Twelve Defensive Players to Watch at 2025 NFL Combine

Just a few days ago we presented you with twelve offensive players to watch at this week’s NFL combine.  Today we look at the defensive side of the ball.  Because of the ridiculous amount of depth on the defensive line this season, we could easily profile ten defensive tackles…but we’ll look to be more versatile than that.

DE/Edge Jordan Burch, Oregon: Burch is a physical specimen at 6′ 6” and 295 pounds.  He has more twitch than you might expect to see from an edge player of his size and one of many names on this list who would likely be picked much earlier in any other class.  With all of the depth at edge in this year’s group, he’ll use Indy to try to separate himself.

DE/Edge Ashton Gillotte, Louisville: We’ve been a big fan of Gillotte’s game for a few years now and expect him to go before the start of round three.  His size allows him to hold up at the point of attack while his power and motor make him a factor as a pass rusher.

DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon: In year’s past a player like Caldwell may have been a first round pick.  In 2025, as part of a great interior D-line class, he’ll go much later than he should and offer up great value.  Expect his NFL Combine testing to be some of the best you’ve seen from a 340+ pound defender.

DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee: Norman-Lott didn’t put up huge numbers in college but his film shows an impressive interior rusher whose explosiveness off the snap is very impressive.  Both he and Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles could be factors in collapsing the pocket early on and will look to show NFL combine observers that they belong.

DE/Edge Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA: One of the most intriguing players in this class, Oladejo is a newcomer to the edge position and he has been incredibly impressive early on.  With another year or two under his belt we believe he would be a lock to go in round 1.

Edge David Walker, Central Arkansas: A player that Jets advisor Rick Spielman compared to Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham, Walker should be a top 100 pick if other exes feel the same way.  Expecct Spielman to be in Darren Mougey’s ear about snapping up a player with Walker’s potential.

LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota: Aaron Glenn is unlikely to go with a pair of 220 lb linebackers based on what he worked with in Detroit, so keep an eye on how Minnesota’s Cody Lindenberg tests.  A defensive leader with requisite size, he should be on the Jets radar.

LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma: The Jets were bad against the run last season and Stutsman was one of the best run stoppers in the country.  However, teams are going to be watching closely to see how well he moves in coverage as he was a liability at times for Oklahoma.

CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas: DJ Reed is likely to depart via free agency and the Jets may be in the market for a corner in the 3rd/4th round range.  If you can get Bryant, a solid cover corner who isn’t afraid to get physical in run support, Aaron Glenn will surely want to take a close look.

CB Will Johnson, Michigan:  As stated above, DJ Reed is likely to move on this offseason.  If he does, and Johnson were to somehow fall to pick number seven, would Aaron Glenn be tempted to tell Mougey to go get him a corner to pair with Sauce Gardner?

S RJ Mickens, Clemson: Now wouldn’t this be something?  The Jets are in dire need of safety help, and former Jet Ray Mickens, who was one of Glenn’s best friends as teammates in college and the NFL, has a son who plays the position.

S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame: If we’re being honest with ourselves, the Jets need more than one safety unless they add one or two in free agency.  But you’d have to imagine Gang Green would love to add a ball hawk like Watts so he’ll be a prime target at the NFL Combine.

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