2025 Defensive Ends/ DEFENSIVE TACKLES/NOSE TACKLES
MY VIEWS ON DEFENSIVE LINE DRAFTING
Year after year I watch many NFL GM's just blindly draft DE's with little or no regard for the type of defense their team plays or the defense the players is best suited for. Some players are clearly better suited for a 4-3 defense, some will excel in a 3-4 set, yet again NFL types insist on stuffing round pegs in square holes! Yes, sure some can crossover but even those will be far more valuable at the position they are best suited for. This is why I separate the two position and rank both.
When it comes to DT's
I consider this the most over drafted and overpaid position on the defensive side of the ball, the list of failures and wasted money is endless.
As for NT's check history, there have been a few EXTREMELY RARE individuals who could be considered playmakers the other 99.9% were just space eaters, not belittling the job, it is a skill, and absolutely a better skillset will make the player more valuable and productive but often pure mass will be adequate to complete the job.
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION DEFENSIVE END
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 10/15-year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, dominant against run and an elite pass rusher. High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected, 10+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF disscussion. Must excell at all aspects of the game, run stuffing , and pass rush and be elite at one, team leader, character important no injury concerns 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Very good but only occasionally great. Looking for a player dominant as a Run stuffer OR Pass rusher, Very solid and dependable player but team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Likely a quality back up/role player for several year after that, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft mid 3rd/Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team,, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Late 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. The player could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, The player has basic skill set needed for position, could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only.(UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
. 4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS / AKA "EDGE"
Classic old school outside pass rush 1st specialists, some run defense separates the Elite, good, role player tags. Must have ability to disrupt the backfield on a regular basis. Pressure on QB is vital; these players can change the pace of a game.
But NEVER FORGET since '12 such names as Quinton Coples #16, Shea McClellan #19, Dion Jordan #3, Barkevious Mingo #6, Jarvis Jones #17, Bjoern Werner #24, Shane Ray #23, Soloman Thomas #3 Clelin Ferrell #4, have all been drafted in the Top 25 and underachieved or flat out flopped to different levels, this position only trails QB for players who were wildly overrated.
2025 4-3 DEFENSIVE END OVERVIEW
Another LOADED position! Two top 10's, four 1st rounders and my top 13 all have a chance to start in the right scheme. Carter is elite! Ignore the smoke screen BS! Williams, actually may have more upside, he just needs to realize how good he can be on EVERY down! The next four all depend on scheme, Pierce, pure rush end, Scourton, all-around game, Sawyer the best run defender and shows flashes as a rush end (see playoffs) the I have Gillotte who I feel is wildly underrated by others. Mike Green was a sack machine last season and Ezeiruaku has some nice upside. Oladejo, Baron, Weaver and BJ Green classify as sleepers in my world, that said, all have shown flashes and are worth a serious look.
4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS/EDGE RANKINGS/ CLASS GRADE A+
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Abdul Carter PennSt 6-3 250 97 Top 5
2.Mykel Williams Ga 6-5 260 95 Top10
3.James Pierce Tenn 6-5 245 92 Late 1st
4.Nic Scourton TxA&M 6-3 257 90 Late 1st
5.Jack Sawyer OhSt 6-4 260 89 Early 2nd
6.Ashton Gillotte Lou 6-3 264 87 Mid 2nd
7.Bradyn Swinson LSU 6-4 255 84 Mid 3rd
8.A Powell-Ryland VaTch 6-3 258 83 Late 3rd
9.Mike Green Marsh 6-3 251 80 Mid 4th
10.Prince Umannielen Fla 6-4 244 79 Mid 4th
11.Kyle Kennard SCar 6-4 254 78 Late 4th
12.Don Ezeiruaku BostC 6-3 248 77 Early 5th
13.Olu Oladejo UCLA 6-3 261 76 Mid 5th
14.Jah Joymer Minn 6-4 262 73 Mid 6th
15.Barryn Sorrell Tex 6-3 256 72 Late 6th
16.Kaimon Rucker NCar 6-1 254 71 Early 7th
17.Fadil Diggs Syra 6-4 257 70 Mid 7th
18.Tyler Baron Mia(F) 6-5 258 69 Late 7th
19.JJ Weaver Ky 6-5 244 68 Late 7th
20.David Walker CArk 6-1 263 67 PFA
21.Ahmad Hassanein Boi 6-2 267 66 PFA
22.BJ Green Col 6-0 259 65 UDFA
23.RJ Oben NDame 6-3 255 63 UDFA
24.Jasheen Davis WFrst 6-3 260 61 UDFA
25.Elijah Ponder CPoly 6-2 257 58 UDFA
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3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS/ "5 TECHNIQUE"
Run stuffer 1st, (5 Technique) if these players excel at pass rush they are rare and can become elite(JJ Watt). Generally larger and closer to the DT body mold than the classic 4-3 DE. Rarely are these players worth more than a 2nd round pick. Many will be highly drafted and paid way to much causing salary cap issues when a second contract comes along.. Often just big guys that need to hold point of attack. VERY rare prospects worthy of a top 15 pick. Often many more are drafted that high. ANY AND ALL of these prospects can move inside and some will and have some success. That said I feel they are BEST SUITED to play here.
