5 Defensive Playmakers That Will Slow Down Offenses in 2025

<p>Today, we evaluate five defensive playmakers who are looking to help slow down offenses during the 2025 season.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1516821' first='Mario' last='Brownlee'] continues to be the top linebacker in the class with heavy competition. He is a dynamic player capable of making plays across the field due to his high motor. Brownlee plays sideline to sideline with good angles. He displays good read-and-react abilities, consistently positioning himself to make tackles in space or arrive at the catch point when in zone coverage. He effectively attacks and fills gaps while staying square and showing good physicality at the POA. His ability to stack and shed blocks is impressive. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.6 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrownleeMa59318/status/1934670236642365482 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1687145' first='Jaxson' last='Brown'] is a potential breakout candidate for the 2025 season. He has also experienced running back. Brown is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who uses solid angles and quick footwork to defend against the wide zone efficiently. I expect him to take another leap during his junior season. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.0 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jax_B23_AR/status/1932627791700246716 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1620349' first='Taylon' last='Peterson'] is a strong and athletic defensive back with experience at wide receiver. He displays good footwork and foot quickness in his backpedal and demonstrates the fluidity to transition quickly. He can stay over the top during breaks, allowing him to force PBUs and contest catches effectively. Peterson is a prospect to watch throughout 2025.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.6 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Taylon_Peterson/status/1936979014008054018 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1346209' first='Jakori' last='Lumsey'] is a linebacker to add to the recruiting board. He displays solid mental processing, enabling him to quickly read and react to both the running and passing games. He has a quick first step, good foot speed, and strength. This allows him to take solid angles, stack, and shed from blockers when attacking downhill. Lumsey showcases a solid understanding of zone coverage, successfully maintaining coverage on underneath routes while making plays at the catch point.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JakoriLumsey26/status/1910700646065373482 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1304468' first='Joey' last='Bartlett'] is flying under the radar. He received his second offer from Hendrix in May. Bartlett plays with a sideline-to-sideline motor both against the run and in passing situations. He utilizes that motor to chase down ball carriers from behind or stretch the pocket. He's stout against the run, utilizing solid hand placement, pad level, and lower body strength to one arm extend and hold his ground to make a play at the LOS. Keep an eye on him. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 5.0 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JoeyBartlett93/status/1933936516478484528 </div></figure>

Today, we evaluate five defensive playmakers who are looking to help slow down offenses during the 2025 season.