In the scouting circles the 2025 NFL Draft is known to be a strong year for defensive line talent. There are a lot of edge rushers and interior defensive linemen that are receiving the grade of a “starter” from area scouts. Players with the grade of a starter generally are first- or second-round picks. Interestingly Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, one of the most productive pass rushers in the nation, is not being graded as a clear cut starter and he is emerging as a love/hate prospect.
Umanmielen enters the final games of the season with 9.5 sacks and had his way to the tune of a multi-sack game against the Georgia offensive line. Last year, Umanmielen had seven sacks while playing at Florida. In speaking with sources at a number of different teams, there was a big variety in grades. One NFC general manager had Umanmielen as a first-rounder. Another AFC director of player personnel had him as a backup for the fourth round. Two other directors of college scouting had Umanmielen as a second- or third-round pick.
“He’s a second-rounder for me beacuse his character is [bad],” said an NFC director of college scouting. “He’s better as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s a good looking kid on the hoof, but more quick than explosively sudden.”
Umanmielen could end up with a sack total in the teens coming from top competition in the SEC. Performing well at the Senior Bowl, and interviewing well with teams will be vital. In my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft I have Umanmielen going in the top 64, and that is too high or too low according to a variety of team sources.