2025 3-4 DEFENSIVE END OVERVIEW
Another group that is VERY LOADED this season. Seriously, if you ar a GM and your team is in need DL on the outside regardless of scheme and you cannot find help in this year, find another profession! I like Burch at the top of this group, Tuimolaou has tremendous upside and can play in any scheme. Harmon and Jones have ability to excel against the run, Ingram-Dawkins should have gone back to school, Jackson and Ivey have had moments but lack consistency. Sanders, Harrison-Hunte and Ritzie have shown ability to get to the QB. Robinson, Mills, Downs and Batty are intriguing late round sleepers who in the right scheme could surprise!
3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS/5 TECHNIQUE RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE A+
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Jordan Burch Ore 6-4 279 93 Mid 1st
2.JT Tuimolaou OhSt 6-4 265 89 Early 2nd
3.Derrick Harmon Ore 6-5 313 88 Mid 2nd
4.Landon Jackson Ark 6-6 264 87 Mid 2nd
5.Saivion Jones LSU 6-5 280 85 Early 3rd
6.T Ingram-Dawkins Ga 6-5 276 84 Mid 3rd
7.Jared Ivey Miss 6-6 274 81 Early 4th
8.Shemar Stewart TxA&M 6-5 267 80 Mid 4th
9.TJ Sanders SCar 6-4 297 78 Late 4th
10.Ty Robinson Neb 6-5 288 77 Early 5th
11.J Harrison-Hunte SMU 6-4 294 76 Mid 5th
12.Ethan Downs Okl 6-4 279 75 Late 5th
13.Rylie Mills NDame 6-5 291 72 Late 6th
14.Jahvaree Ritzie NCar 6-4 294 71 Mid 7th
15.Tyler Batty BYU 6-6 271 70 Mid 7th
16.Elijah Roberts SMU 6-4 285 69 Late 7th
17.Warren Brinson Ga 6-5 315 65 UDFA
18.Sean Martin WVir 6-5 289 60 UDFA
19.Garmon Randolph Bay 6-8 260 55 UDFA
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION DEFENSIVE TACKLE/NOSE TACKLE
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 10/15 year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, dominant in run stuffing and pass rush. High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, Defensive team leader, likely team Captain, no injury concerns. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected 10+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF discussion. Must excel at all aspects of the game, run stuffer, pass rusher and be elite at one, team leader, character important no major injury concerns. 1st Round pick
85-89 Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Very good but only occasionally great. Looking for a player dominant as a Run stuffer OR Pass rusher, very solid and dependable player but team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years. 2nd round through Mid 3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns 4/6-year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic. Likely a quality back up/role player for several year after that, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year. Draft Mid 3rd/ Mid 4th round
75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns. 3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team,, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start. Will play for multiple teams over career. Draft Mid 4th/5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. The player could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or scheme in college career or simply lack of physical attributes. Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long. Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, The player has basic skill set needed for position, could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries, college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted. .
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning their character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLES /"3 TECHNIQUE"
Classic run stuffers, (3 technique) when able to provide pass rush value increases significantly, on RARE occasions to elite level. Position is OFTEN overrated and wildly overpaid, countless long term huge cap strangling contracts have been given and soon regretted. Get a few years out of them and move on. Again VERY rare prospects worthy of a top 15 pick. Again very often many more are drafted that high and NFL execs still fail to learn!
