played both as a stand-up edge rusher and as a defensive end with his hands in the dirt, and he can excel in either role. Despite being on the "lighter" side, Chebuhar does a great job of eating and stacking up blockers while keeping his eyes on the backfield and tracking the ball. Once he's made his read, Cooper can disengage from blocks and continue his pursuit. Good job sealing the edge to shut down outside runs.      North Scott's [player_tooltip player_id='1827657' first='Bryce' last='Stewart'] is a legit two-way prospect with upside on both the offensive and defensive line. As a junior, Stewart recorded nine tackles, a TFL, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Bryce plays with great leverage over his opponents and knows how to win the hand battle to get inside the defender's frame. Once he's won inside leverage, Stewart knows how to use his powerful base to either stand up blockers in their stance or upend them and drop them into the dirt. Good footwork as he works through blocks. Violent finisher at the point of contact with a motor that keeps him playing through the whistle.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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