Tyreem Powell Rutgers EDGE: Rising Star Poised for Breakout 2025 Season
Tyreem Powell is one of Rutgers’ most impressive defensive talents heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’4″ and 239 pounds, the linebacker brings a rare combination of size and instinct to the field that has scouts taking notice. While primarily listed as a linebacker, Powell’s pass rush abilities and run-stopping prowess have many teams viewing him as a potential EDGE defender at the next level. Draft analysts currently rank him as the #32 linebacker prospect.
Powell’s career at Rutgers has been marked by consistency and steady improvement. He’s appeared in 43 games with 32 starts, accumulating 201 tackles including 11.5 for loss and 5 sacks. His film reveals a disciplined defender who excels at filling running lanes and maintaining proper positioning—skills that translate well regardless of where he lines up in defensive formations.
What makes Powell particularly intriguing is his development arc. His 4.92 forty time won’t wow anyone, but his instincts as a lane-filling run defender and growing pass rush toolkit suggest he could become a valuable rotational piece for NFL teams looking for versatile front-seven contributors. His experience and production at Rutgers have prepared him well for the jump to professional football.
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Early Life and Recruitment
Tyreem Powell grew up in Vineland, New Jersey, where he developed his football skills at Vineland South High School. As a high school athlete, Powell showcased his versatility by excelling as a two-way talent.
He caught the attention of college recruiters with his athletic ability and football IQ. Powell was rated as a three-star athlete during his recruitment process, demonstrating potential that would later blossom at the collegiate level.
In December 2019, Powell made his college decision official when he signed his national letter of intent with Rutgers University. This commitment kept the talented New Jersey product in-state, a significant win for the Scarlet Knights’ recruiting efforts.
Powell’s decision to join Rutgers allowed him to develop his skills closer to home while contributing to the program’s defensive identity. His high school experience playing multiple positions would prove valuable as he transitioned to linebacker at the collegiate level.
The Vineland native brought a combination of size, athleticism, and football instincts that projected well for his development in Rutgers’ defensive scheme. His recruitment represented exactly the type of in-state talent that Rutgers needed to rebuild its program.
College Career at Rutgers
Tyreem Powell emerged as a defensive cornerstone for the Scarlet Knights, developing from a promising freshman into one of the team’s most reliable linebackers under coach Greg Schiano’s guidance.
Freshman Season Highlights
Powell’s initial campaign with Rutgers in 2020 showed flashes of his potential, though like many freshmen, his playing time was limited. He appeared in 7 games, primarily on special teams while learning the defensive system. The 6’5″ linebacker used this developmental year to adjust to the college game’s speed and complexity.
Despite limited defensive snaps, Powell recorded 8 tackles and showed the athleticism that would later become his calling card. Coaches noted his exceptional work ethic during practice sessions.
Greg Schiano and the defensive staff saw enough promise to begin grooming him for a larger role. His combination of size and mobility made him an intriguing prospect for the Scarlet Knights’ defensive schemes.
Sophomore Year Improvement
Powell’s sophomore season marked his emergence as a legitimate contributor to the Rutgers defense. He played in 13 games with 9 starts, showcasing his versatility and developing football IQ. His production jumped significantly as he became comfortable in his role.
The season yielded 68 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and his first career sack. His ability to defend both the run and pass made him a three-down linebacker – a valuable commodity in modern college football.
Sophomore Season Stats:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games/Starts | 13/9 |
| Total Tackles | 68 |
| TFLs | 3.0 |
| Sacks | 1.0 |
| Pass Breakups | 2 |
Powell’s development curve accelerated under Schiano’s defensive tutelage, with the coach often praising his football intelligence and physical attributes.
Junior Year Performance
Powell’s junior campaign cemented his status as one of the Big Ten’s emerging defensive talents. Starting all 12 games, he led the Scarlet Knights defense with commanding performances week after week.
His production surged to 81 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Powell’s two games with double-digit stops highlighted his consistency and nose for the football. His performance against Ohio State – 12 tackles including a sack – demonstrated his ability to perform against elite competition.
NFL scouts began taking notice of Powell’s unique frame and athletic, playmaking abilities as an off-ball linebacker. His coverage skills improved markedly, allowing him to stay on the field in passing situations.
The Scarlet Knights’ defense improved significantly with Powell anchoring the middle, climbing several spots in the Big Ten defensive rankings.
