Editor’s note: This is the ninth installment of Dane Brugler’s 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting series. Previous ranking: Wide receivers | Defensive tackles | Running backs | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Interior offensive linemen | Offensive tackles | SafetiesEdge rushers are the highest-paid — and highest-drafted — players on the defensive side of the ball. The only positions more important to NFL teams than passers are the players who get after those passers.At least one edge rusher has been drafted in the top three in four of the past five years, plus multiple other top-10 picks. That trend should continue in 2027, and three SEC edge rushers with difference-making talent sit at the top of the rankings.(Notes: An asterisk represents a draft-eligible underclassman. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, per league sources.)1. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina (6-5, 245)*Best trait: Special athletic twitchFrom his first game as a freshman, it was obvious that Stewart moved differently than everyone else on the field. His blend of burst, bend and balance is rarified stuff and allows him to make plays as a pass rusher and run defender.Stewart’s explosiveness in the former category shows in a variety of ways. He can capture the corner with his get-off and arc bend. He can convert his speed to power with burst into contact, driving blockers into the pocket. And Stewart is especially dangerous on stunts and games, where he can levitate between gaps using agile athleticism in space.Dylan Stewart pass rushDane BruglerSome will see his sub-250-pound frame and classify him as a “tweener,” but Stewart consistently makes plays in the run game with length, violence and body twitch.Dylan Stewart run defenseDane BruglerMust improve: Expand pass-rush planWith his athletic tools, Stewart can rely on his explosive movements to stress blockers as a pass rusher, especially when given a runway. But getting home at the next level won’t be as easy, so Stewart needs to polish his setup, pad level and move sequencing to keep opponents guessing. His hands are explosive and should only become more lethal as he continues adding to his arsenal.Stewart would also benefit from additional mass on his lean, athletic build to better match up with NFL power. He is only 20 years old and should continue to fill out his frame.2027 NFL Draft outlookA five-star recruit out of the Washington, D.C., area, Stewart was tabbed as the prize of head coach Shane Beamer’s 2024 class and immediately showed why, becoming a unanimous Freshman All-American. His production dipped as a sophomore (4.5 sacks in 11 starts), but Stewart was routinely disruptive despite being hampered by a back injury over the back half of 2025.Stewart thrives on his raw physical traits: explosive athleticism, bendy body length and special twitch. While he isn’t the most refined pass rusher at this point, NFL teams will be happy to bet on his upside, as his foundational traits are incredibly impressive. Stewart is a blue-chip prospect and should be one of the first players selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.2. Colin Simmons, Texas (6-3, 250)*Best traits: Savvy feet and handsThough I don’t think he has elite size or power, Simmons creates consistent disruption with his quickness, instincts and motor. He understands entry angles as a two-way pass rusher to dip and rip outside corners or work laterally on inside gaps. Simmons can be controlled when his pad level gets too high, but the strength and savvy in his hands help him work off blocks.Colin Simmons highlightsDane BruglerMust improve: Avoiding mistakesWith skills as a pass rusher and run defender, Simmons’ impact is well-rounded. But also common on his tape were frustrating mistakes that you’ll want to see him eliminate in 2026. Simmons committed nine penalties last season, including five offsides flags, and the missed tackles started to add up (especially against Michigan).2027 NFL Draft outlookSome high-profile recruits don’t live up to the hype, but Simmons isn’t one of them. The No. 2 edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class (behind Stewart), the former five-star quickly became a starter and flashed dominance during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Simmons has combined for 105 pressures, 29.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks over his first two years in Austin.Although he isn’t the top-ranked edge on my preseason list, Simmons is a more complete player than Stewart right now. He has the talent to supplant Stewart atop the rankings before draft weekend.3. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama (6-3, 244)*Best trait: Pass-rush energyPierre pursues the football with crimson-colored Red Bull coursing through his veins. He is quick off the ball as a pass rusher to create downhill momentum, which allows him to convert his speed to power and deconstruct blocks like a jackhammer. His violence also helps him set physical edges in the run game.Yhonzae Pierre highlightsDane BruglerMust improve: RefinementPierre’s energy is an unquestioned strength. But complementing his relentless play style with added discipline would increase his impact. Pierre occasionally puts himself in compromising positions, which can get him washed and walled off, especially versus angle blocks or double teams. He also had several missed tackles on the 2025 tapes.2027 NFL Draft outlookYhonzae (pronounced “yon-ZAY”) was a highly touted five-star recruit who stayed home to play for Alabama. He entered his redshirt sophomore season last year as a part-time role player, but he earned more playing time and emerged as arguably the Tide’s most impactful defensive player. Pierre finished the 2025 season with a team-high 45 pressures, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three forced fumbles.Pierre flirted with leaving for the 2026 NFL Draft, where he likely would have been a top-40 pick. Instead, he returned to Tuscaloosa for his fourth season — and a chance to cement his status as a top-20 prospect.4. Will Heldt, Clemson (6-7, 260)Best trait: Pass-rush handsHeldt brings a good balance of physicality and finesse with his hands as a pass rusher. He has average length (32 1/4-inch arms) when extending into contact, but his timing and placement help him detach from blocks and pursue the football. Though he might not be the most explosive, Heldt consistently has a plan, which allows him to throw away the wrists of blockers or rip through shoulders.Will Heldt highlightsDane BruglerMust improve: Playing with taller padsStanding tall at a verified 6 feet 6 7/8 inches, Heldt rushes with high hips and shoulders. He doesn’t have great bend, especially at the top of his rush, which can cause him to get stuck once engaged. His motor, technique and raw strength are often enough to win versus college tackles, but NFL blockers will be a new challenge.2027 NFL Draft outlookUnderrecruited out of high school, Heldt grew up outside of Indianapolis and held several Big Ten offers before committing to nearby Purdue. After two standout seasons with the Boilermakers, he entered the transfer portal and was heavily recruited by programs including LSU and Texas A&M before choosing Clemson. Last season, his first with the Tigers, Heldt led the team in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (7.5).Despite losing five draft picks from last year’s defense, Clemson returns key starters at every level. A stand-up edge rusher, Heldt was the most consistent part of the Tigers’ defensive line in 2025, and that should continue in 2026. Scouts are eager to see his battle against LSU’s Jordan Seaton in Baton Rouge in the season opener.5. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State (6-5, 260)Best traits: Power and lengthWith 34-inch arms and an 82 3/4-inch wingspan, Jackson has the long levers to control the point of attack. As a pass rusher, he uses his full extension to move blockers off their spots and create rush lanes. In the run game, Jackson is an overpowering presence and can outreach opponents to snatch, shed and make stops at the line.Kenyatta Jackson Jr. highlightsDane BruglerMust improve: Pass-rush nuanceJackson made clear improvements over the second half of last season in terms of weaponizing his length. The next step for him is to keep blockers on their toes by introducing more setup and deception to his attack. Building a pass-rush plan is an art form, and Jackson is an ambitious artist.2027 NFL Draft outlookA top-100 recruit out of high school, Jackson teased his talent over his first three years in Columbus before becoming a starter last season and emerging as one of the top defensive linemen in the Big Ten. Ohio State had a dominant defense in 2025, but lost seven draft picks (including four top-40 picks). Jackson was also considered a potential first-rounder in 2026, but he surprised some by returning to Ohio State for his fifth season.The lone returning starter on Ohio State’s defensive line this season, Jackson will need to provide a veteran presence and build on his improvements from last year for the Buckeyes to again be dominant on that side of the ball.Top 25 senior edge rusher prospects:1. Heldt