Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DE/LB
School: Virginia Tech University | Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
College Experience: Senior | Draft Age: 23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’3”/ 258 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th – 6th round
Player Comparison: Markus Golden / Harold Landry
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2020* | Florida | SEC | FR | LB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021* | Florida | SEC | FR | LB | 12 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2022* | Florida | SEC | SO | LB | 13 | 11 | 18 | 29 | 6 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2023* | Virginia Tech | ACC | JR | DL | 13 | 23 | 17 | 40 | 15 | 9.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2024* | Virginia Tech | ACC | SR | DL | 12 | 29 | 14 | 43 | 19 | 16.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Career | 52 | 66 | 51 | 117 | 42 | 30.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 | |||||
| Florida (3 Yrs) | 27 | 14 | 20 | 34 | 8 | 4.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |||||
| Virginia Tech (2 Yrs) | 25 | 52 | 31 | 83 | 34 | 25.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |||||
Player Overview
Portsmouth-native Antwaun Powell-Ryland was a four-star recruit from Indian River HS (VA) who initially committed to the University of Florida. After struggling to get starting snaps, he transferred to Virginia Tech University where he was able to blossom. His final two seasons, he accumulated a combined 83 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 34 TFL (tackles for losses) and 6 fumbles (all recovered). Powell-Ryland earned ACC honors both seasons and All-American honors in his final season. He was invited to the East-West Shrine Game in 2024.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland provides great production in a less than ideal body frame. He has great take off, he’s able to convert speed to power, and can bend around tackles even through contact. He has a good repertoire of pass rushing moves and plays with plenty of disruptive effort. Even though Antwaun doesn’t have exceptional athletic traits for defensive end, the main issue for Powell-Ryland comes down to his subpar arm length (31 ⅛” in.). While Antwaun was able to play through it in college, scouts are unsure on how effective he could be in the pros at that position. Ryland-Powell is considered an average run defender. Sometimes he plays too tall and gets swallowed by larger tackles and climbing blockers.
Antwaun has made the most of his opportunity at Virginia Tech, putting up great pass rushing production in his final two seasons. He learned how to make the most of his measurables and his play was recognized on the collegiate stage. He is a projected day three selection in a rotational role, likely in designated pass rush situations. A team that loves Antwaun may give him more opportunities to show he is a talented pass rusher who makes the best of his subpar length.
Awards & Recognition:
- Second Team All-ACC (2023)
- First Team All-ACC (2024)
- Third Team All-American (2024)
- 2024 Dudley Award Winner (best FBS/FCS football player in Virginia)
- East-West Shrine Participant (2024)
Metrics
Antwaun Powell-Ryland is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 8.50 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 272 out of 1802 DE from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, Times unofficial.https://t.co/Q0oS3wjFBK pic.twitter.com/hOlKIuoSH9
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 27, 2025
Strengths
- A violent pass rushing technician with an assortment of hand moves.
- Great take-off and keeps tackles on the edge.
- Able to bend even through contact without losing much speed.
- A disruptive tackler that wraps up. Always look to knock the ball out (9 forced fumbles).
- Great speed to power bull rush that drives tackles backwards.
- Great motor and effort.
- Good height/weight frame.
Weaknesses
- Over relies on the spin move.
- Subpar arm length (31 ⅛ “ in.)
- Average run defender can get absorbed by climbing blockers, especially larger tackles.
- Lacks explosive closing speed.
Let’s See His Work
Antwaun Powell-Ryland’s number is #52
Few EDGE rushers in the 2025 #NFLDraft class have been as productive as @HokiesFB EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland (@TwaunPowell)
He finished the 2024 season with:
✅2nd most sacks per game in the country✅33.5 TFL, second most in the country over the last two years (only behind… pic.twitter.com/kULLJJHZSO
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) February 22, 2025
#VirginiaTech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland plays with some nice pop in his hands and power. Can forklift linemen with speed to power and has a nice spin move as a counter.
Has experience with hand in the dirt and as standup rusher. Slippery, a good run defender, suitable length. pic.twitter.com/69bvO019hl
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) May 14, 2024
Interviews
How Will He Fit On The Team
Sub-package rusher or not, 10.5 sacks is 10.5 sacks (and 14 TFLs). With Dante Fowler leaving the Commanders, Washington will have to fill the void with a few players. Defensive end has become the highest positional priority for Washington after free agency and it is easy to see Adam Peters filling the position with a top pick or a trade. But by chance Washington wants to double-dip and add a pass rushing specialist, that is a role Antwaun Powell-Ryland can fill. Antwaun has shown he is able to make the most of his measurable limitations as a pass rusher. More playing time can come if he is able to be coached to be more effective in attacking the run. Antwaun won’t single-handedly match Fowler’s numbers but used in the right situation, he can be a rotating piece that can make plays.