Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, and a loaded defensive line draft class
Apr 10, 2025
auto_awesome
Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft analyst known for his comprehensive draft guide, joins Fran Duffy, an expert in film breakdown, to discuss the standout defensive line prospects for the upcoming draft. They dive into the versatile skill sets of Abdul Carter and Jalen Walker, exploring their strengths and how they could impact teams looking to bolster their defenses. With 28 players in the top 100 of The Beast, the conversation highlights key strategies and evaluations that could shape the future of NFL rosters.
The 2025 NFL Draft features a strong defensive line class, with 28 players ranked inside the top 100, highlighting the depth of talent available.
Analysts express differing evaluations of prospects like Abdul Carter and Mason Graham, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in player assessment.
The discussion includes in-depth analysis of players’ physical attributes and production rates, forecasting their viability for NFL teams in the upcoming draft.
Deep dives
The Power of Shopify for Business Growth
Shopify is positioned as a leading platform for businesses to enhance their selling capabilities. It offers a seamless checkout experience, which significantly boosts conversion rates, reportedly by up to 50% with their ShopPay feature. The platform enables businesses to sell effectively across various channels, integrating both online presence and physical sales. For entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand, utilizing Shopify can streamline operations and expedite growth.
Affordable Mental Health Support with BetterHelp
BetterHelp provides an accessible online therapy option, costing significantly less than traditional therapy sessions, with average savings of up to 50%. The platform connects users with licensed therapists, offering flexibility and convenience in scheduling sessions. This service caters not only to those facing severe trauma but also to anyone seeking personal growth and positive coping strategies. With a vast network of over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp aims to make mental health support more attainable for individuals worldwide.
Analysis of 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
The episode features a detailed discussion on the 2024 NFL Draft prospects, particularly focusing on defensive tackle and edge rusher positions. Experts share insights on high-profile players like Abdul Carter and Mason Graham, analyzing their strengths and potential fit in the NFL. The conversation touches on varying opinions about prospects, indicating differing evaluations among analysts about their readiness for the professional level. Overall, it provides a comprehensive look at the potential first-round selections and the ongoing debate around various players.
Healthy Disagreements Among Analysts
The discussion showcases the dynamic between analysts who hold differing viewpoints on certain draft prospects, fostering an engaging dialogue. Notably, the analysts express their admiration for each other's work while presenting contrasting opinions, which adds depth to the evaluation process. This healthy debate allows for a broader exploration of each player's potential and the intricacies of the draft. The interaction demonstrates the importance of different perspectives in sports analysis, driving meaningful conversations about player evaluation.
Examining Defensive Linemen Prospects
The analyst conversation delves into several defensive linemen prospects, addressing their career statistics and forecasting their NFL viability. Players like Derek Harmon and Kenneth Grant are analyzed for their respective strengths and weaknesses, shedding light on how they might transition to the professional level. The discourse emphasizes the significance of both production and physical attributes in assessing draft prospects. This examination provides valuable insights for teams looking to strengthen their defensive line during the upcoming draft.
Prospects with Distinctive Skill Sets
The episode highlights the unique skill sets of various prospects, including Landon Jackson and Shamar Stewart, noting their potential and areas of improvement. The analysts discuss the implications of their physical traits, production rates, and how they measure against NFL expectations. Among the players discussed, Jackson stands out for his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes, showcasing versatility. The evaluation emphasizes that while traits are significant, consistent production will ultimately determine these players' success in the NFL.
Dane Brugler has been telling us for months that this is a good draft to need defensive players. That's exemplified by a defensive line class that features 28 players inside the top 100 of The Beast. Dane and Fran Duffy from the ALLCITY Network join Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to break down the DL class in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rundown
Abdul Carter
Mason Graham
Mykel Williams
Jalon Walker
Walter Nolen
Derrick Harmon
Shemar Stewart
Mike Green
James Pearce Jr.
Kenneth Grant
Landon Jackson
Get The Beast: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/the-beast/2025/