Savvy investors know the smartest time to buy stock is during a company’s early growth phase. The same logic applies to NFL edge-rushers. While these athletes aren’t corporations, the contracts and earning potential they command can rival Fortune 500 paydays—especially when they’re on the rise.
With the 2025 NFL season approaching, it’s time to identify which young pass-rushers are poised to break out. We’re spotlighting five edge defenders who will be 25 or younger by September 1, still playing on rookie contracts, and trending toward massive second deals.
We’ll examine each player’s on-field production, highlight what sets them apart, and explain why their trajectory is pointing straight up in the coming season.
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Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
Date of Birth: August 9, 2000 (Age 24)
Career Sacks: 28.5 (Over 3 Seasons)
Contract Status (2025): Year 4 of 5-Year, $55.6M Deal (Fifth-Year Option Picked Up)
Aidan Hutchinson is a no-brainer for this list of rising edge-rushers. Since entering the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, he’s quickly established himself among the league’s most productive pass-rushers. His 28.5 career sacks rank 12th in the NFL during that span, per StatMuse—and that’s despite missing most of last season with a broken leg after just five games.
When healthy, Hutchinson has been dominant. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s totaled 199 pressures in the regular season, including a staggering 101 in 2023 alone—second-most in the NFL and 11 more than any other edge rusher at the time of his injury.
The former Michigan standout was ranked the No. 9 overall prospect on the B/R 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, praised for his size, power, explosiveness, and polished technique. Though he lacks elite bend, his speed, hand strength, and relentless motor allow him to consistently win as a power rusher with an inside counter move.
Those traits have translated seamlessly to the pro level. Beyond his pass-rushing ability, Hutchinson is a playmaker in coverage with four career interceptions and 10 passes defended—rare numbers for a defensive end.
Working alongside standout interior lineman Alim McNeill, who’s signed through 2028, Hutchinson forms the core of a fearsome Detroit defensive front. With a second contract looming, expect the Lions to lock up one of the league’s top young defenders in the near future.
Jared Verse
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
Date of Birth: November 4, 2000 (Age 24)
Career Sacks: 4.5 (Rookie Season)
Contract Status (2025): Year 2 of 4-Year, $15.1M Rookie Deal
Jared Verse may not have posted jaw-dropping sack totals in his rookie campaign, but his impact was undeniable. The former Florida State star constantly disrupted opposing quarterbacks, finishing with 77 total pressures—fourth-most among all edge-rushers in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
When it mattered most, Verse elevated his game. He added two sacks and 12 pressures across the Rams’ two playoff appearances, showcasing the kind of big-game ability that separates future stars from the rest.
Despite being named the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Verse somehow slipped to the 19th pick in the draft—a surprising fall considering he was ranked No. 9 overall and the top edge defender on the B/R Big Board. That drop may soon be remembered as one of the bigger scouting oversights in recent draft history.
Scouting reports raved about his rare mix of strength, speed, and technique. Verse consistently wins with power but also uses advanced finesse moves—like a cross chop or arm over—to keep offensive tackles guessing. His ability to convert speed to power made him a menace off the edge in Year 1, and all signs point to even greater production moving forward.
Playing alongside a promising young defensive front that includes Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske, Verse will continue to see favorable one-on-one matchups—ideal conditions for a breakout season.
Although he’s not eligible for an extension until after his third year, Verse is already on the path to becoming one of the NFL’s highest-paid defenders. Keep a close eye on his rise in 2025.
Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
Date of Birth: September 2, 2001 (Age 23)
Career Sacks: 18 (Over 2 Seasons)
Contract Status (2025): Year 3 of 4-Year, $35.2M Rookie Deal
Will Anderson Jr.’s rapid rise as one of the NFL’s top young edge-rushers comes as no surprise to anyone who followed his college career or the 2023 draft process. Widely regarded as the best non-quarterback prospect in his class, Anderson held the No. 1 overall spot on the B/R Big Board from the start of the cycle until draft day.
Scouts praised his dominance at Alabama, noting that everything came effortlessly to him on film. “As a pass-rusher, Anderson is impressive with his inside countermoves. His speed off the snap forces tackles to open up early, and he uses that leverage to dart inside or drive through their chest with a powerful bull rush.”
That scouting report has aged well. In the NFL, Anderson has used his explosive first step and advanced technique to rack up 128 total pressures (including playoffs) and 18 sacks over his first two seasons, per Pro Football Focus. His ability to blend speed with power makes him a constant threat off the edge.
Anderson earned Pro Bowl and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023. While he didn’t receive postseason accolades in 2024, his production actually increased—adding four more sacks to his resume. Playing opposite veteran Danielle Hunter, who signed with the Texans last offseason, has only enhanced Anderson’s impact. Offenses are forced to choose between double-teaming Hunter or Anderson, and that’s a losing proposition either way.
With his elite traits, production, and room to grow, Anderson is firmly on track to become one of the league’s premier pass-rushers. Expect Houston to secure him with a long-term extension as soon as he becomes eligible.
