Top 5 Defensive Lineman

A little more free-flowing for this top five. I went for the best defensive linemen in this draft, making sure to include at least two players from each position (edge rusher or interior lineman.) Now without further ado, allow me to introduce my top five defensive linemen of the 2025 draft.

5. Shemar Stewart. Stewart is raw as an edge-rusher. He has great speed and power but is also bigger in size coming in at 6’5 267 lbs. With that size, he is able to bend and get small against tackles. He has incredible get-off and is an athletic anomaly for his size. His physical comparison, (not his player comparison) is that of Myles Garrett. He is a freak of nature. His concerns come in the form of production, which outside of one year, he has not had much. He will also need some serious technical refinement, as Stewart relies more on his athleticism and power. That being said, his ceiling is very high because of his physical abilities. He will be too good to pass up when the time comes.

4. Kenneth Grant. When I say this man can dominate one on one, I really mean it. As a DT, he is an athletic freak who is fast and big. Kind of like Stewart, just inside. He has a well-refined technical ability and is proven. He’s been dominating teams for three seasons. Where Grant needs some work is in his use of his length outside his power and his lateral speed. He will obviously need to add more pass-rush moves, but he is a powerful player that could do some serious damage in the right spot. He’s a wrecking ball with speed.

3. James Pearce Jr. A pass-rushing specialist is what most analysists are saying. The Tennessee Volunteer is explosive, fast, and agile. He is a little bit smaller in weight and will need to play with more power and strength in the NFL, but man can he get to the QB. He knows how to sniff out screens and delayed handoffs, he can just purely rush, and his closing speed is ridiculous. It’s his first step that provides him success as he explodes out of the line and is able to bend by offensive linemen. Outside of his power and strength, this man can play. No one is going to let the edge-rusher sit for too long.

2. Mason Graham. While he does play a different position than Abdul Carter, (DT), there are some who believe Graham will be better than Carter. He will be starting immediately, barring any injuries. He is sensational in the pass game, and dominant in the run game. He can disrupt one blocker, or two. He can play in various schemes and brings a refinement to his power and technique. He is a little bit smaller in size and will need to add some more tools to his pass-rushing toolkit, but I promise you, no one is going to let this man slide.

1. Abdul Carter. Whoever gets Abdul Carter is going to be very lucky, considering he was considered the best prospect in the entire draft before his recent injury. He is Micah Parsons all over again. Same college. Same number. Same position. Carter brings a ridiculous athleticism to the edge that aids in his ability to get to the QB or to stop the run. He has the Micah Parsons bend, which many players are starting to use, down to a science. Graham is masterful in his execution, and when he has a brilliant combination of speed and power, and, he can play linebacker really well when he’s not coming off the edge. Whether it’s putting a hand in the passing lane, or recognizing a run, Carter has it all. The concern is injuries and overall power, as he will not be able to use his athleticism and speed all the time. I believe these things will be easily overcome and he will be the prospect everyone thinks he is.