Top 10 Pre-Draft Rookie DL Rankings
Mike Woellert ranks the best EDGE and DT prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
This has been one of the deeper edge classes I can remember. There are about 15 edge rushers you could conceivably draft and come away with a DL1—I think they are that close. While there’s one consensus top pick in Abdul Carter, even that assumption has come into question because of an injury. And then there’s Shemar Stewart, who is going to be one of the more polarizing edge rushers in the class.
Now that the dust has settled from the NFL Combine and I’ve been able to watch more tape, these are my initial pre-draft rankings for the 2025 DL prospects.
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 250 lbs
Didn’t participate at Scouting Combine
Abdul Carter is the kind of edge rusher that makes defensive coordinators gleeful and makes offensive coordinators sweat. Another Penn State product with a blend of size, strength, and agility, he’s made his mark as a disruptive force on the defensive front.
It’s pretty ridiculous that PSU has had Chop Robinson and Carter in consecutive drafts.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,836
2024 Stats
Snaps: 734
Tackles: 68
TFLs: 23 (1.5/gm)
Sacks: 12
Pass Deflections: 5
Forced Fumbles: 2
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 66
Pressure Rate: 18.8%
QB Hits: 10
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 92.3
Win Rate: 35.1%
Carter had a full-time EDGE role in 2024 at Penn State, transitioning from off-ball LB, a move that unlocked his potential as one of college football’s most dangerous defenders.
Strengths
Elite Athleticism: A trifecta of speed, burst, and agility. A nightmare trio.
Versatility: Not only an EDGE, but can play off-ball and drop in coverage in different alignments.
Hand-usage: Violent hands, exceptional bend, and a quick first step. He has a plus drip/rip and spin.
Motor: Doesn’t stop until the whistle
Disruption: Creates chaos in the backfield. Led nation in TFLs
Football IQ: Shows instincts and awareness from his linebacker background.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Raw: Still developing his move set. He still relies on athleticism and his hand use needs refining.
Run Defense: Inconsistent awareness of blocking schemes and doesn’t stack and shed. Will he come off the field in run situations? Needs to bulk up to match up on bigger o-linemen.
Experience: Only one full season at EDGE after playing linebacker. Could be a bit of a learning curve.
Length: Average arm length may limit his ability to disengage.
Carter was dealing with a shoulder injury which caused him to skip the Combine. However, medicals revealed a stress reaction, which is a precursor to a fracture. He’s debating surgery, as his Pro Day is scheduled for March 28.
He’s a freak athlete and is going to be, at worst, a top-10 pick depending on what happens at the QB position. There’s no doubt he’s a game-wrecker and should contribute immediately as a situational pass-rusher while developing his run defense. No matter his landing spot, and medicals, he’ll be one of the top IDP rookies off the board.
2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 248 lbs
Arm: 34”
Wingspan: 8’2”
Vertical: 35.5”
Broad: 9’11”
Three-Cone: 6.94
Donovan Ezeiruaku announced his presence with authority, as he’s developed from a 210-pound rotational linebacker into a 248-pound EDGE monster. After a promising freshman year, he broke out as a sophomore in 2022, leading the Eagles in sacks. Following a quieter junior season, he erupted in 2024 with 16.5 sacks.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 2,092
2024 Stats
Snaps: 766
Tackles: 80
TFLs: 20.5 (1.7gm)
Sacks: 16.5
Forced Fumbles: 3
Pass Deflections: 1
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 60
Pressure Rate: 14%
QB Hits: 20
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 90.5
Win Rate: 25.8%
Donovan Ezeiruaku’s 2024 explosion and his strong pass rush metrics mark him as a polished pass-rush specialist with immediate third-down impact potential. If he adds strength and gets in the right situation, he could develop into a 10+ sack starter and IDP contributor.
Strengths
Pass-Rush Arsenal: Underrated tool kit. He has a cross-chop, dip/rip, swim, ghost rush, and euro-step.
Elite Bend: Fluid hips and tremendous ankle flex. He’s able to take corners tight and maintains his speed and target area.
Production: 30 career sacks and 47 TFLs. Curious dip in sacks from 2022 to 2023, but big rebound in 2024.
