Edge Rush Urgency: Which NFL Teams Are Desperate for Pass-Rushing Talent in the 2025 Draft?

The roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets, and the quarterback scrambling for his life – these are the sounds that define NFL Sundays. But behind every bone-crushing sack and game-changing interception lies the relentless pursuit of the edge rusher. As the 2024 season fades into memory, with Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns crowned as the league’s top pass rusher with a PFF grade of 93.4, NFL teams are already strategizing for the future. For some, that future hinges on finding the next dominant edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Pass Rush Landscape: A 2024 Recap

Before diving into the teams with the most pressing need, it’s essential to understand the current NFL landscape. A strong pass rush is often the key to a successful defense. In the 2024 season, 15 of the top 16 teams in PFF pass-rushing grade had a winning record, proving the correlation between a disruptive front four and overall team success. However, not every team enjoyed consistent pressure. Several teams struggled to generate sacks and disrupt opposing quarterbacks, highlighting a clear need for improvement in the upcoming draft.

Atlanta Falcons: Searching for a Defensive Identity

The Atlanta Falcons’ struggles in 2024 were impossible to ignore. Despite signing Leonard Floyd to a one-year deal, their edge unit was the lowest-graded in the NFL. The Falcons addressed this need in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick and trading back up into the first round to add Tennessee disruptor James Pearce Jr. at No. 26 overall. The team hopes that these additions will help them create a fearsome pass rush going forward.

Cincinnati Bengals: Beyond Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks in 2024, but the Cincinnati Bengals still finished with the seventh-worst pass-rush grade in the league. This stark contrast highlights the Bengals’ desperate need for a consistent threat opposite Hendrickson. The team needs to find a player who can complement Hendrickson’s abilities and provide a more balanced and effective pass rush.

Detroit Lions: Replacing Aidan Hutchinson’s Production

The Detroit Lions were dealt a devastating blow when Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6. Before the injury, Hutchinson was a dominant force, racking up 72 pass-rush wins in just five games. With Hutchinson sidelined, the Lions’ pass rush lost its bite, exposing a need for another impactful edge rusher. While Marcus Davenport is the projected starter, his injury history makes the position a significant area of concern. The Lions will likely target an edge rusher early in the 2025 draft to solidify their front four. Potential targets for the Lions at No. 28 overall could include James Pearce Jr. or Donovan Ezeiruaku.

Washington Commanders: Balancing the Roster

The Washington Commanders made significant strides in upgrading their offense, trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. However, their defense remains a work in progress, finishing with the second-worst PFF grade in the league last season. With Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. currently slated as the starting edge rushers, the Commanders desperately need to find a game-changer off the edge. Targeting one of the top edge defenders at No. 29 overall would be a smart move to help balance out the roster.

Other Teams with Edge Rush Urgency

While the Falcons, Bengals, Lions, and Commanders have particularly acute needs, several other teams could also be in the market for edge-rushing talent in the 2025 NFL Draft:

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens need to add depth to their defensive line, particularly at the edge position. While Odafe Oweh has potential, the team needs more consistent production from its outside pass rushers.
Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals need young players to step up, particularly at the linebacker position. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell has come up as an excellent fit for what GM Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon have emphasized in their first two years.
Los Angeles Chargers: With Khalil Mack’s future uncertain and the departure of Joey Bosa, the Chargers need to find a long-term solution at edge rusher. Tuli Tuipulotu showed promise in 2024, but the team needs to add more talent to the position.

Top Edge Rusher Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft class boasts several promising edge rushers who could address these teams’ needs. Here are some of the top prospects to watch:

Abdul Carter (Penn State): Carter is an electric edge rusher with elite burst and the ability to flatten at the top of his rush. Some team sources have Carter as the best prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee): Pearce is a dynamic pass rusher with a full array of moves to complement his speed rush. He is an outstanding finisher, recording 16.5 sacks in 2024.
Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College): Ezeiruaku is an undersized but highly productive edge rusher with elite acceleration and an effective cross-chop move. In 2024, he recorded 16.5 sacks with three forced fumbles and 80 tackles.
Mykel Williams (Georgia): Williams possesses a rare blend of length and power and can line up anywhere along the defensive front. He led the Bulldogs in forced fumbles in 2024.
Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M): Stewart is a long, dynamic, and athletic edge rusher with an explosive first step. He generates a lot of pressures and bends well at the top of his rush.
Nic Scourton (Texas A&M): Scourton plays with a high motor and has a developed pass-rush toolkit. He led Texas A&M in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024.

The Urgency is Real

For many NFL teams, the search for a dominant edge rusher is a never-ending quest. The ability to consistently pressure the quarterback is a game-changer, and the 2025 NFL Draft offers a wealth of talent at the position. As teams evaluate their rosters and prepare their draft boards, the edge rush urgency will only intensify in the months to come. The teams that can successfully identify and acquire top-tier pass-rushing talent will be well-positioned to compete for championships in the years ahead.