Senior Year Expectations
Entering his final season at Rutgers, Powell has established himself as the unquestioned leader of the defense and a legitimate NFL prospect. Draft analysts project him as a potential day two selection with his rare combination of size and athleticism.
With 201 career tackles and 5 sacks already to his credit, Powell aims to bolster his draft stock with an elite senior campaign. Coaches expect him to serve as an on-field extension of the defensive staff, making adjustments and ensuring proper alignments.
The Scarlet Knights’ defensive success in 2025 will heavily depend on Powell’s continued development and leadership. His versatility allows defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak to deploy multiple looks without substituting personnel.
Powell has focused on improving his blitz timing and coverage skills during spring practices, addressing the few weaknesses in his otherwise impressive skill set.
Tyreem Powell’s Position as EDGE
There’s an interesting positional nuance with Tyreem Powell that needs clarification. Despite some listings as an EDGE, Powell is primarily a linebacker at Rutgers, not an edge rusher.
Powell brings remarkable physical attributes to the linebacker position. At 6’5″ and 235 pounds, he possesses what some scouts call a unicorn build for a modern linebacker.
His length and height create matchup problems for offenses, particularly in coverage situations. While he can rush the passer, he’s developed as an off-ball linebacker who occasionally lines up on the edge in certain packages.
Powell’s statistical production reflects his linebacker role rather than a pure edge rusher:
| Year | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 29 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Prior | 80+ | 7 | 3 | 1 |
NFL scouts project Powell as a mid-round prospect, currently ranked #32 among linebackers with a 74.0 rating. His 4.92 forty time raises some concerns about his lateral mobility.
The redshirt senior is valued for his tackling ability and pass rush potential rather than pure edge skills. His versatility allows defensive coordinators to deploy him in multiple roles.
Teams looking for positional flexibility might see Powell as a hybrid defender who can play traditional linebacker while occasionally providing edge pressure.
Statistical Overview
Tyreem Powell’s statistical performance at Rutgers showcases his development as a linebacker with NFL potential. His numbers reflect consistent improvement across multiple defensive categories throughout his collegiate career.
Tackles and Assists
Powell established himself as a tackling machine during his time with the Scarlet Knights. In 2022, he started all 12 games and racked up 71 total tackles. That production demonstrated his ability to stay on the field and contribute consistently.
His tackle production continued to improve as he gained experience in the Rutgers defense. What stands out most is his reliability – Powell recorded at least four tackles in every single game during his sophomore campaign.
Looking at his career progression, the numbers tell a clear story:
| Season | Games | Total Tackles | Solo | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 71 | 40 | 31 |
| 2023 | 12 | 83 | 47 | 36 |
Sacks and Tackles for Loss
Powell’s disruptive ability in the backfield became more evident as his career progressed. In 2022, he registered six tackles for loss and three sacks, showing an emerging ability to penetrate offensive lines.
This production represents solid value for an off-ball linebacker, indicating versatility in how defensive coordinators can deploy him. Powell isn’t just a cleanup tackler – he can be sent on blitzes and create negative plays.
His pressure rates and TFL numbers should intrigue NFL scouts looking for linebackers who can contribute in multiple phases of defense. With his impressive 82 5/8-inch wingspan (96th percentile), Powell has the physical tools to continue developing as a pass rusher at the next level.
Interceptions and Pass Deflections
The modern NFL demands linebackers who can cover, and Powell’s statistics in pass defense provide evidence of his capabilities in this area. While not producing elite interception numbers, he has shown the awareness and athleticism to drop into coverage effectively.
His coverage skills align with what teams seek in today’s game – linebackers who don’t need to come off the field on passing downs. With the league increasingly using nickel and dime packages, Powell’s ability to stay on the field for all three downs enhances his draft value.
The combination of his length (34 5/8-inch arms, 90th percentile) and instincts make him a legitimate option in zone coverage schemes. Though his 4.92 forty time won’t wow scouts, his production in coverage suggests better functional athleticism than his testing numbers indicate.
Coaching Influence
Head coach Greg Schiano significantly shaped Tyreem Powell’s development at Rutgers. When Schiano returned to Rutgers in December 2019, Powell changed course after initially committing to Virginia Tech.
Schiano’s defensive expertise transformed Powell into the linebacker he is today. His system emphasizes aggressive play and versatility, qualities that Powell embodies on the field.
The relationship between Powell and his coach extends beyond X’s and O’s. Schiano has been vocal about Powell’s leadership abilities, regularly mentioning him as a defensive cornerstone during media appearances.
