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Meet the Prospects: Is Garrett a once-in-a-generation talent?

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Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine from March 3-5.

Edge rushers

Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

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Age: 21 Height: 6'5" Weight: 270 lbs.

2016 stats: 8.5 sacks, 33 tackles, 2 FF

The man all but certain to hear his name called first come April, Garrett is a rare franchise-level edge rusher. The former Texas A&M standout possesses a terrifying - and borderline unbelievable - combination of strength and speed. His burst off the line and fluidity are elite and means he might be best suited to playing outside linebacker in the NFL, though he certainly has good enough size to play defensive end. Garrett battled through a knee injury during the 2016 season and still managed to dominate. The minor health concerns and need to develop a more well-rounded set of pass-rushing moves are the only negatives in an otherwise flawless edge prospect.

Solomon Thomas, Stanford

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 21 Height: 6'3" Weight: 273 lbs.

2016 stats: 8.5 sacks, 61 tackles, 1 FF

The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Thomas is an athletic and versatile edge rusher whose dominating performance in the Sun Bowl cemented his position as a high first-rounder. His pass-rushing repertoire is impressive and he has top-notch agility for his build. As well as being a good pass-rusher, Thomas is strong against the run thanks to his non-stop motor and ability to read plays. In terms of weaknesses, his lack of elite length and size could lead to struggles if he's asked to a play a 5-technique in a 3-4 defense, but that's unlikely to be an issue for most teams due to the benefits of his pass-rushing skills.

Tim Williams, Alabama

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Age: 23 Height: 6'4" Weight: 252 lbs.

2016 stats: 9 sacks, 31 tackles, 2 FF

Williams is an elite athletic talent, but off-field concerns mean he could go anywhere from the top 15 to the middle of the second round. The former Alabama linebacker reportedly failed multiple drug tests and was arrested on a misdemeanor gun charge. However, if teams feel reassured those issues are behind him, Williams is one of the most talented edge prospects in the draft. His burst off the line and overall speed and agility are spectacular and he'd be an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker. The 23-year-old's relatively small stature does cause him to struggle to consistently hold up against the run and could be a liability at the next level.

Derek Barnett, Tennessee

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Age: 20 Height: 6'3" Weight: 265 lbs.

2016 stats: 13 sacks, 56 tackles, 2 FF

While it's easy to overrate top-level statistics at the collegiate level, Barnett must get credit for his production at Tennessee, as a pass-rusher and a run defender. The 20-year-old plays with impressive power and technique, consistently using his hands to beat his opponents, and while his burst and agility aren't on the level of other top prospects, they're solid. Barnett's lack of elite traits means he'll likely be passed over for other edges with higher ceilings, but few have as well-rounded a skill set.

Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

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Age: 21 Height: 6'2" Weight: 265 lbs.

2016 stats: 10 sacks, 61 tackles, 3 FF

McKinley improved year to year in his three seasons at UCLA, a very positive sign for his development. He's a raw pass-rusher, often failing to use his hands correctly, but his effort and speed mean he's still often a nightmare for his opponents. McKinley is unlikely to be a Day 1 starter, as he works on his technique and strength, but he has the tools to be a highly productive edge rusher at the next level.

Taco Charlton, Michigan

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Age: 22 Height: 6'6" Weight: 272 lbs.

2016 stats: 10 sacks, 40 tackles

Charlton isn't exactly a one-year wonder, as he played sparingly but effectively as a junior, but there are questions about how good he really is after a strong 2016 season. What teams will fall in love with is Charlton's otherworldly size, speed, and overall athletic ability. The 22-year-old is nimble and quick, though he could do with building upon his already impressive size to help win at the point of attack. He's a project, and how teams view his ceiling will determine how high he can go in the first few rounds.

Carl Lawson, Auburn

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Age: 22 Height: 6'2" Weight: 235 lbs.

2016 stats: 9.5 sacks, 30 tackles, 1 FF

Lawson finally showcased his potential in 2016 after tearing his ACL in 2014 and missing a significant portion of 2015 to a hip injury. The former Auburn defensive end possesses the type of power and speed to excel in the NFL, though his athleticism isn't top level. He uses his hands well when rushing and has experience at multiple spots. Lawson's skills in run defense are inconsistent at best, mostly due to his size. If he proves his health issues are behind him, he could be the top guy of the third tier edge prospects.

​DeMarcus Walker, Florida State

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Age: 22 Height: 6'4" Weight: 280 lbs.

2016 stats: 16 sacks, 67 tackles, 3 FF

Walker was a sack machine over his career at Florida State, but has questions about how well he'll transition to the professional level. While he uses power well and is an above-average athlete, the 22-year-old doesn't possess the type of bend or fluidity you see in top-level edge prospects. Walker is a high-effort player who should be selected fairly high thanks to his impressive motor and technique.

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