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5 Defensive NFL Draft Risers From Week 13

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Grant Potter | Last updated Nov 24, 2025 11:53 AM ET

There were many great defensive players who were big NFL Draft risers in Week 13 with standout performances. Here are five of the best NFL Draft risers from Week 13 of college football.

Top Defensive NFL Draft Risers From Week 13 of College Football

Edge Caden Curry, Ohio State

Caden Curry continued his incredible season with another great performance in Week 13. He recorded two sacks in the game, including a strip sack where he also recovered the fumble on Rutgers one-yard line. Curry leads the Big Ten with 13.5 tackles for loss, and he ranks 12th in the country in sacks with nine. He has been one of the most productive defensive players in college football this season as one of the top contributors for the country’s No. 1-ranked defense. Curry could potentially be an early Day 3 pick in the NFL Draft.

LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh

In a big game against No. 16 Georgia Tech, Kyle Louis played a big role in the Panthers win over the Yellow Jackets. For the third time in four games, Louis recorded 11 total tackles. He had one sack and two tackles for loss as well, earning PFF ACC Team of the Week honors. Louis is a smart player with good athletic ability and is a tremendous coverage linebacker. He is currently projected to be a Day 3 pick if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.

LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Against a very good USC offense, Bryce Boettcher tied his career-high with 13 total tackles, helping Oregon greatly improve their College Football Playoff chances with a 42-27 win. Along with 13 total tackles, Boettcher also recorded a tackle for loss. He scored his first career touchdown as well with a one-yard run at the goal line on offense. Boettcher is an experienced player who is a strong run defender and has good instincts. He excels at baseball as well and was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 2024 MLB Draft. After back-to-back great seasons in college football, he could also potentially be selected in the NFL Draft.

CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State

Davison Igbinosun played lockdown coverage throughout the entire game, helping hold Rutgers to just nine points. He earned a season-high 90.6 overall PFF defense grade and recorded one pass deflection in the game. Igbinosun also had an impressive interception, but a penalty wiped it out. He is a strong and athletic cornerback with good length and a high football IQ. Igbinosun has the talent to potentially be a top 50 pick in the NFL Draft.

S Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame

In a dominant 70-7 win over Syracuse, Jalen Stroman was one of Notre Dame’s top standout players. He quickly helped the team score two touchdowns with a 44-yard interception return for a pick-six, and then a blocked punt returned by his teammate Luke Talich for a touchdown. Stroman continued his incredible performance throughout the entire game, finishing the day with eight total tackles and two tackles for loss. He had a 92.9 overall PFF defense grade in the game and made the PFF National Team of the Week. Stroman is an experienced and athletic safety who is projected to be drafted early on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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