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Welcome to the 2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 Defensive Prospects
The 2024 NFL Draft may have just wrapped up, but true football fans are already looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. With a new crop of top-tier prospects entering the scene, let’s take a look at my top 10 defensive players before the 2024 college football season begins.
But first, a recap – last year’s list included standout talents like Dallas Turner, Cooper DeJean, Laiatu Latu, and J.T. Tuimoloau. Now, let’s dive into the 2025 prospects without further ado.
Kosport Magazine’s Take: Defense wins championships
Elijah Roberts, EDGE from SMU, earned an honorable mention on last year’s list, and for good reason. With a staggering 71 pressures on just 383 pass-rushing snaps, Roberts has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field. Despite his smaller size and lackluster NFL Combine performance, Roberts’ impressive stats speak for themselves. Plus, his intriguing backstory only adds to his potential.
It’s no surprise that JT Tuimoloau, EDGE from Ohio State, makes the top 10 list once again. Buoyed by his standout sophomore season in 2022, Tuimoloau was expected to make a big splash in 2023 before declaring for the NFL. While his junior season didn’t quite live up to expectations, Tuimoloau’s physical gifts and versatile skill set still make him a top contender for the 2025 draft.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB/EDGE from LSU, showed off his athleticism and versatility in his debut season with the Tigers in 2022. With the ability to excel at various defensive positions, it’s no wonder that coaches have been utilizing Perkins in multiple roles. Despite a slightly lower pressure-rate in his sophomore year, Perkins’ explosive movement and flexibility still make him a coveted prospect.
Now, let’s turn our focus to the rest of the top 10 for the 2025 NFL Draft:
- J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
- Harold Perkins Jr., LB/EDGE, LSU
- Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
- Chop Robinson, EDGE, Auburn
- Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
- Leonard Taylor III, DT, Florida State
- Johnny Newton, DL, West Virginia
- Laiatu Latu, DL, Alabama
- Cooper DeJean, LB/S, Iowa
- Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Kosport Magazine is excited to see how these top 10 defensive prospects will perform in the upcoming college football season and how they will impact the 2025 NFL Draft. Don’t forget, defense wins championships!
Welcome to Kosport Magazine’s Top 8 Rising NFL Draft Prospects
As football season approaches, fans and scouts alike are eagerly watching for standout players to emerge. At Kosport Magazine, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 rising NFL draft prospects to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
8. Ben Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Morrison may not have the flashy recruiting profile of some other players, but his consistent performance on the field has caught our attention. Standing at 6 feet and 186 pounds, with long arms and exceptional athleticism, Morrison fits the mold of the modern NFL boundary corner. In his debut season, he had an impressive 6 interceptions and 4 pass breakups, earning him freshman All-American honors. He followed it up with 3 interceptions and 10 pass breakups in his second year. Keep an eye on Morrison as he continues to impress at Notre Dame.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Morrison may not be the most highly recruited player, but his on-field performance speaks for itself. With his combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking abilities, he has all the tools to succeed at the next level.
7. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks was a top recruit and has lived up to the hype at Georgia. In his brief collegiate career so far, he has already notched 5 interceptions and 14 pass breakups. What sets him apart, though, is his reliable tackling ability. In over 1,600 snaps, Starks has only missed 8 tackles. This is a rare skill in highly athletic safeties like him. Keep an eye on Starks as he continues to shine in the SEC.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Starks is a complete player with both coverage and tackling abilities. His consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a safety.
6. Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Scourton may not have been a highly touted recruit, but his production at Purdue caught everyone’s attention. In his breakout season in 2023, he recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. His transfer to Texas A&M only solidified his status as a top prospect. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he already has the size and strength to succeed at the next level. Keep an eye on Scourton as he dominates in the SEC.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Scourton’s combination of size, production, and potential make him an exciting prospect to watch. With another big season, he could shoot up the draft boards and become one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft.
5. Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Hunter made headlines when he flipped from Florida State to Jackson State to play for Deion Sanders. He followed Sanders to Colorado and had a spectacular start to his career before an injury cut it short. In a limited role, he still managed to record 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups. What makes him stand out is his pure speed and suddenness on the field. Keep an eye on Hunter as he continues to develop under Sanders.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Hunter may be relatively new to the college football scene, but his talent is undeniable. With his speed and athleticism, he has the potential to be a top cornerback prospect in the upcoming draft.
4. Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Graham was a dominant force on Michigan’s championship-winning defense last season. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, he may not have the prototypical size for a defensive tackle, but he makes up for it with his quickness and power. He racked up 29 pressures and 35 tackles, with 7.5 for loss and 3 sacks, in just over 450 snaps. Keep an eye on Graham as he continues to disrupt opposing offenses.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Graham may not fit the traditional mold for a defensive tackle, but his production and versatility make him a valuable asset. His ability to both rush the passer and stop the run make him a standout prospect for the 2025 draft.
3. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
As the No. 4 cornerback recruit in the country in 2022, Johnson entered Michigan with high expectations. He has more than lived up to them, allowing only 2 touchdowns in his coverage area and recording 7 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he has an intimidating frame and excels at shutting down receivers at all levels of the field. Keep an eye on Johnson as he continues to dominate in arguably the toughest conference in college football.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Johnson is a shutdown cornerback with exceptional size and athleticism. He has proven himself as a top defender in the Big Ten and will surely continue to impress in the upcoming season.
With exciting prospects like these on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what the upcoming season has in store. Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine for all the latest updates on these rising NFL draft prospects and more.
Metrics for Sport in the article
The Top Defensive Prospects to Watch in the 2025 Class
As the 2025 college football season gets underway, all eyes are on the top defensive prospects in the class. These young men have the talent, drive, and potential to make a significant impact on the field and in their future careers. From lockdown cornerbacks to dominating defensive linemen, the 2025 class is full of standout players who are destined for success. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top three defensive prospects to watch this season.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The 2025 class is stacked with talented defensive players, but these three standouts have caught our attention and are sure to make a big impact on the field this season. Keep an eye out for these rising stars as they continue to make a name for themselves in the world of college football and beyond.
3. Ken Owens, CB, Michigan
Kosport Magazine is keeping a close eye on Ken Owens, a standout cornerback for the University of Michigan. After losing several key defenders to the NFL, Owens has stepped up and proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the field. His unwavering focus and ability to shut down wide receivers make him a valuable asset to the Wolverine’s defense. And with two successful seasons already under his belt, it’s safe to say that Owens is on track to become an elite cornerback prospect in the 2025 class.
2. Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
While some may overlook the value of nose tackles, Kosport Magazine recognizes the immense talent and potential of Deone Walker from the University of Kentucky. At 6-foot-6 and 340-350 pounds, Walker is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His impressive combination of size and athleticism make him a menace to opposing offenses. And with a 12% pressure-creation rate in 2023, it’s clear that Walker knows how to get the job done. He’s the epitome of a “dancing bear” on the field, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
1. James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
Kosport Magazine’s top pick for the 2025 class is none other than James Pearce from the University of Tennessee. Despite having just one season of productivity in the SEC, Pearce wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best in the game. With a staggering 21.1% pressure-generation rate in 2023, Pearce is a force to be reckoned with on the edge. He may not have the freakish athleticism of some other prospects, but his size, strength, and polished pass-rush moves make him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. Keep an eye on Pearce as he continues to dominate on the field.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The 2025 class definitely has some impressive talent on the defensive side of the ball. Owen, Walker, and Pearce are just a few of the standout players to watch out for this season. As they continue to showcase their skills and rack up impressive stats, it’s clear that these young men are destined for greatness in the world of football. Don’t miss out on witnessing their journey towards the 2025 draft. Get ready for some unforgettable performances from these top defensive prospects.
