Long, lean NIU edge with untapped upside
Charles Brooks III arrived at Northern Illinois as a 6'5", 220-pound redshirt freshman defensive end with intriguing frame and length, but he did not see the field in his first season with the Huskies, so the 2026 tape still has a “show me” feel to it. His appeal is the classic developmental edge-rusher profile: added size, Missouri high-school production, and room to grow into a disruptive pass rusher if his burst and hand usage catch up. If your team wants a high-upside project rather than an instant-impact veteran, Brooks is a worthwhile name to keep on the board.
