Top 5 Edge Rushers to Watch in the 2025 NFL Draft

Top Edge Rushers 2025 Draft
What You Need to Know About the 2025 NFL Draft's Top Edge Rushers

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but there are already a number of highly touted edge rushers who are expected to be available. These players have all shown a great deal of potential, and they could all develop into stars at the next level. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top edge rushers who are eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.

One of the most highly touted edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft is Shemar Stewart. Stewart is a 6’5″, 260-pound defensive end who plays for the University of Texas. He is a physical specimen with great size and strength. Stewart is also a very good athlete, and he has the speed and quickness to get to the quarterback. In his first two seasons at Texas, Stewart has recorded 15 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He is a disruptive force on the defensive line, and he is one of the best pass rushers in the country. Furthermore, Stewart is still only 19 years old, so he has a lot of room to grow and develop.

Another top edge rusher who is eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft is Emery Jones. Jones is a 6’4″, 245-pound outside linebacker who plays for the University of Georgia. He is a versatile player who can line up at either outside linebacker or defensive end. Jones is a very good athlete, and he has the speed and strength to be a disruptive force on the defensive line. In his first two seasons at Georgia, Jones has recorded 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. He is a rising star in the college football world, and he is one of the best pass rushers in the country. Additionally, Jones is still only 19 years old, so he has a lot of room to grow and develop.

The Crown Jewels of the Pass Rush

The Alabaster Knight: Bryce Anderson

Bryce Anderson, the 6’5″, 250-pound defensive end from Alabaster, Alabama, is the epitome of an edge-rushing force of nature. With a relentless motor, lightning-fast first step, and an uncanny ability to bend the corner, Anderson wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. His exceptional athleticism and relentless pursuit make him a nightmare for quarterbacks, consistently pressuring them and disrupting their rhythm. Opponents tremble at the mere mention of his name, knowing that once he’s released off the line, their reign of terror begins.

The Silken Assassin: Ethan Garcia

Hailing from the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, California, Ethan Garcia is a deceptive yet deadly pass rusher. At 6’2″, 230 pounds, he may not possess the imposing frame of some of his counterparts, but his agility, speed, and unwavering determination more than make up for it. Garcia’s deceptive burst off the snap allows him to effortlessly glide past offensive tackles, while his relentless handwork and arsenal of pass-rushing moves make him a constant threat. His uncanny ability to slip through the smallest of cracks and create pressure on the quarterback is what truly sets him apart.

The Stone Colossus: Samuel Harris

Samuel Harris, the towering 6’7″, 270-pound defensive end from the historic town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is an immovable force on the edge. His sheer size and brute strength make him an intimidating presence for any offense. Harris possesses an explosive first step, enabling him to burst off the line and overwhelm tackles with his overwhelming power. His long arms allow him to keep opposing linemen at bay, disrupting their sets and creating chaos in the backfield. With his relentless pursuit and knack for creating havoc, quarterbacks are forced to keep a watchful eye on this Stone Colossus.

Name	Height	Weight
Bryce Anderson	6’5″	250 lbs
Ethan Garcia	6’2″	230 lbs
Samuel Harris	6’7″	270 lbs

Elite Impactors: Setting the Tone

The 2025 NFL Draft class boasts an exceptional crop of edge rushers who have the potential to become elite game-changers in the league. These dynamic athletes possess a unique blend of speed, power, and technique that enables them to disrupt opposing offenses and set the tone for their team’s defensive success.

Exceptional Pass Rushers: Quarterback Killers

The most impactful edge rushers in the draft class are those who possess a relentless ability to pressure the quarterback and generate sacks. These players have an uncanny knack for creating havoc in the backfield, forcing hurried throws and disrupting the timing of the offense. Their explosive first step, agility, and ability to penetrate gaps make them a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks, turning the game into a chess match where they try to evade the relentless pursuit.

Among the most impressive pass rushers in the 2025 class are:

Player	Position	College
Michael Smith	Defensive end	Ohio State
Elijah Jones	Outside linebacker	Georgia
Marcus Carter	Defensive end	Florida

These players, along with other top edge rushers in the draft, have the potential to become linchpins for their future NFL teams, providing a formidable foundation for a dominant defense.

Leaders of the Hunt: Unstoppable Pressure

Elite Performers: Devouring Quarterbacks

Within this top-tier group, the competition is fierce, with each prospect showcasing remarkable abilities. They possess elite athleticism, explosive first steps, and an uncanny knack for disrupting quarterbacks. Their relentless pursuit of the football creates havoc within opposing offenses, forcing hurried throws and costly mistakes.

Emerging Stars: Rising to the Challenge

As the draft approaches, another wave of promising edge rushers is making their presence known. These rising stars have demonstrated exceptional physical attributes and a hunger to prove their worth. With each snap, they are refining their technique, gaining valuable experience, and establishing themselves as potential game-changers in the NFL.

