2025 NFL Combine: Ranking Abdul Carter and the top five prospects at edge rushers ahead of the combine

Carter is far from under the radar. A consensus All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, he consistently wreaked havoc in opposing backfields. His explosive first step and smooth agility allowed him to routinely outmaneuver offensive tackles.

Additionally, his impressive run-stopping ability highlights his sheer strength—something that could stand out further if he showcases his power in the bench press.

While it’s still uncertain if Carter will be the No. 1 overall pick, he’s certainly in the running to be the standout player of this draft class. He brings a blend of speed, strength, flexibility, and an arsenal of pass-rush techniques. His dominant 2024 season for the Nittany Lions featured 12.0 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.

Williams possesses the ideal combination of size and athleticism that teams covet in an edge rusher.

Despite battling injuries this past season and finishing his college career with just 14.0 sacks, his physical tools are undeniable.

His agility and movement skills are expected to turn heads at the Combine, making him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their pass rush.

Pearce has posted one of the highest pass-rush win rates in college football over the past two seasons, racking up over 50 pressures in each campaign. Tennessee utilized his versatility by moving him across the defensive front, and he boasts one of the fastest first steps in this draft class.

His production speaks for itself, with 17.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss across the last two seasons.

At one point, Pearce was projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, despite being the only college pass-rush prospect to maintain a pressure rate above 20% for two consecutive seasons, his draft stock has cooled compared to where it stood before the 2024 season.

The Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year delivered a dominant 2024 season, tallying 17.0 sacks and 23 tackles for loss.

An explosive edge rusher, he proved at the Senior Bowl that he could rise to the challenge against tougher competition.

Some draft experts even regarded him as the standout performer in Mobile. With his complete skill set, he has all the makings of an instant-impact pass rusher at the NFL level.

Donovan Ezeiruaku emerged as one of the nation’s premier pass-rushers this season, racking up 16.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and delivering multiple multi-sack performances throughout the regular season.

While he was also productive in 2022 with 8.5 sacks, his junior year saw a dip in form, managing just two sacks that season.

Ezeiruaku thrives by setting up his rush moves strategically, shifting inside or outside and utilizing a euro-step to cover ground laterally and break through to the opposite side.

His go-to techniques include the cross-chop and dip-rip, with an edge-bending ability that’s nearly elite. Additionally, he boasts effective counter moves, such as an inside arm-over/swim maneuver and a slick ghost rush to keep blockers off balance.