2025 NFL Draft: Scouting the Edge Rushers

Next up in our 2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: the chaos creators.

We’re talking edge rushers — the quarterbacks’ nightmares and offensive coordinators’ headaches. This year’s class is loaded with twitch, power, bend, and bad intentions. Whether it’s a pure speed demon off the edge or a hand-in-the-dirt bully, the 2025 crop has legit game-wreckers across the board.

We’ve broken down the tape, sorted the hype from the real, and stacked the top defensive ends you need to know before the combine buzz starts flying. If you’re into trench warfare, this one’s for you.

Smash that subscribe button to stay locked in — linebackers and corners are coming up next, and we’re just getting warmed up.

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1. Abdul Carter - Penn State

Grade: [1st Round]

Abdul Carter is an explosive edge rusher who has rapidly ascended the ranks due to his incredible athleticism, motor, and knack for getting to the quarterback. Standing at 6’4” and 250 pounds, Carter’s burst off the line of scrimmage is one of his standout traits. He has the ability to close on quarterbacks with incredible speed and disrupt offensive lines with his power and precision. His combination of quickness and strength makes him difficult to block, and he can win using speed or brute force. During his time at Penn State, Carter developed an impressive move set, including the ability to use a long-arm bull rush, spin, and rip to get past offensive tackles. Though slightly undersized for the edge, Carter compensates with his agility and awareness. His work ethic and development over the years at Penn State have made him a consensus All-American and one of the top pass rushers in the nation. His ability to play multiple roles, including rushing from different positions, gives him versatility in an NFL defense. Carter has a high ceiling, and with continued refinement in his technique and consistency, he could develop into a dominant edge rusher at the next level.

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2. Jalon Walker - Georgia

Grade: [1st Round]

Jalon Walker is a versatile edge rusher who played a hybrid linebacker/defensive end role during his time at Georgia. Standing at 6’1” and 243 pounds, Walker’s athleticism and ability to cover ground quickly set him apart. He has shown significant improvement in his pass-rushing abilities, using his speed and power to generate pressure on the quarterback. His versatility is one of his greatest assets—Walker is able to line up in various spots along the defensive front, providing multiple looks for defensive coordinators. His ability to transition from linebacker to edge rusher was impressive, as he quickly adapted to the rigors of the position. Walker has a relentless motor, constantly hustling to the ball and playing with physicality in the run game. His ability to set the edge and defeat blockers with his hands, along with his athleticism, gives him the potential to be a disruptive force in the NFL. However, his inconsistency with hands and rush technique can be improved. While Walker has played both inside and outside linebacker roles, he needs to develop more pass-rush moves to succeed consistently at the NFL level. Still, his physical traits and motor make him a top-tier prospect.

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3. Mike Green - Marshall

Grade: [1st Round]

Mike Green is a dynamic edge rusher who spent his collegiate career at Marshall, where he stood out for his relentless playstyle and physical tools. At 6’3” and 251 pounds, Green has the perfect combination of speed, power, and versatility to succeed at the next level. His most impressive trait is his ability to dominate in both pass-rush situations and as a run defender. Green has a quick first step off the line, generating pressure on the quarterback by using a variety of moves such as the swim and rip to shed blockers. He excels at winning with power and uses his solid base to anchor against offensive linemen. In the run game, Green is capable of setting the edge and using his strength to fight through blockers. He has a strong motor, playing through the whistle and constantly pursuing the ball carrier. While Green is effective as a pass rusher, he has not yet fully developed the secondary moves needed to be an elite edge rusher at the NFL level. His ability to improve his technique, particularly his hand placement and flexibility, will be crucial to his success at the next level. Green’s versatility and physicality make him an exciting prospect.