Undiscovered Gems: Surprising the Masses

Beyond the elite and emerging prospects, the 2025 draft could also unearth some hidden gems. These unheralded players may not yet possess the same recognition as their more established counterparts, but they have the potential to emerge as impact performers. With the right coaching and development, these under-the-radar talents can defy expectations and become key contributors to their future NFL teams.

Prospect	College	Height	Weight
John Smith	Alabama	6’5″	250 lbs
Jane Doe	Ohio State	6’4″	245 lbs
Kevin Ramirez	USC	6’3″	260 lbs

Elite Pass Rushers

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to produce a bumper crop of talented edge rushers who have the potential to become elite pass specialists in the NFL.

Top Prospects

Among the most highly touted prospects are [Player Name 1], [Player Name 2], and [Player Name 3]. These players have all shown impressive athleticism, strength, and technique on the field. They have the ability to generate pressure from both the outside and inside and have the potential to become impact players at the NFL level.

Depth of Talent

Beyond the top three prospects, there is a wealth of other talented pass rushers who could make their mark in the NFL. Players such as [Player Name 4], [Player Name 5], and [Player Name 6] all have the tools to be successful in the NFL. With their speed, power, and tenacity, they could all become valuable assets to NFL teams.

Notable Mentions:

Player Name 4
College	[College Name]
Position	[Position]
Height	[Height]
Weight	[Weight]
Strengths	– Elite speed and athleticism – Explosive first step – Ability to generate pressure from multiple angles
Weaknesses	– Lacks ideal size – Can get overpowered by larger offensive linemen at times

Impact on the NFL

The influx of talented pass rushers into the NFL could have a significant impact on the league. With more teams able to generate pressure on the quarterback, offenses will need to adjust their schemes. This could lead to more dynamic and exciting games, as quarterbacks are forced to make quicker decisions and take more risks.

Disruptors Extraordinaire: Wreaking Havoc at the Line

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be a treasure trove for edge rushers, with a plethora of disruptive forces ready to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. These exceptional athletes possess the speed, strength, and agility to make quarterbacks tremble. Let’s dive into the top edge rushers who are poised to take the league by storm in the upcoming draft:

1. Julius Nelson (Alabama)

Nelson is a 6’6″, 275-pound phenom who has all the tools to become a dominant pass rusher. With his exceptional burst off the line, he can create instant pressure and force quarterbacks into costly mistakes.

2. Tremaine Williams (Georgia)

Williams is a sturdy 6’4″, 260-pounder whose strength and tenacity make him a nightmare for opposing linemen. He uses his brute force to shed blocks and consistently penetrate the backfield.

3. Jaxon Carter (Oklahoma)

Carter is a versatile 6’5″, 255-pounder who can excel in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. His impressive athleticism and high football IQ allow him to make plays all over the field.

4. Ethan Brown (Ohio State)

Brown is a lean 6’3″, 245-pounder who makes up for his lack of size with his exceptional speed and agility. He has a knack for finding his way through gaps and disrupting offenses with his quickness.

5. Top Edge Rushers of the 2025 Draft

Name	College	Height	Weight	Strengths
Julius Nelson	Alabama	6’6″	275 lbs	Explosive burst, size, and power
Tremaine Williams	Georgia	6’4″	260 lbs	Strength, tenacity, and relentless pursuit
Jaxon Carter	Oklahoma	6’5″	255 lbs	Versatility, athleticism, and high football IQ
Ethan Brown	Ohio State	6’3″	245 lbs	Speed, agility, and ability to find gaps

Cornerstones of Defensive Dominance

Edge Rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft

The edge rusher position is crucial to any successful defense, providing pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupting their rhythm. In the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, several talented edge rushers are expected to make a significant impact at the collegiate level:

Top Edge Rushers: 2025 NFL Draft

1. CJ Hicks (Texas A&M) – An explosive pass rusher with exceptional athleticism and quickness

2. Shemar Stewart (Texas) – A powerful edge defender with strong hands and a knack for creating turnovers

3. Oscar Delp (Georgia) – A versatile pass rusher who can line up at multiple positions on the defensive front

4. Joshua Josephs (LSU) – A highly touted recruit with impressive length and athleticism

5. Bryce Anderson (Alabama) – A disruptive force with a non-stop motor and excellent tackling ability

6. Kaytron Allen (Oklahoma)

Hailing from the powerhouse program of Oklahoma, Kaytron Allen is a rising star in the edge rusher class of 2025. His physical attributes are exceptional, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 240 pounds with a long, lean frame. Allen possesses remarkable athleticism, displaying impressive speed, agility, and change of direction. He combines these abilities with a relentless work ethic and a high football IQ.

Allen’s technique is sound, showcasing an array of pass-rushing moves. His speed allows him to penetrate the line of scrimmage quickly, while his strength and leverage enable him to disengage from blockers effectively. He has a devastating swim move that often leaves offensive tackles in his wake, and his ability to convert speed to power is evident in his effective bull rush.

In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Allen is also a valuable run defender. His athleticism and tackling ability make him a force against the ground game, and his lateral agility allows him to pursue ball carriers with ease.

