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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jared Ivey
Photo: John Reed-Imagn Images

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jared Ivey

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net  |  By Steve Letizia  |  Last updated Mar 16, 2025 8:06 PM ET

Jared Ivey NFL Draft Profile

  • College: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) / Georgia Tech
  • College Position: All over the defensive line
  • Ideal NFL Position: DE in a 3-4 (5-tech) or base end in a 4-3 who kicks inside on passing downs
  • Height / Weight: 6'5 7/8 / 274 lbs (Combine) / 283 lbs (Senior Bowl)
  • Arm Length / Hand Size: 33.75" / 9.125"
  • Year / Age: RS Senior / 23
  • Draft Projection: 2nd / 3rd round
  • Where I’d Take Him: Top 50

NFL Combine Results

Ivey did not participate at the NFL Combine. Ole Miss's pro day is slated for March 28th.

Background:

Jared Ivey's journey to becoming a standout defensive end for the Ole Miss Rebels began in Suwanee, Georgia, where he attended North Gwinnett High School. During his high school career, Ivey amassed an impressive 153 tackles and 29 sacks, with a remarkable 20 sacks recorded in his senior season. His dominant performance earned him recognition as a four-star recruit, and he committed to Georgia Tech to begin his collegiate career.

At Georgia Tech, Ivey played in 20 games over two seasons, starting 13 of them. He recorded 40 tackles and 1.5 sacks during his tenure with the Yellow Jackets. Seeking greater challenges and opportunities, Ivey transferred to the University of Mississippi in 2022. In his first season with the Rebels, he played in 13 games, starting seven, and tallied 37 tackles along with 3.5 sacks. His impact grew in the 2023 season, where he started 12 of 13 games, recorded 46 tackles, and notched 5.5 sacks. His performance in the 2023 Peach Bowl earned him the Defensive MVP honors.

Ivey's senior year in 2024 was marked by consistent production. He accumulated 38 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. His collegiate career concluded with impressive totals: 125 tackles (56 solo), 26.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, five fumble recoveries, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown over 38 games and 30 starts. These achievements placed him ninth in total sacks and tied for 16th in total tackles for loss in Ole Miss history.

Strengths:

  • Physical Attributes: Ivey possesses prototypical size for an NFL defensive end at 6'6" and 283 pounds with long arms
  • Length: His long arms and significant wingspan enable him to effectively engage and disengage from blockers. Also uses his length well as a pass blocker
  • Run Defense: Ivey demonstrates discipline in maintaining gap integrity and exhibits strong point-of-attack skills. His ability to deconstruct blocks and control his assigned gaps makes him a reliable run defender. 
  • Pass-Rushing Technique: Ivey showcases a variety of pass-rushing moves, including effective hand usage and leverage techniques. His ability to convert speed to power allows him to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently. 
  • Versatility: Throughout his collegiate career, Ivey has played in multiple defensive schemes, ranging from 0 to a wide nine and even playing as a stand-up 3-4 outside linebacker. 
  • Football IQ: Exhibits a keen understanding of offensive schemes and demonstrates the ability to anticipate plays. 
  • Shows up in big moments: Has multiple game sealing sacks in his career. 

Weaknesses:

  • Consistency in Production: While Ivey has had standout games, there have been periods where his impact waned. 
  • Late Breakout: Had his best season as a 5th year senior
  • First-Step Quickness: Although effective, Ivey's initial burst off the line isn't elite and prevents him from consistently beating tackles around the edge.
  • Flexibility and Bend: Ivey's tall frame can sometimes limit his ability to bend around the edge, affecting his pass-rushing angles. 

Final Thoughts and Bears Fit for Jared Ivey 

It is difficult to project Jared Ivey to a specific role in the NFL. This is not because he isn't a good player, but because his versatility is one of his greatest strengths. The team drafting him should be creative in how he is deployed to maximize his impact.

Ivey talked about his versatility in an interview with on3.com

“I definitely see myself as an every-down player,” Ivey said. “I can stop the run from anywhere on the field. My first year at Ole Miss I played primarily on the edge. We were running like a 3-2 scheme. I played a lot of 4i, 6i and 5-technique. My second season I played a lot of 4i and 3-technique while also playing some 5-tech and 6i. This past season I played a lot of wide-nine (and) a fair amount of 4i and took on a lot of double teams. I also played a good amount of 3-technique and 2i. My first year I rushed from the zero-nose. I’ve rushed from the 2i (and) I had a sack this year while playing 2i. I had sacks this year while playing 3-technique, wide-nine, and 5-technique. Every down run or pass, I can produce on every single down.”

His size and length are immediately apparent, allowing him to set the edge effectively against the run. He consistently maintains leverage, using his hands to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield.

In pass-rushing scenarios, Ivey uses a repertoire of moves, including bull rushes and swim techniques. His ability to convert speed to power is notable, and he often drives offensive linemen backward into the quarterback's lap. However, his rush can stall if his initial move is countered.

Ivey would be a great fit as a defensive end in Dennis Allen’s scheme with the Bears. During his time with New Orleans, Allen has a clear preference for tall, heavy, and long defensive ends, and Ivey checks all those boxes. Just look at some of the players Allen has featured in the past: 

With his size and playing style, Ivey can easily step into a similar role. The Bears recently signed Dayo Odeyingbo, who’s built in a similar mold, to a three-year deal. Realistically, it’s more of a two-year commitment since they can cut him after year two and save some cash. Bringing in Ivey would give them a reliable backup and some insurance in case Odeyingbo doesn’t quite pan out. Plus, it sets them up nicely for the future if Odeyingbo moves on.

Ivey projects as a solid early-down edge defender in the Bears’ 4-3 system. He’s got the versatility to kick inside to a 3-technique on obvious passing downs, giving the defense more flexibility and depth on the line. 

NFL Comparison: Dayo Odeyingbo

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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