Meet the Prospects: Bosa headlines top-heavy edge-rusher group

Get to know all the top prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 23-29 in Indianapolis.

Joey Bosa, Ohio State

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 275 lbs.
Age: 21

2015 stats: 51 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF

A contender to be the first overall pick by the Tennessee Titans, Bosa is widely regarded as the best pass-rushing talent in the draft. His all-around skill set sets him apart and he could be a natural fit as either a defensive end in a 4-3 or a 5-tech in a 3-4 defense. Bosa boasts great strength at the point of attack and shows consistent discipline in run defense. Bosa's lack of top-end speed is the main criticism he faces, and could be the reason he ends up being passed over at the top of the draft.

Shaq Lawson, Clemson

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 270 lbs.
Age: 21

2015 stats: 59 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 1 FF

Lawson broke out in his final season in college after years of being buried in Clemson's outstanding depth chart, and might have played himself into the first round of the draft. His strength, solid motor, and impressive array of pass-rushing moves could set him up to be the second pass-rusher off the board, though his lack of athleticism could limit him. Lawson's average speed and movement in space makes him better suited as a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 254 lbs.
Age: 21

2015 stats: 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 3 FF

Spence hasn't had the easiest path to the draft. He was banned from the Big Ten after multiple failed drug tests and forced to leave Ohio State. However, instead of taking a shot at the draft last season, he transferred to Eastern Kentucky and rebuilt his draft stock. Spence is an excellent athlete who possesses the necessary speed to consistently beat offensive tackles around the edge. The question is whether teams will believe Spence is worth the risk despite his previous off-field issues.

Leonard Floyd, Georgia

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 231 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 72 tackles, 4.5 sacks

Floyd's versatility is perfect for today's NFL, where teams employ multiple fronts and look for athletes capable of playing in several different spots. Floyd would likely be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but has experience playing inside, too. His explosive burst and fluidity in space means he could be deployed in a similar way as Jamie Collins is used in the New England Patriots' 4-3 defense, being moved all over the field to utilize his athleticism and range. Floyd will need to add bulk to avoid being overpowered, but he has a high ceiling.

Kevin Dodd, Clemson

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 275 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 62 tackles, 12.5 sacs , 1 FF

Dodd isn't rated as highly as his Clemson teammate Lawson, but finished with just half a sack less than his pass-rushing partner in 2015. Dodd projects as a 4-3 defensive end because of his imposing size and discipline when holding contain. He isn't the most explosive athlete, but Dodd is raw in terms of pass-rushing moves, which means he has a lot of room to grow into at least a solid starter in the NFL.

Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 275 lbs.
Age: 22

2015 stats: 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 3 FF

Ogbah possesses all the physical attributes you'd look for in an edge-rusher, with an outstanding combination of speed and power. However, he's still an unfinished product. Ogbah will need time to learn the subtleties of the position and how best to utilize his impressive athleticism.

Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 251 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 49 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 FF

Calhoun is able to dominate with his speed off the edge and possesses a spectacular first step. His lack of strength will need to be addressed - especially if he's drafted as a 4-3 defensive end, as he sometimes struggles to work off blocks - but Calhoun has tremendous upside.

Shawn Oakman, Baylor

Height: 6'7"
Weight: 269 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 FF

Oakman is one of the draft's most intriguing prospects. He has a physical skill set that would usually point to a first- or second-round selection, but his play and production fails to match up. Oakman doesn't showcase the strength you'd expect and fails to utilize his immense frame effectively. However, teams could look at him as a long-term project with outstanding potential.