2025 DEFENSIVE TACKLE OVERVIEW
Of course, I've read all the others but as you can see, I DON'T AGREE! Like the others Graham is still my #1 but MUCH later than where they believe he projects. Taking a DT in the top half of the 1st round is a waste of resources. Williams could excel here or at the Nose but his crazy athleticism for his size puts him here for me. After those two who I see things different we get to Peebles, undersized but has a unique skillset, scheme will be vital. The next 5/8 can all find success in the right scheme or bounce around the league for 5/7 years as most DT's do. Using a pick higher than round three on this type of player is foolish. Nolen, West, Turner, Alexander, Broughton likely to be the best bets. After that, roll players who likely will be on different team every season for a few tears then be gone. Former lofty recruits Smith and Page have shown flashes but never put it together consistently.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE C+
Rnk Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Mason Graham Mich 6-4 296 88 Mid 2nd
2.Tyleek Williams OhSt 6-3 334 87 Mid 2nd
3.Aeneas Peebles VaTch 6-1 282 86 Late 2nd
4.Walter Nolen Miss 6-4 296 83 Late 3rd
5.Joshua Farmer FlaSt 6-3 305 82 Late 3rd
6.CJ West Ind 6-1 316 81 Early 4th
7.O Norman-Lott Tenn 6-2 291 80 Mid 4th
8.T Hemmingway SCar 6-3 284 78 Late 4th
9.Shemar Turner TxA&M 6-3 290 77 Early 5th
10.D Alexander Tol 6-4 305 77 Early 5th
11.V Broughton Tex 6-5 311 76 Mid 5th
12.Ty Hamilton OhSt 6-3 299 75 Late 5th
13.Howard Cross NDame 6-1 285 74 Early 6th
14.Devin Vann NCSt 6-2 280 73 Mid 6th
15.Tim Smith Ala 6-4 302 72 Late 6th
16.Simeon Barrow Mia(F) 6-1 290 72 Late 6th
17.Ricky Barber UCF 6-3 295 71 Early 7th
18.Payton Page Clem 6-3 290 70 Mid 7th
19.Thor Griffith Lou 6-2 305 69 Late 7th
20.T Akingbesote Md 6-4 306 68 Late 7th
21.Cam Horsley BostC 6-3 312 67 PFA
22.Junior Tafuna Utah 6-4 308 66 PFA
23.TJ Jackson WVir 6-0 290 64 UDFA
24.Deandre Jules SCar 6-4 316 63 UDFA
25.Jordan Phillips Md 6-2 312 62 UDFA
26.Eric Gregory Ark 6-3 319 60 UDFA
27.Ky Hamilton Rut 6-4 304 58 UDFA
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3-4 NOSE TACKLES /" 1 TECHNIQUE"
Inside guys playing the middle on 3-4 defenses, paid to stuff up the middle at let LB's do the tackle work. RARELY a player with 1st round ability. Many will be drafted to play DT and has average at best careers or be out of the league in a few seasons.
2025 NOSE TACKLE OVERVIEW
I see no elite players in this group and frankly most of these players need to play here and will show little potential elsewhere. Walker is massive and a decent athlete, I like Biggers better than most, he was miss used and a victim of little around him. After that a team must determine what they want, plodding space eaters like Collins, Grant, Caldwell, Black or some limited athleticism with Collins, Pegues, Stackhouse. I must mention Watson, why no coach has put the effort into getting his weight down is unsettling, he needs to lose 100lbs. at least, and he could really be effective, now just a novelty! Sorry, it's the truth.
NOSE TACKLE RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE D
Rank Name Sch Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.Deone Walker Ky 6-7 331 85 Early 3rd
2.Zeek Biggers GaTch 6-6 321 84 Mid 3rd
3.Alfred Collins Tex 6-6 332 81 Early 4th
4.Kenneth Grant Mich 6-4 331 79 Mid 4th
5.JJ Pegues Miss 6-3 309 78 Late 4th
6.Nazir Stackhouse Ga 6-4 327 77 Early 5th
7.Jamaree Caldwell Ore 6-2 332 76 Mid 5th
8.Yahya Black Iowa 6-6 336 72 Late 6th
9.Jay Toia UCLA 6-2 342 71 Early 7th
10.Camron Jackson Fla 6-6 328 70 Mid 7th
11.Nash Hutmacher Neb 6-3 330 68 Late 7th
12.Desmond Watson Fla 6-5 464 66 UDFA
13.Omari Thomas Tenn 6-4 320 65 UDFA
14.Jermayne Loye Tex 6-3 315 62 UDFA
15.Joe Evans UTSA 6-2 337 60 UDFA
16.Elijah Simmons Tenn 6-1 334 58 UDFA
17.Jayson Jones Aub 6-5 338 55 UDFA