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The hybrid nature of modern NFL defenses requires players to do more than ever, and edge-rushers are no exception. It's rare for one to stay in a single place for each snap of a game, let alone a season. Now, they may line up in two-end sets to one side, forcing guards to act like tackles and causing confusion along the offensive line.

More prominently, outside pass-rushers must become conversant with moving inside on obvious passing downs when teams move to nickel and dime defenses. Not only do you need to bend the edge and trap offensive tackles with your inside counter, but you must also time gaps and use your bull rush as a pass-rushing tackle.

With the passing game as indispensable as ever, the need to pressure quarterbacks is equally crucial. It's why established edge-rushers such as Von Miller, Justin Houston and Chandler Jones each make roughly $20 million per year—QB money. No defense is complete without at least one elite edge-rusher, and the need for two has become more apparent, whether they're classified as outside linebackers or defensive ends.

NFL1000 defensive line scout Justis Mosqueda and linebackers scout Derrik Klassen have been watching every NFL edge-rusher all season. Here are their the final evaluations of those in both 3-4 and 4-3 base defenses.

Grades for 3-4 outside linebackers and 4-3 defensive ends are a little different based on what each are asked to do.

The following categories determined 3-4 outside linebackers' final scores:

Pass Rush: 30 points. A player's entire pass-rushing skill set, from looping around tackles to performing stunts to gap versatility.

Run Defense: 20 points. How complete is he? Can he put the brakes on and adjust to become a positive force against the run?

Coverage: 15 points. Though edge men generally rush the passer and read the run from the line, they're also tasked to drop back in coverage, especially if they're 3-4 outside linebackers in a base defense. How well, and how often, do they deal with backs, receivers and tight ends?

Tackling: 25 points. Can this player finish with form-tackling fundamentals?

Position Value: 8/10. The value of the player's base position versus other positions.

Grades for 4-3 defensive ends are based on:

Pass Rush: 30 points. An end's entire pass-rushing skill set, from looping around tackles to performing stunts to gap versatility.

Run Defense: 20 points. How complete is this end? Can he put the brakes on and adjust to become a positive force against the run to his side?

Snap Quickness: 20 points. Reading and reacting to line calls is perhaps the most important aspect of the pass rush. How well and how often does this player get off the snap with a great sense of anticipation?

Tackling: 20 points. Getting to the quarterback, or flaring out to deal with a running back, is one thing. Can this player complete the stop with form-tackling fundamentals?

Position Value: 8/10. The value of the player's base position versus other positions.

Make sure to check out all of the NFL1000 rankings from the 2017 season.