When healthy, Powell serves as the leader of the Rutgers defense, translating Schiano’s philosophy into on-field production. This connection has been crucial for the Scarlet Knights’ defensive identity.
Schiano’s NFL background (former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach) has proven valuable in preparing Powell for professional scrutiny. The coach’s defensive schemes highlight Powell’s versatility, a trait NFL scouts prize.
| Schiano’s Influence on Powell | |
|---|---|
| Position Development | Transformed from high school safety to NFL-caliber linebacker |
| Leadership Growth | Regular team captain and defensive signal-caller |
| Scheme Versatility | Multiple positions within Rutgers’ defensive packages |
| Draft Projection | Mid-round selection in 2025 NFL Draft |
Powell’s decision to return for another season under Schiano’s tutelage speaks volumes about their productive relationship. This additional development time could significantly boost his draft stock.
Team Dynamics and Morale
Tyreem Powell has emerged as a cornerstone of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defense under head coach Greg Schiano. His leadership role became official in 2024 when he was named a team captain, reflecting the respect he’s earned from both coaches and teammates.
Powell’s influence extends beyond his on-field production. The linebacker’s comeback from injury earned him recognition as a 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Semifinalist, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the program.
Teammates consistently point to Powell’s work ethic as setting the standard in practice. His approach to preparation has created a culture of mutual accountability within the linebacker corps.
Schiano’s defensive philosophy requires complete buy-in and consent from his players, particularly from leaders like Powell who execute his complex schemes. This relationship of trust has strengthened the entire unit.
| Powell’s Leadership Metrics | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Games as Captain | 12 |
| Teammate Recognition Awards | 3 |
| Academic All-Big Ten | Yes |
| Leadership Council Member | Yes |
The linebacker’s presence has particularly benefited younger defenders, with several citing Powell’s mentorship as crucial to their development. His willingness to guide newcomers speaks to his character.
NFL scouts have noted this leadership quality, with several teams including the Patriots, Titans, and Steelers viewing Powell as a prospect who could immediately contribute to team culture while developing his on-field skills.
Impact on Big Ten Conference
Tyreem Powell has emerged as a disruptive force for Rutgers in the Big Ten, establishing himself as one of the conference’s premier defensive talents. His presence on the field changes how opposing offenses game plan against the Scarlet Knights.
The linebacker’s impact was perhaps most evident in the 2023 season when Rutgers faced Indiana. Powell was leading the team with 52 tackles before suffering an injury during that game. His absence was immediately felt.
Powell’s on-field intelligence separates him from other defenders in the conference. He’s earned three Academic All-Big Ten selections, demonstrating the cerebral approach he brings to the position.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Powell’s Big Ten performances. Despite playing only 10 games while not at 100% health, his game-changing abilities remained evident.
| Powell’s Big Ten Impact | Stats |
|---|---|
| Games Played (2023) | 10 |
| Tackles Before Injury | 52 |
| Academic All-Big Ten | 3 selections |
| Game-Changing Plays | Forced fumble vs. Minnesota |
His forced fumble against Minnesota perfectly encapsulates his conference impact – creating momentum-shifting plays that alter Big Ten contests.
Powell’s return to full health in 2025 has conference offensive coordinators concerned. As NFL Draft evaluators continue tracking his development, Powell has positioned himself as a legitimate NFL prospect while making the Comeback Player of the Year watch list.
Future Prospects
Tyreem Powell has positioned himself as a noteworthy prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite playing for a program that hasn’t historically produced many high-round draft picks, scouts have taken notice of the Rutgers linebacker.
Currently, Powell sits around the 32nd ranked linebacker in the draft class according to NFL Draft Buzz. On ESPN’s Scouts Inc. full draft board, he falls in the 270s overall, which projects him as a late-round selection. This speaks to the depth of this year’s defensive talent pool.
What makes Powell interesting to NFL teams is his versatility. While listed as a linebacker at Rutgers, many scouts view him as a potential EDGE defender at the next level, particularly in certain packages.
His measurables certainly help his case:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’4⅜” |
| Weight | 239 lbs |
| Arm Length | 34⅝” |
| Hand Size | 9″ |
Powell’s tackling prowess and pass rush potential make him a developmental prospect rather than an immediate impact player. Teams will likely view him as a specialized defender who can contribute in specific roles while developing his overall game.
His appearance at the NFL Combine without participating in drills suggests he might be banking on a strong Pro Day performance to improve his stock before draft day.
