Welcome to 2026 IDP Alert: Defensive Tackle Prospects!
They say that for true love, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all could learn a lesson or two from Walt Disney and his acclaimed “Beauty and the Beast.” This big man theme really mirrors the story of Beauty and the Beast. You seem, on the surface, these massive defensive linemen look like pure wrecking forces, intimidating, raw, and built to dominate with power, much like the Beast’s fearsome exterior. But just like in the story, once you look deeper through combine testing and film study, you start to see the beauty as IDP Managers: the athleticism, technique, intelligence, and hidden finesse that separate true difference-makers from just big bodies. In IDP terms, the “beauty” is the refined skill set behind the brute strength: the burst off the snap, hand usage, and pass-rush polish that transform a trench monster into a fantasy gem.
But how are we supposed to rank the interior defensive lineman draft class? What metrics should we look at? Who has the interesting profiles, sleepers, fallers, and risers emerging? We got you covered. Let’s take a closer look. Who’s climbing your IDP boards?
Full rankings + breakdown dropping … well, why not right now. Let’s go.
| Name | College | Ht | Wt | Hand | Arm | Wing | 40 | 10-YD | BP | Vert | BJ | SS | 3-Cone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Woods | Clemson | 6-2 | 298 | 9 1/8 | 31 1/4 | 76 3/8 | |||||||
| Christen Miller | Georgia | 6-4 | 321 | 10 | 33 | 80 1/8 | |||||||
| Kayden McDonald | Ohio St. | 6-2 | 326 | 9 3/4 | 32 1/4 | 78 1/8 | |||||||
| Lee Hunter | Texas Tech | 6-3 | 320 | 9 1/4 | 34 1/4 | 80 3/4 | 5.18 | 1.79 | 21.5 | 100 | |||
| Caleb Banks | Florida | 6-6 | 335 | 10 7/8 | 35 | 85 3/4 | 5.04 | 1.76 | 32 | 114 | |||
| Darrell Jackson Jr. | Florida St. | 6-5 | 328 | 11 | 35 | ||||||||
| Domonique Orange | Iowa St. | 6-2 | 322 | 10 1/4 | 33 3/8 | ||||||||
| Chris McClellan | Missouri | 6-3 | 315 | 11 | 34 | 5.05 | 1.8 | 25 | 29.5 | 108 | |||
| Nick Barrett | South Carolina | 6-3 | 315 | 10 | 33 1/2 | 5.1 | 1.7 | 31.5 | 108 | 4.91 | |||
| Rayshaun Benny | Michigan | 6-3 | 298 | 9 1/4 | 33 1/2 | ||||||||
| Gracen Halton | Oklahoma | 6-2 | 293 | 10 | 31 3/4 | 77 3/4 | 4.82 | 1.7 | 36.5 | 114 | 4.79 | ||
| Aaron Graves | Iowa | 6-4 | 300 | no invite | |||||||||
| Aaron Hall | Duke | 6-4 | 296 | 10 | 33 1/2 | ||||||||
| Dontay Corleone | Cincinnati | 6-0 | 340 | 9 7/8 | 31 7/8 | ||||||||
| Tim Keenan III | Alabama | 6-1 | 332 | 8 3/4 | 31 | 5.31 | 1.84 | 21 | 30 | 100 | |||
| Albert Regis | Texas A&M | 6-1 | 295 | 9 3/4 | 31 5/8 | 4.88 | 1.72 | 34 | 116 | 4.85 | |||
| David Gusta | Kentucky | 6-2 | 313 | 10 | 31 1/8 | 4.88 | 1.68 | 37 | 32 | ||||
| Zxavian Harris | Ole Miss | 6-7 | 330 | 10 | 34 5/8 | ||||||||
| Zane Durant | Penn St. | 6-1 | 290 | 10 5/8 | 32 1/4 | 4.75 | 1.66 | 33.5 | 112 | ||||
| Deven Eastern | Minnesota | 6-5 | 315 | 10 | 34 1/8 | 27.5 | 112 | ||||||
| Brandon Cleveland | N.C. State | 6-2 | 322 | 9 1/4 | 32 3/8 | 5.12 | 1.78 | ||||||
| Cameron Ball | Arkansas | 6-3 | 313 | 9 1/2 | 33 | 5.13 | 1.79 | 32 | 109 | 4.76 | |||
| Tyler Onyedim | Texas A&M | 6-3 | 292 | 10 1/4 | 34 1/4 | 32 | 111 | ||||||
| Skyler Gill-Howard | Texas Tech | 6-1 | 280 | 9 1/4 | 30 3/4 | 27 | |||||||
| Kaleb Proctor | SE Louisiana | 6-1 | 291 | 9 5/8 | 33 | 4.79 | 1.69 | 33 | 113 | 4.71 | |||
| Demonte Capehart | Clemson | 6-5 | 314 | 10 1/4 | 33 7/8 | 4.85 | 1.72 | 33.5 | 107 | ||||
| Jackie Marshall | Baylor | 6-2 | 300 | 9 1/2 | 32 | 4.88 | 1.69 | 4.68 | |||||
| Damonic Williams | Oklahoma | 6-2 | 305 | 10 | 33 1/8 | 30 | |||||||
| Jahmeer Carter | Virginia | 6-2 | 311 | ||||||||||
| Bryson Eason | Tennessee | 6-2 | 323 | 10 | 33 5/8 | 5.09 | 1.78 | 30.5 | 112 | 5.00 | |||
| Rene Konga | Louisville | 6-4 | 300 | ||||||||||
| Landon Robinson | Navy | 5-11 | 291 | 9 1/8 | 31 5/8 | ||||||||
| Jordan van den Berg | Georgia Tech | 6-3 | 300 | ||||||||||
| Clay Patterson | Stanford | 6-3 | 280 | ||||||||||
| Jeffrey M’ba | SMU | 6-5 | 316 | 10 3/8 | 33 3/4 |
- Sub-4.90 at 290-305 lbs = strong athletic indicator
- 1.70 or better 10-yard split = explosion
- 33″+ vertical at 300+ = plus lower-body power
- Poor 10-yard (1.80+) + 5.20+ 40 = athletic red flag
The single best tool to look at here is the 10-yard split times (found to the left of the 40-yard dash on the 10-yard split chart). This one event is important for real-life scouts to evaluate a player’s explosiveness. No one is going to care if a big man can run 40 yards down the field or not. Most plays require quick acceleration through the line or bursting into the second level, between the downs on the field, not long-distance sprints.
