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Editor's note: Dane Brugler -- senior NFL draft analyst for NFLDraftScout.com -- will break down all positions of the upcoming draft. A full series schedule can be seen at the conclusion of this post.
NFL DRAFT PREVIEW: EDGE RUSHER
Position strength: 7/10
When ranking football's most important positions, quarterback is undeniably at the top. No. 2 is the position that can have the greatest effect on the quarterback -- and that's defensive end. The roles and responsibilities differ depending on scheme, but all 32 teams are searching for pass-rush depth, and the 2018 draft class has plenty to offer. Although not on the same level as Myles Garrett a year ago, NC State's Bradley Chubb will be one of the first players drafted and an unrealistic option for the Cowboys. But prospects such as UT-San Antonio's Marcus Davenport, Boston College's Harold Landry and Ohio State's Sam Hubbard are options for Dallas in the mid-first round.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYER
Harold Landry, Boston College
After drafting Taco Charlton in the first round last year and slapping DeMarcus Lawrence with the franchise tag, defensive end might not appear to be a pressing need for Dallas. But there is no such thing as having too much pass rushing, which is Landry's specialty. His senior season was disappointing because of a nagging ankle injury, but he posted a dominant junior campaign, leading the FBS with 161/2 sacks and seven forced fumbles.
Over the last four seasons, only three college players have recorded three, three-sack games: Landry, Myles Garrett and Derek Barnett (Garrett and Barnett were both drafted in the top 15 picks last year).
Landry (6-2, 252) isn't the ideal size the Cowboys' front office and coaching staff prefer, but his pass-rush traits translate to any scheme. Landry hits his top gear immediately off the snap with outstanding edge flexibility, dip and cornering moves, and he has the combine numbers to match (4.64 40-yard dash, 6.88 three-cone drill, 1.59 10-yard split).
He showed clear maturation over his career, growing from a speed demon to a more technically refined pass rusher by incorporating hand/arm moves to his rush plan. Although he has hiccups matching up as an edge-run defender, Landry is cut from the same cloth as Vic Beasley, boasting the three B's (burst, bend, body control) desired in a speed rusher. Don't rule him out as an outside-the-box possibility at No. 19.
THE BEST
Bradley Chubb, NC State
At least one pass rusher has been drafted in the top-three picks in each of the last five NFL drafts, and Chubb has a legitimate chance of extending that streak to six. He improved each of his four seasons at NC State, finishing his career with school records for sacks (26.0) and tackles for loss (60.0), passing former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams.
Chubb isn't a quick-twitch speed demon who relies on athleticism alone, but he offers NFL-level acceleration and juice, displaying the combination of flexibility, length and hand use to patch together an effective pass-rush sequence. His insistent energy and power mid-rush are his most impressive traits, wearing down the rhythm of blockers and knocking down the doors to the pocket.
With his competitive makeup and diverse skill set to defeat blocks in multiple ways, Chubb projects as an immediate NFL starter who will hold up vs. the run and find ways to disrupt the pocket.
SLEEPER
Ade Aruna, Tulane
Born and raised in Nigeria, Aruna arrived in the United States in 2010 with the hopes of playing college basketball. However, coaches caught a glimpse of the 6-5, 262-pound athlete and coaxed him to the football field.
Aruna doesn't have an impressive collegiate résumé with only 12 sacks in 34 starts, but he also played out of position in Tulane's three-man front in 2017. His basketball background is evident, with his coordination and contact balance enabling him to force his way through bodies while in constant chase mode. He shouldn't be expected to play meaningful NFL snaps until Year 2, but Aruna is a blank canvas with the physical traits that immediately pique interest.
BEST OF TEXAS
Marcus Davenport, UTSA
A former high school wide receiver, Davenport arrived at UTSA as a raw, 200-pound athlete. Over the last four years, the San Antonio native packed on muscle and developed into the program's most prolific pass rusher, setting school records for sacks (22.0) and tackles for loss (38.0).
A former hoops standout, Davenport is a balanced athlete who creates pressure off the edge and forces quarterbacks to move their feet. His raw power is clear, but his pad level and pass-rush technique are areas that require development. Although it will take time for him to better understand how to use his skill set, Davenport has all the physical traits of a starting NFL pass rusher, and his work ethic paired with NFL coaching could lead to big things.
Brugler's top 10
| Rk., player | College | Ht. | Wt. | 40 | Notable |
| 1. Bradley Chubb | NC State | 6-4 | 269 | 4.65 | Powerful athlete and arguably the draft's top defender |
| 2. Marcus Davenport | UTSA | 6-6 | 264 | 4.58 | Physical, combative athlete with a high ceiling |
| 3. Sam Hubbard | Ohio State | 6-5 | 270 | 4.78 | Not overly dynamic, but smart, athletic and versatile |
| 4. Harold Landry | Boston College | 6-2 | 252 | 4.64 | Quick and cut from the same cloth as Vic Beasley |
| 5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo | Oklahoma | 6-2 | 253 | 4.77 | Lacks ideal measureables, but his tape is strong |
| 6. Arden Key | LSU | 6-5 | 238 | 4.70 | Top-10 talent, but durability and background concerns |
| 7. Kemoko Turay | Rutgers | 6-5 | 253 | 4.65 | Elite edge speed to scream around blockers |
| 8. Hercules Mata'afa | Washington State | 6-2 | 254 | 4.76 | Quick burst athlete with "fit" concerns |
| 9. Duke Ejiofor | Wake Forest | 6-4 | 264 | 4.80 | Average athleticism, but he knows how to use his hands |
| 10. Dorance Armstrong | Kansas | 6-4 | 257 | 4.87 | Hoops background; ascending edge prospect |
Series schedule
Feb. 11:Safeties
Feb. 18:Cornerbacks
Feb. 25:Linebackers
March 4: Defensive tackles
March 11:Edge rushers
March 18: Quarterbacks
March 25: Running backs
April 1: Tight ends
April 8: Offensive linemen
April 15: Wide receivers
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