Perhaps the most shiny jewel of the Falcon’s offseason was the transfer of former Bergen Catholic standout CJ Edwards CJ Edwards 6'4" | 190 lbs | DL St. Joseph | 2026 State NJ . Edwards has an elite get off that only equally as elite offensive tackles can manage to stay in front of. This get off, combined with his motor, pursuit, and constant hand fighting, makes him an Tasmanian Devil-like pass rusher. Much to my delight, Edwards largely refrains from taking the inside rush unless it is absolutely wide open. In his 2 minute highlight tape there was tons of great footage pass rush-wise, yet very clips of him stuffing the run. I would like to see more; however, in the few clips he did include I would like to see him squeeze down harder when unblocked.

C.J. Edwards is set to make a significant impact in his senior season after transferring from Bergen Catholic to St. Joseph Metuchen. At 6’5”, 230 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an edge rusher—long arms, a stout build, and the ability to create leverage against offensive tackles. His motor stands out, and his physical tools allow him to be disruptive off the edge.

But this season, Edwards will take on a new challenge. In a recent interview, he revealed that he will also be playing on the offensive side of the ball, specifically at wide receiver. His size and athleticism make him an intriguing weapon in the passing game, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the role.

Edwards recently committed to Tennessee, where he’ll reunite with Somerville standout edge rusher Jayden Loftin Jayden Loftin 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Somerville | 2025 State NJ . The two showed great chemistry at the Prep Red Zone camp, which likely influenced his decision. Now, he’ll look to close out his high school career with a dominant two-way season.

CJ Edwards CJ Edwards 6'4" | 190 lbs | DL St. Joseph | 2026 State NJ earns the superlative for most likely to play in the NFL, and it’s easy to see why. At 6’4”, 280 pounds, he already possesses the prototypical build that colleges and pro scouts covet. Long arms, a strong upper body, and the frame to add even more muscle make him a natural fit at the next level. But it’s not just about size—CJ has the skill set to match.

His first step is explosive, giving him an edge off the snap. He also shows a surprising bend for a player of his stature, allowing him to dip and rip past blockers. His pass-rush plan is developing, but you saw flashes last season, especially in big-game situations where he made key plays. Beyond the physical traits, his relentless motor stands out. He plays through the whistle, constantly chasing down plays and disrupting the backfield.

CJ’s recruiting has been on fire, and it has recently added several offers, including one from North Carolina. He’s also moving from Bergen Catholic to St. Joe’s Metuchen, where he’ll step into a more prominent role as the team’s top pass rusher. That change won’t slow him down—it’ll only give him more chances to prove why he’s one of the best in the state. With his work ethic and natural ability, CJ Edwards CJ Edwards 6'4" | 190 lbs | DL St. Joseph | 2026 State NJ is on a clear trajectory toward playing on Sundays.

CJ Edwards CJ Edwards 6'4" | 190 lbs | DL St. Joseph | 2026 State NJ from Bergen Catholic is an emerging force on the defensive line. At 6’5” and 210 pounds, he possesses a long, athletic frame that sets him apart as a defensive playmaker. While he may have been somewhat overshadowed by standout newcomer Jackson Vaughn last season, CJ still carved out a significant role as an impactful edge rusher. Whether lined up with his hand in the dirt or standing as an outside linebacker, he showed versatility and effectiveness off the edge.

One of CJ’s most impressive traits is his relentless motor. He’s constantly around the football, showcasing effort and tenacity on every play. His development as a pass rusher is also evident. Training with Coach LT, one of New Jersey’s premier defensive line coaches, has sharpened his hand usage and improved his ability to execute a pass-rush plan. He’s becoming a more cerebral player at the position, blending natural athleticism with technique and awareness.

What makes CJ stand out is his potential. His frame, athletic ability, and ongoing development make him a high-upside player—a “big ball of clay” waiting to be molded. His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he’s earned offers from top programs, including a recent one from Coach Bill Belichick’s North Carolina staff.

Looking ahead, CJ is poised to step out of the shadow of others and establish himself as Bergen Catholic’s premier edge rusher on a loaded defensive line. With another season to refine his skills and capitalize on his physical gifts, CJ is ready to solidify his status as one of New Jersey’s top defensive linemen.

Top Attribute: Pass rusher extraordinaire

Another prospect that I got to see live and in person at Prep Redzone’s Stockup Showcase in the winter, CJ Edward’s film verified what my eyes saw. With a quick and twitchy get off, Edwards gains territory near the line of scrimmage in a hurry, forcing offensive linemen to backpedal with intense urgency. He also works his hands very well as he hand fights, gets his hands above his eyes, and works to extend them when defending the run. Relatedly, Edwards uses his hands to snatch defenders and discard them to the side. Lastly, due to his God-given physical gifts, Edwards is in a unique position that his length allows him to attack the inside shoulder of pullers, turning them flat and essentially two-gapping by playing a de facto dent technique.

CJ Edwards CJ Edwards 6'4" | 190 lbs | DL St. Joseph | 2026 State NJ is built to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Standing at 6’5” and weighing in at 215 pounds, he has the prototypical frame for an edge rusher. Long arms, broad shoulders, and a rangy build make him an imposing figure on the field. But today, it’s not just about looking the part—it’s about making his mark.

Edwards has garnered significant attention, picking up offers from major programs like Syracuse, West Virginia, Michigan, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Pitt. This matchup against IMG Academy offers the perfect stage for a breakout performance. With the spotlight on him in one of his first significant varsity games, CJ has the opportunity to announce his arrival in a big way. Expect him to bring the heat and showcase why he’s considered one of the most promising edge rushers in New Jersey.