Top 20 Rising NFL Defensive Stars of 2025

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a breakout year for several second-year defensive players. These rising stars have already shown glimpses of their potential and are poised to make a significant impact on their respective teams. Here’s a closer look at 20 intriguing second-year defenders who could dominate the field this season.

1. Byron Murphy II, DT, Seattle Seahawks

Murphy’s ability to endure double-teams and explode through blocks makes him a future high-impact defensive tackle. Despite injuries, his athleticism and potential are undeniable.

2. Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams

Verse’s bull rush and heavy hands have already made him a nightmare for offensive tackles. His ability to disrupt the pocket is second to none.

3. Chop Robinson, Edge, Miami Dolphins

Robinson’s 17.2% pressure rate as a rookie is a testament to his potential. With improved inside rush moves, he could become a star.

4. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Mitchell’s coverage skills and ability to limit YAC make him one of the best young corners in the league. His film is even more impressive than his stats.

5. Terrion Arnold, CB, Detroit Lions

Arnold’s physical style and ability to adapt to NFL speed make him a promising corner. His decreased penalties in the latter part of the season are a positive sign.

6. Nate Wiggins, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Wiggins’ physicality and ball skills make him a standout corner. His ability to rise to competition is a key asset for the Ravens.

7. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Tennessee Titans

Sweat’s size and ability to shed blocks make him a force in the run game. His lateral movement is surprisingly good for a player of his size.

8. Cooper DeJean, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

DeJean’s versatility and ability to handle the chaos of the nickel position make him one of the best young defenders in the league.

9. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Houston Texans

Lassiter’s physicality and ability to disrupt receivers make him a standout corner. His run defense is also among the best in the league.

10. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Green Bay Packers

Cooper’s sideline-to-sideline range and instincts make him a promising linebacker. His impact on the run game is already evident.

11. Kris Jenkins Jr., DT, Cincinnati Bengals

Jenkins’ ability to anchor the defensive line is crucial for the Bengals. His technique and power make him a key player in the run defense.

12. Mike Sainristil, CB, Washington Commanders

Sainristil’s quickness and ball skills make him a promising corner. His move to the slot could unlock his full potential.

13. Cole Bishop, S, Buffalo Bills

Bishop’s speed and coverage ability make him a key player for the Bills. His development will be crucial for Buffalo’s defensive success.

14. Renardo Green, CB, San Francisco 49ers

Green’s quickness and ability to make plays on the ball make him a standout corner. His instincts and closing speed are impressive.

15. Calen Bullock, S, Houston Texans

Bullock’s speed and range make him a promising safety. His ability to affect plays from center field is a key asset for the Texans.

16. Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Philadelphia Eagles

Hunt’s quick first step and active hands make him a promising edge rusher. His role is set to expand in the Eagles’ defense.

17. Evan Williams, S, Green Bay Packers

Williams’ instincts and ability to make splash plays make him a promising safety. His versatility is a key asset for the Packers.

18. Tarheeb Still, CB, Los Angeles Chargers

Still’s instincts and ability to play the ball make him a promising corner. His versatility is a key asset for the Chargers.

19. Cam Hart, CB, Los Angeles Chargers

Hart’s size and ability to man up against star receivers make him a promising corner. His zone coverage skills are also impressive.

20. Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Tennessee Titans

Brownlee’s physicality and ability to impact the run game make him a promising corner. His press coverage skills are a key asset for the Titans.

These 20 rising stars are set to make a significant impact in the 2025 NFL season. Keep an eye on them as they continue to develop and dominate on the field.