The 2027 NFL Draft needs to be loaded with talented edge rushers, none higher than Colin Simmons of Texas and Dylan Stewart of South Carolina.
A five-star recruit popping out of highschool, Simmons made his presence felt straight away for the Longhorns, bagging 9 sacks and 14 tackles for loss as a freshman in 2024. He was named to the Freshman All-America Team, received the Shaun Alexander Award as the highest freshman participant within the nation, and earned a spot on the SEC‘s All-Freshman Team.
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Simmons took his sport to a different degree in 2025, racking up 12 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss whereas incomes first-team All-SEC honors and being named a second-team All-American.
When you activate the tape, it does not take lengthy to see the explosiveness that makes Simmons such a troublesome project for opposing offensive tackles.
The similar is true for Stewart, who joined Simmons on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2024, after which once more as a second-team All-SEC decide in 2025. Like Simmons, Stewart was additionally a five-star recruit at the highschool degree, and one of the extremely touted gamers within the nation when he entered the faculty ranks.
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Stewart’s manufacturing hasn’t fairly been at Simmons’ degree over the previous two seasons (22.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks), however these numbers do not account for the quantity of strain he routinely places on opposing quarterbacks.
Listed at 6-3, 245 kilos, Simmons is not the largest edge defender, however he makes up for his lack of dimension with a formidable first step, and a variety of efficient pass-rushing strikes that preserve larger blockers off-balance.
Stewart has the scale benefit on Simmons at 6-5, 250 kilos, but strikes with related explosiveness and fluidity. Offensive linemen have related bother with each defenders, struggling to match their total athleticism, whether or not it is a deal with omitted on an island, or an inside blocker attempting to play catch-up after they dip inside on stunts and twists.
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Outside of getting a franchise quarterback, discovering an elite move rusher who can dominate off the sting, ship large performs in clutch conditions, and single-handedly take over video games is likely one of the most vital issues an NFL workforce can have on its roster. Both Simmons and Stewart have the bodily instruments and potential to be that type of participant on the subsequent degree, and both of them may find yourself being the first non-quarterback off the board within the 2027 NFL Draft.
If you occur to be a Texas or South Carolina fan, get pleasure from watching these two guys dominate opposing defenses for one other yr.
If your favourite workforce has to play towards them, nicely…good luck.
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This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2026, the place it first appeared within the College Football part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.