As the line between 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers continue the blur, the term edge-rusher has been born as a way to grade prospects who fit both positions. Basically the only differences between the two positions are that the outside linebackers are in a two-point stance and drop into coverage every now and again.

With that said, the most important thing that an edge-rusher must be able to do is rush the passer. That is where they get paid and that is what makes them such a valuable commodity on the defense. That’s why players like Cameron Wake, Von Miller and Aldon Smith are household names and players like Derek Wolf, Malik Jackson and Everson Griffin aren’t. The latter are very good players, but they just aren’t able to get to the passer like the former are.

That is not to say that stopping the run isn’t important, it is, but it just isn’t what gets these types of players the big contracts and the acclaim.

Now, let’s try and build the perfect edge-rusher who would terrorize quarterbacks and destroy running backs throughout his NFL career.

Size: Lynden Trail, Norfolk State

Size is an extremely important aspect for edge-rushers as they are going toe-to-toe with offensive linemen who outweigh them by 30 pounds or more. Another underrated aspect for edge-rushers are their height. The taller a player is, the more leverage he can utilize if he has the flexibility to lower his pad level. The player in this draft class that seamlessly intertwines the two is Norfolk State’s Lynden Trail.

At 6-foot-6 and 269 pounds with 34.875-inch arms, Trail embodies what you look for from a size perspective on the edge. Trail’s length allows him to be able to create separation from offensive tackles, which makes it easier for him to disengage and get around the offensive tackle. His height allows him to generate a ton of leverage and his weight allows him to be stout at the point-of-attack. When you are looking for what an edge-rusher is supposed to look like, look no further than Trail.

Upfield Burst: Vic Beasley, Clemson

The ability for an edge-rusher to get upfield quickly and stress an offensive tackle’s pass set is extremely valuable because it makes everything easier. If an offensive tackle is worried about losing to the outside, he tends to be more susceptible to inside and power moves, which in turn gives the edge-rusher a ton of viable options to put pressure on the passer.

In this draft class, there is no other player with a better upfield burst than Vic Beasley. He routinely wins with his upfield burst alone. Beasley’s ability to get upfield is the No. 1 reason why he is the best pure pass-rushing prospect in this draft class. His upfield burst is Von Miller-esque, which translates extremely well and should allow him to hit the ground running once he gets to the NFL.

Bend/Flexibility: Randy Gregory, Nebraska

A speed rush without bend is like cereal without milk, it’s just not very good without it. If an edge-rusher wants to win with speed around the corner, they need to have the ankle, knee and hip flexion to drop their weight and really sharpen their route to the quarterback because if they don’t they will just get pushed by the pocket.

There is not another prospect in this draft class who can sharpen the edge like Nebraska’s Randy Gregory. The acute angles that he can take when he his running the arc are extremely impressive. If you are looking for a player who can combine the speed and flexibility to consistently win with speed on the edge, Gregory is your guy.

Strength: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

While speed is great, edge-rushers need strength to not only win with power when rushing the passer, but to also make an impact as a run defender as well. If a defender doesn’t have the strength to hold up at the point-of-attack, they will give ground, which opens up holes and running lanes. One player who you don’t have to worry about at the point-of-attack is UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa.

Odighizuwa’s strength allows him to not only hold up at the point-of-attack, but also push back offensive linemen. This is because of a combination of leverage, core strength and leg drive, which Odighizuwa seamlessly combines on almost every play.

Use of Hands: Hau’oli Kikaha, Washington

The most crucial aspect of an edge-rusher’s game is his ability to use his hands to defeat blocks and either get to the quarterback or the ball carrier. While Washington’s Hau’oli Kikaha may not have the athleticism or size you want, he has the best hand usage in this draft.

Kikaha has the most diverse pass-rush repertoire in this draft as he can win early with a quick swim or use his hands to stack and shed to make a tackle. Kikaha has extensive knowledge of the intricacies of hand positioning and hand hand-fighting techniques. Kikaha makes it extremely difficult for offensive tackles to engage with him, which allows him to keep moving toward the quarterback.