The Patriots Need Juice Off the Edge — Here's Who They Should Be Watching in the 2025 NFL Draft
The New England Patriots have never been shy about building tough defenses, and this offseason’s signing of Harold Landry proves they’re still dead serious about getting after the quarterback. But let’s be honest — this team still needs another edge rusher to really turn up the heat. Keion White, while full of potential, hasn’t quite delivered that consistent, breakout performance we’ve all been waiting for.
So, if you’re a Patriots fan dreaming of a ferocious front seven, or just a draft nerd who lives for edge-rusher tape, you're in the right place. The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded with edge talent — from twitchy pass-rush freaks to raw, high-upside athletes with serious boom potential.
We’re breaking down 10 of the top edge defenders in the upcoming class — guys who can line up outside the tackle and cause chaos, either standing up in a 3-4 or with a hand in the dirt in a 4-3.
Let’s dive in — and don’t blink. There’s some serious explosion coming your way.
1. Abdul Carter – Penn State
Let’s just get this out of the way — Abdul Carter is that dude. Former linebacker turned edge wrecker, Carter is built in a lab for today’s NFL. He’s got elite twitch, scary speed off the edge, and the kind of bend that offensive tackles have nightmares about. What sets Carter apart, though, is his ability to diagnose plays like a linebacker. Misdirection? Screens? Stretch runs? Doesn’t matter — he’s already three steps ahead.
Sure, he’s still polishing up his pass-rush moves, but when you’ve got that kind of athleticism and a motor that just won’t quit, the ceiling is the freakin’ moon. With the right coaching, we’re looking at a potential perennial Pro Bowler. Yeah — he’s that good.
2. Mykel Williams – Georgia
If you're looking for a high-floor, plug-and-play type of pass rusher, Mykel Williams checks all the boxes. This dude is powerful, consistent, and technically sound. He may not be the flashiest guy in the class, but his ability to use leverage and length to collapse the pocket is pure grown-man football.
He’s built to line up anywhere across a defensive front and is known for his nonstop motor. While others may explode off the line with flair, Williams wins with strength, smarts, and effort. Think of him as the reliable diesel truck in a race full of sports cars — not always first off the line, but always crossing the finish strong.
3. Jalon Walker – Georgia
Talk about versatility. Jalon Walker might be the most unique defender in this group. Part edge rusher, part off-ball linebacker, he brings that Micah Parsons-style chaos factor to any defense. Need a guy to bend the edge with speed? He’s your man. Want someone who can drop into zone and cover tight ends? Also him.
Walker’s change-of-direction quickness is elite, and his ability to transition between roles makes him a defensive coordinator’s dream. He’s still raw and lacks full-time starting reps, but the upside? Off the charts.
4. Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M
Physically, Stewart is everything you want in an NFL edge. He’s got the length, the size, the explosion — all of it. He can flat-out bully offensive tackles with his bull rush and looks like a natural on the edge. But here’s the head-scratcher: where’s the production?
Despite his athletic tools and decent snap count, Stewart’s sack totals have been underwhelming. He’s raw, no doubt, but if an NFL staff can unlock him technically, the payoff could be massive. This guy’s a boom-or-bust gamble — but wow, what a boom it could be.
5. James Pierce Jr. – Tennessee
Let’s talk about a natural-born pass rusher. James Pierce Jr. brings the heat with elite burst and the kind of flexibility that lets him dip, bend, and twist around blockers like water down a drain. He’s a backfield magnet — twitchy, instinctive, and always hunting the QB.
That said, there are some whispers about off-field concerns and questions about his ability to anchor against the run. But from a pure pass-rush perspective? He’s one of the top dogs in this class. If he puts it all together, look out.
6. Mike Green – Marshall
Don’t sleep on Mike Green just because he’s from a smaller school. This guy is explosive. His short-area agility and lightning-quick first step show up big on film. Green’s wrestling background gives him a knack for slipping blocks in tight quarters, and his hands are as violent as a bar brawl.
He’s a little undersized and will need to add some bulk for run defense in the pros, but as a pass-rush specialist on third down? Green’s got immediate NFL juice.
7. Princely Umanmielen – Ole Miss
Talk about well-rounded. Umanmielen’s got tools in his toolbox. Burst? Check. Power? Yup. Spin move? Oh yeah. This guy knows how to string moves together and collapse the pocket, especially from wide alignments.
He does struggle when locked up by powerful linemen and can get erased by double teams, but if he gets better with his counter moves and finishes plays with more violence, he’s starter material. Just needs a little polish.
8. Donovan Ezeiruaku – Boston College
If you're looking for technique and hustle, Ezeiruaku brings it. He’s always in the play, always fighting, and rarely out of position. His first step is quick, and his hand usage is veteran-level. He may not wow you with pure athleticism, but he gets the job done — especially on passing downs.
He's a classic rotational edge with a potential to develop into a full-time guy. Coaches will love his coachability, and defenses will love his consistency.
9. Landon Jackson – Arkansas
At 6’6” and 264 pounds, Jackson is a whole lotta human coming off the edge. He brings physicality, power, and a hard-nosed attitude to the run game. This guy’s a tone-setter. He can play multiple alignments, and his motor doesn’t stop.
He’s not the most agile or bendy rusher, but he reminds some folks of Deatrich Wise Jr. — a solid, dependable edge setter who does the dirty work well.
10. Nic Scourton – Texas A&M
Rounding out the top 10, we’ve got Nic Scourton — a blue-collar, high-motor rusher who doesn’t take plays off. His initial quickness and strength help him blow up gaps, and he’s got special teams value to boot.
However, Scourton’s limited flexibility means he doesn’t always win around the edge, and he lacks a go-to counter move. He’ll need to develop that to earn more snaps in the league, but as a rotational guy early on? He’s ready.
Final Thoughts:
With White still developing and the Patriots’ pass rush in need of fresh juice, grabbing one of these edge rushers could be a game-changer. Whether it's the electric burst of Abdul Carter or the high-floor consistency of Mykel Williams, this draft class offers a ton of flavors off the edge.
So, strap in — because the 2025 NFL Draft could be a defining moment for the next great Patriots defense.
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