’25 Rankings: Defensive Linemen on the verge of a Breakout Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive linemen included in this article have absurd potential. Last season, every one of these players showed flashes. This season, any one of these players could turn into major prospects. I'm not sure who will break out on this list, but I'm looking forward to seeing who does. Now, here are five defensive linemen I could see having a breakout season this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290891"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696e6aa52d02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During the 2023 season, Owen had a few very bright moments. Primarily, I'm impressed with his unrelenting effort. Even against elite offensive lines, Owen seemed to always find a way to evade blocks and make tackles. I see a lot of defensive linemen stick onto their opposing blocker when the blocker can be easily sidestepped. Owen on the other hand does everything in his power to avoid blocks and not engage with O-Linemen. That said, Owen is unproven when it comes to shedding blocks and rushing the passer. Another area where I'd like to see improvement is his getoff. With a great season, Owen could easily find himself with a few offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290877"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696e6aa52cca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ja'Mari is another defensive lineman who I expect to take a step forward this fall. Most notably, Ja'Mari is an incredibly strong player. His ability to anchor himself on the defensive line, even against very good offensive lines, is great. His current skill set isn't as well-rounded as I'd like, but his current form could still attract college offers. If Ja'Mari can improve his stamina, motor, and develop a good array of pass rush moves, he could shoot up the rankings quite easily. I'm waiting to see how Ja'Mari fares this season, but by gut tells me he's about to have a strong season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696e6aa52c92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden is someone who could be in for a breakout 2024 season. Ranked at #320, he's someone who could be a NAIA/D3 target depending on his camp performance and testing numbers. His 2023 tape shows a high-effort defensive tackle. Jayden's best skill was his ability to anchor himself in a position and plug a gap. In addition, he had great effort when it came to block shedding, pass rush, and outside run stopping. Most of the time, Jayden lacked the physicality and athleticism needed to perform at a super high level. Still, his size is extremely promising. If Jayden has improved this offseason, he could quickly shoot up the rankings and be a Division 2 target. I truly hope Jayden gets in a groove this season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290521"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696e6aa52c59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1290521' first='Van' last='Reed'] has all the tools needed to develop into a division 2 EDGE prospect. The two things that stand out while watching Van's film are his physicality and motor. Lining up all over the D-Line, Van is great at imposing his will on offensive linemen. Against the inside run, Van is great at anchoring down and holding his gap. If he gets past the line, he works relentlessly to make a tackle. Similarly, Van is a high-effort and high motor player against the pass. The thing is, he looks underdeveloped in terms of overall block shedding/pass rush. Work on that, and he'll immediately raise his stock tremendously. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290798"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696e6aa52c22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As an interior defensive lineman, Chase is a great run defender who shows flashes of good motor. Off the bat, Chase always seems to get a good jump on the opposing offensive lineman. Where he struggles a tad with his getoff, he makes up for it with great anchor, good block shedding, and tackling. Even against a few great offensive lines, Chase found a way to make plays. He also has a few instances of phenomenal effort. For instance, the play at 2:25 shows phenomenal effort in bringing down the QB as he attempts to cut back inside. I think there's a college prospect here, and I'd call Chase a great D3 prospect based on his film. With better explosiveness and athleticism, Chase could take off even further. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->