Scheme Matters: How NFL Teams’ Defensive Philosophies Influenced the 2025 Draft’s Defensive Line Selections

The 2024 NFL season saw Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs hoist the Lombardi Trophy once again, but the road to the Super Bowl was paved with innovative defensive strategies designed to slow down high-powered offenses. As defensive coordinators across the league continue to evolve their schemes, the 2025 NFL Draft became a crucial opportunity for teams to acquire defensive linemen who fit their specific philosophies. The draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, saw teams prioritizing scheme fit as much as pure talent when selecting defensive line prospects.

The 4-3 vs. 3-4 Divide: A Tale of Two Philosophies

For years, the NFL has been dominated by two primary defensive schemes: the 4-3 and the 3-4. In a 4-3 defense, teams typically employ four down linemen and three linebackers. This scheme emphasizes power and penetration, with defensive ends tasked with rushing the passer and defensive tackles responsible for stopping the run. The Cleveland Browns, known for their aggressive 4-3 scheme under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, looked for defensive ends who could win one-on-one matchups and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Conversely, a 3-4 defense utilizes three down linemen and four linebackers. This scheme prioritizes versatility and flexibility, with outside linebackers often serving as edge rushers and defensive linemen responsible for controlling gaps and freeing up linebackers to make plays. The Tennessee Titans, under head coach Brian Callahan, sought out defensive linemen who could play multiple positions and excel in a 3-4 alignment.

However, the lines between these two schemes are becoming increasingly blurred. As Patekchrono917 noted on Reddit, “every defense is hybrid and plays nickel the majority of snaps now.” This means that teams are looking for players who can adapt to multiple roles and excel in various situations.

Interior Defensive Linemen: The Unsung Heroes

While edge rushers often garner the most attention, interior defensive linemen (IDL) are equally crucial to a successful defense. These players are responsible for disrupting the run game, collapsing the pocket, and creating opportunities for their teammates. As Football Scout 365 noted, the 2025 NFL Draft featured one of the deepest interior defensive line classes in recent memory, headlined by Michigan’s Mason Graham.

Graham, a projected top-five pick, is a dominant interior force with elite leverage, violent hands, and explosive first-step quickness. His ability to penetrate gaps and shed blocks makes him a disruptive presence in both the run and pass game. The Philadelphia Eagles, who have long prioritized building their defense from the inside out, were rumored to be heavily interested in Graham.

Kenneth Grant, also from Michigan, is another highly touted IDL prospect. Grant is built like a nose tackle but has the movement skills to provide some versatility on the interior defensive line. He’ll provide the most value to a multiple-front defense that can capitalize on his unique skill set.

Walter Nolen from Ole Miss is also considered one of the premier defensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft class, drawing attention for his rare combination of size and athleticism. Scouts consistently praise his exceptional first-step explosiveness and natural leverage, which allow him to be a disruptive force in both run defense and pass rush situations.

Edge Rushers: The Quarterback Hunters

In today’s NFL, getting pressure on the quarterback is paramount. Edge rushers are tasked with disrupting the passing game and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. The 2025 NFL Draft featured several highly touted edge rushers, each with their own unique skill set.

Abdul Carter from Penn State is a speed rusher who can be a game wrecker when in a favorable matchup. He’ll fit best in a defense where he can line up in a two-point stance given his speed and lack of experience playing with his hand in the dirt.

James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee is a two-time 1st-Team All-SEC edge rusher who led Tennessee in both tackles for loss and sacks in consecutive seasons. In 2024, Pearce posted 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and a career-high 55 pressures per PFF (tied for 2nd in the SEC).

Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M wins with an elite combination of size and athletic traits, which makes him a tough assignment for any offensive lineman. At this stage of his career, he’s best against the run with the strength to set the edge and the closing burst to make plays in the backfield.

Scheme-Specific Selections: A Look at How Teams Drafted

Several teams made notable defensive line selections based on their specific scheme needs:

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons, under general manager Terry Fontenot, made it clear that they wanted to improve their defense. They selected Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. to inject new life into a pass rush that struggled mightily in 2024.
Carolina Panthers: After finishing last in PFF team defense grade (44.9) in 2024, Carolina targeted four potential impact defenders to boost the unit. The Panthers invested both of their Day 2 picks to add much-needed juice to the pass rush with the additions of Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers entered the draft with a clear goal: to address a deficiency in quality run defenders, and they attacked it. They selected Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West to beef up the trenches.

The Impact of Defensive Line Selections

The defensive line selections made in the 2025 NFL Draft will have a significant impact on the league for years to come. Teams that were able to identify and acquire players who fit their specific schemes will be well-positioned to improve their defenses and compete for championships. As offenses continue to evolve, the importance of a strong and versatile defensive line will only continue to grow.