Whether they suited up for Group of Five or FCS programs, there are plenty of promising prospects in this year’s NFL Draft who didn’t play in the Power Five conferences.
Here’s a look at some of the best edge rushers from Group of Five schools who could end up providing key contributions for a pro team sometime in the near future.
1. Viliami Fehoko of San Jose State
Fehoko has not only been impressive lately. He’s been one of the best Group of Five pass rushers for years now.
Fehoko was on the All-Mountain West first team in 2020, 2021, and 2022. And last season was arguably his best, as he was fifth in the country with 19 tackles for loss and 17th with nine sacks en route to becoming the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
At 6-foot-4, 276 pounds, Fehoko’s game should easily translate to the next level.
Read more: Viliami Fehoko Looks To Stand Out At Combine
2. Jose Ramirez of Eastern Michigan
Ramirez deserves to be on this list if only because of his production last season.
The 6-foot-2, 242-pound edge rusher was second in the country in 2022 with 12 sacks. He was also an Associated Press All-American.
Yet he’s projected to be a Day 3 draft pick. If he is, he could end up being a steal.
Read more: Jose Ramirez’s Eastern Michigan Career Leading To Pro Ranks
3. Andre Carter II of Army
Carter is rising up draft boards, and that’s for good reason.
Carter earned All-American honors during his career. In 2021, he recorded 15.5 sacks, which was the most ever in Army history and second in the country behind only Will Anderson, who’s projected to be drafted in the top 10 this year.
Carter’s 20 career sacks is the second most at Army. The 6-foot-6, 256-pound edge rusher could provide an immediate impact in the NFL.
Read more: ‘NFL People Love Andre Carter’
4. Nick Hampton of Appalachian State
Hampton is one of the best pass rushers App State has ever seen.
The 6-foot-2, 236-pound outside linebacker ended his collegiate career tied for fourth in the program record books with 26.5 sacks. He also tallied 133 quarterback pressures and 82 hurries.
Hampton was on the All-Sun Belt first team each of the past two seasons. As one of the best defensive players in the conference, he should have a good career as a pro.
Read more: Nick Hampton Is A Pass Rushing Specialist
5. Thomas Incoom of Central Michigan
Incoom was also one of the most productive pass rushers in the country last season.
Incoom was second in the MAC and fourth in the country last year with 11.5 sacks while ranking second and seventh, respectively, with 19 tackles for loss.
Incoom, at 6-foot-2, 262 pounds, has already proven he can be a great pass rusher. Now he just needs an NFL team to take a chance on him.
Read more: Central Michigan’s Thomas Incoom Is A Dominant Edge Force
