There were many defensive players who became big NFL Draft risers in Week 14. Here are five of the best defensive NFL Draft risers in Week 14 who improved their draft stock with standout performances.

Top Defensive NFL Draft Risers From Week 14 of College Football
Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

T.J. Parker has not had the production that was expected at the beginning of this season in 2025, but he finished the regular season strong with perhaps his best game of the year. Parker recorded three sacks against South Carolina, as well as four total tackles and a fumble recovery. He helped Clemson create constant pressure on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers and helped hold South Carolina to just 41 rushing yards in the game. Parker is a powerful pass rusher and strong run defender who could still have a chance to be a mid-first-round draft pick if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Edge Clev Lubin, Louisville

Clev Lubin helped Louisville shut out rival Kentucky in a 41-0 win. In the game, he had two sacks and four total tackles. Lubin earned PFF Pass Rusher of the Week honors for his performance, where he also recorded seven pressures and an elite 92.1 overall PFF defense grade. Lubin has the eighth-best PFF defense grade of any edge rusher in the FBS in 2025, and with his play this season, he is projected to be an early Day 3 pick if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Edge Romello Height, Texas Tech

Like Lubin, Romello Height also helped his team shut out the offense with an impressive pass-rushing performance. Height had 1.5 sacks in a 49-0 win over West Virginia. He has played a big part in helping Texas Tech reach an 11-1 record with one of the best defenses in the country this season. Height has 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the regular season. He also has the second-best PFF overall defense grade of any edge rusher in the FBS with a 92.6 grade. Height is an athletic player, a productive pass rusher, and plays with a high-motor. With his strong play this season, Height has a great chance to be a top 50 pick in the draft.

Oct 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) passes while being rushed by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end Romello Height (9) in the first half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
S A.J. Haulcy, LSU

Against Oklahoma, A.J. Haulcy had an impressive interception and 42-yard interception return. He now has three interceptions in 2025, and he also had a Big 12-leading five interceptions in 2024 when he was at Houston. He is a good coverage safety with incredible ball skills. Haulcy is a strong tackler as well, and he recorded seven total tackles in Week 14 against Oklahoma. Haulcy is an experienced safety who has a good chance to be a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

S Miles Scott, Illinois

Miles Scott had two clutch interceptions late in the fourth quarter against Northwestern in a one-score game. Scott began his career at Illinois as a walk-on receiver, and over the years has developed into one of the best safeties in the Big Ten. He has incredible ball skills with seven interceptions and 11 pass deflections in the last three seasons. For his great performance against Northwestern, he earned PFF Defensive Player of the Week honors. Scott has a chance to be a late-round pick in the NFL Draft.

 

Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images