The 2025 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2025 NFL draft.
Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame
HT: 6’5
WT: 292 lbs
Accolades:
ESPN 2nd-Team All-American (2024)
Sporting News 2nd-Team All-American (2024)
Video:
Pros:
Exceptional athleticism for his size, with a 4.79 40-yard dash time that puts him in the 79th percentile among defensive linemen
Shows exceptional lower half stability when properly leveraged, anchoring against drive blocks with powerful base and maintaining gap integrity through contact.
Transitions from run defender to pass rusher with impressive fluidity, recognizing blocking schemes quickly and adapting his approach mid-snap.
Possesses legitimate scheme versatility with experience at multiple techniques, looking equally comfortable as a 3-4 end or working inside in four-man fronts.
Delivers sustained power throughout reps, maintaining push even when initially stonewalled and showing the ability to restart his rush through contact.
Uses his length masterfully in the run game, creating separation that allows him to locate ball carriers while engaged with blockers.
Brings a calculating approach to stunts and twists, timing his movements precisely and exploding through created lanes with bad intentions.
Motor runs hot regardless of game situation, showing relentless backside pursuit and giving second and third efforts when initial rush stalls.
Cons:
December 2024 ACL tear against Indiana will likely sideline him through rookie training camp and potentially into the regular season, delaying his NFL impact.
Lacks elite twitch to threaten edges consistently, resulting in pass rush wins that come more from persistence than explosive first-step advantages.
Post-ACL explosion and change of direction ability remains a significant question mark until he can demonstrate full recovery on the field.
Knee bend deteriorates through extended series, causing him to play too upright and making him vulnerable against reach blocks and angle-driven schemes.
Pass rush arsenal remains more theoretical than practical, flashing counters but rarely stringing moves together into cohesive sequences that maximize his tools.
Summary:
Mills’ defensive profile is geared towards disruption rather than pure strength as an anchor. On film, he showcases a violent and aggressive approach in the passing game, complemented by adequate yet inconsistent performance against the run.
Given this disparity, Rylie Mills is naturally suited for a rotational role. As he refines his technique, he can earn more playing time on early downs. However, his immediate impact will likely come in pass rush packages. Mills’ impressive combination of length, hand usage, and football IQ helps offset athletic limitations, potentially elevating his overall ceiling.
The NFL’s evolving defensive landscape prioritizes versatility and multiplicity, making Mills an attractive asset when fully healthy. Teams that invest time in his rehabilitation will be rewarded with a technically proficient defender whose skills align perfectly with contemporary defensive strategies.
Mills’ makeup suggests a player who will maximize his physical abilities, ensuring he reaches his full potential. His dedication and work ethic will resonate with teams seeking a defender who embodies the intangible qualities necessary for success in today’s NFL.
Information in this article was obtained from NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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