There were many great defensive players who were big NFL Draft risers in Week 10 with standout performances. Here are five of the best defensive NFL Draft risers from Week 10 of college football.
Top Defensive NFL Draft Risers From Week 10
Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Malachi Lawrence had two sacks in a game for the second game in a row in Week 10. Lawrence forced a fumble that was recovered by UCF on his second sack against Baylor as well. Along with two sacks and a forced fumble, Lawrence also recorded seven total tackles in the game. Lawrence is an athletic player and quality pass rusher who has some upside, and good production this season with six sacks and two forced fumbles in seven games. Lawrence is a name to watch on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Arvell Reese, linebacker, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pressures Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.
LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese has been one of the biggest draft risers of any player in college football this season, and he had one of his best performances of the season against Penn State in Week 10. Reese is an elite athlete with the ability to be both a top-tier run defender and rush the passer at a high level as well. Against Penn State, Reese was a standout in both areas with 12 total tackles, one sack, and multiple highlight plays as a pass rusher in the game. Reese is already likely a first-round pick and the first linebacker taken in the NFL Draft, but with performances like the one he had against Penn State, Reese is increasing his chances to be a top 10 pick in the draft.
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez continued his stellar season in Week 10 against Kansas State with two forced fumbles in the Red Raiders win. Along with two forced fumbles for the second time this season, Rodriguez also had five solo tackles and a pass deflection. He has shown a great ability to force fumbles throughout his entire career, but has taken it to another level this season with seven forced fumbles through the first 10 weeks. He has two interceptions on the season as well, and a team-leading 77 total tackles. Rodriguez is currently the highest-graded linebacker in all of college football, according to PFF.
Jacob Parrish, cornerback Kansas State University
Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Austin Romaine (45) and Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) take down Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig (5) in the first quarter of the game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium Friday, September 13, 2024.
LB Austin Romaine, Kansas State
Rodriguez was not the only linebacker who was a big NFL Draft riser in the Texas Tech-Kansas State game. Kansas State linebacker Austin Romaine filled the stat sheet with 11 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one interception. He excelled as both a run defender and in pass coverage, and earned PFF Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in Week 10. Romaine could be a potential early Day 3 pick in the draft.
S Ahmaad Moses, SMU
Ahmaad Moses was one of the biggest reasons for SMU’s upset win over No. 10 Miami (FL). Against the Hurricanes, Moses had a career-high 15 total tackles in the game and had two interceptions for the second time in his career, including a huge interception in overtime. Moses now leads the country in interceptions as one of only five players with five interceptions through the first 10 weeks. Moses was not a player who had much draft attention at the beginning of the season, but with his play this season, he could end up being a late-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Main Photo: [Austin Cairns/Columbus Dispatch] – Imagn Images