2025 Defensive Lineman Boosting Their Stock!

I am continuing the deep dive into the 2025 stock rankings. Today, we will be diving into the defensive linemen who raised up the rankings.    Starting off this list is [player_tooltip player_id='406464' first='Keegan' last='Perea']. Perea is ranked #5 overall in the rankings and with good reason. The 6'2 235-pound senior plays on the inside and outside of the defensive line. He's a versatile player who creates havoc on either position. Throughout the season, he accounted for 81 total tackles (32 solo, 49 assisted), 6.5 TFL, and 5 sacks. Perea has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, acceleration, and change of direction. He utilizes his very good quickness to come out of his stance. Good bend around the edge in combination with a very powerful bull rush, and a good spin move makes him a formidable threat on the defensive line. He uses a low pad level to out leverage the offensive line, using good hand placement to move them out of his way. If he's doubled team, he keeps on fighting to make the tackle. Perea is a very good block shedder, and runs through the OL. He tackles towards the ball carrier's center of gravity, not ankle biting. One thing that really stood out to me was his ability to stay patient on read options, and not be reactionary. Perea is a lengthy edge rusher who I believe will continue killing it for Cherry Creek this next season!     Going down the list at #10 is [player_tooltip player_id='1275168' first='Cade' last='Brook']. Measuring in at 6'3 215 pounds, the defensive lineman would bounce between playing on the inside and rushing the edge. Throughout the season, he accounted for 47 total tackles (14 solo, 33 assisted), 5 TFL, 1 sack, 5 QB hurries, 2 FR, 1 blocked punt, 1 blocked field goal. The stats sometimes lie, in this case they do. Brook was consistently all over the field impacting plays. He has good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, good speed, and good change of direction. His competitive toughness really stood out to me. He will run downfield into the secondary to complete the tackle or help his teammates wrap up a tackle. Even when he's getting blocked by 2 OL, he'll still make the tackle. He's got a head full of steam and uses his high motor on every play. Brook has a good low pad level to get underneath the OL, and knock them off their feet. He used his good hand placement and strong arms to move the OL away with ease. He has a powerful bull rush and a good spin move too. Brook is a hard hitter who's versatility provides issues for offenses. I'm excited to see how he continues to develop and ball out for his senior season!     Crowe continues to impress as he moves up the ranks landing at #21. The 6'4 225-pound edge rusher made his presence known on the field last season. Throughout the season, he accounted for 101 total tackles (65 solo, 36 assisted) 29.5 TFL, 15 sacks, 7 QB pressures, 2 FF, and 7 pass deflections. Phenomenal. Crowe uses his very good strength to eat up blocks, and run through the offensive line with ease. He has very good athletic ability due to elite acceleration, very good speed, and very good change of direction. He starts out with a low pad level, utilizing good hand placement to bend around the tackle. Good footwork to outmaneuver them too. He switches between a nasty spin move or a powerful bull rush to keep the OL on their toes. He demonstrates good mental processing too. One thing that really impressed me was his ability to diagnose the read option, making the correct read and getting a TFL. I firmly believe that Crowe will keep building upon his stellar junior season, and knock it out of the park in his senior year.     Time to talk about this beast of a defensive tackle who ended up at #33 for our rankings. Field-Gordon is the type of player you want in the middle of your defensive line. At 6'2 295-pound, Field-Gordon is a big body who plugs up the middle, stuffing runs in the process. He has good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, good speed, and change of direction. His acceleration really impressed me. His strength is evident once you put on the film. He's making tackles 1 handed while being wrapped up, or Field-Gordon is powering his way through double teams on the OL. Due to his size and strength, he is a very effective run stopper. Stopping them in their tracks. He tackles towards the ball carrier's center of gravity, not allowing them to move from his grasp. He initiates contact first, and usually wins over the offensive linemen. He has a low pad level to out leverage the DL, and uses his very good hand placement to control and steer the OL away. Field-Gordon uses a powerful bull rush to knock the OL off their anchor. He showcased good mental processing by choosing the correct gaps to rush, and executing his assignments. He also helps teammates finish tackles. I believe Keeghan will have a stellar senior season to cap off his high school career, and I'm thrilled to see how the performs in his senior year.

I am continuing the deep dive into the 2025 stock rankings. Today, we will be diving into the defensive linemen who raised up the rankings.