NFL · 6 months ago

2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Best 45 EDGE Rushers Available

John Canady

Host · Writer

45) BJ Green, Colorado
BJ Green II started his career at Arizona State, where he spent three seasons before joining Deion Sanders at Colorado. In his lone season with the Buffaloes, the Georgia native totaled 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Green could be an underrated addition to an NFL roster.
1) Abdul Carter, Penn State
Abdul Carter is the top edge rusher and arguably the best player in this draft class. The Penn State product has shown flashes of dominance in his first two years with the Nittany Lions. He finally put it all together in his junior season, racking up 68 total tackles, 12 sacks, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. Carter will be the first edge rusher off the board, barring something crazy, and it won't be a shock if he's selected with the No. 1 overall pick come draft night.

Odds to be Drafted No. 1: +165

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2) Mykel Williams, Georgia
Mykel Williams found himself injured in the season opener against Clemson, but even then, he proved why he is one of the premiere pass rushers in this draft class playing through injury. In his limited production last season, the six-foot-five defender managed to rack up 21 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass defense. Williams is a top talent, and his toughness doesn't go unnoticed.

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3) Mike Green, Marshall
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Mike Green is a name that's gathered plenty of buzz heading into the combine. The talented defender put together a career year and one of the best seasons for an edge rusher in the nation this past year. Green put up 81 total tackles, 17 sacks (!!), three forced fumbles, and two pass defenses. If he can put together a strong showing at the combine, his stock will continue to trend up.
4) James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
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James Pearce Jr. has the size and skillset to develop into a top pass rusher at the next level. The Tennessee product is lean at six-foot-five, and his versatility on the defensive line makes him very valuable on the field. Breaking out in his sophomore season, the edge rusher has racked up 17 total sacks over the last two years, and he'll have plenty to offer to whatever team lands him.
5) Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
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Shemar Stewart enters this draft as a player labeled as the biggest "boom or bust" prospect in the class. The defender has the skill set to be an absolute force on the edge at the next level. Still, he struggled to show his dominance at Texas A&M. However, after a strong senior bowl showing, his stock could continue to climb if he crushes the combine.
6) Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
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Nic Scourton is another Texas A&M edge rusher expected to have plenty of interest from NFL teams. The talented edge rusher spent two seasons at Purdue, where he showed plenty of promise, especially during his ten-sack season in 2023. Looking to build off his strong sophomore season, Scourton transferred to Texas A&M to join the Aggies' stout defensive line. In his lone season in the SEC, the Texas native racked up 37 total tackles, five sacks, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble.
7) Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
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Jack Sawyer was arguably the heart and soul of the Ohio State defense this past season, and his strip-sack return for a touchdown against Texas in the CFP Semifinals will leave him a Buckeyes legend forever. During his four-year career at OSU, the six-foot-five edge rusher improved each season and finally put it together during his senior year. Sawyer is a high-character player with the tools and talent to be a big-time defender at the pro level.
8) Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Princely Umanmielen spent four seasons at Florida before transferring to Ole Miss for his fifth and final college football season. The versatile defender showed out in his lone year with the Rebels, putting up career numbers, including a team-high 10.5 sacks. With the mixture of size and athleticism, he'll likely have plenty of fans in NFL front offices as draft day approaches.

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9) Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
Kyle Kennard is another talented defender who used the transfer portal to his advantage, capitalizing on his final season in college. The edge rusher joined the Gamecocks and quickly showed why Shane Beamer and company were so eager to land the Georgia Tech transfer. Kennard racked up 11.5 sacks for South Carolina this past season on his way to many awards following the season, including the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is awarded to the nation's best defensive player.

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10) Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Landon Jackson spent three years at Arkansas, where he quickly became a vital piece of the Razorbacks' defense. Overshadowed by the team's lack of success, Jackson still put plenty of film together that should impress NFL teams. At six feet seven inches, the defender offers plenty of versatility on the defensive line, which will alone add value for whichever team lands him.

