Princely Umanmielen is a long, twitchy edge rusher who has steadily developed into one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. After transferring from Florida to Ole Miss for his final collegiate season, Umanmielen showcased significant growth, both statistically and technically, solidifying himself as a likely Day 2 draft pick. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his speed and length makes him a high-upside prospect, particularly as a pass-rushing specialist early in his NFL career.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Strengths
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Explosiveness and Speed:
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Umanmielen has an excellent first step, which allows him to quickly gain leverage on offensive tackles. His acceleration off the edge is elite, often catching linemen off guard as he turns the corner.
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His speed-rushing ability is his primary weapon, enabling him to consistently pressure quarterbacks.
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Length and Frame:
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Standing at 6’4” with 34¼” arms, Umanmielen’s wingspan gives him an advantage in keeping blockers at bay and disengaging effectively.
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His build allows him to fit into various defensive schemes, particularly in wide alignments like the wide-9.
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Production:
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Umanmielen posted career highs in his final season at Ole Miss, including 10.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 56 quarterback pressures. His performance earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and solidified his draft stock.
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Scheme Versatility:
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At Ole Miss, Umanmielen thrived in Lane Kiffin’s aggressive system, which allowed him to play more in space and attack angles with speed. This adaptability will make him valuable in NFL schemes that prioritize edge rushers in both stand-up and hand-in-the-dirt roles.
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Impact Beyond Stats:
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Even when not recording sacks, Umanmielen’s presence forces offenses to adjust protection schemes. His ability to draw double teams opens opportunities for teammates to make plays.
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Weaknesses
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Run Defense:
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While improved, Umanmielen’s run defense remains inconsistent. He struggles with block deconstruction against stronger offensive linemen and needs to develop better upper-body strength to hold his ground.
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His tendency to rely on speed over power can make him less effective against physical rushing attacks.
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Bend and Flexibility:
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Umanmielen’s ability to bend around the edge is a work in progress. He sometimes struggles to lower his pad level effectively, which limits his ability to consistently win against NFL-caliber tackles.
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Without improved flexibility, he risks becoming a one-dimensional pass rusher reliant solely on speed.
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Pass-Rush Moves:
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While his speed rush is effective, Umanmielen lacks a diverse repertoire of pass-rush moves. Developing counters such as spin moves or inside swims will be critical for sustained success at the next level.
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2025 NFL Combine Results
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.72 sec |
| 10-Yard Split | 1.62 sec |
| Broad Jump | 126 inches |
| Vertical Jump | 38 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.33 sec |
| 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.46 sec |
| Bench Press | N/A |
Umanmielen’s Combine results highlight his explosiveness (broad jump and vertical) and agility (3-cone drill), which align with his on-field strengths as a dynamic edge rusher.
Positional Play
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Pass Rush:
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Excels as a speed rusher who can win off the edge with quickness and leverage.
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Effective at reducing surface area for blockers by angling his body during rushes.
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Run Defense:
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Needs improvement in setting the edge and shedding blocks.
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Shows flashes of potential but must become more consistent.
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Transition Play:
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Quick reactions during defensive transitions allow him to capitalize on broken plays or miscommunications by offenses.
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Key Actions
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Dominant performances against top-tier competition (e.g., Georgia) where he recorded multiple sacks and forced fumbles demonstrate his ability to elevate his game against elite opponents.
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His presence was instrumental in Ole Miss setting school records for sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120), showcasing his value as a team player even when not directly making plays.
Projection
Princely Umanmielen projects as an early contributor in pass-rushing situations due to his explosiveness and length. While he may initially be limited to designated pass-rushing roles, he has the potential to develop into a three-down player if he improves his run defense and adds diversity to his pass-rush arsenal.
Conclusion
Princely Umanmielen is an ascending prospect who combines physical tools with production at the collegiate level. His athleticism and pass-rushing upside make him an intriguing option for teams needing an immediate impact on passing downs while offering long-term developmental potential. With proper coaching and refinement, Umanmielen could become a cornerstone edge defender in the NFL.
