Kevin Sabitus/Getty Image
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Tristan Wirfs provided his list of the top pass-rushers he has faced in the NFL.
Since being drafted 13th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wirfs has emerged as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen.
With multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl victory in his rookie season, Wirfs has quickly solidified his place among the NFL’s elite players.
During a visit to the Vikes Verified podcast, Wirfs was asked to name the top-edge rushers he has encountered on the field. While he did not rank them in any specific order, he identified several standout pass-rushers who have left a lasting impression on him.
His list included Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, Von Miller of the Buffalo Bills, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints, and his own teammate Shaq Barrett.
Wirfs praised Barrett for his exceptional array of moves combined with quickness, acknowledging his impact on the Buccaneers’ defense. Regarding Miller, Wirfs described him as a “disgusting pass rusher” due to his dangerous and diverse repertoire of skills, which present constant challenges for opposing offensive linemen.
However, it was Jordan who received Wirfs’ highest praise. Wirfs commended Jordan’s unique ability to “run through your face” and deliver relentless collisions on every snap.
Despite their on-field battles and some previous trash talk, Wirfs displayed maturity and respect by acknowledging Jordan’s exceptional skills and impact on the game. He even admitted to feeling sore after facing Jordan in a game, underscoring the physicality and intensity of their matchups.
This season, Wirfs is making the transition from right tackle to left tackle, a move that aims to maximize his effectiveness and potentially limit his matchups against Jordan.
As Wirfs continues to develop and excel, his insights into the challenges posed by these elite pass-rushers provide valuable knowledge for his fellow offensive linemen and football enthusiasts alike.