The 2025 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, producing the annual frenzy of mocks. Speculation monopolizes headlines as pundits try to predict where prospects will fall based on team need and scheme. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers own the 19th overall pick and in preparation for the three-day spectacle at the end of April, we will take a position-by-position overview of top prospects, continuing with edge. The Buccaneers did acquire Haason Reddick in free agency and re-signed Anthony Nelson, however, the old adage, 'You can never have too many pass rushers,' rings true. The added depth at outside linebacker allows the Bucs to take the best player available in the first round and if an edge is highest on their board, the Bucs will snag a disruptor for the trenches. Abdul Carter is one of the two bonafide elite talents in the class – along with CB/WR Travis Hunter – but with him projected to go in the top three picks, he is left off the rundown. Carter may be out of the Bucs' clenches, but one of the talents listed below could be available at 19. Here is a rundown of some of the best edge rushers in this year's class:
Mykel Williams, Georgia
Mykel Williams, a second-team All-SEC player, led the Bulldogs in forced fumbles in 2024 and lined up everywhere along the formation from a three-technique, a five-technique to a stand-up outside linebacker. Williams possesses a rare blend of length/ power, and uses them to his advantage to win reps. He quickly overwhelms tight ends on attempted chips and has a lethal bull rush and swipe in his bag of tricks. Willaims looks to finish the play, whether throwing up his arms to disrupt passing lanes by batting passes or knocking the ball out of the quarterback's hands for strip sacks. He plays light on his feet and his NFL comp is none other than former Buccaneer, Jason Pierre-Paul. Todd Bowles talked frequently about the desire to get defensive 'ballhawks' at every level of the defense via the draft and that describes Williams' skillset.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
The consensus All-American and Ted Hendricks Award winner led the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024. Donovan Ezeiruaku served as an edge rusher in Boston College's 4-3 base scheme and pairs elite acceleration around the edge with an effective cross-chop. He utilizes his long arms to get the upper hand versus blockers and has outstanding lateral movement skills to bypass traffic. The durable player started 36 straight games and led the FBS in sacks per game (1.38). Ezeiruaku joined Mathias Kiwanuka as the only players in school history to reach 30 sacks. His resumé speaks for itself.
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. primarily lined up wide throughout his collegiate career and ranked number-one in the SEC with 107 pressures over the previous two seasons. In addition, he led the Vols in both sacks and tackles for loss during his sophomore and junior campaigns, respectively. His 23 percent pass rush win rate in 2024 ranked second-best in the FBS and his trademark explosive first-step set the tone for Tennessee. He wins with speed, beating the opposition to the corner. Pearce has a superb speed-to-power conversion and his downhill prowess challenges blockers.
Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Nic Scourton is projected to be a round-two guy, so the Buccaneers could go after the former Aggie on Day Two if the club takes a linebacker or corner in the first round. Scourton led A&M in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024. He primarily lined up as an edge rusher in the Aggies' four-man front. Scourton plays with a high-motor and his urgency in the run game solidified the school's defense. He recorded 29 tackles for loss over his final 23 games and with a developed pass-rush toolkit in the pros, Scourton will wreak havoc. Scourton quickly mitigates screens with diagnosis skills and reaction time. With a high upside, Scourton will look to unleash his staple spin move in the NFL.
