Continuing our new Summer Scouting series here at NFLTR, I’ll be going position by position breaking down my preliminary top five prospects for each position to set the table for the upcoming collegiate season and 2025 draft cycle. Today, I’m ranking the top edge defenders. Edge defenders rely on athleticism to succeed in the NFL more than perhaps any other position. Finding guys with the requisite length, speed, and power to win against NFL tackles is important. Coaches will always believe in their abilities to develop talent, but prospects need to show some level of technique and creation as well. Every team is always looking for good pass rushers and these guys go early and often in the draft. The 2024 draft should be no different, let’s dive right in!

1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
2. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
3. Abdul Carter, Penn State

1: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

There isn’t a more athletic specimen in this edge defender class than Pearce. Measuring in at 6-5 and 242 pounds, Pearce was a rotational player as a true freshman in 2022 before breaking out in a big way during his sophomore campaign. He recorded 10 sacks and first-team All-SEC honors as one of college football’s premier pass rushers. Entering 2024, Pearce is seen as one of the consensus top draft prospects, though he does need to show some growth to live up to that billing.

Right off the bat, Pearce has one of the quickest first steps I’ve ever scouted. His burst off the snap is remarkable and translates into impressive play speed. Pearce regularly blows past blockers. When needed, his backside pursuit is relentless, and the speed advantage he possesses lets him catch up to quarterbacks easily.

2: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Pearce may have elite bend and speed, but Scourton isn’t far behind, and he boasts an impressive power profile to boot. Scourton began his college career at Purdue and as a true freshman in 2022 made an immediate impact for the Boilermakers. He was a major part of their edge rotation before stepping into the starting lineup in 2023 and lighting the Big 10 on fire. He recorded 42 pressures and eight sacks as a sophomore, cementing himself as one of the best pass rushers in the conference. Now he heads to his home state of Texas, looking to prove himself as one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft.

A massive edge defender at 6-4, 280, Scourton has all the power and speed you could want to go with that frame. He utilizes his length well, preventing blockers from locking him up, and uses his hands effectively to free himself. His speed-to-power moves are elite, and he has a quick first step to go with his long arms and heavy build.

3: Abdul Carter, Penn State

Penn State fans are experiencing a bit of déjà vu with Carter, a linebacker wearing No. 11 in the middle of their defense converting to an edge rusher. This time, the Nittany Lions’ staff are ensuring he makes the transition before he leaves State College. Carter made waves as a true freshman in 2022, flying around the field in coverage and as a pass rusher, and he got even better as a sophomore.

For his college career, he has 45 pressures and 12 sacks despite mostly playing off-ball linebacker. He is making the transition to full-time edge defender this offseason. A 6-3, 235-pound backer, Carter is one of the freakiest athletes in this draft. His long speed is excellent, which is to be expected, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of the trait. He has long arms which he uses effectively to maintain leverage and shed blocks.

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