The 2025 NFL Draft may not be bursting with talent, but the crop of defensive linemen is relatively deep, with Penn State’s defensive edge rusher Abdul Carter as a possible No. 1 overall pick in the league’s annual college meat market.
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
1. Abdul Carter, DE
- Penn State
- 6’3”, 259 pounds
- 91.1 Player Rating
The 21-year-old junior ended his collegiate career as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous choice as an All-American. Carter’s potential was unleashed last season as Penn State’s coaching staff took him from a solid off-ball linebacker to an explosive, full-blown edge rusher who ran a 4.48 40 at the Combine.
Carter racked up a dozen sacks along with 43 solo tackles and even had an interception during his third year at Happy Valley and first as a bona fide edge rusher. His potential is unlimited, and although he had an off-field transgression that manifested in a misdemeanor assault charge filed against him, he completed a court-mandated rehabilitation program and has steered clear of trouble ever since.
Carter’s Odds to Become the First Defensive Lineman Selected: -1500
2. Mason Graham, DT
- Michigan
- 6’4”, 296 pounds
- 90.9 Player Rating
Mason Graham may not be the first defensive lineman off the board, but he certainly cannot be labeled a consolation prize for the team that chooses him and fails to see Abdul Carter fall into its lap. Graham’s elite hand skills were forged from his high school wrestling background, and his ability to amp up his game during the most critical moments was evident last year as he made seven tackles against Ohio State in Michigan’s stunning 13-10 upset of the Buckeyes as 20-point road underdogs.
Graham is considered the best nose tackle in the draft and the second-best defensive lineman behind Carter. He doesn’t simply clog the middle and shut down the run; he also has the ability to break free and get after the quarterback due to his overwhelming power and hand-fighting skills. There is no way Graham falls beyond No. 10 in this year’s draft.
Graham’s Odds to Become the First Defensive Lineman Selected: +600
3. Mykel Williams, DE
- Georgia
- 6’5”, 260 pounds
- 87.7 Player Rating
A 5-star recruit coming out of high school, Williams made believers out of anyone who doubted his preternatural athletic ability by becoming a Freshman All-American as a member of the Bulldogs. He’s totaled 14 sacks over three years at Georgia, with a career-best five sacks coming last season.
Georgia’s defensive rotation is always deep, and Williams had to share snaps with other talented defensive linemen, which negatively impacted his numbers. However, his natural athletic ability, coupled with a savvy sense for the ball, could see him growing into an All-Pro caliber player within a few years at the next level. One lucky GM picking in the teens will be happy to call Williams’ name in the opening round.
Williams’ Odds to Become the First Defensive Lineman Selected: +1600
4. Mike Green, DE
- Marshall
- 6’3”, 251 pounds
- 87.3 Player Rating
Before we discuss Mike Green’s pedigree and skillset, I must point out that Bet365 has him ranked much higher than many draft boards or even other sportsbooks. The +3500 odds on Green to be the first defensive lineman selected are far too low in my opinion, and I doubt it’s even worth taking a flier for half a unit on him, regardless of the price.
However, that opinion is purely conjecture based on a betting perspective, but considering Green’s dramatic transformation from a wide receiver in high school to last season’s FBS sack leader with 17 QB kills and being named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and a Walter Camp First Team All-American, the man is no joke. He registered a tackle for a loss of yards in 12 of 13 games last year, along with three multi-sack performances.
“I’m the best edge rusher here,” Green said at the NFL scouting combine.
Green’s Odds to Become the First Defensive Lineman Selected: +3500
5. Kenneth Grant, DT
- Michigan
- 6’4”, 331 pounds
- 87.6 Player Rating
Imagine having not one but two first-round defensive tackles on your roster. That’s precisely the embarrassment of riches that was bestowed on Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant forming a dynamic defensive front for the Wolverines. In July 2022, former coach Jim Harbaugh knew what he had after watching the talented pair of freshmen, calling them “a gift from the football gods.”
Although Graham may have gotten more ink and applause, Grant’s contributions on the defensive side of the football cannot be overstated. Although Grant could reflexively be dismissed as nothing more than a space-eater in the trenches, that would be to ignore his unique blend of mass and mobility, as evidenced by his setting Michigan’s record for pass breakups by a defensive lineman.
Grant’s Odds to Become the First Defensive Lineman Selected: +4500
The Pick: No. 5 Pick by Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham (-150) at Bet365
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