Updated defensive positional rankings for the 2025 NFL draft

[ASFN Admin]

In the 2024 NFL draft, a defensive player wasn't selected in the first round until the Indianapolis Colts selected edge defender Laiatu Latu with the No. 15 overall pick. This will not be the case in the 2025 NFL draft as defense promises to dominate the first round. The NFL scouting combine is done and pro days are winding down so it is time for us to update our defensive positional rankings and give you our top five at each position.

EDGE defenders​

1. Abdul Carter - Penn State
2. Mykel Williams - Georgia
3. James Pearce Jr. - Tennessee
4. Mike Green - Marshall
5. Shemar Steward - Texas A&M

Defensive tackle​

1. Mason Graham - Michigan
2. Kenneth Grant - Michigan
3. Walter Nolen - Ole Miss
4. Derrick Harmon - Oregon
5. Darius Alexander - Toledo

Linebackers​

1. Jalon Walker - Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell - Alabama
3. Demetrius Knight Jr. - South Carolina
4. Chris Paul Jr. - Ole Miss
5. Jeffrey Bassa - Oregon

Cornerbacks​

1. Will Johnson - Michigan
2. Travis Hunter - Colorado
3. Jahdae Brown - Texas
4. Maxwell Hairston - Kentucky
5. Shavon Revel - Ole Miss

Safeties​

1. Malaki Starks - Georgia
2. Nick Emmanwori - South Carolina
3. Xavier Watts - Notre Dame
4. Kevin Winston Jr. - Penn State
5. Lathan Ransom - Ohio State

This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Updated defensive positional rankings for the 2025 NFL draft

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