Technical Savvy: Good footwork and sets up tackles with quick steps and lateral movement. Active hands in the run and will disrupt the QB’s passing lanes.
Motor: Relentless pursuit and stamina; rarely leaves the field.
Run Disruption: Good instincts in the run. Recorded 83.6 run defense grade and missed just two tackles. Good agility to shoot gaps.
Football IQ: Reads and reacts to plays quickly. Uses his linebacker brain.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Undersized Frame: At 6’2” and 248 pounds, lacks the bulk to convert speed-to-power consistently.
Burst Limitation: Average burst. He wins with technique and bend rather than elite explosiveness.
Run Defense: Sometimes struggles to set a good edge. Struggles to contain offensive tackles at the edge and shake off blocks from larger linemen. It results in some inconsistency at the point of attack.
Length Concerns: Slightly above-average arm length but may lose leverage battles against longer tackles.
Average Power: Lacks the functional strength to bull-rush or stack-and-shed consistently.
Inconsistency vs. Top Talent: Some questions about his play vs. better talent.
I Ezeiruaku’s profile and production. He’s quickly become one of “My Guys.” Ezeiruaku is a lean, technically sound edge rusher who relies on bend and finesse over pure power. He reminds me a bit of Harold Landry.
At the Combine, he ran a 6.94 3-cone and a 4.19 short shuttle. If you run a sub-7, it’s elite. Aidan Hutchinson ran a 6.73. Nick Bosa ran a 7.1. Works for me.
His traits and production translate well to the NFL, but like most rookies, he could start out as a situational rusher, but depending on landing spot (please not Atlanta), he could see significant snaps right away. He should be a 2nd/3rd round pick in rookie drafts.
3. Mike Green, Marshall
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 251 lbs
Arm: 32”
Wingspan: 7’7”
Didn’t participate at Scouting Combine
Mike Green burst onto the scene from a Virginia reserve to an All-American at Marshall. Like Razor Ramon, not only is he oozing machismo, but upside, as well. His 2024 dominance—leading the FBS in sacks and excelling in pressures—marks him as one of the draft’s most intriguing EDGE prospects.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,098
2024 Stats
Snaps: 719
Tackles: 84
TFLs: 22.5 (1.7/gm)
Sacks: 17
Forced Fumbles: 3
Pass Deflections: 2
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 59
Pressure Rate: 16.7%
QB Hits: 10
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 91.4
Win Rate: 28.9%
Green declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after his redshirt junior season, and left Marshall with two years of eligibility remaining. He believes he cemented his status as a small-school gem with elite potential. He transitioned well to an EDGE from wrestling, using his bend and flexibility.
Strengths
Explosive First Step: Elite burst off the line, with a quick-twitch ability to beat tackles.
Pass-Rush Toolbox: A move set Bret “Hit Man” Hart would be jealous of. A cross-chop, spin, swipe-rip, and speed-to-power moves. Has a pass-rush plan and can beat tackles with primary and secondary moves.
Bend and Flexibility: Impressive ankle flex and fluid hips to flatten his rush arc. Bendy around the edge.
Production: Impressive production. 16.9% pressure rate over two seasons (89 total pressures). 21.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
Motor: Relentless pursuit and closing speed.
Run Defense: Surprising physicality for his size, with a 90.2 PFF run defense grade in 2024.
Athletic Profile: Wrestling background augments his leverage, balance, and hand-fighting skills.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Size and Length: Lean frame and average arm length. Might have issues disengaging against elite tackles.
Play Strength: May not have the raw power to consistently bull-rush or hold at the point of attack.
Run Discipline: Overly aggressive at times. Might miss on assignments.
Level of Competition: Faced limited elite competition. He did fare well against Ohio State (83.9 pass-rush grade).
Coverage Experience: Rarely dropped into coverage. Not as concerned with this. Just let him get after QB.
Technique: Spin move and counters need consistency. His hand usage can be high or mistimed when countering.
Green’s size and run-defense limitations may cap his immediate impact, but it’s impossible to ignore his pass-rush upside. He can be deployed as a stand-up rusher or with his hand in the dirt. His production and traits transition well to the NFL and should be a Day 1 pick. A hamstring issue prevented him from working out, but I don’t see that impacting his draft grade.