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11) JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
JT Tuimoloau could find himself drafted ahead of multiple guys on this list solely off his senior production this past year. The Ohio State product finished the season with 61 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, three pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. At six-foot-five, he has everything he needs to be a monster at the next level.
12) Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Donovan Ezeiruaku is another edge rusher who had a dominant senior season in college. The Boston College standout racked up 16.5 sacks this past year with 80 total tackles, including three forced fumbles. He could be a player rising on draft boards with a strong pro day.
13) Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
Ashton Gillotte entered the 2024 season with high expectations after an 11-sack season last year. Although he didn't match the same productivity this season, he proved he has the traits to be a game-wrecker on defense.
14) Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
Jared Ivey spent two seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss in 2022. After three seasons with the Rebels, the edge rusher put together a career year in 2024, totaling seven sacks. Ivey could be a sleeper pick in the later rounds.
15) Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
Oluwafemi Oladejo entered the NFL Draft combine as one of the most atheltic edge rushers in the draft class. After an impressive combine performance, the six-foot-three defender begin to rise up draft boards. Heading into draft night, it wouldn't be a shock to see Oladejo be taken in the second round considering the skillset and potential he's shown.
16) David Walker, Central Arkansas
David Walker won't get the recognition he deserves playing for a smaller program like Central Arkansas, but that doesn't take away from how disruptive he was for the Bears' defense this past season. The defender totaled 68 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five pass defenses, and four forced fumbles, which should have him on many team's draft boards.
17) Bradyn Swinson, LSU
Bradyn Swinson started his college career at Oregon before transferring to LSU in 2023. The edge rusher put together a career year in 2024, totaling 59 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. With good size and ability to rush the passer at an elite rate, he could be a steal in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.
18) Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Josaiah Stewart transferred to Michigan after two strong seasons at Coastal Carolina. The six-foot-one defensive end quickly found a role in the Wolverines' defense, where he proved to be a reliable force on the defensive line. In 2024, Stewart racked up 33 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. With the tools to develop into a force at the next level, expect many teams to be high on Stewart.
19) Que Robinson, Alabama
Que Robinson's production is lower than that of most of the other pass rushers on this list, but that's mainly due to his recent switch from linebacker to defensive end. The Alabama product has the tools to be a big-time pass rusher, but his development in the new position may take time.
20) Elijah Roberts, SMU
Elijah Roberts started his college journey at Miami, but after three seasons of struggling to find a sizable role, he transferred to SMU. The pass rusher quickly proved worthy of playing time, totaling 17 sacks in two seasons with the Mustangs. Don't be surprised if he gets taken higher than expected come draft night.
21) Barryn Sorrell, Texas
Barryn Sorell spent all four years of his college career at Texas. The Longhorns defender developed into a serviceable pass rusher, but he never emerged as a game wrecker like many hoped he would. Despite that, he could be a more than solid depth piece at the next level.
22) Jordan Burch, Oregon
Jordan Burch spent three seasons at South Carolina before transferring to Oregon seeking a chance to contend. The edge rusher didn't show much improvement at first with the Ducks, but in his final season, he put together a monster year which included 8.5 sacks. Don't be surprised if some teams fall in love with the idea of developing the former five-star recruit.
23) Sai'vion Jones, LSU
Sai'Vion Jones spent four seasons at LSU, where he developed into a solid pass rusher for the Tigers. In his final season, the SEC product totaled 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. Between his size and flashes he showed on film, he could be a target for many teams in the middle rounds.
24) Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina
Kaimon Rucker spent five seasons at North Carolina, where he thrived as a pass rusher for the Tar Heels. In his final two seasons, the Georgia native racked up 14.5 sacks, proving that he could be a disruptor on the defensive line. Considering his production while undersized for the position, he could be an intriguing prospect to see how NFL teams rank him.
25) Tyler Baron, Miami
Tyler Baron was one of the biggest names in the college football transfer portal last offseason. The defender spent four seasons at Tennessee before transferring to Miami. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Baron racked up 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble to round out his college career.
26) Tyler Batty, BYU
Tyler Batty spent five seasons at BYU, where he showed flashes of his ability as a pass rusher. However, during his final season with the Cougars, the six-foot-five defender served more as a solid run stuffer than a pass rusher, racking up 59 tackles and only 1.5 sacks. Despite that, Batty could be a solid depth piece at the next level.
27) Davin Vann, NC State
Davin Vann spent five seasons at NC State, where he seemingly broke out during his junior season. The fifth-year senior put together a career-year in 2024, racking up 41 tackles, 6.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two pass defenses. Expect Vann to draw interest in the middle rounds of the draft.
28) Ethan Downs, Oklahoma
Ethan Downs spent all four seasons of his college career at Oklahoma. The six-foot-four defensive end showed flashes on the defensive line for the Sooners, but he never entirely put it altogether. Despite that, he'll likely draw interest for his traits alone in the NFL Draft.