Nik Bonitto
Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos
Date of Birth: September 26, 1999 (Age 25)
Career Sacks: 23 (Over 3 Seasons)
Contract Status (2025): Final Year of 4-Year, $5.8M Rookie Deal
Nik Bonitto’s breakout into one of the NFL’s most productive young pass-rushers didn’t happen overnight. Unlike many on this list, Bonitto wasn’t a first-round pick or a can’t-miss prospect. The Denver Broncos selected him 64th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft after he earned a third-round grade and ranked just 86th on the B/R Big Board.
Still, Bonitto’s raw tools were always enticing. As noted in his pre-draft scouting report, the Oklahoma edge rusher “understands his frame and plays skinny,” using flexibility, bend, and lightning-fast first steps to slip past blockers. His quickness and body control made him a difficult matchup, even if he lacked ideal size or strength early on.
Bonitto’s rookie campaign was quiet—just 1.5 sacks in limited action—but by Year 2, everything started to click. He developed a lethal ghost move that leveraged his natural bend and twitch, resulting in eight sacks. Then came the true breakout: a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2024, ranking third in the NFL.
His pressure numbers have also improved every season. According to Pro Football Focus, Bonitto finished last year with 57 total pressures—18th among edge defenders—and earned second-team All-Pro honors. He’s also grown stronger and more effective at converting speed to power, rounding out his game and making him a more complete threat.
Bonitto benefits from a deep and talented Broncos defensive front that includes Jonathon Cooper, Zach Allen, and John Franklin-Myers. That supporting cast ensures consistent one-on-one opportunities, which he’s proven more than capable of exploiting.
Now entering the final year of his rookie deal, Bonitto is set to cash in. Whether he re-signs with Denver or hits the open market, a lucrative contract is all but guaranteed if he continues trending upward in 2025.
Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter, New York Giants
Date of Birth: October 10, 2003 (Age 21)
Career Sacks: N/A (Rookie)
Contract Status (2025): Year 1 of 4-Year, $45.3M Rookie Deal
Abdul Carter hasn’t played a single NFL snap yet, but his potential is too enticing to ignore. As the biggest wildcard on this list, Carter represents a high-upside investment—and one the New York Giants were clearly willing to make when they selected him No. 3 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
An elite athlete with rare physical tools, Carter has the makings of a future star on the edge. According to his pre-draft scouting report, “Carter explodes off the line with an impressive get-off and has shown he can win with speed around the edge. His dip-rip move is already dangerous, and he’s flashed the ability to develop an inside counter with his natural movement skills.”
Those traits helped the former Penn State standout rack up 12 sacks last season—despite it being his first full year playing as a true edge-rusher. His rapid development and dominance in that role were a major reason he ranked No. 2 overall on the B/R Big Board heading into the draft.
While Carter won’t be asked to carry the Giants’ pass rush right away—thanks to the presence of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the edge—he should see rotational snaps early, particularly on third downs. With Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence commanding double teams inside, Carter is poised to benefit from favorable matchups from the start.
It may take a season or two for Carter to fully emerge, but the tools, opportunity, and supporting cast are in place. If he develops as expected, don’t be surprised if he’s one of the NFL’s next big-money defenders—and a long-term cornerstone of the Giants’ defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “buy stock in” mean in the context of NFL edge-rushers?
In this context, “buying stock” refers to investing belief or confidence in a young pass-rusher’s future success, just like you would with a company poised for growth. These are players likely to become dominant forces and command massive second contracts.
Why are edge-rushers under 25 important in today’s NFL?
Pass-rushers under 25 are typically on rookie contracts, offering high upside and affordability. They’re also still developing, meaning their production—and market value—is likely to rise quickly, making them smart long-term investments.
Who are the top young edge-rushers to watch in 2025?
This list includes Aidan Hutchinson, Jared Verse, Will Anderson Jr., Nik Bonitto, and Abdul Carter—each 25 or younger and projected to make a major impact in the 2025 NFL season.
Which edge-rusher has the most sacks heading into 2025?
As of now, Aidan Hutchinson leads the group with 28.5 career sacks, despite missing significant time due to injury in 2024.
Are any rookies included in this list?
Yes. Abdul Carter, a 2025 first-round pick by the New York Giants, is the only rookie featured. His raw talent and upside as a pass-rusher earned him a top-three draft selection and a spot on this list.
Which player is most likely to receive a major contract extension soon?
Nik Bonitto is entering the final year of his rookie deal and just posted a 13.5-sack season. He’s a strong candidate for a big payday in 2025 free agency.
How were these edge-rushers selected for the list?
Players were chosen based on their age (25 or under by September 1, 2025), production, upside, rookie contract status, and trajectory toward elite status.
Conclusion
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, it’s clear that the next generation of edge-rushers is already making a significant impact—and the best may be yet to come. Players like Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr. have proven they belong among the league’s elite, while rising stars such as Nik Bonitto and Jared Verse continue to build momentum. Even rookie Abdul Carter brings elite upside and could quickly develop into a cornerstone defender.
