2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Rankings
Ranking the top Edge defenders in the 2025 draft and evaluating Abdul Carter.
Today I’m ranking what is arguably the second most important position in football, edge defenders. We don’t have a Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa type prospect this year (one is very close) but there are plenty of very good players who should make an immediate impact. This position also has great depth this year with plenty of great players likely being available at the end of the first and beginning of the second rounds.
Grade System
10 - Perfect Prospect
9 - All Pro Potential
8 - High Level Starter
7 - Immediate Starter
6 - Eventual Starter
5 - High Level Backup/Situational Player
4 - Backup
3 - Depth Player
Abdul Carter, Penn State, 6-3 250
Grade: 8.0
Mykel Williams, Georgia, 6-5 260
Grade: 7.5
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, 6-3 248
Grade: 7.3
Bradyn Swinson, Michigan, 6-4 255
Grade: 7.2
Mike Green, Marshall, 6-3 251
Grade: 7.0
James Pearce Jr, Tennessee, 6-5 245
Grade: 7.0
Landon Jackson, Arkansas, 6-6 264
Grade: 6.7
Josaiah Stewart, Michigan 6-1 249
Grade: 6.7
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, 6-4 265
Grade: 6.6
Nic Scourton, Texas A&M, 6-3 257
Grade: 6.5
Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, 6-4 260
Grade: 6.4
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, 6-5 267
Grade: 6.0
Jordan Burch, Oregon, 6-4 279
Grade: 5.9
Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss, 6-4 244
Grade: 5.8
Barryn Sorrell, Texas, 6-3 256
Grade: 5.7
Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA, 6-3 259
Grade: 5.5
Sai’vion Jones, LSU, 6-5 280
Grade: 5.0
Ashton Gillotte, Louisville, 6-3 264
Grade: 4.8
Abdul Carter: Almost Generational
First of all, Abdul Carter is a beast. His first step burst is off the charts and the comparison to Micah Parsons is totally understandable. He got an eye popping sack against USC last year, blazing past Mason Murphy in the blink of an eye. Penn State used Carter all over the defensive front and he succeeded more often than not. He has great play recognition and his 24 TFL last season shows he can dominate against the run. However there are two concerns I have with him. He struggles against offensive linemen who have good length and strength. Aireontae Ersery isn’t considered a top prospect but he shut Carter down in their game last year. I don’t know that he has the strength to win against NFL caliber players if he can’t get around them with his speed. Carter’s balance is another concern. He was frequently on the ground last year and seems to get over extended if the O-Lineman can keep up with his speed in pass rush situations. Overall Abdul Carter is ridiculously athletic, versatile and I fully expect him to have a long and successful career. He may end up as a dominant run defender who hovers around 10 sacks a year.