Though the 2022 class was loaded with guys like Aidan Hutchinson, Jermaine Johnson and Kayvon Thibodeaux, who all went in the top five, the 2023 edge class has a chance to be even better.

The 2022 draft’s run on edge rushers highlights the importance of having someone that can get to the quarterback at the end of the game. Today we will look at some prospects to watch throughout the 2022 college football season.

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Since arriving as a true freshman, Murphy has played some type of a role in Clemson’s defense. In his debut season, he racked up 38 tackles, 4.0 sacks and three forced fumbles, and was a crucial part of the Tigers’ playoff run. He followed that up by increasing his sack total to 7.0 and adding 37 tackles the next year.

Murphy is 6’5″ and 275 pounds, and he uses all of that size when playing all along the line. He is stout against the run and has the first-step explosiveness to cause problems against opposing offenses. If Murphy keeps adding tools to his pass rush bag and playing at the level he has, then he could be a top-five pick next April.

Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Anderson has been a game-wrecker since arriving in Tuscaloosa. He has had over 150 tackles and 24.5 sacks as a part of the Crimson Tide (17.5 of those coming last season). He has been one of the most physical players in the country against the run and has gotten used to living in the opponent’s backfield, putting up an insane 34.5 tackles for loss. Anderson combines that physicality with his bend and athleticism to get to the quarterback at an elite level and has the potential to follow up this year’s first selection, Travon Walker, as the first player chosen next year.

B.J. Ojulari, DE/EDGE, LSU

Staying in the SEC West, LSU’s BJ Ojulari also follows the trend of producing since arriving on campus. As a true freshman, he tallied 16 tackles and 4.0 sacks. He more than tripled his total tackles while almost doubling his sacks the next yeaer. He possesses good bend, which allows him to get under offensive tackles, and he uses his explosiveness to close the distance between him and the quarterback quickly. If he can improve against the run, then he has the potential to follow in the steps of his big brother Azeez Ojulari as an early-round pickup.

Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

Carter exploded last season for Army, racking up 15.5 sacks (good for the second-most in the country). That season was good enough to earn him Third-Team AP all-American honors. He has a massive frame with a deceptive amount of athleticism and consistently beat tackles with whatever he wanted. He also showed his versatility with his ability to drop in coverage, deflecting two passes and catching an interception. Carter can identify run blocking schemes with the best of them, wrecking plays before they started all year. If Carter continues to produce at this level, he has the potential to be the highest selected Black Knight since 1998.