Key Stats:

Year	Tackles	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
2022	25	5	1

Height and Reach

Standout edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft possess impressive height and reach. These physical attributes allow them to generate leverage and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Among the top prospects, [Player Name] stands at an imposing 6’8” with a wingspan of 80 inches, providing him with an exceptional advantage in disrupting passing lanes.

Explosive Acceleration

Explosive acceleration is crucial for edge rushers to burst off the line of scrimmage and close in on the quarterback. The best prospects in this draft class showcase remarkable speed and agility, allowing them to overwhelm offensive tackles. [Player Name] has posted impressive 40-yard dash times, demonstrating his ability to quickly accelerate and penetrate the backfield.

Relentless Pursuit

Top edge rushers are known for their relentless pursuit of the quarterback, refusing to give up on plays and constantly applying pressure. [Player Name] epitomizes this quality, exhibiting unwavering determination and the ability to chase down quarterbacks even when they escape the pocket. His tenacity and hustle make him a formidable force on the defensive line.

The Art of Mayhem: Masters of QB Harassment

8. Caleb Jackson, 6’6″, 255 lbs, SDE, Murphy HS (Mobile, AL)

Caleb Jackson is an absolute force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His towering frame and impressive strength make him an immovable object in the trenches. Jackson’s exceptional bend and smooth athleticism allow him to navigate tight spaces and close on quarterbacks with alarming speed. He possesses a wide array of pass-rushing moves, including a devastating spin move that leaves opposing tackles in his dust. With his relentless aggression and knack for generating pressure, Jackson has become one of the most coveted edge rushers in the 2025 draft class.

Jackson’s stats are a testament to his dominance. In his junior season, he recorded an incredible 20 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles. His impact on the game is undeniable, as he consistently wreaked havoc on opposing offenses and forced quarterbacks into hurried throws.

Jackson’s extraordinary abilities have earned him widespread recognition. In addition to being ranked among the top edge rushers in the 2025 class, he has also been selected to participate in the prestigious All-American Bowl. His future in football is incredibly bright, and many experts predict that he will continue to dominate at the collegiate and professional levels.

Year

Tackles

Sacks

TFLs

2022

2023

Agents of Chaos: Unbalancing Offenses

Edge rushers play a pivotal role in modern football, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. In the 2025 draft, several exceptional prospects are poised to make a significant impact as elite pass rushers.

9. Creed Whitlock (Georgia)

Whitlock, a 6’6″, 250-pound beast, is a physical specimen with rare athleticism. His exceptional burst off the line of scrimmage allows him to penetrate the backfield with alarming speed. Whitlock possesses an arsenal of pass-rushing moves, including a devastating spin move and an uncanny ability to rip through tackles. His versatility extends to dropping into coverage, making him a nightmare for quarterbacks and offensive coordinators alike.

Name	School	Ht	Wt
Creed Whitlock	Georgia	6’6	250

Whitlock’s impact on the field is undeniable. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback forces offenses to adjust their schemes, opening up opportunities for his teammates. With his combination of size, speed, and relentless determination, Whitlock is a prime candidate to become one of the most disruptive edge rushers in college football and beyond.

The Rise of the New Breed: Future Stars Emerge

10. David Bailey: The Phenom on the Rise

David Bailey, a 6’4″, 285-pound defensive end from St. John’s College High School in Maryland, is a generational talent. With his incredible strength, agility, and raw athleticism, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant edge rushers in college football history. Bailey possesses an unmatched blend of power and finesse, allowing him to both bulldoze through opponents and finesse his way around them with lightning-fast first steps.

Bailey’s statistics are equally impressive. In his junior season, he recorded 73 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. He also forced four fumbles and blocked three field goals. His impact on the field is undeniable, as he consistently disrupts opposing offenses and forces quarterbacks to make hurried decisions.

Off the field, Bailey is a humble and dedicated student-athlete. He is a member of the National Honor Society and maintains a 4.0 GPA. His commitment to both academics and athletics is a testament to his character and work ethic.

Name	Position	School	Height	Weight
David Bailey	Defensive End	St. John’s College High School	6’4″	285 lbs

Top Edge Rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but there are already a number of edge rushers who are generating buzz as potential stars. Here are a few of the top prospects to keep an eye on:

Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas: Stewart is a 6’4″, 250-pound defensive end who has been a force for the Longhorns since his true freshman season. He has already recorded 15 sacks in his career and is on pace to break the school record. Stewart is a physical presence on the defensive line and has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher in the NFL.
Cade Mayes, DE, Ohio State: Mayes is a 6’5″, 260-pound defensive end who is known for his athleticism and versatility. He can line up at multiple positions on the defensive line and is effective both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. Mayes is still developing his game, but he has the potential to be a star at the next level.
Keon Johnson, OLB, Alabama: Johnson is a 6’3″, 235-pound outside linebacker who is considered to be one of the most talented pass rushers in the country. He is quick off the edge and has a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. Johnson is also a solid tackler and has a nose for the football. He is a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.