NFL Draft 2025: Top Defensive Ends & Ideal Landing Spots

It feels like every year a new class of edge rushers enters the NFL draft with the potential to outmatch the last.

Last year’s class brought talents like Jared Verse and Chop Robinson, but the 2025 group exceeds its predecessors in top-end talent and depth.

For teams in search of starting defensive ends or outside rush help, the top five edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft are primed to make an impact.

Abdul Carter, Penn State

No hot takes here. Sometimes the consensus is right for a reason, and Carter brings a combination of quick-twitch explosion and powerful upper- and lower-body strength that cannot be matched by the other members of the class.

His refined pass-rush ability from the outside linebacker position has drawn comparisons to fellow Penn State product Micah Parsons.

Ideal NFL fit: A Browns pairing of Myles Garrett and Carter could elevate Cleveland’s defense to the next level. Garrett’s true power and Carter’s explosiveness could overwhelm AFC North offensive lines if the Browns play their cards right.

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

As far as athletes go, no one in this class matches Pearce’s pure speed. Headlining a Tennessee defensive line filled with NFL talent, Pearce’s standout numbers at the combine confirmed the athleticism that was ever-present in his college tape.

His weight is a bit of a concern, coming in at the low 240s, but a scheme that relies on speed rushers will allow him to feast in the backfield.

Ideal NFL fit: This is the type of impact edge the Bengals are coveting. In theory, he would be the perfect pairing with Trey Hendrickson, but Hendrickson’s future is uncertain. Pearce has the potential to be Cincinnati’s next marquee defender.

Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Scourton’s raw power should sell teams on him, with some of the most forceful upper- and lower-body strength of any edge rusher in the draft. Many of the top prospects this year are primarily speed rushers, but for pure strength and vicious play, look no further than Scourton.

His pocket-pushing ability also translates to quality run-stopping, where he holds his own in the gap and can even play some three-technique defensive tackle in a pinch.

Ideal NFL fit: Scourton feels like a natural fit with the Lions, a team that values bulky, well-rounded defensive linemen. Head coach Dan Campbell will be hunting for power in this year’s class to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and Scourton could be the guy.

Jalon Walker, Georgia

Some teams view Walker as a linebacker, but his pass-rush prowess and ability to set the edge will likely determine his draft position. Defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker seems to be his likely future.

His array of pass-rush moves and relentless pursuit of the quarterback will earn him fans among defensive coordinators across the league. However, his scheme-specific nature may force him off some teams’ boards.

Ideal NFL fit: Walker could excel with the Seahawks in a role similar to the one Uchenna Nwosu currently plays. Seattle has some young depth at the position, but Walker is a tier above and could provide immediate improvement to the hybrid linebacker corps.

Mykel Williams, Georgia

Williams is the type of edge rusher you would build in a lab, with an impressive frame, weight, and muscle. He also boasts an SEC pedigree that has been battle-tested against NFL-caliber talent.

There is some injury history to consider, which has limited his ability to refine his technique as an edge rusher. However, as a developmental prospect, it doesn’t get much better than Williams.

Ideal NFL fit: The Cowboys could target Williams if they want to improve on defense. He fits Jerry Jones’ mold of prototype bodies with solid athleticism and could develop alongside Parsons into a consistent high single-digit sack player.