He should be one of the top IDPs in rookie drafts.
4. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 245 lbs
Arm: 32.75”
Wingspan: 8’7”
Vertical: 31”
Broad: 10’
40yd: 4.47
10yd split: 1.56
James Pearce Jr. had a big 2023 season with 10 sacks and then turned a productive 2024 season into First-Team All-SEC, Bednarik and Lombardi Award semifinalist honors. Pearce declared for the 2025 NFL Draft right after Tennessee’s first-round loss to Ohio State.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 987
2024 Stats
Snaps: 464
Tackles: 38
TFLs: 13 (1/gm)
Sacks: 7.5
Forced Fumbles: 1
Pass Deflections: 1
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 55
Pressure Rate: 21.7%
QB Hits: 4
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 89.4
Win Rate: 29.8%
The 2024 snaps surprised me, as his pass-rush metrics were quite impressive, especially the pressure rate. His 2024 tape also showed his improvement as a run defender.
Strengths
Athleticism: A freak athlete for someone 6’5.” Explosive off the snap and nightmare closing speed.
Elite Pass-Rush IQ: Pearce comes with a set of moves in tow. A rip, swim move, and has speed-to-power. 107 pressures and 30.9% win rate over the last two seasons.
Bendy: Fluid hips that Chubbs Peterson would be proud of. I mean, as he says, “It’s all in the hips.” He has a good ankle flex and wins on the edge.
Length Advantage: 34.5” arms and long strides enhance his ability to disrupt passing lanes.
Run Stopper: Improved from 2023 (68.2 PFF run grade) to 2024 (82.3), as a gap-shooter and chase-down tackler.
Versatility: Aligned as a stand-up rusher, 5-tech, and looper on stunts. Pearce can drop into short zones if need be.
Weakness/Area of Improvement
Run Defense Consistency: Pearce has made strides in his run defense, but there’s room to improve. He still has room to grow. He needs to refine his ability to stack and shed blocks quickly, particularly against longer, stronger offensive tackles.
Strength: Pearce's frame, listed at 6’5” and around 242-243 pounds, is lean and explosive, but he lacks the raw power of some elite NFL edge rushers. Adding functional strength could help him convert speed-to-power rushes more effectively, while holding firm against the run.
Pass-Rush Arsenal Diversity: Pearce excels with his first-step quickness, bend, and speed around the edge, often using a rip move or spin counter effectively. He could develop a more consistent bull rush or refine hand techniques to become less predictable.
Pearce brings a lean, explosive frame with a speed-based pass-rushing style. He has double-digit sack upside as a first-year player, but will probably settle between 5-7. The athleticism and explosiveness are confirmed with his 4.47 40 time. Pearce’s blend of raw talent and production positions him as one of the top EDGE prospects in a loaded 2025 class. He’s a tweener between the 2nd/3rd round in rookie drafts.
5. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 249 lbs
Arm Length: 31.8”
Wingspan: 7’9”
Josaiah Stewart put together a strong 2024 campaign that saw him achieve such accolades as Second-Team All-Big Ten, and team captain. After a huge freshman year at Coastal Carolina in 2021 (12.5 sacks), Stewart transferred to Michigan in 2023 and recorded 14 sacks over two seasons.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,835
2024 Stats
Snaps: 440
Tackles: 33
TFLs: 13 (1/gm)
Sacks: 8.5
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Deflections: 0
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 37
Pressure Rate: 16.9%
QB Hits: 8
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 92.3
Win Rate: 41.2%
What stands out to me is Stewart’s win rate. When you see his explosion off the snap, it tracks. He has an enticing blend of explosiveness, production, and tenacity that makes him one of the more tantalizing EDGE prospects.
Strengths
Explosive: Elite get-off and burst off the line. Caught offensive linemen flat-footed several times.
Various move sets: Already comes with a set of moves. A rip, swim, cross-chop, speed-to-power. Has a pass-rush plan to keep them guessing.
Agility: Impressive flexibility with low center of gravity. He wins with his burst and agility around the edge.
