The NFL has no shortage of elite pass rushers.
Some teams even have 2-3 that can get after the passer at a high level.
In a passing league like the NFL, edge rushers have become one of the most important positions.
As sacks have been one sure way to kill drives for your opponents.
Not every edge rusher is made the same, as some use speed and others use power to get to the passer.
Pro Football Focus recently releases their top edge defenders for the season.
The best edge defenders this year so far 💪 pic.twitter.com/7GS9iMU7Cm
— PFF (@PFF) November 30, 2022
All four of these players could be argued as the top defensive player in the league.
Not only are they PFF darlings, but these players all have elite counting stats.
Micah Parsons is second in the NFL in sacks with 12.0.
Nick Bosa is third in sacks with 11.5.
Maxx Crosby leads the league in tackles for loss with 17.
Myles Garrett has a higher grade than all of them and his pass rush win rate is an NFL best 30%.
Each of these players does something really well and are all worthy of their PFF grades.
Defensive Player Of The Year Race
All four of these edge defenders will be in contention for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
But, it appears as if Parsons is the heavy favorite to win the award.
After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, Parsons is having an even better season this year.
He leads the NFL in 2+ sack games with six, and his versatility is something the other top defenders do not have.
Parsons is a once in a generation type of defender and he looks set to win his first of many DPOY awards this season.
NEXT: Stats Show How Jaycee Horn Has Been Elite