Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons Headline NFL Edge Rankings by Coaches, Execs

Myles Garrett is already the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, so it’s only fitting he is regarded as the best player at his position by people around the league.

In a ranking of the top 10 edge players by NFL coaches, scouts and executives by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Garrett came in at No. 1 ahead of T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons.

Here is how the full list stacks up:

The top three in this year’s rankings is exactly the same as it was in 2024. Watt actually had the smallest gap from his highest ranking (first) to lowest (third) among the people surveyed.

“He’s still the gold standard for me,” a veteran AFC defensive coach told Fowler of Watt. “He completely wrecks a game and he can do everything.”

Garrett’s lowest ranking was fourth and Parsons’ was sixth. One coordinator explained that the Cleveland Browns star is the “first person you think of when it comes to how much of your game plan” is focused on stopping him.

Fowler noted Garrett received at least 70 percent of first-place votes for the second consecutive year.

Parsons, who could soon pass Garrett as the highest-paid non-QB, may have been dinged a little because injuries caused him to miss four games last season.

Even though he only appeared in 13 games, Parsons still finished 2024 with 23 quarterback hits and 12 sacks. Fowler added his pressure rate of 19.1 percent was the best in the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who was rewarded with a historic contract extension of his own, was the only other player who received a first-place vote.

In fact, beyond the top four players, no one else was ranked higher than third on any of the ballots received.

Aidan Hutchinson is the player whose ranking may have been most impacted by a major injury last season. He was on a Defensive Player of the Year pace with 17 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks in five games before suffering a broken tibia and fibula against the Cowboys on Oct. 13.

Per Fowler, Hutchinson had a 35 percent pass-rush win rate prior to his injury. Danielle Hunter led all qualified players with a 26 percent pass-rush win rate.

“He was on his way to the top three [with Garrett and Watt],” one NFC executive told Fowler.

Among the players who could break into the top-tier group next year, Jared Verse came in at No. 10 after a terrific rookie campaign. The 24-year-old helped ease the sting of Aaron Donald’s retirement by recording 18 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams in 2024.

The postseason provided a breakout moment for Verse. He recorded two sacks and two quarterback hits to help keep the game close in the Rams’ 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round.