Run Defense: Can set a good edge with ferocity. He’s a nightmare for tight ends and quick to diagnose screens.
Leadership: Voted team captain in 2024.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Undersized: He lacks ideal bulk and lower-body strength. Inconsistent speed-to-power.
Length Limitation: Average length limits ability to disengage.
Run Defense Consistency: Can be displaced by offensive tackles or double teams. Needs to be more aware of blocking schemes.
Bend Ceiling: Average ankle flex to bend. Limits counter moves.
Technique Refinement: He relies on athleticism. Doesn’t use hands consistently.
Coverage Rawness: Minimal experience dropping into zones (21 snaps at Michigan).
Level of Competition: Dominated lesser tackles, but faced challenges against top-tier linemen.
I see some Josh Uche in Stewart, as both were a bit undersized but had the pass rush ceiling coming out. Stewart comes in as a slightly better run defender. His explosiveness is off the charts and his production is going a bit under the radar. He’s a bit under-sized at the position, but the production is translatable. I would have liked to see him test at the Combine, but we’ll see what he does at his Pro-Day.
As a designated pass-rusher, he can contribute immediately with the chance to develop into a full-time player over the next few seasons.
6. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 244 lbs
Arm: 33.8”
Wingspan: 8’2”
Vertical: 38”
Broad: 10’6”
40yd: 4.72
10yd split: 1.67
Three-Cone: 7.33
Princely Umanmielen transferred to Ole Miss for his fifth year in 2024, where he entered the draft conversation like Thanos entering Wakanda. His lone season with the Rebels showcased his upside as an elite pass rusher. Umanmielen earned First-Team All-SEC honors and a Second-Team All-American.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,850
2024 Stats
Snaps: 474
Tackles: 37
TFLs: 13.5 (1.1/gm)
Sacks: 10.5
Forced Fumbles: 1
Pass Deflections: 0
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 55
Pressure Rate: 19.1%
QB Hits: 16
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 91.5
Win Rate: 31.7%
Strengths
Explosive off snap: Umanmielen’s has a quick-twitch burst off the line. Just looking at that win rate, it tracks. He beats tackles with speed to the outside. His acceleration is a weapon in wide alignments.
Length and Athleticism: At 6’4” with a long wingspan (measured at 81.875” at the Senior Bowl), he locks out blockers effectively and covers ground quickly in pursuit. He’s able to turn corners with his bend and flex.
Pass Rush Versatility: He has a dangerous trio of speed, a spin, and power rush. He counters with inside moves and stunts, highlighting his resourcefulness.
High Motor: Umanmielen plays with relentless energy. He chases plays downfield and gives maximum effort.
Run Defense: He reads keys well, squares up blocks with leverage, and uses his length to limit displacement.
Weakness/Areas of Improvement
Strength vs. Run: His anchor isn’t elite and he’ll be taken out of plays.
Hand Usage: He’s inconsistent with his hands. He still relies on speed and athleticism over moves. He’ll need to develop a variety of counters.
Short-Area Quickness: He’s got long strides but his twitchiness is limited in small spaces. Impacts his ability to disengage.
Umanmielen projects as a high-upside pass rusher with the tools to contribute immediately in sub-packages. He’s a moldable piece who can develop into a three-down player. He can stand-up outside linebacker or as a wide-9 EDGE, leveraging his length and bend to attack angles.
His 3-cone, while not great, isn’t horrible. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him. He’s a solid 3rd round pick in rookie drafts.
7. J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 265 lbs
Arm: 33.7”
Wingspan: 8’2”
J.T. Tuimoloau arrived at Ohio State as a consensus five-star recruit in the 2021 class. After a rotational role as a true freshman in 2021, Tuimoloau became a full-time starter by 2023, and showed steady improvements in production. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in both 2023 and 2024.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 2,33
2024 Stats
Snaps: 667
Tackles: 61
TFLs: 13
Sacks: 12.5
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Deflections: 3
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 51
Pressure Rate: 14.3%
QB Hits: 14
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 77.8
Win Rate: 19.1%
Tuimoloau may not have the pass rush metrics as his teammate Jack Sawyer, but the counting numbers are just as impressive. He generated a similar pressure rate as Sawyer.
