Edge Defenders in the 2025 Draft Who Can Disrupt the QB and Stop the Run

More violent arrivers for the Commanders’ defense

Continuing my series on draft prospects can add missing pieces to the Commanders’ rebuild, this article takes a look through the 2025 edge defender class in search of players who excel at rushing the passer as well as stopping the run.

In the first year of Adam Peters’ “recalibration” the Commanders’ got off to a flying start on offense, thanks to rookie QB Jayden Daniels and his overachieving, rag-tag supporting cast. Statistically speaking, the defense was decidedly middle of the pack, ranking 18^th in the league in points allowed and 13^th best in yards allowed.

I’m not sure how many fans realize that the Commanders’ defense ranked 3^rd in passing yards allowed and 15^th in passing touchdowns. What dragged Joe Whitt Jr’s unit down to mediocrity was the run defense, which ranked 30^th in yards allowed, 28^th in yards per attempt and 18^th in rushing touchdowns.

With the draft quickly approaching, edge rusher is frequently singled out as a top need for the Commanders to address early in the draft. If run defense is the team’s biggest deficiency, should Adam Peters really be throwing premium draft resources at a pass rusher?

Maybe, because edge defenders don’t just rush the passer. They play a crucial role in run defense by setting the edge to contain runners inside the tackles. Setting an effective edge funnels running backs to the middle of the field for other defenders to clean up and prevents big gains outside. The best edge defenders in the league disrupt running plays in the backfield and pile up tackles for loss.

The Commanders’ edge rushers were not particularly distinguished in stopping the run in 2024.

In this article, I will be using a Run Stop Rate as performance metric for run defense. A defensive stop is a tackle which causes failure of the offensive play. Pro Football Focus defines a stop as holding the offense to less than 40% of the distance to the line to gain on first down, less than 50% on second down, and preventing a conversion or score on third or fourth down. Run Stop Rate is the percentage of run defense snaps on which a defender made stops.

The Commanders’ most effective edge defender against the run was Dorance Armstrong. Dorance made run stops on 6.6% of rushing downs, which ranked 36^th among 115 edge defenders who played a minimum of 100 snaps in run defense. The Commanders’ most effective pass rusher was Dante Fowler, who was second among the team’s edge defenders in Run Stop Rate at 5.8%, and ranked 49^th in the league.

If the Commanders hope to compete for championships with teams like the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, they are going to have to get better at stopping the run. It is a given that pressuring the quarterback is crucial in today’s passing league. But the team’s biggest deficiency overall is run defense.

In the hope that the Commanders can have it both ways, this roundup sought to find edge defenders in the upcoming draft who are good at rushing the passer as well as stopping the run.

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Edge Defense Stats

I used two metrics to filter through 235 draft-eligible edge defenders who played more than 250 defensive snaps in 2024. Run Stop Rate, which I described above, identified players who were highly productive in run defense. Pressure Rate, is the percentage of pass rush snaps on which a defender pressured the QB. This metric is gaining popularity, and was used to measure pass rush efficiency.

The two metrics were used to sort through large numbers of prospects to identify candidates for closer inspection. For this article, I stuck to players who are ranked in the top 300 on the Mock Draft Database consensus board. I then sifted through online draft profiles of the top ranked players to identify those that fit the Commanders’ defense and coaches’ preferences.

The metrics I used are fairly coarse tools. That is particularly true for Run Stop Rate, which only counts tackles by the defender and overlooks tackles he sets up for his teammates. For that reason, I used the draft profiles to validate what the stats told me.

To give readers a feel for the less familiar metrics I used, here are their ranges in the 2024 edge draft class:

Pressure Rate

Max: 21.7% (James Pearce Jr, Tennessee)

Top 10%: 15.2%

Top Quartile: 12.4%

Median: 9.9%

Bottom Quartile: 7.5%

Min: 2.5%

Run Stop Rate

Max: 11.9% (Elijah Robinson, Hawaii)

Top 10%: 8.3%

Top Quartile: 7.1%

Median: 5.7%

Bottom Quartile: 4.3%

Min: 0.6%

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Round 1, Pick 29

I found it fairly challenging to identify edge defenders who make sense for the Commanders at 29, given the players at other positions (S, CB, possibly OT, WR) who are likely to be available. Mike Green grades very highly as a pass rusher (Pressure Rate 16.8% – edge class rank 18^th , 17 sacks – #1 in FBS) and run defender(32 run stops – #1 edge, Run Stop Rate 9.4%, class rank 12^th), but is projected to go much earlier than the Commanders’ pick (Consensus Rank: 14). Donovan Ezeiruaku is a highly productive pass rusher (16.5 sacks – led ACC; 14% Pressure Rate) and run defender (10.1% Run Stop Rate, 21 TFL), who is projected to go around the Commanders’ pick. But he is a slightly undersized 3-4 OLB, with questionable fit to the Commanders’ DL rotation.

