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The Top Defensive Players at Every Position Ranked by Our Exclusive Player Grades
Below are the top defensive players at each position based on our current grades ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. It is important to remember these grades are subject to change once we get into the college all-star game circuit and post-NFL Combine.
The 2025 NFL Draft Is Going to Be Defense Heavy
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest defensive classes in years, with elite talent at every position. Travis Hunter’s decision to classify as either a defensive back or wide receiver could significantly impact the rankings, as he’s a potential top-five pick regardless of position. If Hunter declares as a cornerback, he’ll challenge Michigan’s Will Johnson for CB1 status. Other standout defenders include Georgia’s Mykel Williams off the edge, Michigan’s Mason Graham on the interior, and Georgia’s Malachi Starks at safety.
Top Defensive Players at Every Position Ranked by Our Exclusive Player Grades
Travis Hunter, Colorado (ATH)
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Round 1
Summary: A dynamic two-way player, Hunter excels as a cornerback with elite ball skills, recovery speed, and anticipation. His versatility makes him a high-impact defender in both man and zone schemes.
Will Johnson, Michigan (CB)
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 205 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Round 1
Summary: Johnson is a physical, instinctive cornerback with shutdown potential. His ability to excel in both man and zone schemes, coupled with his tackling in run support, makes him a future Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Mason Graham, Michigan (IDL)
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 318 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Round 1
Summary: Graham is a dominant interior lineman with elite run-stopping ability and pass-rush versatility. He fits seamlessly as a 1-tech or 3-tech in a four-man front or as a hybrid defender in varied schemes.
Mykel Williams, Georgia (ED)
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 265 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Round 1
Summary: Williams is an alignment-versatile edge rusher with elite athletic traits. His ability to impact the game from multiple positions makes him a fit in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes as a premier pass rusher.
Malaki Starks, Georgia (S)
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 205 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Round 1
Summary: Starks offers balanced skills in coverage and run support, excelling in both man and zone schemes. His intelligence, range, and physicality make him a plug-and-play safety with future All-Pro potential.
Jalon Walker, Georgia (LB)
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 245 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Round 1
Summary: Walker is an explosive, hybrid linebacker with elite pass-rushing ability. His versatility in coverage and run defense makes him a perfect fit for modern defenses emphasizing linebacker flexibility.
Other Top Names to Watch
Edge Rushers
Abdul Carter (Penn State): 6'3", 250 lbs – Versatile edge/linebacker hybrid excelling in run defense and pass rushing.
James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee): 6'5", 245 lbs – Agile edge defender with elite speed and inside counter moves.
Nic Scourton (Texas A&M): 6'4", 280 lbs – Powerful edge defender with versatility to rotate inside on passing downs.
Interior Defensive Linemen
Kenneth Grant (Michigan): 6'3", 340 lbs – Versatile run-stopper with improving pass-rush ability, ideal as a 3-tech or 3-4 DE.
Cornerbacks
Shavon Revel (ECU): 6'3", 193 lbs – Physical corner with elite press-man skills and disruptive ability.
Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame): 6'0", 185 lbs – Quick, instinctive CB excelling in man and press coverage schemes.
This defensive class is loaded with game-changing talent across all levels. NFL teams seeking difference-makers will find them early in this year’s draft, while depth in key positions ensures value throughout all rounds.