Breaking: Michigan EDGE Rusher Continues to Pile Up Preseason Accolades and Rise Up NFL Draft Boards
As the 2025 college football season approaches, few players have generated as much preseason buzz as **Michigan EDGE rusher Jaylen Harrell**. Known for his relentless motor, elite burst off the line, and disruptive presence in opposing backfields, Harrell is rapidly becoming a household name among NFL scouts and draft analysts — and his stock continues to soar with each passing week.
What began as quiet optimism among Michigan fans has now turned into full-blown national recognition. Harrell has already been named to multiple preseason All-American watchlists and has secured spots on the **Bednarik Award** and **Lombardi Award** watchlists — two of the highest honors for defensive players in college football.
“His film is electric,” said one anonymous NFL scout. “You see a guy who can bend the edge, convert speed to power, and finish plays with violence. He’s got everything you look for in a modern NFL pass rusher.”
Harrell’s surge isn’t surprising to those inside the Michigan program. Coaches have long raved about his work ethic and leadership, crediting him as one of the emotional engines of the Wolverines’ defense. In 2024, he quietly put together a dominant season, notching 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and countless pressures that altered the outcome of games even when they didn’t show up on the stat sheet.
Now entering the 2025 campaign, Harrell has bulked up slightly, improved his hand technique, and is showcasing even more versatility. Whether lining up with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up linebacker in Michigan’s hybrid fronts, he’s become a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
“He’s the total package,” said Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. “His speed is obvious, but what sets him apart is his preparation. He studies film like a pro. He knows tendencies, snap counts, line splits — he’s playing chess while a lot of guys are playing checkers.”
Beyond his on-field production, Harrell’s maturity and presence off the field have also impressed NFL personnel. He’s taken on a mentorship role with younger players and has embraced the leadership mantle with poise and purpose. That combination of physical tools and intangibles has scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection.
Recent mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic, and CBS Sports all have Harrell climbing into the top 25, with some analysts projecting him as high as the top 15. That’s a massive leap from where he was viewed just one year ago — proof of the progress he’s made and the confidence evaluators now have in his ceiling.
