2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 edge rushers

In today's NFL, every team is looking for a disruptive pass rusher off the edge. Top-tier edge rushers have become a must for all defenses in the league, and every team is looking for the next Nick Bosa or T.J. Watt. This year’s class has some big time talent at the top, so here is a look at the top edge rushers as we enter the 2024-2025 season.

10- Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina

Rucker has excellent burst and agility and he can threaten the outer edge on each snap. He is strong at sniffing out the run and is effective at shedding blocks and getting to the ball carrier. He is on the smaller side and will beat you with finesse and not with power. At 6-foot-1, many scouts consider him a “tweener”, and not a pure edge rusher.

9- Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

Dennis-Sutton is a high energy player who offers some versatility in his alignments. His agility and speed allow him to be a run stopper behind the line of scrimmage. He is explosive enough to win leverage at the point of attack. His overall game is still raw and he struggles to time his explosion off snaps. Has high upside, and is someone to pay attention to in 2024.

8- Landon Jackson, Arkansas

Jackson is a high-motor player who plays with a violent attitude. He has versatility on the defensive line and is a run-stopping machine. His hands are strong and able to shed bigger blockers. On the downside, he can get lazy and play too upright which leads to him losing leverage. May not be successful in every defensive scheme.

7- Patrick Payton, Florida State

Payton is 6-foot-5 and uses his reach to keep blockers grounded, making it hard to move him. He is very athletic and has excellent foot skills to be able to change direction on a dime. He needs to add muscle and weight and will not be able to just beat blockers with finesse at the next level. 

6- Princely Umanmielen, Florida

Umanmielen has the looks of a 3-4 edge rusher at the next level. He is explosive and low off of snaps and instantly wins leverage against blockers. He has smooth movement and the ability to run down ball carriers from the other side of the field. He needs to get stronger and also to add some pass rushing moves to his repertoire.

5- Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Sawyer brings a working man’s mentality to every snap. He is powerful and will come at blockers with a straight line explosion. He is a very smart football player who understands and reads plays well. Although he does a good job of generating power in a straight line, his agility is lacking and he is not a player who will track down ball carriers on the back side.

4- Ashton Gillotte, Louisville

Gillotte is a versatile defensive lineman who can line up at both ends or play in the middle as a defensive tackle. He plays with a non-stop motor and is one of the most interesting defensive lineman in the class. However, later in games he tends to play with a higher pad level and loses leverage. He is not going to beat you with speed or moves, just power.

3- J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Tuimoloau decided to come back to school, even though he could have possibly been drafted in the top three rounds in 2024. He has the ultimate combination of size, power and speed. He is experienced and understands the position well. He has an excellent spin move and agility and his body control is outstanding. He has speed but lacks a quality burst to put pressure on pass blockers.

2- Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Scourton is a powerful defensive end who is excellent at shutting down the run game on the outside. He has strong hands and he does a good job of shedding blockers. He is excellent in pursuit and does a solid job of tracking down running backs. Scourton needs to add some moves to his pass rushing techniques.

1- James Pearce, Jr.- Tennessee

Each season there is usually one or two edge rushers who get mentioned as possible first overall picks. James Pearce Jr is this year’s possible top overall pick. He is the total package, he has an explosive first step and playmaking ability that can change the game in a heartbeat. His athleticism allows him to beat tackles several different ways. He is 6-foot-5 and strong, and should at worst go in the top five in 2025.