Top Edge Rusher Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Yahoo Sports analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have broken down the top edge rushers in this year's class. Here's a look at five standout prospects and their scouting profiles:

1. Abdul Carter – Penn State

Charles McDonald:
Carter enters the draft with serious 10-sack potential. Despite a slender build (6'3", 250 lbs), he wreaked havoc during his final season at Penn State, leading the FBS with 24 tackles for loss. His explosive speed and agility allow him to consistently knife through offensive lines. Though currently sidelined by a foot injury, Carter remains a likely early pick due to his high ceiling and production.

Nate Tice:
Carter inevitably draws comparisons to Micah Parsons due to the Penn State No. 11 jersey, and while that’s a high bar, he comes close. He’s a twitchy pass rusher with exceptional bend and athleticism. While still refining his hand usage and run discipline, Carter possesses the tools to develop into an elite edge defender. His versatility—having played as an off-ball linebacker and interior rusher—adds to his value. The foot stress fracture discovered at the combine could be a minor concern but isn’t expected to affect his draft position significantly.

2. Mykel Williams – Georgia

Nate Tice:
Williams battled injuries in 2024 but still flashed high-level traits. Now getting more snaps in Georgia’s deep defensive rotation, Williams showcases explosive power in the run game and an emerging pass-rush arsenal. With a strong frame and positional versatility, he projects as a plus-run defender with long-term pass-rush upside. His best football is ahead of him as he gains consistency and develops his skill set further.

Charles McDonald:
Williams might not be flashy, but he’s highly effective. A bruising, powerful defender, Williams excelled doing the "dirty work" for Georgia. While he’ll likely play more on the edge in the NFL, his strength and reliability give him a solid floor to contribute early.

3. Mike Green – Marshall

Charles McDonald:
Green is a raw but explosive athlete with serious upside. A late bloomer who transitioned to the edge in college, Green posted 17 sacks in 2024, showcasing rare burst and speed. He’s still learning the technical side of defensive line play but has the physical gifts that coaches love to mold.

Nate Tice:
Though undersized (6'3", 251 lbs, 32-inch arms), Green is twitchy and relentless. He dominated lesser competition and stood out even in matchups against Power 4 programs like Ohio State. Green brings high pass-rushing upside, but larger offensive linemen could pose challenges at the next level. Teams must also evaluate off-field concerns before committing a high pick.

4. Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M

Nate Tice:
Stewart dazzled at the combine, backing up what he’s flashed on film. At 6'5", 267 lbs with a massive wingspan, he’s physically dominant but still learning how to finish plays. Despite limited sack production (4.5 in three years), his ability to generate pressure and play hard on every snap gives him high developmental potential.

Charles McDonald:
Stewart's athleticism has never been in question; it’s the production that hasn't caught up—yet. With rare traits and the right coaching, he could become a top-tier edge rusher. His upside is enormous, and some teams may even consider him in the top five.

5. Donovan Ezeiruaku – Boston College

Charles McDonald:
Ezeiruaku is a polished and quick edge rusher with solid technique. Though not the biggest (6'2½", 248 lbs), he uses his explosiveness and variety of moves to win off the edge. His combine metrics drew comparisons to former Eagle Harold Landry, hinting at his NFL potential.

Nate Tice:
He lacks elite size but has long arms (34 inches) and a great swim move. Ezeiruaku is highly productive and quick off the line, although larger tackles can smother him in the run game. He may not be an every-down defender initially, but his pass-rushing skillset makes him a valuable rotational piece with upside.

Final Thoughts:
The 2025 edge rusher class is deep with talent and diverse in skill sets. From the explosive playmaking of Abdul Carter to the raw upside of Shemar Stewart, NFL teams will have plenty of intriguing options to bolster their defensive fronts this draft cycle.