The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Antwaun Powell-Ryland NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Edge Rusher
School: Virginia Tech
Size: 6-foot-3, 258 pounds
Class: Senior
2024 stats: 43 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries
Powell-Ryland was a four-star recruit in the class of 2021 who signed with Florida out of Virginia. He was a reserve in his first two seasons with the team. In 2022, Powell-Ryland had a larger role, producing 29 total tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. Following the season, he transferred to Virginia Tech. In his first season with the Hokies, Powell-Ryland registered 40 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He helped Virginia Tech win seven games that season. For the 2024 season, Powell-Ryland racked up 43 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. He led the team to a six-win season.
Following the season, Powell-Ryland has been preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Powell-Ryland is a good athlete for the edge position and tested well at the NFL Combine. His athleticism shows up on tape as well. He has good burst at the snap of the ball, which is a product of his quickness and timing. Powell-Ryland has good agility and flexibility to get around the edge. While he has just solid speed, the rest of his athletic profile is a plus.
His pass rush production over the last two seasons is a product of his moves and plan going into each snap. He has a good pass rush plan and is able to adjust it on the fly. Powell-Ryland has a decent number of moves and counters to help him win. He also has the ability to convert speed to power.
He has a good motor that shows up on tape. Powell-Ryland plays hard. When his rush is stopped, he can keep moving after the quarterback and is able to get sacks on second and third efforts. Against the run, he shows good pursuit. With his athleticism and pass rush moves, Powell-Ryland’s motor can wear down offensive linemen.
His size isn’t what a prototypical edge rusher in the NFL looks like. He is just 6-foot-3 and 258 pounds. While his frame is pretty well-filled out, he also has a lack of length. His arms measure in at just over 31 inches. Powell-Ryland’s relative lack of length can make it harder for him to shed, specifically against the run.
Powell-Ryland is a good rusher, but is subpar as a run defender. He struggles to shed against the run and doesn’t make as big of an impact in that area as other players. While he can find the football and make tackles, the lack of shedding ability will need to improve for him to be trusted as an every-down player.
There are times on tape when Powell-Ryland plays up to his athletic testing numbers, but other times when he doesn’t. If he can consistently play up to his potential athletically, he can be a force of nature at the next level. He is a good athlete and can wreak havoc as a rusher if he plays more consistently.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Third Round Pick
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