2025 NFL Draft: Top defensive prospects still available on Day Two

While many top prospects came off the board in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, several highly regarded talents unexpectedly slipped through the cracks and remain available heading into Day Two.

As we count down the hours until the start of the second round, DAZN News identified the best defensive players who are still up for grabs.

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Scourton plays with a physical demeanour and a never-say-die mindset, which allows him to control the point of attack against the run and pass.

While he has room to expand his pass rush counters, his spin move is a delight to behold, as LSU's Will Campbell - the 4th overall pick in Round 1 - will testify.

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

As an undeniably gifted athlete with the college production to suggest he has what it takes to become an immediate star at the next level, it isn't easy to come to a definitive conclusion as to why Green wasn't selected in Round 1.

In time, we may learn whether teams harboured concerns about Green's revelation that he was suspended from Virginia before his transfer to Marshall or were simply concerned that he competed against inferior college competition.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

At 6'2 and 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku is undersized and can allow larger, stronger tackles to overpower him once they are engaged.

Fortunately for Ezeiruaku and the NFL team he calls home, the positives outweigh the negatives. The Boston College product possesses an explosive first step, has a great combination of bend and speed bend to dip under would-be blockers, and plays with a non-stop motor.

No draft prospect is a safe bet, especially on Day Two, but Ezeiruaku offers excellent value in this range.

Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Schwesinger ticks several of the boxes NFL teams look for in an off-ball linebacker, including sideline-to-sideline range, football IQ, lateral quickness, and mouthwatering potential in pass coverage. He should be the first linebacker off the board on Day Two.

As a one-year starter for UCLA, lack of experience is the main question mark over whether Schwesinger can become a difference-maker at the pro level.

Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina

NFL evaluators widely expected Emmanwori to be the first safety to hear his name called in the 1st Round of the draft after his dominant performance at the NFL Combine.

While Georgia's Malaki Starks was the only safety to be selected on Day One, it won't stop Emmanwori from landing with a team where his versatility and ball skills will give him a chance to flourish. Expect to hear his name called early in the 2nd Round.

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Were it not for a chequered injury history, Johnson would probably have been a lock to be taken in the first round. Unfortunately, health concerns are always a concern for teams so close to the draft.

As a former five-star recruit, Johnson is a smooth athlete with the ability to diagnose plays and anticipate routes with great effectiveness. Health permitting, the Michigan product has all the tools required to become a playmaker in the NFL.

There are arguably safer bets available at cornerback on Day Two, such as Mississipi's Trey Amos or Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison, but none possess Johnson's incredible upside.

 

Watch the NFL draft live and for free on DAZN

The 2025 NFL Draft continues until Saturday, April 26. 

This year's NFL Draft will be available to watch for free on NFL Game Pass on DAZN (excluding the US and China).

For more information and to watch for free, click here.

NFL Draft schedule

• Round 1 : Thursday, April 24 (8pm ET / 1am BST)
• Rounds 2 and 3: Friday, April 25 (6pm ET / 11pm BST)
• Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 26 (12pm ET / 5pm BST)