Ahmed Hassanein NFL Draft Profile: Boise State's Relentless Edge Rusher Ready to Make History

From Cairo to the Gridiron: The Making of an NFL Prospect Ahmed Hassanein’s journey to the NFL isn’t just a story of football—it’s a saga of perseverance, determination, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Born in the United States but raised in Egypt, Hassanein didn't even speak English when he returned to America as a high schooler, let alone know the intricacies of football. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s on the cusp of making history as the first Egyptian to be drafted into the NFL.

Boise State DE Ahmed Hassanein Shares His Amazing Story with Rich Eisen

A former CrossFit champion, Hassanein’s athletic background gave him an explosive foundation when he finally strapped on the pads in 2019. Despite playing just one season of high school football, he dominated enough to earn Garden Grove League Lineman of the Year honors. That raw potential caught the attention of Boise State, where he rapidly developed into one of the most feared edge rushers in the Mountain West Conference.

Dominating the Mountain West Hassanein’s career at Boise State was one of steady improvement, culminating in two consecutive First-Team All-Mountain West selections. In 2023, he erupted for 12.5 sacks—ranking fifth in the FBS—along with 16.5 tackles for loss. His nine-game sack streak that season was the longest in the FBS since 2015. In 2024, he followed it up with another stellar performance, logging 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, proving his junior year wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

Beyond statistics, Hassanein’s leadership and relentless motor set him apart. He was a finalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, an honor given to players who demonstrate exceptional character on and off the field. His work ethic and determination are undeniable, and they translate directly into his performance on game day.

NFL Combine & Measurables At 6’2”, 267 pounds with a 32 1/4” arm length, Hassanein possesses a sturdy frame ideal for a 4-3 defensive end. While his combine numbers weren’t elite across the board, his athleticism is undeniable. His 4.77-second 40-yard dash ranked in the 81st percentile for defensive linemen, showcasing his straight-line burst. His 32.5-inch vertical jump and 9’5” broad jump further highlight his explosiveness. Additionally, his 27 bench press reps (62nd percentile) show his raw upper-body power.

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Explosive First Step: Hassanein fires off the snap with natural leverage, making him difficult to contain off the edge.

• Powerful Bull Rush: He converts speed into power effectively, often collapsing the pocket with his initial punch.

• High Motor & Relentless Effort: He never takes plays off, consistently chasing down ball carriers and fighting through blocks.

• Hand Combat Skills: His background in CrossFit and martial arts has translated into a refined hand-fighting technique.

• Football IQ & Instincts: Despite his late start in football, Hassanein has shown a strong ability to diagnose plays, particularly screens and reverses.

• Run Defense Discipline: Holds the edge well, forcing plays back inside and maintaining gap integrity.

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Limited Pass Rush Arsenal: While effective, he still relies too heavily on his bull rush and needs to develop a wider variety of moves.

• Tackling Inconsistency: Occasionally leaves his feet on tackles, leading to missed opportunities in space.

• Double Team Struggles: When facing double teams, he can get washed out if he fails to maintain leverage.

• Coverage Inexperience: Hasn’t been asked to drop into coverage much, which could limit his scheme versatility.

  
  

Draft Projection & NFL Fit Hassanein’s best fit in the NFL is as a rotational edge rusher in a 4-3 scheme, where he can focus on what he does best—getting after the quarterback. He’s an ideal Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-6) for teams looking to add a high-motor pass rusher with developmental upside.

The Green Bay Packers, for instance, have expressed a need for more pressure from their front four. Given their emphasis on building defensive line depth, Hassanein could be an ideal target for them late in the draft. Similarly, teams like the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs—who value high-energy, developmental pass rushers—could see him as a valuable addition.

Final Verdict: A Diamond in the Rough Ahmed Hassanein is still refining his technique, but his relentless effort, athleticism, and production make him a compelling NFL prospect. His unique background and rapid development suggest that his ceiling is still far from being reached. With the right coaching staff and a defensive line rotation that allows him to hone his skills, he could emerge as one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft.

One thing is certain—whoever drafts Ahmed Hassanein won’t just be getting a football player; they’ll be getting a relentless competitor with an insatiable drive to succeed. And as history has shown us, players with that kind of mentality tend to carve out long, successful careers in the NFL.