Pass rushers in the NFC South

By: Jake Rajala

The NFC South doesn’t have the most glorious pass rushers. I will be straight up and say that. Nonetheless, there are a few pass rushers who have found gold and made it to the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams. With that said, I’m going to rank the best pass rushers in the NFC South.

7. Arnold Ebiketie

Arnold is the worst pass rusher on the list. He hasn’t surpassed six sacks or 12 QB hits in a season. At least, he is 26 years old. Hence, he still has the world in the palm of his hands. He is also in a contract season, so expect the best effort from him.

6. Carl Granderson

Carl Granderson had a modest 5.5 sacks last season after 7.5 the season prior. I believe he will be between 10 sacks and 5 sacks. Granderson has been a diamond in the rough after going undrafted. Granderson is still 28 years old, which is seven years younger than Cameron Jordan!

5. Tershawn Wharton

Tershawn Wharton was one of the biggest surprises this season. After failing to record more than two sacks and five QB hits in a season, he unleashed six sacks and 11 QB hits from the DT spot last season.

4. Calijah Kancey

It’s quite impressive that Calijah Kancey recorded 7.5 sacks from the defensive tackle spot! He also had 39 pressures. I believe he could surpass double digit sacks soon. He is still 24 years old!

3. Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd has been a pillar of consistency. He has recorded at least 8.5 sacks in his five seasons. This came after failing to eclipse seven sacks in his first four seasons. He also had 16 QB hits.

2. Chase Young

Chase Young didn’t have double digit sacks (as he only had 5.5), but he was a pressure machine. Young and Carl Granderson didn’t fail at disrupting the opposing QB. Young still has freakish athletic ability, as he did win Defensive Rookie of The Year. I believe that’s still in him.

1. Haason Reddick

I hate to say it, but I believe that Haason Reddick is the best pass rusher on the list. Reddick was a workhorse and walk-on legend. Then he turned into a pity NFL player. He still recorded 11 sacks in 2023 after unleashing 16 sacks in 2022.

Let it be known: there isn’t a face that recorded double digit sacks last season! There is still a lot of potential and youth in this division.