Best pass rushers in the NFC East
By: Jake Rajala
The NFC East is home to many prolific pass rushers. With that simply said, I’m going to do my best to unfold the best of the best quarterback hunters.
5. Nolan Smith Jr.
Nolan Smith Jr. isn’t an All-Pro figure, but he did really raise his game from a rookie (1 sack 3 QB hits, and 1 TFL) to a sophomore (6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, and 8 TFLs). Of course, he’s an edge rusher for Philly. He should really benefit from Jalen Carter demanding double teams on the inside.
4. Kavyon Thibodeaux
Kavyon is a sack master. He recorded 11.5 sacks in 2023 and then 5.5 last season. He also has 11 pass deflections in his short career thus far. The only concern I have is that the Giants may trade him with Abdul Carter and Brian Burns on the roster.
3. Brian Burns
Brian Burns is a savvy pass rusher at 27 years old. He has never had a season below 7.5 sacks! He also had 8 pass deflections last season! Furthermore, he had 71 combined tackles, which was a career-high. He has been snubbed from the Pro Bowl a couple of times, but he won’t let his motor slow down because of it.
2. Dante Fowler Jr.
The top two pass rushers in the NFC East belong to the Cowboys. Dante Fowler Jr. had 10.5 sacks and 14 TFLs last season. Plus, he had an interception! Fowler Jr. should be able to benefit from the attention to Micah Parsons and record personal best statistics.
1. Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons is far beyond anyone on this list. He’s an All-Pro defender and he can line up from the DE spot, LB spot, and even over the center. He had 70 pressures, which was fifth among all defenders. Let it be known that he even missed four games last season.
The NFC East is home to a combination of young and old pass rushers. I expect Jalen Carter to get more sacks and QB hits next season. Abdul Carter could be a Top-3 NFC East pass rusher, as well.
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