In the final batch of regular season games, many prospects had their way with opposing offenses in their respective games. Here are some players who are Week 14’s Defensive NFL Draft Risers because of their performances this week.
Week 14’s Defensive NFL Draft Risers Consists of True Gamebreakers
EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Already known as a premier EDGE rusher in this cycle, Ezeiruaku delivered an unstoppable performance against Pittsburgh. He came away with 3.5 sacks and a ridiculous 12 pressures in a season-defining effort. He was simply unblockable, in the backfield for what felt like all game, no matter what was thrown at him.
Ezeiruaku has been consistently mocked in the draft’s top two rounds and has recently been pushing for Round 1. His ability to get after the quarterback in numerous different ways has made him a desirable prospect for any defense. His length and explosion off the line allow him to gain leverage early and often, traits that could elevate his draft position. A full scouting report can be seen here.
Potential Team Fit: Atlanta Falcons
EDGE Tyler Baron, Miami
Syracuse came away with a huge comeback win to take Miami out of the playoffs, but it was no fault of Baron’s. He had seen some midseason struggles in generating production as a pass-rusher, but that couldn’t be further from the truth this weekend. He sacked Kyle McCord, forced a fumble, and racked up a tackle-for-loss in an all-around fantastic showing.
At his best, Baron has the skills of a top-ranked prospect and he showed that against the Orange. The way he rips past linemen with a deadly combination of force and willpower is incredibly difficult to stop. He’ll likely be taken on Day 3 of the draft, but a team could reach on him earlier than his projection because of the ceiling he’s proving to have.
Potential Team Fit: New England Patriots
LB Chris Paul Jr, Ole Miss
Mississippi State gave Ole Miss a run for its money in the Egg Bowl, but Chris Paul Jr’s six tackles, interception, and sack stifled their efforts. He was taking care of business in all areas of the field and looked like a legitimate NFL player. The junior linebacker was one of the brightest spots on the Rebels’ defense and was a major reason they took home the win.
The NFL’s increased reliance on athleticism at the LB position plays in Paul Jr’s favor as he’s likely to enter the 2025 draft. He possesses the tools to be a true three-down player who terrifies offenses weekly. He has the opportunity to hear his name called earlier than some more well-known names with some good testing and/or bowl game play.
Potential Team Fit: New York Giants
DB Zemaiah Vaughn, Utah
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week had the UCF offense shut down for four quarters on Friday. He tacked on a sack, a forced fumble, and a pick-six to a lockdown coverage night. He broke up two passes and allowed just two catches on 10 targets for 18 yards. The Utes needed players to step up in their final regular season showing, and Vaughn did just that.
His name hasn’t been super popular among draft circles till now, but his success should have teams on him soon. Vaughn plays with a competitiveness that few players can match and has been a mostly steady safety this year. He squared up with future NFL WR Kobe Hudson, among others, and showed that he can perform at that level.
Potential Team Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Main Photo: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
