Exactly How Much Does A Great Pass Rush Hurt An Offense?

With the exception of the quarterback, there’s no position the NFL values more than the pass rusher. Over the past few years, teams have consistently spent high draft capital on defensive linemen who can pressure and sack the quarterback. In this year’s draft, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young was taken with the second overall pick by Washington. In 2019, defensive linemen Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams and Clelin Ferrell went 2-3-4 in the first round. And in 2017, Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett was picked first overall, while Stanford’s Solomon Thomas went third. These players are prized because they possess the ability to end drives by taking away an offense’s most dangerous weapon: the passing game.

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