We’re entering week seven of the 2025 NFL season, and now is the time when we can start to more accurately assess how players’ seasons are going. Former Hokies are littered through the NFL and its rosters, so let's look at the top five former Hokies in the NFL so far this season.
1. Divine Deablo, LB – Atlanta Falcons
Let’s start with a player who has been a positive surprise for his new team. Divine Deablo joined the Falcons this past offseason after his four years with the Raiders. Deablo has turned out to be an impactful signing for the Falcons’ defense this year. Through the first few weeks, Atlanta has the #1-ranked defense, only allowing 253 yards per game, and the #1 pass defense, with an average of 139 passing yards allowed per game.
The former Hokie has found a home as an inside linebacker. What stands out are his physical and athletic traits that give him the ability to be a standout against the run and pass coverage. Currently, he has 23 tackles and six quarterback pressures, and in coverage, he’s allowed only four completions with four pass breakups to pair with that.
The advanced numbers are even stronger with 13 stops and an 89.2 defensive grade so far this season per PFF. His start has some speculating that he could be a Pro Bowler this season.
Divine Deablo has found a home that maximizes his talents and has been a key piece to the Atlanta Falcons’ #1-ranked defense.
2. Tremaine Edmunds, LB – Chicago Bears
Tremaine Edmunds is in the middle of his eighth season in the league and third with the Chicago Bears. Since joining the Bears, he has become a leader for the defense. Edmunds has racked up 52 total tackles and, in coverage, has two interceptions through five games.
Edmunds’ great season starts with the change of position. Under Dennis Allen, the Bears’ defensive coordinator, Edmunds has moved to the WILL role instead of being a MIKE. This switch has seemed to be working, as he has been dangerous as a run stopper, and his recent performance against the Commanders is a testament to that.
Despite his eight years of experience, Tremaine Edmunds is still only 27 years old and is finding his stride in a new position to help the Chicago Bears’ defense. And if he keeps this up, he could receive some serious Pro Bowl consideration. He’s also living up to the massive contract that the Bears previously gave him.
3. Christian Darrisaw, OT – Minnesota Vikings
Christian Darrisaw is arguably the best former Hokie currently in the NFL. The former first-round pick back in 2021 has just recently come back a few weeks ago after tearing his ACL and MCL last season.
Despite only playing three games and having a limited snap count, I couldn’t leave Darrisaw off the list. He has immediately had an impact on the line for the Vikings. Through 106 pass-blocking snaps, he's only allowed five pressures and not a single sack. Darrisaw has been a solid reinforcement for the Vikings’ run game as well. His first game back, he helped lead the way for Jordan Mason's 116 rushing yards.
Offensive linemen don’t have the translatable numerical stats to track; nevertheless, Christian Darrisaw has proven himself to be one of the best left tackles in the league, and his performances after injury showcase that.
4. Tim Settle, DT – Houston Texans
Tim Settle is in his second year with the Texans and has been a solid defensive anchor in the middle of the defensive line. Settle is a part of a defense that has emerged as one of the best in the league under head coach DeMeco Ryans. The Houston Texans are a top-five total defense and a top-10 defense against the run, and Settle’s presence in the middle of the line has been a key factor.
He has had an exceptional season as a run defender and as a pass rusher. He has seven total tackles, stops, and quarterback hurries with two batted balls. Tim Settle has always been a respectable defensive tackle in the league, but is now having his best season since his days in Washington early in his career.
5. Jaylin Lane, WR – Washington Commanders
A rookie finds his way onto the list. Through Jaylin Lane’s first few games, he has solidified himself as a dangerous punt returner in the NFL. He has returned 13 punts for a total of 186 yards, averaging over 14 yards per return. His first and only touchdown of his career so far has been a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown in week three.
As a receiver, Jaylin Lane has seven catches for 82 yards through his first few games. More opportunities are on the way for Lane, as the Commanders have dealt with injuries at the receiver position, including the Commanders’ star WR Terry McLaurin.
You can read a full update on the 2025 rookie Hokies in the NFL here.