Strengths
Physical Tools: He’s a 6’5” and 269-pound monster. He’s got the combo of size and power in a power-packed frame.
Run Defense: Excels at setting the edge with strong hands and upper-body strength. PFF graded his run defense with an 87.3.
Pass-Rush Power: Relies on a devastating bull rush, using leg drive and hand power to collapse pockets. He’s got a sneaky spin move, too.
Instincts: High football IQ shines in play diagnosis, particularly against screens and quick passes.
Versatility: Comfortable in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, with experience dropping into shallow coverage.
Clutch Gene: Consistently delivers in big games, 20 pressures and sacks in all 4 202 CFP games, including two multi-sack games against Tennessee and Oregon.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Bend and Agility: Lacks elite hip flexibility and ankle flex, which limits his ability to get around the edge to win consistently.
Pass-Rush Variety: While his bull rush and spin move are effective, he needs to develop more counters to avoid stalling.
Burst off the Snap: Initial quickness is adequate but not explosive. Allows seasoned tackles to lock him up.
Run Pursuit: Can occasionally over-pursue or lose leverage, opening cutback lanes.
Tuimoloau reminds a bit of Preston Smith with his power rush style. He projects as a reliable starter with upside to develop into a 10-sack threat with refinement. His measurements are off the charts. He’s an ideal 4-3 EDGE, but can stand up in a 3-4 base defense.
His physicality and big-game impact make him one of the safer EDGE prospects in the 2025 class. While he may not have the elite twitch of some peers, his power, IQ, and versatility ensure a dependable floor. He’s shaping up to be a Day 2 pick and is a decent late 3rd/early 4th round rookie pick.
8. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 260 lbs
Arms: 31.6”
Wingspan: 7’7”
Jack Sawyer is a Columbus-native and fulfilled his dream of playing for the Buckeyes. He played a pivotal role during Ohio State’s 2024 College Football Playoff run, ultimately ending up in a national championship.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,810
2024 Stats
Snaps: 698
Tackles: 59
TFLs: 12
Sacks: 9
Forced Fumbles: 3
Pass Deflections: 6
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 64
Pressure Rate: 16.8%
QB Hits: 16
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 89.4
Win Rate: 28.4%
Sawyer was productive throughout the regular season, but showed up when it mattered during the CFP: 21 total pressures, resulting in a 15.8% pressure rate and 4.5 sacks. PFF graded him strong against the run with an 82.5 grade.
Strengths
Tackling: Fundamentally solid tackler with good form and power behind his hits. Sawyer consistently wraps up, minimizing yards after contact.
Physical: Sawyer is built for strength. He’s not like Mouse Finbar: “Strength is not his weakness.” He has a muscular frame and dominates at the line of scrimmage. He sets a good edge against the run and has an NFL-ready bull-rush.
Run Defense: He has good awareness in the run and can diagnose quickly. He reacts to pulling guards and maintains his leverage.
High Motor: Coaches will love his motor. He plays with endless energy and to the whistle. He’ll rack up hustle plays.
Leadership: A team captain at Ohio State.
Versatility: More of a hand-in-the-dirt EDGE in 4-3, or in wide-9, he can play standing up.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Limited athleticism: Doesn’t have that burst off the snap and has average bend. Not a speed rusher.
Pass-Rush Repertoire: Good bull rush and chop, his counters and secondary moves are limited.
Twitch and Agility: Not twitchy. Will struggle a bit against mobile QBs.
While he doesn’t stand out athletically, his motor and relentless play do. His tape tells me he should be a solid NFL player. His run defense and intangibles boost his stock, but his athletic traits might knock his stock down a bit. Draft capital and landing spot could boost him to a 3rd round rookie pick.
