Early NFL Draft round edge defenders and surprising sleeper prospect shine at 2025 NFL Combine while other positions struggle
The 2025 NFL Combine confirmed what many already knew about the incoming edge defender class. It's a stacked group, full of a variety of different play styles, and the athleticism shined in Indianapolis this week. Most of the names were familiar, but one shocking sleeper stood out among the top performers.Every NFL Draft analyst knew […]
The 2025 NFL Combine confirmed what many already knew about the incoming edge defender class. It's a stacked group, full of a variety of different play styles, and the athleticism shined in Indianapolis this week. Most of the names were familiar, but one shocking sleeper stood out among the top performers.
Every NFL Draft analyst knew Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), Landon Jackson (Arkansas), and James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) would all test extremely well. But not many expected Tyler Baron (Miami) to blow everyone away too.
Let's take a dive into all the major NFL Combine winners among the edge defenders in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart may have alarmingly low sack rates and average pressure numbers as a pass rusher, but his traits are nearly off the charts. Stewart ran a 4.59-second forty yard dash at 267 pounds, good for a 98th percentile speed score, then impressed even more in his jumps. Stewart leaped 40 inches in the vertical, and nearly 11 feet in the broad jump, giving him a 100th percentile burst score. He's likely a fringe Top 10 pick now.
Jordan Burch, EDGE Oregon
Jordan Burch won't get the same level of hype that Shemar Stewart will garner, but he probably should for a guy who was projected to be a mid-round, perhaps round three, edge player prior to the NFL Combine.
Burch was even bigger than Stewart, but came in plenty fast, running a 4.68-second forty yard dash. When I spoke with him Burch told me that he could add weight and shift inside if necessary, but teams are open to using him all over because of his athleticism. That checks out now as he posted a 96th percentile A to Z Sports Athletic Composite Score.
Landon Jackson, EDGE Arkansas
The only edge defender who came close to impressing as much as Shemar Stewart in his jumps was Landon Jackson of Arkansas. It's easy to see the explosiveness that pops when you watch Jackson play, but he more than confirmed his wild athleticism at the NFL Combine. His 40.5-inch vertical was the best of the entire edge group and good for 99th percentile in NFL Combine history. He too, just like Shemar Stewart, needs to refine his pass rush moves and consistency in bringing pressure but this performance likely makes him a safe second round projection at worst.
Tyler Baron, EDGE Miami (FL)
Tyler Baron may not be a household name as an NFL prospect, but he's been quite good for a long time, both for Miami and Tennessee. In fact, multiple offensive lineman I spoke to a year ago at the NFL Combine mentioned Baron as their toughest matchup in pass protection. That makes sense now.
Baron posted a 93rd percentile A to Z Sports Athletic Composite Score as he offers perfect prototype edge athleticism. 4.63 forty-yard dash. Well above average jumps. And he has decent pass rush rates stats too? Baron was considered a mid-late round pick before this week, but he might be a round three selection now in the 2025 NFL Draft.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE Tennessee
It shouldn't be surprising to find out that the only edge defender in the class with back to back seasons over 20% pass rush pressure rate is also a good athlete. Pearce posted absolutely absurd speed numbers running a 4.47-second forty-yard dash at 245 pounds and tested at least above average for the jumps. He should have no problem taking his efficiency and success to the NFL regardless of where he plays.
We'll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
If you want to check out how good Tyler Baron could be, beyond just his impressive athleticism at the NFL Combine, just watch his 2024 season highlights!
