Edge Rush Domination: Ranking the Top Pass Rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL season saw offenses explode, with quarterbacks putting up record numbers. However, as any seasoned NFL fan knows, offensive fireworks are often countered by defensive masterstrokes. The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft is rich with defensive talent, particularly at the edge rusher position. With the Green Bay Packers set to host the draft, expect teams to be eager to bolster their defensive lines with the next generation of pass-rushing stars. This year’s class is deep in quality, though perhaps short on sure-fire, blue-chip prospects. Let’s dive into the rankings and dissect what makes these athletes potential game-changers.
Abdul Carter: The Headliner from Penn State
Leading the pack is Abdul Carter from Penn State. In 2024, Carter led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss. Carter is drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons, not just because he wears the same No. 11 jersey, but because he “pops off the screen nearly every play due to being a rare caliber athlete,” according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah notes that Carter possesses “the urgency and athletic talent to bombard the stat sheet.” His explosiveness, hunger, and body control make him a projected top-5 pick with Pro Bowl potential. Some scouts have noted that Carter needs to add more power to his game, but his first step quickness is considered elite. He transitions well from linebacker to defensive end, a move he made prior to the 2024 season.
Shemar Stewart: The Versatile Aggie
Coming in at number two is Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M. Stewart is a scheme-versatile prospect with a high motor. NFL.com describes Stewart as a “long, dynamic, and athletic edge rusher” with an explosive first step. He bends well at the top of his rush for such a big edge defender and has an outstanding closing burst once he clears the tackle. While his pass-rush win percentage may not be ideal for a top-20 pick, his floor as an elite run defender is exceptionally high.
Mykel Williams: Georgia’s Powerhouse
Mykel Williams from Georgia is another standout in this year’s class. Williams led the Bulldogs in forced fumbles in 2024 and lined up everywhere along the formation from a three-technique to a stand-up outside linebacker. Williams possesses a rare blend of length and power, using them to his advantage to win reps. He quickly overwhelms tight ends on attempted chips and has a lethal bull rush and swipe in his bag of tricks.
James Pearce Jr.: Tennessee’s Explosive Threat
James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee is a name to watch. Pearce primarily lined up wide throughout his collegiate career and ranked number one in the SEC with 107 pressures over the previous two seasons. His 23 percent pass rush win rate in 2024 ranked second-best in the FBS, and his trademark explosive first-step sets the tone for Tennessee. He wins with speed, beating the opposition to the corner.
Mike Green: Marshall’s Underrated Gem
Mike Green from Marshall is an intriguing prospect. Green led the FBS in sacks (17) and ranked second in tackles-for-loss (22.5) last season. NFL.com notes that Green was an ultra-explosive and productive edge rusher for the Thundering Herd. He jumped on the radar with an outstanding performance against Ohio State in September and continued to dominate through the entire campaign.
Donovan Ezeiruaku: Boston College’s Sack Machine
Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College is another edge rusher generating buzz. Ezeiruaku served as an edge rusher in Boston College’s 4-3 base scheme and pairs elite acceleration around the edge with an effective cross-chop. He utilizes his long arms to get the upper hand versus blockers and has outstanding lateral movement skills to bypass traffic. The durable player started 36 straight games and led the FBS in sacks per game (1.38).
Nic Scourton: Texas A&M’s Rising Star
Nic Scourton from Texas A&M led the Aggies in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024. He primarily lined up as an edge rusher in the Aggies’ four-man front. Scourton plays with a high-motor, and his urgency in the run game solidified the school’s defense. He recorded 29 tackles for loss over his final 23 games, and with a developed pass-rush toolkit in the pros, Scourton will wreak havoc.
Jalon Walker: Georgia’s Hybrid Defender
Jalon Walker from Georgia is a hybrid front-seven defender who lines up at inside linebacker and edge. He gets off of the ball quickly and dips under blocks as a speed rusher off the edge. He has active hands, and he wins with inside moves. Walker has short arms for an edge (79 1/2-inch wingspan measured at the combine), but he tends to get his hands inside and get blockers’ hands off of him.
Landon Jackson: Arkansas’s Sleeper Pick
Landon Jackson from Arkansas is a player who could surprise some teams. Jackson is a physical player who uses his hands well to disengage from blockers. He has a good motor and is always around the ball. Jackson needs to improve his consistency, but he has the potential to be a solid contributor at the next level.
Other Names to Watch
While the players listed above are considered the top prospects, several other edge rushers could make an impact in the NFL. J.T. Tuimoloau from Ohio State, Jordan Burch from Oregon, and Princely Umanmielen are all names to keep an eye on.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event for teams looking to upgrade their pass rush. With a diverse group of prospects boasting unique skill sets, expect several of these edge rushers to become household names in the years to come. As offenses continue to evolve, the need for dominant edge rushers will only increase, making this year’s draft class all the more valuable.