9. Bradyn Swinson, LSU
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 255 lbs
Arms: 33.3”
Wingspan: 8’1”
Three-Cone: 7.13
Bradyn Swinson transferred to LSU from Oregon in 2023 and found his footing as a rotational edge rusher before exploding in 2024, leading the Tigers with 8.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss on the way to Second-Team All-SEC honors.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,558
2024 Stats
Snaps: 637
Tackles: 42
TFLs: 13.5
Sacks: 8.5
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Deflections: 3
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 60
Pressure Rate: 19.2%
QB Hits: 8
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 90.3
Win Rate: 34.1%
It’s pretty amazing that an edge rusher with over 60 pressures and a 34.1% win rate is going under the radar. His counting stats underscore his ability to disrupt offenses with a potent mix of explosiveness and power.
Strengths
Pass Rush: Possesses a diverse array of pass-rushing moves, complemented by a quick first step and the capability to convert speed into power.
Versatility: Effective in multiple defensive schemes, with experience rushing from various alignments.
Motor: Consistently exhibits high effort, pursuing plays across the field.
Explosive: His first-step quickness off the line stands out on tape, allowing him to consistently challenge offensive tackles with an upfield burst.
Arsenal: He showed off a refined pass-rush arsenal, featuring chops, rips, swims, and a devastating two-handed swipe. He also has an above average ability to convert speed to power. He also has an effective bull rush.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Run defense: He’s a work in progress here. He’ll get washed out by double-teams and gets locked on by bigger linemen.
Average bend: He has average bend and only adequate flexibility.
Counter-moves: He has counter moves, but needs to refine and develop them, especially when he’s stalled.
Swinson’s blend of size, burst, and power reminds me a bit of Josh Sweat. He projects as a player who can contribute early as a situational pass rusher while developing into a more complete every-down defender. He’s a “traits over production” prospect who finally put it all together in his final college season. He ran a solid 7.13 three-cone, which was a good number, considering he didn’t display elite bend. His explosive get-off, active hands, and motor will make QBs sweat.
He’s looking like a Day 2/early Day 3 pick and a 4th round rookie pick.
10. Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., Virginia Tech
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 258 lbs
Arms: 31.25”
Wingspan: 7’6”
Vertical: 36.5”
Broad: 10’4”
40yd: 4.69
10yd split: 1.64
I think Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the more under-appreciated pass rushers. After transferring to Virginia Tech in 2023, he exploded onto the scene with his disruptive potential over two standout seasons with the Hokies, earning First-Team All-ACC honors and multiple All-American nods.
Career Snaps (regular/postseason): 1,592
2024 Stats
Snaps: 596
Tackles: 43
Tackles for Loss: 19
Sacks: 16
Forced Fumbles: 3
Passes Defended: 0
2024 Key Pass Rush Metrics (including postseason)
Pressures: 48
Pressure Rate: 14.8%
QB Hits: 9
PFF Pass Rush Grade: 85.1
Win Rate: 21.4%
While he may not boast an elite win rate, Powell-Ryland’s pressure rate is among the best of the edge rushers in the class. I like his 1.6 TFL per game, as it shows he can be disruptive and he was one of 7 players to accumulate over 100 TFL yards.
Strengths
First Step: Good first step. He collapses the pocket quickly.
Bend and Flexibility: He displays good bend and body control, enabling him to turn tight corners and dip under blockers with ease.
Violent Hands: Uses strong, active hands to disengage from linemen. Uses his power to shed blocks.
Motor: Plays with relentless effort, chasing plays sideline-to-sideline and finishes strong.
Pass-Rush Production: Amassed 33.5 TFLs and 25.5 sacks over his final two college seasons.
Weaknesses/Areas of Improvement
Undersized Frame: A bit undersized at 6’2” and 258 pounds. He does lack the ideal bulk and reach for a traditional edge defender in the NFL.
Run Defense: Can struggle to anchor against bigger tackles in the run game, often getting pushed off his spot.
Pass-Rush Arsenal: Relies heavily on speed and athleticism rather than a diverse set of moves. Has a decent spin move.
Inconsistent Tackling: Occasionally misses opportunities in the open field due to inconsistent technique and over-pursuit.
Powell-Ryland brings a rare combination of explosiveness and production that can’t be ignored, even if his measurables don’t fit the prototypical mold of an edge rusher. He’s had multiple multi-sack games, so he can take the game over. I was happy to see him run a sub 4.7 40, and there is some athleticism there.
