2025 NFL Draft picks: 10 Defensive players in college football to watch out for ft. Travis Hunter

The 2025 NFL draft is already a talking point. Sure, the 2024 draft is still ongoing, but the next round of NFL prospects are already on the rise. The 2025 draft class is promising and full of NFL-ready talents. While many of the top prospects are offensive players, there are plenty of up-and-coming defensive players. After a draft where the top 14 picks were offensive players, 2025 could be different.

Here are the top defensive prospects for the next draft class, from promising pass rushers to tough defensive backs.

10 defensive prospects for 2025 NFL Draft

Georgia DL Mykel Williams could be a top 2025 NFL Draft prospect.

#1. Travis Hunter, Colorado CB/WR

The immediate question is whether Hunter will be a cornerback or a wide receiver. He was a top defensive back recruit when he was snagged by Deion Sanders at Jackson State and followed Coach Prime to Colorado. Much of Hunter's time has been spent on offense, but he's a potential All-Pro on defense.

#2. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee Edge

Over the 2023 season, Pearce went from being unknown to becoming a star. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher had 14.5 tackles for loss, including 10 sacks. Pearce is strong, fast, and multi-talented. If he has a 2024 season with improvement to rival the 2023 season, he'll zoom to the top of the 2025 draft class.

#3. Mykel Williams, Georgia DL

Williams is like so many recent Bulldogs. He's massive at 6-foot-5, stout at 265 pounds, but still has likely 4.7-second speed in the 40-yard dash. Kirby Smart has done a phenomenal job of assembling the biggest and fastest players and turning them loose. In 2023, Williams had 4.5 sacks and could have 14.5 in 2024. Even if he doesn't, his production and physical profile will make him a next-level star.

#4. Will Johnson, Michigan CB

Johnson has the combination of impressive size (6-foot-2) and ball-tracking skills (seven interceptions) to impress NFL scouts. Another season in the Big Ten should prepare Johnson well for playing bump-and-run coverage on physical receivers. Johnson is one of the top defensive back prospects in what could be a loaded draft.

#5. Abdul Carter, Penn State Edge

Carter has played linebacker for two seasons at Penn State and has been outstanding. In two seasons there, he has 105 tackles and 11 sacks and Penn State has moved the 6-foot-3, 250-pound prospect to defensive end. The results could be explosive. Carter made a ton of plays from the linebacker spot, but moving him close to the line could make him an NFL game-changer.

#6. Harold Perkins, LSU LB

Perkins has put in two remarkably solid seasons for LSU. With 147 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 13 sacks already in his career, Perkins promises to continue his outstanding play. Perkins is just 6-foot-1 but is otherwise an exemplary prospect. He's fast, and physical, and projects as a playmaker and a potential standout of the 2025 NFL draft class.

#7. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State DE

Tuimoloau could explode in 2024. He's 6-foot-4 and nearly 280 pounds, but he's still a disruptive force off the edge. Tuimoloau was a late enrollee and has always seemed a bit behind. His focus drifts, but when he's engaged, he's phenomenal. He has 83 tackles and 22 tackles for loss in his OSU career and could be just getting started.

#8. Denzel Burke, Ohio State CB

Ohio State obviously has plenty of defensive stars and Burke is an outstanding NFL DB prospect. If there's a knock on Burke, it's that opponents have long ceased testing him after a brilliant freshman campaign in 2021. He has just two career interceptions but has 26 pass breakups. He's a day-one NFL CB prospect and could shine early on.

#9. Walter Nolen, Texas A&M DT

Nolen, who battled with Travis Hunter for top ranking nationally as a high school senior, is a top defensive lineman. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds, he's strong and still quick. In two years with the Aggies, Nolen has 66 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. His college career hasn't taken off yet, but Mike Elko might change that in a hurry.

#10. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati DT

There's always an under-the-radar guy who shoots up the NFL draft rankings and Corleone might be the guy. He's 6-foot-2 and over 300 pounds but still maintains relatively high speed. With 84 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, Corleone has produced well for Cincinnati but is capable of even more. His physicality and ability to stop the run could jump him up draft boards.

Which defensive prospects are you looking forward to seeing in the 2025 NFL Draft next year? We'd love to hear your thoughts below in our comments section!