The two closest fits for the Commanders at 29, who met criteria a quality pass rushers and run stoppers are a player who would have to fall from his current consensus ranking, and one who might be considered a reach at 29, depending on what other players are available.

As with the previous position roundups, players are listed in order of their consensus ranks, which is not always how I would rank them. Consensus ranks up to 100 were drawn from The Athletic’s Consensus Draft Board (paywall warning). After that, I used the Mock Draft Database Consensus Board. Class ranks out of 235 draft-eligible edge defenders are shown in parentheses after the MiBV Stats.

James Pearce Jr., Junior, Tennessee

6-5, 245 lbs | 32.75” arms | 4.47 sec 40 | 1.56 sec 10-yd | RAS 9.38

Classic Stats: 7.5 sacks | 55 press | 23 tkl | 15 asst | 13 TFL | 1 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 21.7% (1st in class) | Run Stop Rate 10.1% (7th in class)

Consensus Rank: 19

Commanders Meeting: Team Pro Day

Ranked 17^th on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List, Pearce backs up eye-popping athletic testing numbers with top-of-the class productivity in the pass rush and run defense.

Pearce has the length and burst teams look for in an edge rusher, but is a little light, with a narrow frame and some hip stiffness. He makes up for it with exceptional instincts and athleticism to get off blocks and find his way to the ballcarrier. He was the most efficient edge defender in the draft class at pressuring the QB, and ranked 7^th in Run Stop Rate in 2024.

Pearce is projected to go before the Commanders pick, but could fall to them due to some issues with hand usage and run recognition, which are likely coachable. Charlie Campbell reported that some teams have character concerns, but that was denied by GMs of other teams.

Day 2

Nic Scourton, Junior, Texas A&M

Hogs Haven Draft Profile

6-3, 257 lbs | 33” arms

Classic Stats: 5 sacks | 36 press | 27 tkl | 10 asst | 14 TFL | 1 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 11.4% (80) | Run Stop Rate 7.3% (49)

Consensus Rank: 36

Commanders Meeting: Team Pro Day

Scourton is a powerful, disruptive presence, with an advanced pass rush skillset off the edge. As a prospect, he draws comps to Trey Hendrickson, who drew the Commanders’ interest earlier in the offseason. He led the Big 10 with 10 sacks in 2023 with Purdue, and achieved a pressure rate of 16.0%. In 2024 he transferred to Texas A&M, and received extra attention from SEC opponents in the form of double teams and chips, resulting in a drop in production. His Run Stop Rate also took a hit in 2024, dropping from 8.2% the previous season, but still ranked in the top 20% of the draft class.

Scourton profiles as just average as an edge setter, but achieves run stops with hustle in pursuit. One thing I really like about him is that he is just 20 years old, and has huge developmental upside for Darryl Tapp and Ryan Kerrigan to work with. Scourton could make a lot of sense for the Commanders’ at 29, with potential to upgrade the defense in both phases.

Landon Jackson, Senior, Arkansas

6-6, 264 lbs | 33.25” arms | 4.68 sec 40 | 1.65 sec 10-yd | RAS 9.76

Classic Stats: 6.5 sacks | 35 press | 27 tkl | 22 asst | 10 TFL | 1 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 9.7% (127) | Run Stop Rate 9.3% (13)

Consensus Rank: 43

Commanders Meeting: Senior Bowl, Combine, Team Pro Day

Jackson is a bit of an anomaly as a pass rusher, because he doesn’t generate a particular high rate of pressures, but a relatively high proportion of his pressures are sacks. He was a very effective run defender in 2024, ranking 13^th in the edge class in Run Stop rate (top 6%), and was even more efficient in 2023 (23 run stops, 11.3% Run Stop Rate). If he had maintained those run stop numbers in 2024, he would have ranked top of the class.

Jackson has ideal length and size for a 4-3 DE, with elite explosiveness. He is a physical run defender at the point of attack, and uses strength, length and leverage to set the edge. He is an an effective hand fighter in the pass rush, with a high motor, good recognition and leverage to get off blocks.

