Whether they can star at defensive end in a base 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4, productive and disruptive pass rushers remain in high demand for the 2025 NFL Draft.
With so many teams using hybrid schemes, every franchise is looking for the best players who can get to the quarterback and disrupt passing games. As the Eagles showed, a blend of quality, quantity, and versatility is important for wherever a player lines up in upfield attack mode.
Here’s looking at the 10 best edge rushers who all should be selected from April 24-26.
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NFL Draft prospects 2025: The top 10 edge rushers
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)
Carter has the look of the next terrific pass-rush and all-out havoc wreaker who will consistently contend for NFL Defensive Player of the Year with his sack production and other big plays. He is a less volatile overall pick than any of the quarterbacks, and so far, the injury concerns about the stress reaction in his right foot are limited.
Draft projection: Early first round
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2. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M (6-5, 267 pounds)
Stewart got on the radar for his dynamic ability to use his strong frame against the run, but in the pre-draft process, he showed off some equally explosive qualities as a pass rusher, leading to his big rise up the board based on overall ceiling.
Draft projection: Early to mid first round
3. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee (6-5, 245 pounds)
Pearce has some freakish pass-rush qualities with his natural, active athleticism. He can become a lot more dangerous with a little more refinement, especially if he adds more ways of getting to the quarterback with his frame. Character concerns might cause him to fall in the first round, but the talent is undeniable.
Draft projection: Mid first round
4. Mykel Williams, Georgia (6-5, 260 pounds)
Williams was seen as an inside presence at first, but he has the agility to rush the passer from the outside well in the NFL. He can be tough to bring down, and he can play both ends at a high level in a hybrid 3-4 scheme.
Draft projection: Mid first round to late first round
5. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (6-2, 257 pounds)
Scourton isn’t far behind his former Aggies teammate Stewart by much. He can be devastating at times with his athleticism and is still rounding into form to handle himself better vs. the run.
Draft projection: Mid first round to late first round
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6. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (6-2, 248 pounds)
Ezeiruaku has shot into the first-round conversation with some straight-up explosive qualities that allow him to get to the quarterback in different ways. He can be a top situational rusher at first before rounding out and expanding his game.
Draft projection: Late first round to early second round
7. Mike Green, Marshall (6-3, 251 pounds)
Green was very productive in college and got a pre-draft boost with some dazzling workouts at the Senior Bowl. He cooled off a bit thanks to some off-field concerns and questions about whether he can be consistent or just flashy, but he’s worth an early addition in a rotation because of some freakish upside.
Draft projection: Late first round to early second round
8. Landon Jackson, Arkansas (6-7, 281 pounds)
It has become difficult for teams to ignore Jackson’s rare massive frame, which gives him the potential to engulf blockers outside. He can also work inside in a four-man front because of his size and raw power.
Draft projection: Second round
9. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (6-5, 255 pounds)
Umanmielen has risen a bit with the pre-draft workouts showing some fine athleticism and energy to add to his well-rounded versatility. He would fit best in a traditional 3-4 alignment to get to the quarterback, much like what the Buccaneers run.
Draft projection: Second round
10. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State (6-4, 270 pounds)
He surpassed his former Buckeyes teammate Jack Sawyer as the preferred pro prospect because of his bulk, making him effective getting to the QB in multiple 4-3 spots. He had flashed with his athleticism before his final season, in which he got more consistent in using his frame to his advantage.
Draft projection: Second round
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