Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Nic Scourton has been called the perfect fit for AFC contenders seeking a pass-rusher.

Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Nic Scourton has quickly become one of the most talked-about players heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly among AFC contenders looking to bolster their pass-rushing units. Known for his combination of size, speed, and explosive playmaking ability, Scourton has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. As an elite pass rusher, he has been praised as the perfect fit for teams looking to strengthen their defensive lines and elevate their overall defensive performances. With his standout performances at Texas A&M, Scourton has turned heads, and now, NFL teams are gearing up to secure his talents.

Scourton’s Journey at Texas A&M

Nic Scourton’s rise to prominence began when he committed to Texas A&M out of high school, where he was considered one of the top defensive prospects in his recruiting class. The Aggies’ defense quickly benefited from his presence, as he demonstrated an ability to disrupt offensive lines and penetrate the pocket with ease. During his time at Texas A&M, Scourton developed into a versatile defensive end who could thrive in both pass-rushing situations and run defense, giving him the ability to make plays all over the field.

The 2025 season has been a breakout year for Scourton, as he has significantly increased his production and solidified himself as one of the top defensive prospects in college football. Through 12 games in the 2024 season, Scourton recorded 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 42 total tackles, putting him among the leaders in the SEC for defensive stats. His ability to pressure the quarterback consistently, combined with his ability to stop the run, made him a standout in every game he played.

Scourton’s frame is built for the NFL—standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 265 pounds—giving him the size and strength to succeed in the rigors of professional football. His speed, combined with his explosive first step off the line of scrimmage, allows him to create immediate pressure on quarterbacks, which is crucial in the modern NFL. Whether it’s a bull rush, a speed move, or a swim move, Scourton can utilize a variety of techniques to get around blockers and into the backfield, and this versatility has made him an enticing prospect for teams looking for an edge rusher.

Why AFC Teams Are Interested in Scourton

The AFC has become a conference known for high-powered offenses, and it has also seen a recent trend in teams looking to upgrade their defensive lines to compete with these offenses. A strong pass rush is often the key to slowing down dynamic quarterbacks, especially those who are elusive and can escape pressure. For AFC teams that have struggled to pressure quarterbacks, Scourton represents a potential solution.

The AFC is home to several quarterbacks who excel in extending plays and moving outside the pocket. Players like Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), and Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) are known for their ability to make plays while on the move, which puts a premium on teams’ ability to generate pressure with their defensive front. Scourton’s skill set, which allows him to rush the passer effectively both inside and outside, makes him an ideal candidate to help AFC teams counter the threat of these quarterbacks.

AFC Teams in Need of a Pass Rusher

Several AFC teams are looking for an edge rusher like Scourton to help boost their defenses. These teams are often on the cusp of competing for championships but lack a consistent pass rush to take their defense to the next level.

1. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have been one of the top contenders in the AFC in recent years, largely due to the play of quarterback Josh Allen. However, the Bills have struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks consistently, which has held them back in big games. The Bills’ defense has been solid, but they lack a true dominant edge rusher who can take over a game in the way Scourton can.

Scourton’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, combined with his size and athleticism, could make him an ideal fit for the Bills. With the Bills’ defense needing to get more pressure on quarterbacks like Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow, Scourton could be the missing piece for the Bills to compete for a Super Bowl. Adding Scourton would allow the Bills to have a true, versatile pass rusher who can disrupt offenses at every level.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are another AFC team that could benefit from Scourton’s pass-rushing ability. After making a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, the Bengals have re-established themselves as contenders in the AFC. However, their defense still lacks an elite pass rusher, which has limited their ability to pressure top-tier quarterbacks in the conference. While the Bengals have some solid pieces in their front seven, Scourton would bring a level of explosiveness and consistency that the team currently lacks in its pass-rush department.

With quarterbacks like Mahomes, Burrow, and Lamar Jackson in the AFC, the Bengals could use Scourton to add a reliable edge presence who can consistently win one-on-one battles. His ability to finish plays and get after the quarterback would give Cincinnati the push it needs to get over the hump and make a deeper playoff run in the future.

3. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have been an exciting team to watch in recent years, especially with the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the emergence of their dynamic offense. However, Miami’s defense has been inconsistent at times, particularly in terms of generating pressure on the quarterback. With teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in their division, the Dolphins need to find a way to get after the quarterback more effectively.

Scourton’s skill set aligns perfectly with what the Dolphins need. His explosiveness off the edge would give Miami the ability to generate pressure against some of the best quarterbacks in the league. If the Dolphins can pair Scourton with their current defensive talent, they could form one of the most formidable defenses in the AFC.

Scourton’s Fit in Various Defensive Schemes

Another reason why Scourton is such an attractive prospect for AFC teams is his versatility. Scourton’s ability to fit into multiple defensive schemes is a major asset for teams that like to run various fronts and formations. Whether it’s a 3-4 defense or a 4-3 base defense, Scourton has the ability to contribute and excel in both situations.

For teams that run a 4-3 defense, Scourton would primarily serve as a defensive end, where his explosive pass-rushing ability would be maximized. His ability to bend around the edge and create pressure off the edge would make him a nightmare for offensive tackles in one-on-one matchups. For teams that run a 3-4 defense, Scourton could also play as an outside linebacker, where his size and ability to rush the passer would give him an advantage in disrupting the quarterback from various angles.

Scourton’s Potential Impact at the Next Level

At the next level, Scourton’s impact could be felt immediately. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical ability makes him an ideal candidate to make an immediate transition to the NFL. While there may be some adjustment to the speed and complexity of the professional game, Scourton’s physical traits suggest that he will be able to contribute right away. His ability to win with both power and speed, combined with his strong work ethic and high football IQ, will allow him to thrive in the NFL.

For AFC teams looking to bolster their pass rush, Scourton represents an opportunity to get a player who can impact the game from day one. Whether it’s closing out games by sacking the quarterback or creating chaos in the pocket, Scourton’s presence on the field will be felt immediately.