The NFL is a league that values premium positions. Quarterback has always been, and will always be, the games most premiere position. Thus, protecting that quarterback, and pressuring the other team’s signal caller become the other primary objectives of every NFL team. Each year, come April, quarterbacks, offensive linemen and pass rushers are all given a slight value bump for this very reason.
2012 NFL Draft: Who is the Best Pass Rusher Available?
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The 2012 NFL Draft brings about an interesting dilema, though. There is no clear-cut No. 1 pass rusher in this draft class, regardless of the defensive scheme. A handful of players have separated themselves as the top tier of pass rushers, but it appears there are discrepancies in how each team, media member and scout ranks that top tier.
After the jump, I’ll take a look at this top tier, and try to formulate some sort of ranking. We’ll see what happens.
Quinton Coples, North Carolina, 6'5'', 285 pounds - Quinton Coples is best suited for a 4-3 defense at the next level. Coples is gifted and versatile enough to play a number of positions along the defensive line. The issue with him is consistency, as his production tailed off a bit at times as a senior. Some scouts are concerned about his work ethic. From a pure talent standpoint, he is the best pass rusher available, but we know success in the NFL isn't completely tied to talent.
Melvin Ingram, South Carolina, 6'1'', 264 pounds - Melvin Ingram does not possess the physical ability of Quinton Coples, but he is a versatile and hard working pass rusher. His best fit is probably at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but if Ingram was to add some bulk to his frame, he could put his hand in the dirt in a 4-3 defense.
Nick Perry, USC, 6’3”, 270 pounds - Nick Perry is an underrated pass rusher, in my opinion. I view him as a top-15 talent. He has a relentless and consistent motor with the initial burst off the line that makes him tough to block. At his size, strength will be a bit of a concern, but I think Perry proved himself against some solid tackles in the Pac-12 this season.
Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, 6'1'', 270 pounds - Physicality is Courtney Upshaw's game. He is another guy who can probably play in either the 3-4 or 4-3. He is not a naturally fluid athlete, but he plays the game with an edge and has the strength to match up with NFL linemen. Upshaw is very tough, but his upside appears to be limited.
Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, 6'4'', 261 pounds - A one year wonder at Illinois, Whitney Mercilus projects as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. He's a jack of all trades but master of none. He isn't an elite athlete by any means, but it's tough to argue with his production and physical traits.
Projected Order
Obviously, it’s tough to rank these players, since they aren’t all prototypical 4-3 defensive ends. Some of these guys will play 4-3 end, while others will suit up at linebacker in a 3-4. That being said, I would rank their value as pass rushers as follows.
- Quinton Coples
- Melvin Ingram
- Nick Perry
- Whitney Mercilus
- Courtney Upshaw
I think Nick Perry may provide the best value of any pass rusher in the draft if he slides into the second half of round one. Courtney Upshaw brings up the rear in this tier of players because of the lack of upside he presents. While I have Coples as the top rated guy, he would still scare me in the top ten.
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