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As we transition to the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, the preliminary review of edge rush prospects are emerging. While the 2024 NFL Draft featured a strong top tier of EDGE talent, the 2025 class is shaping up to not only match but potentially surpass it in terms of depth and quality.
The 2024 NFL Draft saw five edge rushers selected in the first round, including Laiatu Latu, Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Chop Robinson, and Darius Robinson. This group set a high standard, but the 2025 class appears poised to offer an even greater depth of talent.
Here is our initial list of the 2025 NFL Draft eligible Edge Rushers you should familiarize yourself with before the 2024 college football season.
2025 NFL Draft: 15 Edge Rushers To Know
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 242 lbs
Total Pressures: 52
Total Sacks: 10
Summary Analysis: James Pearce Jr. is a remarkable edge rusher recognized for his dynamic athleticism and quickness. During the 2023 season, he was the sack leader for Tennessee with 10 sacks and 52 pressures, demonstrating an outstanding talent in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Pearce's impressive top speed of 23 mph showcases his exceptional athleticism, positioning him as a top contender for the 2025 NFL Draft. His capacity to translate speed into power and his high success rate in pass-rushing suggest a promising future in the NFL.
Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 270 lbs
Total Pressures: 45
Total Sacks: 9
Summary Analysis: Ashton Gillotte has proven to be a reliable presence on Louisville's defensive line, demonstrating his effectiveness in both stopping the run and rushing the passer with 45 pressures and 9 sacks in 2023. His blend of strength and speed allows him to excel in various positions across the defensive front. Gillotte's impressive showing in 2023 cements his position as a standout player to keep an eye on in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Princely Umanmielen, Ole MIss
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 254 lbs
Total Pressures: 45
Total Sacks: 7
Summary Analysis: In the current offseason, Princely Umanmielen transferred from Florida to Ole Miss. While at Florida in 2023, he recorded 45 pressures and 7 sacks, showcasing his ability to navigate the edge and effectively use his length, which presents a tough task for offensive tackles. Umanmielen's versatility and consistent performance in pass rushing and run defense roles make him a strong contender for an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Patrick Payton, Florida State
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 239 lbs
Total Pressures: 45
Total Sacks: 6.5
Summary Analysis: In 2023, Patrick Payton showcased his dynamic edge skills at Florida State, recording 45 pressures and 6.5 sacks. Renowned for his long arms and knack for disrupting passing lanes, Payton also stood out in run defense with 10 tackles for loss. His exceptional work ethic and athleticism establish him as a crucial asset in the Seminoles' defense and a promising prospect for the 2025 draft.
Jah Joyner, Minnesota
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 258 lbs
Total Pressures: 43
Total Sacks: 7.5
Summary Analysis: Jah Joyner, a quietly impressive player for Minnesota, has stood out by recording 7.5 sacks and 43 pressures in 2023. His combination of size and strength makes him a strong pass rusher, while his knack for creating turnovers enhances his overall skill set. With his reliable performance and room for development, Joyner emerges as a compelling prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 280 lbs
Total Pressures: 42
Total Sacks: 10
Summary Analysis: Nic Scourton, a formidable edge rusher, possesses a strong physique and outstanding pass-rushing abilities. During the 2023 season, he stood out by leading Texas A&M with 42 pressures and 10 sacks, demonstrating his knack for overpowering offensive linemen and causing disruption in the backfield. Scourton's combination of strength and agility enables him to execute various pass-rush techniques, establishing him as a versatile and menacing threat on the edge. His exceptional performance in 2023 has elevated his status as one of the premier edge prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially positioning him as a potential early day-one pick.
J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 270 lbs
Total Pressures: 38
Total Sacks: 5
Summary Analysis: J.T. Tuimoloau's imposing presence on Ohio State's defensive line is attributed to his blend of size, strength, and athleticism. In the 2023 season, he showcased his knack for generating pressure and securing sacks, tallying 38 pressures and 5 sacks. His capacity to disrupt the pocket in pass rush situations, combined with his ability to stop the run, underscores his versatility, as he can proficiently play various positions along the defensive line, thus bolstering his draft prospects.
Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 265 lbs
Total Pressures: 36
Total Sacks: 6.5
Summary Analysis: In 2023, Jack Sawyer established himself as a versatile edge defender in college football, showcasing his disruptive ability in both pass-rush and run-game situations. His impressive stats of 36 pressures and 6.5 sacks demonstrate his proficiency in pressuring the quarterback, along with his solid skills and physicality that contribute to his effectiveness in stopping the run. With his exceptional athleticism and well-rounded abilities, Sawyer is poised to elevate his 2025 NFL Draft stock.
Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 245 lbs
Total Pressures: 29
Total Sacks: 5.5
Summary Analysis: After transferring to Michigan, Josaiah Stewart promptly emerged as a crucial member of their pass rush rotation. Demonstrating his agility and knack for disrupting the backfield, Stewart recorded 29 pressures and 5.5 sacks in 2023. Despite his smaller stature for the role, his athleticism and skill set enable him to excel, positioning him as a promising prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 270 lbs
Total Pressures: 30
Total Sacks: 3.5
Summary Analysis: In 2023, Dani Dennis-Sutton showcased his capabilities by recording 30 pressures and 3.5 sacks while playing for Penn State. With his combination of size and athleticism, he is well-positioned for a bright future as a standout edge rusher. His knack for disrupting plays and consistently applying pressure marks him as a notable prospect to keep an eye on in the upcoming draft.
Mykel Williams, Georgia
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 265 lbs
Total Pressures: 27
Total Sacks: 5
Summary Analysis: Mykel Williams has proven to be a dependable contributor on Georgia's defensive line, registering 27 pressures and 5 sacks in 2023. His combination of size and strength enables him to excel in both stopping the run and rushing the passer. Williams' capacity to further develop into a more formidable player positions him as a valuable prospect for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Abdul Carter, Penn State
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 250 lbs
Total Pressures: 26
Total Sacks: 4.5
Summary Analysis: Abdul Carter had a notable influence when switching to edge rusher in 2023, registering 26 pressures and 4.5 sacks. His dynamic play on Penn State's defense stems from his athleticism, versatility, and knack for creating pressure. Carter's abilities have led to comparisons with former Penn State LB Micah Parsons, known for his versatility as a player for the Dallas Cowboys.
Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Ht: 6'7"
Wt: 282 lbs
Total Pressures: 24
Total Sacks: 6.5
Summary Analysis: Landon Jackson is an intriguing edge rusher with great size and length. In 2023, he tallied 24 pressures and 6.5 sacks, showcasing his potential to be a disruptive force. Jackson's ability to bend around the edge and use his length effectively makes him a promising prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jalon Walker, Georgia
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 245 lbs
Total Pressures: 26
Total Sacks: 5
Summary Analysis: Jalon Walker has shown great promise as an outside linebacker for Georgia, recording 26 pressures and 5 sacks in 2023. His speed and agility make him a disruptive force off the edge, while his versatility adds value to his role. Walker's continued development could see him rise in draft rankings.
Derrick Moore, Michigan
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 258 lbs
Total Pressures: 23
Total Sacks: 5
Summary Analysis: Derrick Moore, a promising edge rusher hailing from Michigan, possesses a strong combination of size and athleticism. His performance in 2023, where he tallied 23 pressures and 5 sacks, highlighted his potential as a disruptive presence on the defensive line. With a reputation for his explosive initial burst and skill in taking on offensive linemen, Moore is equipped to evolve into a reliable threat in rushing the passer. By honing his technique and expanding on his output, Moore has the opportunity to follow the successful path of Michigan's NFL edge rushers, positioning him as a player to monitor for the 2025 NFL Draft.