JT Tuimoloau, Senior, Ohio State

6-4, 265 lbs | 33.75” arms | Vertical 35.5” | Broad 9’11” | 20-yd shuttle 4.38 sec

Classic Stats: 12.5 sacks | 51 press | 35 tkl | 26 asst | 22 TFL | 2 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 14.3% (31) | Run Stop Rate 7.8% (36)

Consensus Rank: 52

Commanders Meeting: Combine, Team Pro Day

Tuimoloau’s game is primarily about power, but he plays with good technique to make him a well rounded edge defender. JT uses a powerful punch and good arm length to stack and shed blockers and walk them into the pocket. His power-based rush repertoire got him to the QB frequently in 2024, with his best work saved for the college playoffs, where he logged 5 sacks in 3 games.

Against the run, he uses a powerful punch and arm extension to set a solid edge. His 22 run stops in 2024 ranked 13^th in the edge class, and his 7.8% Run Stop Rate ranked 36^th, placing him in the top 15% of the draft class.

Tuimoloau improved in both phases of his game each season at Ohio State. At just 21 years old, he offers good upside for further development. I disagree with his consensus rank and would move him ahead of Jackson, just behind Scourton.

Jack Sawyer, Senior, Ohio State

6-4, 260 lbs | 31.75” arms

Classic Stats: 9 sacks | 22 press | 25 tkl | 34 asst | 9 TFL | 3 FF | 7 PBU

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 16.8% (15) | Run Stop Rate 5.1% (142)

Consensus Rank: 54

Commanders Meeting: Team Pro Day

Like his teammate, Sawyer is a power rusher who isn’t fast, but gets the job done. His sack total fell short of Tuimoloau’s in 2024, but he was a bit more consistent at generating pressure. His Run Stop Rate just squeaked over my 5% threshold for inclusion, but he sets a strong edge to contain runners on the perimeter and redirect them inside for other defenders to finish off. He also led the Big 10 with 3 forced fumbles and had 6 total in his career. He was also good at getting his hands up to deflect passes.

Sawyer is a rugged defender who plays with a tough, competitive attitude and high motor to compensate for a lack of explosiveness. He was a locker room leader at OSU and is the type of player who might earn a Commander tag. I would pick Sawyer ahead of Landon Jackson, and just behind Tuimoaloau.

Princely Umanmielen, 5^th year Senior, Ole Miss

6-4, 244 lbs | 33.9” arms | 4.72 sec 40 | 1.62 sec 10-yd | RAS 8.90

Classic Stats: 10.5 sacks | 55 press | 19 tkl | 18 asst | 14 TFL | 1 FF/TD

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 19.1% (4) | Run Stop Rate 8.6% (19)

Consensus Rank: 65

Commanders Meeting: Senior Bowl, Team Pro Day

Umanmielen is an interesting projection to the Commanders, because he is a stand-up speed rusher, and lacks the size and physicality to make a living as a 4-3 DE.

Would the Commanders use a second round pick on a player who fits as a situational pass rusher to replace the production they got from Dante Fowler last year? Maybe, if he’s a major upgrade in both phases. I decided to include Princely because the Commanders showed enough interest to meet with him at the Senior Bowl.

Umanmielen is explosive, and was a very productive pass rusher for the Rebels, with steady gains in production in each of the last 3 years. In 2024, he had the 4^th highest Pressure Rate in the edge draft class. Despite lacking physicality at the point of attack, he was also the 19^th most effective edge defender in the draft class at stopping the run (top 8% in class). He has adequate strength to set the edge, and wins against the run with good recognition to get around blocks, rather than stacking and shedding them.

Umanmielen would be an interesting choice to upgrade the pass rush, and is a better run defender than the Commanders’ previous designated pass rusher.

Day 3

Oluwafemi Oladejo, Senior, UCLA

6-3, 259 lbs | 33.4” arms | 36.5” vertical | 10’ broad

Classic Stats: 4.5 sacks | 33 press | 30 tkl | 27 asst | 14 TFL | 0 FF | 2 PD

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 10.2% (109) | Run Stop Rate 9.3% (14)

Consensus Rank: 94

Commanders Meeting: Top 30 Visit

Oladejo is one of this biggest risers this draft cycle. He stands out in this group, because he is a mature run defender and a developmental prospect as a pass rusher. The Commanders had enough interest to bring him in for a Top 30 visit.

Oladejo played his first three seasons at linebacker for Cal and UCLA, before switching to edge rusher in his senior season. He uses his dense powerful frame and explosive burst to knock blockers back at the point of attack, and excels at shedding blocks and run pursuit. And he is a violent tackler. He had the the 14^th highest Run Stop Rate (top 5.4%) in the edge draft class in his first season playing the position.

Femi flashed potential in his first season as a pass rusher, but is extremely raw, as you might expect. He will need significant development work before he is ready to push for playing time on defense. He might suit a hybrid Edge-LB role, which could resonate with the defensive coaching staff.

