The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich events in recent years, and one of the most stacked positions is undoubtedly the edge rusher class. With explosive athletes, powerful bull rushers, and technically sound pass rush specialists, this year’s edge defenders are poised to shake up draft boards across the league.
Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan, a fantasy football strategist, or just trying to keep up with your team’s draft plans, here’s everything you need to know about the top edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Why Edge Rushers Matter More Than Ever
Edge rushers have become cornerstone defenders in today’s NFL. With mobile quarterbacks and high-octane offenses dominating the league, teams need pass rushers who can apply consistent pressure, collapse pockets, and wreak havoc on third downs.
In recent years, players like Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa, and Myles Garrett have elevated the role of edge rushers into franchise-defining assets. The 2025 class has several candidates who could be next in line.
Breaking Down the Best: 2025 NFL Draft’s Top Edge Rushers
Below is a breakdown of the top-rated edge rushers eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, based on scouting reports, college production, athletic testing, and NFL projections.
1. Dallas Turner – Alabama
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 242 lbs
Projected Round: Top 5
Dallas Turner is an elite pass rusher with all the tools NFL teams covet. After playing alongside Will Anderson Jr., Turner stepped into the spotlight at Alabama and dominated with speed, bend, and instinct.
Strengths:
- Exceptional first-step quickness
- Polished pass rush moves (swim, spin, dip)
- High football IQ and discipline in run defense
NFL Comparison: Brian Burns
2. J.T. Tuimoloau – Ohio State
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 270 lbs
Projected Round: Top 15
Tuimoloau has the size and strength to play in any defensive front. He’s a powerhouse on the edge who excels at setting the edge and disrupting plays in the backfield.
Strengths:
- Powerful bull rush
- Strong hands to disengage from blockers
- Versatile in 3-4 or 4-3 schemes
NFL Comparison: Cameron Jordan
3. Jared Verse – Florida State
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 255 lbs
Projected Round: Mid to Late 1st
Verse, who transferred from Albany, has proven he can dominate against top-tier competition. His relentless motor and raw power make him a nightmare for offensive tackles.
Strengths:
- Explosive off the edge
- High effort and hustle plays
- Strong lower-body power for leverage
NFL Comparison: Maxx Crosby
4. Chop Robinson – Penn State
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 255 lbs
Projected Round: Late 1st – Early 2nd
Robinson’s freakish athleticism and burst off the snap have drawn scouts’ attention. Though still refining his technique, his upside is massive.
Strengths:
- Lightning-quick get-off
- Agile with good change-of-direction ability
- Tremendous ceiling with pro-level coaching
NFL Comparison: Haason Reddick
5. Braylan Trice – Washington
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 270 lbs
Projected Round: 2nd Round
A polished technician, Trice may not have the elite athletic traits of some others in this class, but his consistency, effort, and awareness stand out.
Strengths:
- Well-developed pass rush plan
- Stout against the run
- Leader on and off the field
NFL Comparison: Trey Hendrickson
6. Jack Sawyer – Ohio State
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 265 lbs
Projected Round: 2nd – 3rd Round
A former five-star recruit, Sawyer has shown flashes of brilliance at Ohio State but has yet to fully break out. Scouts are intrigued by his ceiling.
Strengths:
- Strong hands and punch at the point of attack
- Can drop into coverage
- Experience in a high-level defensive system
NFL Comparison: Preston Smith
Best of the Rest: Sleeper Edge Rushers to Watch
Several under-the-radar edge rushers could rise quickly on draft boards with strong combine showings or senior seasons:
- Adisa Isaac – Penn State: Fundamentally Sharp, Criminally Underrated
- Xavier Thomas – Clemson: Once a top recruit, he has the motor to shine
- Josaiah Stewart – Michigan: Small-school transfer who can bend the edge
2025 NFL Draft Edge Rusher Rankings (Top 10)
| Rank | Player | School | Height | Weight | Projected Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Turner | Alabama | 6’4″ | 242 lbs | Top 5 |
| 2 | J.T. Tuimoloau | Ohio State | 6’4″ | 270 lbs | Top 15 |
| 3 | Jared Verse | Florida State | 6’4″ | 255 lbs | Mid 1st |
| 4 | Chop Robinson | Penn State | 6’3″ | 255 lbs | Late 1st |
| 5 | Braylan Trice | Washington | 6’4″ | 270 lbs | 2nd Round |
| 6 | Jack Sawyer | Ohio State | 6’4″ | 265 lbs | 2nd – 3rd Round |
| 7 | Adisa Isaac | Penn State | 6’4″ | 245 lbs | 3rd Round |
| 8 | Xavier Thomas | Clemson | 6’2″ | 245 lbs | 4th Round |
| 9 | Josaiah Stewart | Michigan | 6’1″ | 240 lbs | 4th – 5th Round |
| 10 | Demeioun Robinson | Maryland | 6’3″ | 255 lbs | Day 3 |
What NFL Teams Are Looking for in Edge Rushers
In today’s game, NFL front offices prioritize edge rushers who:
- Can win with both speed and power
- Show flexibility to play in 3-4 or 4-3 defenses
- Blends pass-rushing explosiveness with stout edge-setting ability
- Offer consistency, durability, and a high motor
This class checks a lot of those boxes, and scouts are excited about the sheer diversity in playstyles and body types.
2025 NFL Draft: Teams Needing Edge Rush Help
Several franchises are entering the 2025 draft with urgent needs on the edge:
- Chicago Bears: Need an elite disruptor opposite Montez Sweat
- Atlanta Falcons: Still searching for a dominant pass rusher
- New York Giants: Must build more pressure alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux
- Los Angeles Rams: Could look for Aaron Donald’s long-term replacement
- Indianapolis Colts: Need to revamp their defensive front
Expect these teams to target the top edge talent in the first two rounds.
Final Thoughts: The 2025 Draft Class is Stacked on the Edge
The 2025 edge class doesn’t just bring heat—they bring charisma, chaos, and crushing hits. From polished power players like J.T. Tuimoloau to explosive athletes like Chop Robinson, teams will have no shortage of options when looking to upgrade their pass rush.
If your team is looking for a defensive difference-maker, the next star edge rusher could very well be drafted this year.
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