Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland is one of the most productive pass rushers in the draft. Over the last two seasons at Virginia Tech, Powell-Ryland registered 25.5 sacks, including 16.5 sacks in 2024. But his path to the 2025 NFL Draft hasn’t been without challenges. Powell-Ryland grew up in Portsmouth, Va., which has a violent crime rate 127% above the national average, per Area Vibes. During his podium session at the NFL Combine, Powell-Ryland acknowledged the challenges that he faced to get to this point.
“Coming from Portsmouth, Virginia, it was a definite challenge. Growing up, where I’m from, not a lot of people make it out from where I’m from,” Powell-Ryland said.