In the early projections for the 2025 NFL Draft, many have projected Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. as the top non-quarterback prospect. Pearce created a lot of pressure on the quarterback while amassing 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. While Pearce definitely has high first-round potential, the NFL advance scouts had some defenders graded higher. In fact, the highest-graded defensive prospects heading into training camp are Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison and Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter. Morrison and Hunter are tied in their numerical grade.
The advance scouts have Morrison measuring 6-foot, 186 pounds. In 2023, Morrison recorded three interceptions with 10 passes broken up and 31 tackles. Hunter played offense and defense for Colorado while dealing with injuries. Hunter totaled three interceptions, five passes broken up, and 31 tackles. The preseason measurements on Hunter have him at 6-foot, 181 pounds.
After Morrison and Hunter, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins is the next highest-graded defensive prospect. Per the team’s preseason watch list, Perkins checks in at 6-foot, 215 pounds. That makes Perkins the size of an NFL safety, which will be a concern throughout the draft process. However, there is no doubt that Perkins is a disruptive playmaker. As a freshman, he had 7.5 sacks, 72 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and four passes batted. In 2023 Perkins stayed remarkably consistent with 7.5 sacks, 74 tackles, three forced fumbles, and four passes broken up. I have all three of these defenders going high in my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
