Greater than 300 of faculty soccer’s high gamers have arrived in Indianapolis for the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix, the place they may showcase their expertise in entrance of NFL coaches and executives from Feb. 24-March 3. On-field drills kick off Feb. 27, with defensive linemen and linebackers getting the primary shot on the televised exercises (3 p.m. ET, NFL Community).
Prospects will look to spice up their draft inventory with standout performances, whereas top-tier skills goal to cement their standing as elite prospects.
This is how Blake Brockermeyer, a 1995 first-round decide by the Carolina Panthers, ranks his high 5 edge rushers and inside defensive linemen. Sadly, a number of gamers are bypassing the on-field exercises
EDGE
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
Carter is the no-brainer high edge and probably the most dynamic pass-rushers on this class. He has barely scratched the floor of his potential and can solely enhance with extra reps and expertise. Carter possesses elite pace, twitch, and get-off from the sting and may also win with counters and a easy spin transfer. He has No. 1 total decide potential and can be the decide if this draft have been being held even six or seven years in the past in a unique period.
Backside line: Carter ought to make an prompt influence as a rookie and has eventual All-Professional upside.
2. Mykel Williams, Georgia
A flexible, high-ceiling edge who can put on many hats on a protection, Williams does all the things effectively. He has heavy palms and an explosive first step, with a deep pass-rush toolbox and the size to transform pace to energy. He holds the purpose effectively within the run recreation with sturdy hand placement regardless of being barely undersized. Williams is a twitchy athlete with the power to bend the nook and create disruption.
Backside line: A younger participant with low tread on his tires, he comes from an elite program and has main upside.
Editor’s word: Neither Carter nor Williams will work out Thursday.
3. Mike Inexperienced, Marshall
Inexperienced was a relentless rusher for the Thundering Herd, main the nation with 17 sacks and including 22.5 tackles for loss regardless of not being a family title. He has the power to make use of pace to beat tackles and pairs it with a robust inside transfer and counter. Inexperienced stood out in Cellular, proving he has the facility to outlive on the sting towards higher competitors.
Backside line: He’s wired with the proper mentality for achievement.
4. Jalon Walker, Georgia
Walker is a hybrid edge/linebacker with spectacular pace, energy, and quickness as a cross rusher. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare. He persistently carried out effectively towards high competitors, displaying flashes of dominance. As his position turns into extra outlined, he ought to develop right into a extra constant participant.
Backside line: The NFL lists him as a linebacker, however a full-time transfer to the sting—much like Micah Parsons’ transition—might maximize his potential.
5. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Pearce is a high-upside participant with the power to take over a recreation utilizing pace and energy strikes off the sting. He has wonderful twitch and quickness and must be a direct difference-maker as a rookie. Although barely undersized, he has vital upside as an edge rusher.
Backside line: Off-field issues have begun to floor, which can make his mix interviews a vital a part of his analysis.
Inside Defensive Line
1. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
I like Nolen greater than most and consider he’s a uncommon, particular participant — he was ranked as such because the No. 2 participant in the highschool class of 2022, behind solely Travis Hunter. Nolen has the power to dominate inside with distinctive energy and can also be an instinctive cross rusher. His movie this season is among the many most disruptive in school soccer. Nonetheless, he has fizzled late within the season the previous two years, which raises issues.
Backside line: If Nolen can play with a relentless motor persistently, he has the instruments to be a game-wrecker.
2. Mason Graham, Michigan
Graham is a dominant inside presence with the facility and disruption to regulate the purpose of assault. His motor by no means stops working. He performs with wonderful leverage, block recognition, and highly effective hips and palms. Dominant, disruptive inside linemen like him are uncommon, particularly ones who excel in each phases of the sport.
Backside line: He has All-Professional potential and will make a direct influence. Count on his testing numbers to face out.
3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Grant is a large, athletic space-eater within the center with spectacular traits. Disruptive 340-plus-pound nostril tackles do not come round usually—particularly ones who can rush the passer and play with a excessive motor.
Backside line: Grant is a strong presence who cannot solely maintain the purpose however push it backward, penetrate gaps, and stunt successfully. Count on his inventory to rise within the coming weeks.
4. Darius Alexander, Toledo
One of many largest risers from the Senior Bowl, Alexander put collectively sturdy tape in 2024. He has heavy palms and a low heart of gravity, permitting him to crush the pocket and win with half-man strikes and counters. He’s tough to maneuver within the run recreation, controls his hole, and persistently performs on the opposite aspect of the road of scrimmage.
Backside line: Alexander can be getting extra hype if he performed for an even bigger program. He’s solely going to enhance with extra improvement.
5. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart has elite traits and is receiving vital postseason hype as a high-upside participant regardless of a scarcity of manufacturing. He has a large body and the flexibility to play as an influence edge or kick inside as a cross rusher. I want him as an inside participant, the place he generally is a disruptive pressure, notably towards the cross.
Backside line: Count on him to check effectively and enhance his inventory in Indianapolis.
