Top 5 Edge Rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft: Who Will Dominate the League?

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a goldmine for teams seeking to bolster their pass rush. With a plethora of talent at the edge rusher position, several prospects are poised to make an immediate impact in the league. The edge defender group is as deep as we’ve seen in several years, dominating the projected top 50. From explosive athletes to technically refined players, this year’s class offers a diverse range of skill sets that can fit any defensive scheme. As the draft approaches, let’s delve into the top 5 edge rushers who have the potential to dominate the NFL for years to come.

1. Abdul Carter (Penn State)

Abdul Carter from Penn State stands out as the premier edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft. Daniel Jeremiah notes that Carter is an electric edge rusher. Despite having average height and bulk, he possesses an elite burst and a special ability to flatten at the top of his rush. Carter’s speed allows him to secure early wins, complemented by a nifty swipe/rip move. He demonstrates a natural ability to retrace underneath when quarterbacks attempt to evade him by climbing the pocket. Moreover, Carter excels in pressing out and controlling tight ends at the point of attack.

Carter’s versatility is another key asset. He is excellent in coverage and can play outside linebacker, contributing effectively in disguise looks. He has also played some off-ball linebacker and is skilled at run diagnostics. According to PFF, seven edge defenders land in the first-round conversation, headlined by Penn State’s Abdul Carter — the second-ranked prospect in the class.

Strengths:

Explosiveness: Carter’s elite burst allows him to consistently beat offensive linemen off the snap.
Versatility: His ability to play multiple positions and contribute in coverage makes him a valuable asset.
Technique: Carter’s refined swipe/rip move and ability to retrace showcase his technical prowess.

Weaknesses:

Size: While his explosiveness compensates for it, his average height and bulk could be a concern against bigger offensive tackles.
Balance: Carter’s balance isn’t fantastic, which doesn’t help him out in run defense.

2. Mike Green (Marshall)

Mike Green from Marshall has emerged as a top prospect, showcasing exceptional athleticism and a refined skill set. Green’s viral moment at the Senior Bowl, where he ran over Josh Connorly Jr., highlights his potential to be the best edge rusher in the class. He pairs his athleticism with finesse moves, including a spin move considered one of the best in recent years, and possesses surprising power.

Strengths:

Athleticism: Green’s athleticism allows him to execute a variety of pass-rushing moves effectively.
Power and Finesse: He combines power and finesse, making him a versatile threat to offensive linemen.
Run Defense: Green is also a good run defender.

Weaknesses:

Character Concerns: Mike Green has a bit of a sexual assault history going back to his earlier years.

3. James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)

James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee is another standout edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft. He possesses incredible burst and get-off, allowing him to beat opponents with speed and finesse. At 245 pounds, Pearce Jr. packs a punch and is also a good run defender.

Strengths:

Burst and Get-Off: Pearce Jr.’s quickness off the snap makes him difficult to block.
Versatility: He can win with both speed and finesse, keeping offensive linemen guessing.
Run Defense: Pearce Jr. is also a good run defender.

Weaknesses:

Teammate Concerns: There is speculation that he’s not the best teammate or that he gets into fights.

4. Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)

Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College is a smaller outside linebacker-type edge rusher who can struggle with the power aspects of the game. However, his quick, smooth style paired with high football IQ and some very nice bend make him an ideal 3-4 pass rush type of defender to draft on Day 2.

Strengths:

Quickness and Agility: Ezeiruaku’s agility and bend allow him to navigate around offensive linemen effectively.
Football IQ: His high football IQ enables him to anticipate plays and make smart decisions.
Pass Rush Ability: Ezeiruaku is a skilled pass rusher.

Weaknesses:

Size and Strength: His lack of size and strength can be a disadvantage against bigger, more physical offensive linemen.

5. Mykel Williams (Georgia)

Mykel Williams from Georgia is a long, strong, versatile edge prospect whose motor is always running hot. His pass-rush profile and consistency (win percentage) are lower than ideal for a projected top-20 pick, but his floor as an elite run defender is so high, and his build is so alluring, that he’s worth taking the chance on in that range for a team running odd or even fronts.

Strengths:

Strength and Versatility: Williams’ strength and versatility allow him to contribute in multiple areas.
Motor: His relentless motor ensures he is always giving maximum effort.
Run Defense: Williams is an elite run defender.

Weaknesses:

Pass Rush Consistency: His pass-rush win percentage is lower than ideal for a top prospect.

Other Notable Prospects

While the top 5 edge rushers have garnered significant attention, several other prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft possess the potential to become valuable contributors at the next level:

Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M): Stewart is an athletic freak with a perfect 10 out of 10 relative athletic score at the combine.
Nic Scourton (Texas A&M): Scourton is another talented edge rusher from Texas A&M.
Landon Jackson (Arkansas): Jackson is a really large and powerful player.
JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State): Tuimoloau presents a good floor for an edge rusher in a 4-3 defensive front.
David Walker (Central Arkansas): Walker is somebody to keep your eye on if you’re looking for somebody on late day two maybe early day three that maybe has some potential as a number one edge rusher.

The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with edge-rushing talent, offering teams a unique opportunity to transform their defenses. While the top 5 prospects—Abdul Carter, Mike Green, James Pearce Jr., Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Mykel Williams—stand out as potential game-changers, the depth of this class ensures that teams can find impactful players throughout the draft.