The Philadelphia Eagles have invested heavily in their pass rush, but questions about the position's future aren't going away anytime soon. Jonathan Greenard was one of the biggest defensive additions this offseason. Yet, a pec injury suffered while lifting weights has prevented Eagles fans from seeing him practice or play in Vic Fangio's defense.
Jalyx Hunt looks like a rising star after a dominant training camp, whileNolan Smith enters a pivotal seasonas he tries to solidify his place in the team's long-term plans. Meanwhile, veteran additions Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa could become important contributors. Neither has established himself as a clear long-term answer.
With college football returning, here are five edge rushers who could
begin working their way onto Philadelphia's radar as the 2027 NFL Draft cycle takes shape. Scouting has already begun. Here are some names to monitor.
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina Gamecocks
Dylan Stewart might be the most naturally gifted pass rusher in the country. The South Carolina star followed an impressive freshman season with 33 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2025 while continuing to flash elite traits.
At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he combines length, explosiveness, and athleticism that NFL teams covet. His sack numbers don't fully reflect the impact he has had on games. Another leap could cement him as one of the premier defensive prospects in the draft class.
Colin Simmons, Texas Longhorns
Few edge rushers enter the season with more momentum than Colin Simmons. After recording nine sacks as a freshman, he exploded for 12 sacks, 43 tackles, and three forced fumbles in 2025 while earning All-America honors.
Simmons wins with speed, bend, and natural pass-rushing instincts that are difficult to teach. His ability to consistently affect quarterbacks makes him one of the favorites to be the first edge defender selected in 2027. Philadelphia will undoubtedly be watching.
Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon Ducks
Matayo Uiagalelei looks the part of an NFL edge rusher with a 6-foot-4, 266-pound frame and impressive athletic ability. He followed a 10.5-sack breakout campaign in 2024 with six sacks in 2025, though many evaluators expected even bigger production.
Consistency remains the biggest question surrounding his game. When he's locked in, Uiagalelei flashes first-round talent and the ability to dominate. If he puts everything together this season, his stock could rise quickly.
Clev Lubin, Louisville Cardinals
Clev Lubin has quietly produced everywhere he's played. After posting 9.5 sacks with Coastal Carolina Chanticleersin 2024, he transferred to Louisville and responded with 59 tackles and 8.5 sacks against stronger competition. The 267-pound defender plays with power, effort, and a knack for finding the football. His production over the past two seasons suggests he's more than just a one-year wonder. A strong 2026 campaign could push him into the national spotlight.
Damon Wilson II, Miami Hurricanes
Wilson is one of the more fascinating names to monitor this season. The former Georgia Bulldogs recruit broke out with the Missouri Tigers with nine sacks in 2025 before transferring to Miami. At 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, Wilson is a twitchy athlete who can threaten offensive tackles with speed off the edge. He remains somewhat raw but possesses the type of upside that NFL teams love to bet on. Another productive season could elevate him from intriguing prospect to legitimate first-round candidate.
Why Eagles fans should pay attention
Philadelphia's edge-rusher room has talent, but the long-term picture is still taking shape. Greenard has yet to play a snap for the Eagles, Hunt is emerging as a cornerstone piece, and important decisions could loom in the coming years regarding how the team allocates resources along the defensive front.
The Eagles have always prioritized premium positions, and few positions matter more than getting after the quarterback. That's why these five names are worth filing away as the road to the 2027 NFL Draft begins.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 2027 NFL Draft: 5 Edge rushers for the Eagles to watch
