EDGE RUSHERS

BIG TICKET PLAYERS Yannick Ngakoue, Jaguars

Impact pass rusher with exceptional speed. Jaguars used their franchise tag on Ngakoue last week, but the disgruntled defender has made it clear he doesn’t plan to sign the tender offer and wants to play elsewhere. He also could end up on the trade block.

Shaq Barrett, Buccaneers

Recorded 19½ sacks and had nine in September. Provides a consisent outside pass-rushing presence.

Jadeveon Clowney, Seahawks

Seahawks, Giants, Titans and Colts are among the interested parties in former Texans top overall pick and franchise player who was traded to Seattle after a prolonged contract dispute. Clowney’s production dipped primarily due to injuries, but he remains a dangerous run stopper and pass rusher capable of taking over games.

SOLID VALUES Arik Armstead, 49ers

Former Oregon star has a huge wingspan and polished game at 6-7, 290 pounds. Top candidate for franchise tag.

Bud Dupree, Steelers

Breakout year for former Kentucky standout with 68 tackles, 11½ sacks and four forced fumbles working in tandem with T.J. Watt.

Dante Fowler, Rams

Underrated impact player who had 11½ sacks and 16 tackles for losses last season, averaged 2.4 impact plays per game, sacks, quarterback hits, tackles for losses and forced fumbles.

Jason Pierre-Paul, Buccaneers

After recovering from major neck injury, Pierre-Paul had 8½ sacks and 44 quarterback pressures.

Markus Golden, Giants

Regarded as a potential bargain. Recorded 10 sacks last season.

Mario Addison, Panthers

Older pass rusher has at least nine sacks in each of the past four seasons. At age 32, probably not a full-time contributor.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Leonard Williams, Jets; Everson Griffen, Vikings; Robert Quinn, Cowboys; Kyle Van Noy, Patriots; Jamie Collins, Patriots; Quinton Jefferson, Seahawks; Derek Wolfe, Broncos; Vic Beasley, Falcons; Michael Bennett, Cowboys; Emmanuel Ogbah, Chiefs; Shaq Lawson, Bills.

TEXANS’ NEEDS

The Texans obviously need a pass rusher to complement J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus beyond just Jacob Martin, Charles Omenihu and Duke Ejiofor, who is returning from a torn Achilles. They may not be able to afford this group of rushers unless their prices drop due to other expensive offseason projects like signing quarterback Deshaun Watson and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. The Texans have to begin planning for an eventual life after Watt, too, considering his recent injury history.