2028 Rankings Breakdown: Biggest Defensive Risers

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the 2028 defensive prospects making the biggest jump in the recent rankings update. </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Edwards is the biggest defensive riser in the updated 2028 PRZ state rankings moving to #88 overall. He's a long 6'2” 165 lb. DB that runs well (10.7 100m) and has good technique. Uses his length as an advantage to disrupt receiver's route lines and play the ball in the air. That extension gives him great radius to play through the hands at the catch point. Operates well in both zone and man schemes showing good assignment awareness and eye discipline in coverage. Plays a good catch technique using his hands and physicality to gain positional leverage. Pulled in seven D1 offers this spring/summer including his most recent from Miami and still has plenty of upside.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Dionwardss12/status/1985215940980867382 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bishop makes a significant jump into the top 30 overall establishing himself as an elite level prospect earning offers from top programs including Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, Miami, and Oregon this spring. High level fundamentals and footwork with a clean and efficient transition giving him a natural advantage staying phase through the route. Long speed/strides allows him to stay over the top vertically while also showing the plant and drive ability to work downhill on short/intermediate routes. Good closing burst to cut down separation and recover with the ball in the air when tested. Route recognition stands out letting him anticipate rather than react when the ball is thrown. Carries 17 D1 offers going into his junior year.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tbishop_0/status/1998512217659158790 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Coleman continues his climb up the rankings now at #30 overall. He's an aggressive defender with a versatile skillset to be impactful across different alignments and schemes. Plays well with his eyes, showing good instincts and quick reactions to diagnose plays as they develop. Decisive with his reads, he doesn't hesitate once he diagnoses putting him in position to make plays whether he's deep in coverage or coming down in the box. Great athleticism and lateral quickness to match up in man coverage as a nickel limiting separation and staying in phase against a wide route tree. Strong tackler in space, capable of delivering forceful contact while taking good angles in pursuit. Love his confidence, speed, and physicality. Currently holds 15 offers.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DerrickColeman/status/1985110668836786235 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Sula bumps up 50 spots to inside the top 100 overall. Was listed as a rankings hidden gem at the beginning of the off season and then saw his first offer from through from Cal during the spring contact period. He's continued to add good weight now at 6'2” 205 lbs. while maintaining the speed and athleticism that makes him a great speed based rusher off the edge. Gains leverage early in the play by beating opponents off the ball and forcing them to recover. Demonstrates good flexibility to dip and bend around blockers without giving up ground. Uses his hands well to keep blockers off his frame and stay clean. High effort player that is relentless in pursuit and always around the ball, evident by his 95 total tackles (50 solo), 25 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks in 2025. A true defensive playmaker who shows up all over the field regardless of scheme or alignment.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kingstonsula_4/status/1998957607877591303 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">McDermott has been one of the fastest rising 2027 prospects from the central valley this offseason pulling in four D1 offers from Fresno State, Idaho, Colorado State, and Cal Poly. 6'3” 225 lbs. he's a disruptive edge against both the run and pass. Fast off the ball with good hip explosion at first contact to gain positioning/leverage. Sets a strong edge and holds his ground against the run. Excels as a pass rusher collapsing the pocket with a mix of speed and power moves to beat blockers off the edge. Good athlete with the short area closing speed to chase down ball carriers from the backside or down the field. Like his ability to convert speed into power when fighting off blocks. Jumped 43 spots in the recent rankings update and could continue to climb going into his senior year.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JMcDermott88/status/1970680301606314482 </div></figure>    <p></p>