29) Davon Haynes, Colorado
Dayon Haynes spent four seasons at Pitt before transferring to Colorado last offseason. The defensive end joined the Buffaloes hoping to build on his breakout season in 2023, but he saw a huge hit in production with his new squad. Now, he lands in the NFL Draft after a lackluster season decreased his draft value.
30) Paris Shand, LSU
Paris Shand spent three seasons at Arizona before transferring to LSU in 2023. The Canadian served as a depth piece for the Tigers during his time, limiting his production on the field. Shand has the traits to be successful, but he has plenty to work on before doing so at the next level.
31) Steven Parker, Texas State
Steven Parker spent time at three schools during college, but his most recent stop came at Texas State. The six-foot-four defensive end totaled 29 tackles, five sacks, one pass defense, and a forced fumble during his final season. Parker will likely be drafted in the later rounds as a depth/developmental piece.
32) Chico Bennett Jr., Virgina
Chico Bennett Jr. began his college career at Georgia Tech before transferring to Virginia in 2022. The six-foot-four edge rusher spent three seasons with the Cavaliers, where he showed flashes. As a late-round draft pick, Bennett Jr. could impress in camp to earn a spot somewhere.
33) Jahfari Harvey, SMU
Jahfari Harvey spent five seasons at Miami before transferring to SMU. In his lone year with the Mustangs, the defender put together a career year totaling 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass defense. Don't be shocked if a team falls in love with Harvey in the later rounds.
34) Jah Joyner, Minnesota
Jah Joyner enters the NFL Draft after four seasons at Minnesota. In his final year with the Golden Gophers, the six-foot-five edge rusher proved valuable as a pass rusher with 4.5 sacks and in coverage with seven pass defenses. Joyner has the tools to succeed at the next level, which could bode well for him in the draft.
35) Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Fadil Diggs spent four seasons at Texas A&M before transferring to Syracuse. With 7.5 sacks in his lone season with the Orange, the defender put his name on the map. Keep an eye on Diggs in the upcoming NFL Draft.
36) R.J. Oben, Notre Dame
R.J. Oben started his career at Duke, where he spent five seasons before transferring to Notre Dame. After a down year with the Fighting Irish, Oben enters the draft. Oben will likely be a late-round flier or an undrafted free agent signing.
37) Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
Antwaun Powell-Ryland started his career at Florida before transferring to Virginia Tech in 2022. The talented edge rusher put together a career year in 2024, totaling 43 tackles and three sacks. Powell-Ryland could be a prime target for teams on Day 2 or 3.
38) Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
Ahmed Hassanein spent all four seasons in college at Boise State, where he developed into a reliable defender. Before declaring for the draft, the Egyptian native racked up 48 tackles and 9.5 sacks this past season for the Broncos. Keep an eye on Hassanein come draft night.
39) Johnny Walker Jr., Missouri
Johnny Walker Jr. spent five seasons at Missouri but didn't start producing at a high level until his final two years with the Tigers. The versatile edge rusher totaled 43 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one pass defense in his final season in the SEC. Now, he takes his talents to the NFL.
40) J.J. Weaver, Kentucky
J.J. Weaver may be one of the most experienced defenders in the draft after playing the last six seasons at Kentucky. In his final two years with the Wildcats, the six-foot-five edge rusher totaled 12 sacks. Weaver has the traits to be a solid producer at the next level, but his age could be a factor in him slipping come draft night, potentially leaving him undrafted.
41) Steve Linton, Baylor
Steve Linton began his college career at Syracuse, where he spent four seasons before transferring to Texas Tech for one season, before joining Baylor for his final year. This past year, the defensive end totaled 26 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble with the Bears. Linton has the size to succeed, but his limited production across his career could hinder his draft stock.
42) Jasheen Davis, Wake Forest
Jasheen Davis spent the last five years at Wake Forest before deciding to enter the NFL Draft. Over the previous four seasons, the Georgia native has racked up 25 total sacks. Davis could be a late-round draft target.
43) Chaz Chambliss, Georgia
Chaz Chambliss played the last four seasons at Georgia, but he put his name on the map with a breakout season in 2024. This past year, the edge rusher totaled 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Don't be surprised to see teams consider Chambliss a late-round riser.
44) Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly
Elijah Ponder put together impressive back-to-back seasons at Cal Holy, combining for 15.5 sacks. The edge rusher will likely be overlooked due to his success at a smaller school. Despite that, he has the size and athleticism to be a fun developmental prospect at the next level.
45) BJ Green, Colorado
BJ Green II started his career at Arizona State, where he spent three seasons before joining Deion Sanders at Colorado. In his lone season with the Buffaloes, the Georgia native totaled 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Green could be an underrated addition to an NFL roster.
1) Abdul Carter, Penn State
Abdul Carter is the top edge rusher and arguably the best player in this draft class. The Penn State product has shown flashes of dominance in his first two years with the Nittany Lions. He finally put it all together in his junior season, racking up 68 total tackles, 12 sacks, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles. Carter will be the first edge rusher off the board, barring something crazy, and it won't be a shock if he's selected with the No. 1 overall pick come draft night.

Odds to be Drafted No. 1: +165

Tackle the Odds with SportsGrid’s Expert NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks.

2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Best 45 EDGE Rushers Available

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