Pass Rush Power: Top EDGE Prospects to Watch in the 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and the relentless pursuit of disrupting the pocket is paramount for defensive success. As the 2024 season fades into memory, NFL scouts and analysts are already laser-focused on the next wave of talent poised to wreak havoc on opposing offenses: the EDGE rushers of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the intensity of a Super Bowl chase, let’s dive into the top prospects who could redefine pass rush power in the years to come.
The Reigning Titans: Top Tier EDGE Prospects
Abdul Carter, Penn State:
Drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons, Carter is a dynamic athlete who made a significant impact in his first year as a full-time edge rusher in 2024. With 68 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks in 16 games, Carter’s explosiveness and bend off the edge are exceptional. His refined pass-rushing moves and experience in coverage make him a versatile threat. Some scouts consider Carter the best prospect in the entire 2025 draft.
Mike Green, Marshall:
Green dominated despite not playing for a major program, leading the FBS with 17 sacks and earning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. A finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, Green’s elite pass-rush and run-defense grades, combined with high win rates and run stops, make him a potential starter in a 3-4 scheme.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College:
Ezeiruaku, the Ted Hendricks Award winner as the nation’s top defensive end, led the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024. With 16.5 sacks in just 12 games, his twitchy style, relentless motor, and refined pass-rushing repertoire make him an ideal 3-4 pass rush specialist.
Rising Stars: Potential First-Round Talents
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee:
Pearce is an explosive pass rusher with impressive speed and a solid spin move. He finished second in the nation in pass rush win rate and tied for the lead in hurries. While needing to add strength, his potential is undeniable, with some analysts projecting him as an immediate-impact player with All-Pro upside.
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M:
Stewart is a versatile defensive lineman with a rare blend of length and power. While considered a raw prospect by some, his immense talent and potential to develop into a dominant force make him a likely top-25 pick.
Mykel Williams, Georgia:
Williams is a versatile edge prospect with a high motor and the ability to line up anywhere on the defensive front. His combination of length, strength, and explosiveness makes him a disruptive force, with a high floor as an elite run defender.
Day 2 Impact: Players to Watch
Nic Scourton, Texas A&M:
Scourton brings an alluring combination of size and pass-rush moves, making him versatile for both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. While he may not be a high-sack rusher, his ability to disrupt and generate pressure is valuable.
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State:
Tuimoloau presents a good floor as an edge rusher in a 4-3 scheme. While his pass-rush win percentage has been average, he improved in 2024 and projects as a rotational player with the potential to develop into a starter.
Landon Jackson, Arkansas:
Jackson is a fundamentally sound player with excellent length and surprising cornering ability for his size. His All-SEC selections in the past two seasons highlight his consistent production and potential.
Sleepers and Potential Gems
Bradyn Swinson, LSU:
Swinson is a tough defender with the strength to shed blocks and the speed to rush the corner. His 2024 season, with 59 tackles and 8.5 sacks, showcases his upside as a potential sleeper value pick.
Jordan Burch, Oregon:
Burch possesses one of the best physical skill sets in the draft and can play multiple positions along the defensive line. While he hasn’t always dominated, his rare talent makes him an intriguing prospect.
The Evolving Landscape of Pass Rush
The emphasis on pass rush in today’s NFL has elevated the importance of versatile and explosive EDGE defenders. These prospects represent the next generation of disruptors, capable of changing the course of a game with a single sack or pressure. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, expect these names to dominate the conversation as teams seek to bolster their defensive lines and terrorize opposing quarterbacks.