By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
In today’s preview of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects from the West, we look at the highest-rated defensive linemen.
Please note that some Edge rushers are classified as DE and some as linebackers.
In this listing, we only focus on the DTs and any Edge players that are defensive ends. (Watch for the Edge rushers who are classified as LBs in our preview of that position on Monday.)
We could see as many as eight DL from the region hear their names called over the course of the three-day event in Green Bay.
Here is a look at the West’s best defensive linemen.
1. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon — First Round
Harmon has the size to clog the middle and be a run-stopper. He also has the speed and power to create pressure.
While able to collect blocks and open gaps up for LBs to make plays, he has some agility issues, resulting in a few missed tackles in tight spaces.
Harmon could become a building block along the DL for an NFL team.
2. Jordan Burch, DE/EDGE, Oregon — Second Round
Burch is an excellent tackler who rarely had a tackle broken in college.
He has tons of upside at the next level as a pass rusher, and his length and athleticism make him a force against the run.
Burch needs to be more consistent in reading the run and improve his block-shedding ability.
But he plays downhill, is great in pass rush situations, and is quick off the ball.
3. Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon — Fourth Round
Caldwell has a huge frame and will eat up space in the middle of the line.
He’s strong enough to take on the double team and is an above-average bull rusher.
Shedding blocks can be an issue for Caldwell once the OL is engaged, but he could be a good mid-round value pick for the right team.
4. Jay Toia, DT, UCLA — Sixth/Seventh Round
A space-eating nose tackle if there ever was one, Toia has an explosive first step and can battle the double team with his power.
He could struggle with the speed of an NFL OL, however, and his block-shedding needs work.
Nonetheless, his power can collapse the center of the pocket, opening gaps for teammates.
5. Tyler Batty, DE/EDGE, BYU — Sixth/Seventh Round
Batty is a solid defender in pursuit and in attacking blocks. He has strong hands and good footwork to help him discard blockers.
His play is very consistent, and he has great recognition.
Physical limitations could hold him back, as his speed is below average for a typical edge rusher, and he is too small for a typical down lineman in the NFL.
At 25, Batty’s age could also scare teams off drafting a potential project.
6. Ahmed Hassanien, DE/EDGE, Boise State — Seventh Round
Hassanien plays with a high motor on every play and can get the jump on the OL with a quick first step.
He explodes his hands into offensive linemen, creating leverage.
Hassanien is still pretty raw by NFL standards, though, with plenty of room to improve technique and play recognition.
7. Junior Tafuna, DT, Utah — Seventh Round/UDFA
Tafuna has an exceptionally strong upper body and uses it to engage blockers.
However, as a below-average pass rusher, he may not be able to penetrate the middle of an NFL line.
He lacks some of the size teams normally look for in an interior lineman, but he has the athleticism to create an opportunity for himself.
Tafuna could be an early-down run-stuffer.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