Powell-Ryland’s upside makes him a compelling Day 2 or early Day 3 pick for a team prioritizing pass-rush potential.
Just Missed the Top-10 (Still Draftable)
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 267 lbs
Arm: 34.125”
Wingspan: 8’1”
Vertical: 40”
Broad: 10’11”
40yd: 4.59
10yd split: 1.58
Shemar Stewart arrived at Texas A&M as a five-star recruit in the 2022 class, ranked as the No. 1 player in Florida. Stewart evolved from a rotational player to a full-time starter in 2024. From a sack and TFL production standpoint, he has the lowest among potential 1st round EDGEs.
The raw stats don’t show his impact as much as his tape did. I liked what I saw in the Notre Dame and South Carolina games, as it flashed his upside and potential.
He led the Aggies in hurries with 33, which is where most of his pressure came from. He’s a dominant run defender and ranked 3rd (two players tied for 2nd) in run defense grade (88.2) among edge rushers who played in at least 50% of their team’s run defense stats.
He needs to refine hand-fighting techniques to disengage quicker. Stewart can play too high and get engulfed. He needs to take advantage of his length. He sometimes lacks a pass rush plan, plus he needs to develop some counters.
As far as my top 10, I know I’ll be going back and forth between Stewart and Powell. Stewart’s ability to dominate against the run gives him immediate value as a two-down defender. His pass-rushing flashes hint at All-Pro potential with proper coaching and development. Defensive coordinators who run aggressive fronts where Stewart can attack upfield are licking their chops.
Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 257 lbs
Arm: 33”
Wingspan: 8’1”
Scourton saw a dip in production from 2023 (10 sacks) to 2024 (5), but I’m not too concerned. I do believe there were a few factors:
Stiffer SEC competition.
Scheme shift. Texas A&M played more of a 4-3 with more 5-techs and Scourton was called upon to do more in run defense and take on double-teams.
Not the focal point. Teammates contributed to production.
Moveset made for pocket passers
Bulked up to 285lbs
I liked this rep from Scourton, even though he didn’t get the sack:
Even with the dip in production, he’s a polished edge rusher. Scheme, uptick in competition, and role contributed. I still like the 23% win rate and should be available in the 4th round of rookie drafts.
Mykel Williams, Georgia
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 260 lbs
Arm: 34.375”
Wingspan: 8’4”
Update 3/12/2025: At the Georgia Pro Day, Mykel Williams ran a 4.73 and 4.82 40. This confirmed what I saw on tape. He’s not an elite edge, but decent. I never saw him as a first-round talent and this affirms my beliefs.
Williams has the physical tools with his size. He’s a prototypical edge rusher with the burst off the edge. He’s a solid run defender, as PFF graded him at an 82.9 and uses his length and strength to his advantage. I’ll admit, his tape against Texas in the SEC title game was solid. Just let him rush from the edge.
Apparently, he was also playing at 60% the whole year, which might have been the reason why he didn’t work out at the Combine.
He uses his bull-rush to get through the pocket. He’s shown a good motor and has plenty of upside. I will say, this was a solid rep from Williams:
What I noticed, he struggles to win reps consistently. His pass-rush approach lacks a well-defined plan, and he rarely utilizes effective counter moves when his initial rush is stalled. He generated an 11.8% win rate, which dropped to just 5.6% in the College Football Playoff (CFP). While he keeps his hands active, they are not forceful enough to gain control over blockers.
His high pad level often puts him at a disadvantage, allowing offensive linemen to neutralize his rush. Once he is engaged and stopped, he does not have a reliable escape move to disengage. Over 40 career games, he has recorded 14 sacks, translating to a 10.5% pressure rate—a respectable number but not elite for a top-tier pass rusher.
I have a feeling the rest of the IDP industry is going to like him and have him higher, and I’m on an island here. I don’t mind him, but I’m more Josh Baskin in “Big.”
It’s cool. I’ll gladly soak in the rays on my private beach. He’ll probably go among the top edge rookies, but I’m fading if he’s going in the 2nd/3rd round of rookie drafts.
Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 254 lbs
Arm Length: 34”
Wingspan: 8’1”
40yd: 4.73
10yd split: 1.63
Kyle Kennard was a disruptive edge rusher and was among the nation’s leaders in sacks (11.5). He was a menace around the line of scrimmage, recording 15.5 TFLs which resulted in 112 TFL yards. He generated a respectable 12.6% pressure rate and 20.3% win rate.
Kennard transferred to South Carolina for his final year of eligibility in 2024, and put together an impressive season that elevated his draft stock. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 16 TFLs, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player, and consensus All-American status.
He shows good snap anticipation and gets opposing tackles off-balance. He has an above-average dip/rip and will pull out a club rip and speed-to-power counter, so he’s developing his moves. He relies on speed and rip, but when he gets locked up, he doesn’t show a plan to counter. He’ll also get washed out of run plays if he doesn’t win the rep. Age could be a concern, as he’ll turn 24, which could cap his long-term ceiling.
His 2024 production and traits scream “riser,” but the lack of polish in his rush plan and run defense suggests he still needs a bit more cooking. I think he’ll start as a situational rusher with the upside to develop into a 60-70% snap defender.
Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 296 lbs
Arm: 32.5”
Wingspan: 7’8”
Walter Nolen is now my DT1 above Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and TJ Sanders. He thinks he can be the next Aaron Donald, so he has my attention. It’s a lofty expectation for sure.
Nolen anchored the nation’s top rush defense (88.8 yards per game), erupting for career highs and cementing his status as an elite prospect. He can line up over the tackle, but mostly lined up in the B-gap, in between the tackle and the guard. He’s an elite run stopper and missed just 5 tackles over 3 seasons.
He’s an explosive athlete with a good first step. He has violent hands and collapses the pocket and lanes with his bull-rush. His hand placement and counters need development and he can rise up too early at times, showing a high pad level. Nolen, however, has a motor that doesn’t stop.
In DT-required leagues, he’s my DT1.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 259 lbs
Arm Length: 33.375”
Vertical: 36.5”
Broad: 10’
For those who don’t think the Senior Bowl matters, just ask Oluwafemi Oladejo. He recorded 2 sacks and generated a 17.4% pressure rate with a 27.3% win rate.
Oladejo’s background as a linebacker shines through in his football IQ, allowing him to read run schemes and disrupt plays with a blend of speed and power.
Oladejo boasts an impressive frame and closing speed that make him a nightmare for offensive tackles. Though still refining his pass-rush repertoire after just one full season at the position, his raw talent and nonstop energy have drawn attention from NFL scouts.
His pass-rush toolbox isn’t as polished as some edge players who’ve been at the position longer, however, that’s attributed to the fact he transitioned from off-ball LB.
He’s a quick twitch athlete who profiles as a developmental edge rusher with a high ceiling, best suited for a team willing to invest in his growth. His athletic traits and multi-positional background make him an intriguing Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.
Elijah Roberts, SMU
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 285 lbs
Arm Length: 33.625”
Wingspan: 8’2”
Vertical: 31.5”
Broad: 9’8”
40yd: 4.78
10yd split: 1.64
Elijah Roberts finished among the top-10 edge rushers in pressures generated (54) and produced a 32.7% win rate. The 16.1% pressure rate doesn’t hurt his cause either. Over the last two seasons, he’s generated a 17.4% pressure rate.
He fared well against decent competition, producing 34 pressures against schools like Florida State, Louisville, and Penn State.
He showed up in spotlight games. In the conference championship game against Clemson, he generated a 16.7% pressure rate and 2 sacks. While in the CFP, he also produced 2 sacks against Penn State.
He can rush from both two-point and three-point stances. His experience inside and outside offers adaptability for 4-3 or 3-4 defenses. Roberts is solid in run defense, as he displays good eye discipline and leverage to stack and shed blockers, holding the edge against the run.
While powerful, Roberts lacks elite first-step quickness and lateral agility, which can hinder his ability to bend the edge or chase down mobile quarterbacks. He just needs to refine technique. His block diagnosis and hand placement need polish to maintain leverage consistently.
I’m projecting Roberts to carve out an early niche as a rotational defender and special teamer before competing for a larger role.
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