Yes, he does have the required edge but there is something missing. I don't see in him anything of the hurt little boy underneath the tough exterior. That is one of the many things that Heath in his genius brought to the role.
I did think of Joaquin Phoenix immediately for the role of Loyal Blood if Annie Proulx's novel Postcards is ever brought to the screen. He'd be amazing, like a comet across the sky in that challenging role!!