Ranking the Top 25 NFL Edge Rushers in 2025-26

25. Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have high hopes for their most recent first-round draft pick. Towering at 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, edge rusher Shemar Stewart possesses elite athleticism. He reaffirmed his blazing speed at the 2025 NFL Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds. From there, he also showed off his 40-inch vertical leap. Stewart is the sort of defender that opposing offensive linemen have night terrors about. For those wondering, FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists him at 16/1 to win the 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (tied for seventh best in the market).

2. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

Staying in the Buckeye state of Ohio, Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has been on a distinguished run. Over the past two years, Hendrickson has logged a whopping 35 sacks along with 35 additional TFL. He possesses the sort of explosion and strength that allows him to dominate opposing offensive linemen on a regular basis. However, an uncertain contract situation in Cincy has local supporters concerned that Hendrickson may have played his final down for the Bengals. With the preseason swiftly approaching, a new deal for Hendrickson should be at the top of Cincinnati's priority list.

3. Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions noticeably lost some of their "edge" when defensive end Aidan Hutchinson went down in Week 5 last season. Very fortunately for Motor City, Hutchinson is chomping at the bit to return to the field this season. Selected second overall at the 2022 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-7 defender makes life unbelievably difficult for opposing quarterbacks. In 2023, Hutch's unique frame allowed him to force three fumbles while also breaking up seven passes to go along with 11.5 sacks; look for his revenge tour in 2025.

4. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

As one of the buzziest players that the modern NFL has to offer, Dallas Cowboys ace defender Micah Parsons is looking for improvement in 2025. He's eager to work with incoming defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, as Parsons can be utilized all over the formation. Transparently, few people on Earth have the sort of power, speed, and agility combination that Parsons does. That is evident on the gridiron; he's registered 52.5 sacks, 256 total tackles, and 112 QB hits since entering the league in 2021. Presently, FanDuel Sportsbook has Parsons as the favorite to win 2025 Defensive Player of the Year.

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5. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby is the franchise's undisputed on-field leader. Boasting a high motor and incredible fight, Crosby is the physical embodiment of Raider Nation. Currently, "Mad Maxx" has earned four consecutive trips to the NFL Pro Bowl. Still, he is looking to bounce back under new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll. Crosby was hindered by an ankle injury in 2024, but he should be primed for 2025. Expect Crosby to continue operating with an unrivaled fire, using his lengthy arms to corral opposing players. 

6. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

Belonging to the rare fraternity of players to win both the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year (2019) and Defensive Player of the Year (2022) awards, San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa looks like he was built in a football laboratory. In 2025, "Small Bear" is thrilled to be reunited with Niners' defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Bosa may have posted less-than-imposing stats last season. Still, he earned a 91.0 PFF grade: second best among all defensive ends. He still maintains peak physical conditioning. A word to the wise—prepare for Bosa ravaging the backfield in 2025.

7. Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans

Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans has dazzled over his first two campaigns at the professional level. Since being drafted third overall in 2023, the 6-foot-4 Alabama alum has logged 18 quarterback sacks 82 total tackles. Anderson also brought back NFL DROY accolades in his first year. Going forward, expect his rapport with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans to continue strengthening. Undoubtedly, Anderson is the engine of Houston's defense.

8. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt has been a steward of the position since joining the NFL in 2017. Over that span, he’s registered 108 sacks, 225 QB hits, 33 forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. His most prolific campaign was 2021; Watt produced 22.5 sacks, 64 tackles, and 21 TFL en route to DPOY honors. With some major changes in Steel City, it will be interesting to see which way Watt trends in Year Nine.

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9. Travon Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker is coming off his best NFL campaign to date. In 2024, Walker collected 10.5 sacks, 61 combined tackles, and two forced fumbles. Still, there are supporters in Duval County who feel Walker left some meat on the bone last year. Moving forward, he'll have every opportunity to ascend into the upper echelon of professional edge rushers. 2025 could be another career year for the former Georgia Bulldog. Be sure to monitor how Walker progresses under Jacksonville's new defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile.

10. Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse put the NFL on notice in 2025, earning the DROY distinction behind 11 TFL, 4.5 quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Verse — listed at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds — has an elite build to thrive at multiple spots around the defensive front. To make aspects even scarier for the league, he's not even 25 years old yet. Verse should be a force for many seasons to come.

11. Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers

2016 DPOY Khalil Mack still has juice in the tank. He's made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons since coming over to the Los Angeles Chargers and hopes to continue wrecking offenses going forward. Mack is a player with 107.5 career sacks and over 30 forced fumbles. Regardless of which way he trends in 2025, he'll likely be enshrined in Canton sometime over the next decade.

12. Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans

As the second member of the Houston Texans on this rankings list, defensive end Danielle Hunter pulls no punches in his game. He contributed a dozen sacks in addition to 17 TFL last season. From there, Hunter—standing at 6-foot-5, 263 pounds—registered a career-high 23 quarterback hits. His 81.1 PFF grade as a pass rusher was impressive, and he'll look to build on that in 2025.

13. Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive standout Josh Hines-Allen is back for his seventh year in the league. He's revved up the intensity over the past two seasons, producing 25.5 sacks throughout that span. Hines-Allen has also contributed three forced fumbles and one interception since the start of 2023; look for him pressuring opposing quarterbacks as he always does.

14. Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite missing several games in 2024 with an ankle injury, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith was still quite productive. He managed 45 total tackles, six quarterback sacks, and one forced fumble in just 11 contests for the Steel Curtain. Highsmith finished the year with an 89.0 PFF grade, which placed him among the NFL's top 10 positionally.

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15. Abdul Carter, New York Giants

New York Giants rookie pass rusher Abdul Carter will surely make an impression in 2025.  Carter was a three-year superstar at Penn State and has intentions of bringing that same dominance to the NFL. Standing at 6-foot-3,  Carter has the speed, strength, and skills to be the next great defender for the Football Giants. Pro Football Focus asserts that Carter's defensive versatility will work wonders in the league. Simply, the future is bright for Big Blue!

16. Brian Burns, New York Giants

As featured on HBO Hard Knocks last year, the New York Giants wanted another game-changing pass rusher, so they acquired Brian Burns via trade. Burns delivered with stellar production in 2024, notching a career-high 71 total tackles, 17 TFL, and 8.5 sacks. From there, the two-time Pro Bowler earned another personal-best mark last season by breaking up eight passes. Burns — standing at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds — has the sort of frame that can dish out punishment over and over.

17. Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings

Defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard managed to make his first Pro Bowl after moving from the Houston Texans to the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Last year, Greenard showed out for Skol, contributing a dozen quarterback sacks, 18 TFL, and four forced fumbles — both of the latter figures were career bests. Still, he'll try to up the ante in 2025, as Minnesota feels they have unfinished business going.

18. Greg Rousseau, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau is entering his fifth NFL campaign, all of which in Western New York. After a season of career highs in 2024 (53 tackles, 16 TFL, and eight sacks), he is entering his physical prime at 25 years old. Rousseau's size of 6-foot-6, 265 pounds offers extreme upside for Buffalo, and it feels like the former first-round draftee still has his best days ahead. Don't be shocked if "Groot" has monster-level production in 2025.

19. Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins

We've not seen Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb take the gridiron since Week 17 of 2023, and the league has been worse off because of it. Before Chubb suffered major injuries to his right knee, he had produced 11 sacks and six forced fumbles for Miami that year. The former fifth-overall pick used all of 2024 for recovery but is now ready for action. Chubb will be thrilled to wreck opposing offenses once again.

20. Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto earned his first NFL All-Pro nod after just three campaigns, and deservedly so. In 2024, Bonitto set career-highs with 13.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, and 16 TFL (among other categories). Additionally, he plays in a Denver defense that features talent at all levels, giving him the confidence and time to operate effectively. The Broncos will turn heads in 2025 and Bonitto should lead the charge.

21. Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings boast one of the fiercest defensive fronts in football, and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is a significant reason why. In 2024, Van Ginkel set career highs across the board, including total tackles (79), TFL (18), and quarterback sacks (11.5). From there, he produced not one, but two pick-sixes last season. Van Ginkel is incredibly dynamic, and he uses every bit of his 6-foot-4 frame to disturb opposing offenses.

22. Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary is as intimidating as it gets. The six-year pro stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 277 pounds. Of course, Gary has quality skills to go with his size. In 2024, he earned his first Pro Bowl nod after dishing out 47 combined tackles, nine TFL, and 7.5 sacks. Gary is only 27 years old, so perhaps his physical prime is still ahead of him.

23. Carl Granderson, New Orleans Saints

Defensive end Carl Granderson is a veteran leader for the New Orleans Saints. Entering Year 7, he has amassed a career total of 28.5 sacks and 42 TFL. Granderson's pass-rushing skills have improved over time; in 2024, he set a personal-best mark by generating 61 pressures. From there, he is one of the top run defenders in the sport. Of the many talented tailbacks in the NFC South, you can bet they all are sure to locate Granderson before each snap.

24. Jaelan Phillips,Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips has amazing potential heading into his fifth NFL campaign, but playing in all 17 games has to be at the top of his 2025 to-do list. Phillips has all the talent and measurables to wreck opposing offenses, but he's appeared in just 16 contests over the past two years. However, the 6-foot-5 defender appeared in every game over his first two seasons with Miami, and in that span, issued 15.5 total sacks.

25. Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have high hopes for their most recent first-round draft pick. Towering at 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, edge rusher Shemar Stewart possesses elite athleticism. He reaffirmed his blazing speed at the 2025 NFL Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds. From there, he also showed off his 40-inch vertical leap. Stewart is the sort of defender that opposing offensive linemen have night terrors about. For those wondering, FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists him at 16/1 to win the 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (tied for seventh best in the market).