2025 NFL Draft Defensive Prospects: Top 5 Rankings by Position:
Defensive Tackles (DT)
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Mason Graham (Michigan)
Graham totaled 46 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks in 2024. He uses elite strength and quickness to consistently disrupt the interior. -
Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
Nolen posted 26 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks last season, flashing explosive power and the ability to shed blocks quickly. -
Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Harmon is a wide-bodied interior anchor who excels at absorbing double teams and plugging run lanes. -
Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
Grant combines rare size and athleticism, creating consistent push and chaos up front. -
TJ Sanders (South Carolina)
Sanders has a fast first step and high motor, making him a strong interior pass rush presence.
Honorable Mentions: Darius Alexander (Toledo), Alfred Collins (Texas)
EDGE
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Abdul Carter (Penn State)
Carter, arguably the best prospect in the draft, had 12 sacks and 24 TFLs in 2024, showing elite burst and the versatility to rush from multiple alignments. -
James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
Pearce finished with 7.5 sacks and 38 tackles, using his length and quickness to consistently get after quarterbacks. -
Mike Green (Marshall)
Green is a heavy-handed edge with a high motor who excels at setting the edge and converting speed to power. -
Mykel Williams (Georgia)
Williams blends size and athleticism, making him a strong presence against the run with pass-rush upside. -
Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
Ezeiruaku wins with technique and twitch, consistently creating disruption off the edge.
Honorable Mentions: Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), Nic Scourton (Texas A&M)
Linebackers (LB)
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Jalon Walker (Georgia)
Walker recorded 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2024, showing range, pass-rushing ability, and leadership in the middle. -
Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)
Campbell led Alabama with 119 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks, standing out with his closing speed and instincts. -
Carson Schwesinger (UCLA)
Schwesinger is a smart, assignment-sound linebacker with great field awareness and clean tackling technique. -
Demetrius Knight Jr. (South Carolina)
Knight Jr. flashes sideline-to-sideline speed and the ability to cover tight ends in space. -
Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss)
Paul Jr. is a physical downhill thumper who thrives in run defense and plays with intensity.
Honorable Mentions: Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon), Jay Higgins (Iowa)
Cornerbacks (CB)
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Travis Hunter (Colorado)
Hunter had 36 tackles, 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble in 2024, showing elite ball skills and lockdown ability in coverage. His instincts and athleticism made him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. -
Will Johnson (Michigan)
Johnson allowed just 195 receiving yards with 2 INTs last season, locking down top receivers with clean technique and instincts. -
Jahdae Barron (Texas)
Barron is a versatile cover corner with great footwork and tackling ability, effective in both man and zone schemes. -
Trey Amos (Ole Miss)
Amos shows fluid hips, excellent ball tracking, and solid positioning downfield. -
Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)
Hairston is a natural ballhawk who jumps routes and creates takeaways with aggressive coverage.
Honorable Mentions: Shavon Ravel Jr. (East Carolina), Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State)
Safeties
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Malaki Starks (Georgia)
Starks finished with 52 solo tackles, 1 INT, and 3 pass breakups in 2024, flashing elite range and clean tackling ability. -
Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)
Emmanwori racked up 57 solo tackles and 4 interceptions, showing his versatility in both run support and coverage. -
Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)
Watts is a smart, instinctive safety with elite closing speed and strong hands in contested catch situations. -
Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State)
Winston Jr. is a physical tone-setter who thrives downhill and communicates well on the backend. -
Andrew Makuba (Clemson)
Makuba brings physicality and explosiveness, playing with a fearless mindset and strong run support.
Honorable Mentions: Lathan Ransom (Ohio State), R.J. Mickens (Clemson)