In today’s NFL, the importance of having a dominant pass rusher cannot be overstated. The position has evolved significantly, becoming more versatile and critical than ever. Traditionally, pass rushers were primarily tasked with overpowering offensive linemen and sacking the quarterback. However, as NFL offenses have grown increasingly complex, with a greater emphasis on quick passes, versatile play calling, and mobile quarterbacks, the role of the pass rusher has had to adapt.
Modern pass rushers must now excel not only in their ability to pressure the quarterback but also in their agility, speed, and football intelligence. They must disrupt the timing of offenses, contain the edge against the run, and even drop into coverage when necessary. This multifaceted skill set makes elite pass rushers invaluable assets, capable of single-handedly shifting the momentum of a game and anchoring a defense in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL. Here are our top ten pass rushers for the upcoming 2024 season.
1. Myles Garrett (Browns)
Myles Garrett tops our list of the ten best pass rushers for the 2024 NFL season, and it’s easy to see why. The former number-one overall pick has been nothing short of dominant, consistently wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Over the past three seasons, Garrett has recorded at least 14 sacks each year, showcasing his incredible consistency and relentless pursuit of the quarterback.
According to Pro Football Focus, Garrett has been the highest-rated edge rusher in the league over the same period, further solidifying his status as the premier pass rusher in the NFL. His size, speed, and technique make him a nightmare for offensive linemen and a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ defense. As offenses continue to evolve, Garrett’s ability to adapt and maintain elite performance cements his place at the top of our rankings for 2024.
2. Micah Parsons (Cowboys)
Micah Parsons secures his spot as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, and there’s a compelling argument that he might be the league’s best edge rusher and possibly the best defensive player overall. Last season, Parsons recorded a career-high 14 sacks, tying him for seventh most in the league. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that he posted the NFL’s highest pass-rush rate despite facing a significant number of double teams. Parsons’ remarkable blend of speed, strength, and football intelligence allows him to excel in various defensive roles, making him a versatile and invaluable asset for the Dallas Cowboys. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Parsons is poised to maintain his status as a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball.
3. T.J. Watt (Steelers)
T.J. Watt, a dominant force for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is coming off a season in which he won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, a testament to his exceptional impact on the field. Watt has led the league in sacks in three of the last four seasons, including an impressive 19 in 2023. Over the past seven seasons, he has amassed over 96 half-sacks, showcasing his consistent ability to disrupt opposing offenses and get to the quarterback. Watt’s relentless motor, technical skill, and football IQ make him a perennial threat and one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. His leadership and performance are critical to the Steelers’ defensive success, solidifying his place among the league’s elite defenders.
4. Maxx Crosby (Raiders)
Maxx Crosby, the face of the Las Vegas Raiders, embodies the grit and toughness that define the franchise. Since the 2020 campaign, Crosby’s sack totals have steadily increased, culminating in a career-high 14 in-a-half sacks in 2023. His relentless pursuit of excellence has made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense. Since 2022, Crosby has consistently led the league in tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. He has topped over 1,000 defensive snaps in both seasons, demonstrating his durability and stamina. Crosby’s combination of relentless effort, high motor, and playmaking ability perfectly aligns with the Raiders’ storied legacy, making him one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
5. Nick Bosa (49ers)
Nick Bosa is number five on our list, and his resilience and skill have propelled him to elite status among NFL pass rushers. The former Ohio State Buckeye has made a remarkable comeback since his season-ending injury in 2020, arguably becoming even more formidable with each passing year. Bosa’s prowess isn’t limited to just pressuring the quarterback; he’s also highly efficient against the run, showcasing his versatility on the field. In 2022, Bosa posted a career-high 18.5 sacks, underlining his ability to dominate offensive lines.
While his sack numbers dipped to 10.5 in the following year, this drop can be attributed to various factors, including changes in defensive schemes and increased attention from opposing offenses. With a new defensive coordinator in 2024, Bosa is poised for a significant bounce-back season. His relentless work ethic and natural talent make him a key player to watch as he terrorizes quarterbacks and anchors the San Francisco 49ers’ defense.
6. Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
It was a colossal mistake when the New Orleans Saints placed their faith in Marcus Davenport over Trey Hendrickson. While Davenport is now on his third team in three seasons, Hendrickson has emerged as one of the league’s best defensive ends. In 2023, Hendrickson recorded a career-high 17 in-a-half sacks, tying him for second in the league. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback and exceptional technique have made him a standout performer. The former Saint also ranked 10th in pass-rush win rate while facing the ninth-highest double-team percentage, consistently underscoring his ability to overcome challenging matchups. Hendrickson’s rise to prominence with the Cincinnati Bengals highlights his value and skill as a premier pass rusher in the NFL.
7. Josh Hines-Allen (Jaguars)
Since being drafted in the first round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Josh Hines-Allen has steadily grown into one of the NFL’s top-edge rushers. His development has been crucial for the Jaguars’ defense, providing a consistent and dynamic presence on the edge. Hines-Allen’s skill set is indispensable for Jacksonville, as he combines speed, strength, and technique to disrupt opposing offenses.
Over the past two seasons, he averaged 7.5 sacks but reached new heights in 2023 with a career-high 17 in-a-half sacks. Hines-Allen’s impact isn’t limited to pass rushing; he’s also stout against the run, showcasing his versatility and importance to the Jaguars’ defensive success. As he continues to refine his game, Allen is poised to remain a key figure in Jacksonville’s defensive plans.
8. Danielle Hunter (Texans)
Danielle Hunter has been a constant force on the Minnesota Vikings’ defense for many years, but he now brings his talents to the Houston Texans. Hunter closed out his run with the Vikings on a high note, recording a career-high 16 in a half sacks in his final year, marking the fourth time in his career that he has achieved 12 or more sacks in a season. This remarkable consistency highlights Hunter’s elite pass-rushing abilities and his knack for getting to the quarterback.
During free agency, Hunter chose to return to his hometown team, signing a two-year, $49 million contract with the Texans. In Houston, he is expected to be a key cog in a unit with Super Bowl aspirations, bringing his veteran presence and proven track record of success to a team eager to compete at the highest level. Hunter’s addition significantly bolsters the Texans’ defense, making him crucial in their pursuit of championship glory.
9. Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)
Aidan Hutchinson has quickly become the face of the Detroit Lions defense, demonstrating remarkable acumen as a top pass rusher in today’s NFL landscape despite being in the league for only two seasons. In 2023, Hutchinson’s sack total increased from 9 in a half in his rookie season to 11 in a half, showcasing his rapid development and impact on the field. His relentless work ethic and his natural talent indicate that it’s only a matter of time before Hutchinson’s name rises even higher on the list of elite pass rushers. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, Hutchinson is poised to become a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.
10. Khalil Mack (Chargers)
Khalil Mack proved he was far from done as an impact player on defense with a remarkable resurgence in 2023. After four seasons from 2019 to 2022 in which he failed to reach at least 8.5 sacks, Mack turned back the clock, recording an impressive 17.5 sacks. This performance demonstrated that he still possesses the elite skills that made him one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers.
Looking ahead, Mack can continue to be a key contributor for the Los Angeles Chargers under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh, known for his defensive acumen and ability to motivate players, is expected to create a culture of toughness and relentless effort. Mack fits perfectly into this vision, bringing veteran leadership, a relentless work ethic, and a proven ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Under Harbaugh’s guidance, Mack will likely thrive in a system emphasizing aggressive defense and playmaking ability. His experience and rejuvenated form make him an invaluable asset as the Chargers aim to build a formidable defense and contend for championships. Mack’s role will be crucial in setting the tone for Harbaugh’s first year and beyond, as he exemplifies the competitive spirit and high standards that the new coach seeks to instill in the team.