Femi was a core special teamer in college, with extensive experience in field goal block and coverage units. That is how he will earn early playing time with the Commanders. He is another young developmental prospect (21 YO) in a fairly old draft class.

Ashton Gillotte, Senior, Louisville

Hogs Haven Draft Profile

6-3, 264 | 31.9” arms | 4.63 sec 40 | 6.94 sec 3-cone | RAS 9.32u

Classic Stats: 4.5 sacks | 57 press | 23 tkl | 20 asst | 10 TFL | 0 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 15.7% (20) | Run Stop Rate 6.9% (70)

Consensus Rank: 107

Commanders Meeting: Team Pro Day

Last season, Gillotte led the ACC, with 11 sacks, and also forced 3 fumbles. He couldn’t match those numbers in 2024, but still generated pressure on an impressive 15.7% of pass rush attempts. His 6.9% Run Stop Rate placed him in the top 30% of the edge draft class.

Gillotte is a savvy power rusher who lacks prototypical size and plays with average speed. He wins with violent hands, a hot motor and power to collapse the pocket in the pass rush and adequate strength and good pad level to set the edge against the run.

Gillotte has the versatility to rush from the edge, or move inside to suit the Commanders’ defensive schemes. He is a productive pass rusher who offers value on running downs, who could be available in the fourth round.

Sai’Vion Jones, Senior, LSU

6-5, 280 | 33.5” arms | 4.74 sec 40

Classic Stats: 4.5 sacks | 43 press | 19 tkl | 21 asst | 8 TFL | 2 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 12.3% (62) | Run Stop Rate 7.7% (39)

Consensus Rank: 117

Commanders Meeting: Senior Bowl, Team Pro Day

Jones has NFL size and strength for a DE, but is not a dynamic athlete as a pass rusher. Against the run, he has good block recognition and strength at the point of attack. He has a strong motor and flashes potential to develop as a pass rusher. He has potential to move between the edge and the interior, which might appeal to the coaches.

Jones projects as a developmental project with traits to develop into a starter or rotational player on the Commanders’ defensive line.

Elijah Roberts, 5^th yr Senior, SMU

6-4, 285 | 33.6” arms | 4.78 sec 40 | 1.67 sec 10-yd | RAS 8.07

Classic Stats: 7.5 sacks | 60 press | 17 tkl | 18 asst | 11 TFL | 2 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 16.1% (19) | Run Stop Rate 8.5% (22)

Consensus Rank: 144

Commanders Meeting: East West Shrine, Team Pro Day

Roberts is a player Dan Quinn should like. At SMU he was used to rush the passer from every position along the DL to standing up as an OLB. For the NFL, he projects as a base end, with the ability to move inside to create varied pressure looks.

Roberts is a big, powerful DE with heavy hands to jolt blockers and set a solid edge against the run. He has power to collapse the pocket in the pass rush. He is not a dynamic athlete, but used the tools he has to generate 17.5 sacks, 14 TFL, 4 FF and 51 defensive stops over the past two seasons. He could be an underrated player for Joe Whitt’s DL rotation.

Tyler Baron, 5^th yr Senior, Miami

6-5, 258 | 33” arms | 4.62 sec 40 | 1.61 sec 10-yd | RAS 9.33

Classic Stats: 5.5 sacks | 48 press | 18 tkl | 20 asst | 11 TFL | 1 FF

MiBV Stats: Pressure Rate: 19.2% (2) | Run Stop Rate 9.0% (17)

Consensus Rank: 149

Commanders Meeting: East West Shrine, Team Pro Day

Baron has ideal length for an NFL edge rusher but lacks the speed and twitch of the more highly rated prospects. Nevertheless, his productivity in the pass rush and run defense in his last two seasons with Tennessee and Miami is hard to ignore. In his final season with the Hurricanes, he pressured the QB at the second highest rate in the edge draft class. He ranked 17^th in Run Stop rate, placing him in the top 7% of draft-eligible edge defenders.

Baron has good arm extension and upper body strength to set the edge against the run, and good instincts to get around blocks and make stops. He has good hand usage pass rush moves to defeat blocks and get to the QB. He is also another player who can move inside as an interior rusher. He could be a steal in the middle of Day 3. According to Tony Pauline, the Commanders’ staff showed strong interest in Baron at Miami’s

Round 7/UDFA

There are a few edge prospects who are good in both phases that the Commanders could consider in the final frame or after the draft. Names include Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State), Johnny Walker Jr. (Missouri), Seth Coleman (Illinois) and Adin Huntington (Tulane). Given the depth of players in this draft who might help the Commanders this season or next, and to keep the roundup to a reasonable length, I’ll leave it for readers to comment on their favorite late Day 3 sleepers.

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