Top Defensive NFL Draft Prospects Coming Out of Arizona State

Brian Ward is coaching several players who will be playing at the pro level in the future.

Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman C.J. Fite (99) celebrates tackle for loss against Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images | Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils have found a new lifeline over the last three weeks following a loss.

The three-game win streak has been in large part due to a defense that has stepped up in key moments - arguably even dominating parts of the opening two games of Big 12 play.

Apr 25, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; The 2025 NFL Draft logo is seen carved into blocks of cheese during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA Today Network via Imagn Images | Tork Mason-Imagn Images

The win over Texas Christian was capped off by the fact that it was attended by scouts from north than 20 NFL organizations. Arizona State on SI takes a look at the top three prospects at this juncture.

Fite has continued to shoot up draft boards over the last year behind a massive sophomore year jump.

The now-junior is an unbelievable three-technique that has headlined an elite run defense for a full calendar year. He has been so dominant at times that he commands double teams on demand. He has also managed to improve his pass-rushing skills from the interior as well - further establishing himself as a top-100 prospect moving forward.

Elliott hasn't flown up draft boards or been the focus of many draft analysts - the off-ball backer has many skills that should be appealing to NFL squads regardless.

The New Mexico State transfer has the requisite size, speed, and intangibles, while also being described as the strongest player on the team by head coach Kenny Dillingham.

Elliott is awesome in run support, has held his own in coverage, and has seemingly been flying in the backfield of any given play - expect an NFL team to fall in love with him in the coming months.

Abney has shot up draft boards in his own right over the last year - the junior has been praised by DC Brian Ward for his consistently sticky man coverage. The coverage has been elite to the point that he has yet to allow a touchdown in coverage to this point, in a high volume of snaps.

Expect the Texas native to be a relatively high draft pick come next April.

Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; A detail view of an Arizona State Sun Devils helmet before the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Read more on major takeaways from Arizona State's clutch-time victory over TCU here, and more on why Arizona State fans should be feeling confident about the outlook of the season following the win here.

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