Edge rushers go for a premium in the NFL Draft, and the 2025 class likely won’t be any different. Which prospects lead the 2025 NFL Draft EDGE rankings?
2025 Draft EDGE Rankings | 10-1
Due to their ability to disrupt offenses, EDGEs typically hear their names called early in the NFL Draft. These 10 — plus five honorable mentions — should be no different in the 2025 class, especially once we have confirmed test times from pro days and the NFL Combine.
EDGEs Just Outside the Top 10
- Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
- Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina
- Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- Tyler Batty, BYU
- David Walker, Central Arkansas
10) Kyle Kennard, South Carolina Gamecocks
Following four solid years at Georgia Tech, Kyle Kennard took his talents to South Carolina and immediately became one of the best pass rushers in the SEC. He led the conference with 15.5 TFLs and 11.5 sacks and even added three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to his name.
His raw strength and closing speed were evident in nearly every game and should entice NFL decision-makers early on.
9) Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College Eagles
Donovan Ezeiruaku was a force in the ACC from 2022 to 2023, but he took his game to a new level in 2024. He bulldozed linemen for more games with multiple sacks (6) than games with zero (4). But Ezeiruaku is also a standout against the run, filling gaps, setting the edge, and wrapping up in the hole.
8) Landon Jackson, Arkansas Razorbacks
After flashing his skill set in 2022, Landon Jackson shined as a full-time starter in 2023. He notched career-highs in TFLs (10) and sacks (3.5) while showcasing a nuanced pass-rush package on true pass sets.
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The 6’7″ and 280-pounder was even better in 2024, racking up 9.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks, including a four-game sack streak prior to the regular-season finale. With his length and power, Jackson won’t need to wait long to hear his name called.
7) Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss Rebels
Princely Umanmielen took shots at Florida after transferring to Ole Miss, complaining about his lack of development with the program. His film also showed several low-effort plays, so a change of scenery was best for both sides.
If seven sacks and 11.5 TFLs were the result of Umanmielen without substantial coaching and living off his athletic tools, many wondered how good he could be in 2024. Well, in 12 games with the Rebels, he amassed 13.5 TFLs and 10.5 sacks. Power or finesse. Stand up or hand in the dirt. It doesn’t matter — Umanmielen will produce.
6) Mike Green, Marshall Thundering Herd
With Owen Porter leaving for the NFL last offseason, Mike Green had massive shoes to fill — he did just that in 2024. He put together one of the most decorated seasons in Marshall history, leading the FBS in sacks (17, Sun Belt record), sack yardage (144), tackles for loss (22.5), and tackles by a defensive lineman (84).
While he’ll likely be a pass-rush specialist early on, Green is elite in that role and should only improve with an NFL weight and conditioning program.
5) Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M Aggies
Shemar Stewart is already an elite run defender who can control gaps, which should lead to playing time early. However, thanks to his length and raw strength, he also has immense potential as a pass rusher. At 6’6″ and nearly 290 pounds, Stewart already looks the part of a starting NFL EDGE, but his movement skills at that size are even more impressive.
4) Nic Scourton, Texas A&M Aggies
What do Fresno State, Syracuse, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Indiana have in common? They were all victims of Nic Scourton’s brute force in 2023. The Purdue EDGE transfer brought his nauseating spin move and raw power to College Station, Texas, after crushing the Big Ten.
Scourton may not be old enough to drink (20), but he’s certainly old enough to commit assault on the linemen across from him (29 TFLs and 15 sacks over the last two years).
3) James Pearce Jr., Tennessee Volunteers
Did James Pearce Jr. dominate as much as he did last season for the Tennessee Volunteers? No, but it’s not like he completely fell off, either. I mean, he still generated 13 TFLs and 7.5 sacks, so why is no one talking about him anymore?
The 6’5″ and 240+ pound EDGE has all the tools to produce from Day 1, using his length and explosiveness to devastating effect.
2) Mykel Williams, Georgia Bulldogs
Mykel Williams might be the most physically gifted defensive lineman in the class. Despite inconsistent efficiency in college, Williams’ athleticism is off the charts, making him a first-round talent with the potential to be one of the first defenders taken in April. However, he’ll need some time to hone his craft, especially as a pass rusher.
1) Abdul Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions
It’s difficult not to compare Abdul Carter to former Penn State great Micah Parsons since they took a similar career path (LB to full-time EDGE) and wear No. 11. But Carter is what the late Kobe Bryant called a “different animal and the same beast.”
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With top-tier bend and burst, you’ll often see offensive linemen hold Carter off the edge. Even still, he’s able to get home with impressive hand usage and a red-hot motor. Oh, and he has the athleticism to drop into coverage or rotate as an off-ball LB!
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