Nailing your scouting leading up to the NFL draft will drastically improve your chances of continuing to assert dominance in your dynasty leagues. At Footballguys, we make it easy by grinding tape and researching upcoming rookies. Kyle Bellefeuil and I drop our top IDP rookies at each position base yearly.
IDP rookie edge rushers can be challenging to nail down. It is tough for rookie IDP edge defenders to see sufficient playing time to make an immediate impact. Knowing which IDP rookie edge rushers will see the most playing time can help load up on the most critical IDP position. Here are the pre-combine top 10 rookie IDP edge defenders in the 2026 NFL draft.
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (6-foot-3, 270 pounds)
2025 Stats (16 games)
- 54 tackles (30 solos)
- 15.5 tackles for a loss
- 9.5 sacks
- 1 pass defended
- 1 interception
- 1 forced fumble
Bain enters as the most fantasy-ready pass rusher in the class. His explosive first step and violent hands allow him to win immediately off the snap, and his speed-to-power conversion translates directly to sack production. He brings an aggressive mentality against the run, boosting his tackle floor — something IDP managers love.
Today's prospect profile is on University of Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr.., who along with David Bailey of Texas Tech, is arguably the best pure pass rusher in the 2026 draft.
— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) February 13, 2026
Bain (#4) has an advanced pass rush repertoire that allowed him to amass 20.5 sacks at Miami against elite… pic.twitter.com/YfLlmbrpT1
His motor runs hot, and his body-moving bull rush will collapse pockets quickly at the next level. While he needs to develop more counter moves, the raw tools suggest early-down snaps and strong sack upside.
2. David Bailey, Texas Tech (6-foot-3, 250 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 52 tackles (32 solos)
- 19.5 tackles for a loss
- 14.5 sacks
- 3 passes defended
- 1 fumble recovery
Bailey might have the highest athletic ceiling in the entire class. His elite explosiveness and hip flexibility allow him to bend and flatten off the edge naturally, creating strip-sack potential. He already flashes a full counter arsenal — rare for a rookie.
David Bailey - Pass Rush Film
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) February 14, 2026
A highlight clip of some of Bailey's 14.5 Sacks in 2025, when he took the Big 12 by storm with a collection of speed rushes, spin moves, or ghost acts to rocket up NFL Draft boards.#NFLDraft #NFLDraft2026 #NFLCombine #TexasTech #GunsUp pic.twitter.com/8ejqhY93OU
He has a knack for forcing turnovers, which immediately boosts his fantasy stock. However, his over-aggressive tendencies could impact his snap consistency early on.
3. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 243 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 69 tackles (34 solos)
- 10 tackles for a loss
- 6.5 sacks
- 2 passes defended
An explosive, sideline-to-sideline defender with a lightning first step, Reese wins with speed—both downhill against the run and around the edge as a pass rusher. He's a strong run defender with a quick trigger and tackle upside, and potential dual LB/EDGE eligibility boosts his IDP appeal.
I know this against Ohio, but Arvell Reese just absolutely rag dolling this tackle with a long arm stab and shed is absurd pic.twitter.com/8LAxEN3lEX
— Jack Guiley (@guiley_jack) September 29, 2025
His pass-rush plan is still raw, but the athletic traits and versatility give him intriguing upside in rookie drafts.
4. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (6-foot-2, 248 pounds)
2025 Stats (13 games)
- 31 tackles (20 solos)
- 14 tackles for a loss
- 11.5 sacks
- 6 passes defended
- 1 forced fumble
Howell is another explosive edge who can flatten to the quarterback and win with lateral agility. His active hands at the line create deflections and chaos — valuable in leagues rewarding passes defended.
Describe Cashius Howell tape:
— Football Stats Guy (@StickToTheModel) February 18, 2026
BONE SMASHING HAMMERpic.twitter.com/poXxGQub0c https://t.co/ZwiIEazT18
He struggles against double teams and stronger tackles, which could affect his early-down usage, but his burst keeps him relevant in obvious pass-rush situations.
5. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (6-foot-2, 249 pounds)
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