Use the 10-yard split as a way to gauge a player’s short burst of speed when a play develops on the field. It generally only lasts a few seconds within those ten yards. A good 10-yard split time for a defensive tackle at the NFL Combine is typically between 1.65 and 1.75 seconds; anything near 1.7 would be elite, as this drill solely gives an indicator of explosiveness.
For a deeper dive into why these stats matter and how they correlate with all positions’ success, check out the full article Combine Cheat Codes over at the Fantasy Six Pack. NFL Combine Drills 2026: Cheat Codes for Fantasy Football and IDP.
Let’s break down the prospects!
DT Risers
Gracen Halton – Oklahoma
- 4.82 forty
- 1.70 split
- 36.5″ vertical
- 114″ broad
- 4.79 three-cone
At 293 lbs, this is elite testing across the board. He likely boosted himself solidly up Day 2 boards.
Lee Hunter – Texas Tech
- 5.18 forty (bad)
- 6’3 and 4/8 and 318 pounds (Great)
- 1.79 split (Great_
- 21.5″ vertical (Bad)
Analytically, he may have a bad combine, particularly the vertical, but wasnt expected to be a sprinter. The size and split coes is what I wanted to see out of him.
Zane Durant – Penn State
- 4.75 forty
- 1.66 split
- 33.5″ vertical
- 112″ broad
At 290 lbs, that 1.66 split is serious juice. Explosive 3-tech profile. Big stock up.
Kaleb Proctor – SE Louisiana
- 4.79 forty
- 1.69 split
- 33″ vertical
- 113″ broad
- 4.71 three-cone
We brought him up as a sleeper on the IDP Hunter Podcast. For a smaller school DL, this is strong testing. Once thought to be a sleeper, helped himself significantly.
Albert Regis – Texas A&M
- 4.88 forty
- 1.72 split
- 34″ vertical
- 116″ broad
That 116″ broad jump is excellent for 295 lbs. Solid mid-Day 3 riser.
Caleb Banks – Florida
- 5.04 at 335 lbs
- 1.76 split
- 32″ vertical
- 114″ broad
For 335 pounds, this is impressive movement. Helped confirm athletic upside.
DT Fallers
Tim Keenan III – Alabama
- Had an average profile in a deep class.
- That 1.84 split is concerning for interior quickness. Didn’t help himself.
Dontay Corleone – Cincinnati
- 4.85 forty
- 31 7/8 T-Rex Arms
- Medical Red Flags
- Weight issues in his career showed up at 318 pounds
- Blood Clot issues is major red flag
Chris McClellan – Missouri
- Expect to be exceptional (solid but not special outing)
- 5.05 forty
Skylar Gil-Howard
- Gave us nothing outside of measurements
- Already smaller, listed at 6’1 290, weighed in at 280. Yikes.
Let’s Rank ’em!
DT1 Peter Woods
Peter Woods (Clemson defensive tackle) took a conservative approach at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine (held late February 2026 in Indianapolis), opting out of on-field positional drills, the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, and other athletic testing. Here is what we know:
SA former five-star recruit with impressive speed and size. Standing at 6’3” and 315 pounds first thing that jumps out on film is his quick first step, arguably the best in the class. He understands how pressure works and gets after the Quarterback quickly, with a True Pass rush grade of 22% (for those who don’t know, that is a stat that measures true drop-back passes, eliminating play-action, RPOs, screens, and trick plays). It just didn’t translate for production in 2024. doesn’t have the production.
You would think he would want to show off his athletic abilities, but he chose not to. The Combine isn’t set up for big guys, so maybe that’s why. At any rate, he had two sacks last year, 3.5 the year before, and 0 in his three seasons of Football. That’s playing both ends and inside.
But where was the production? There are a few reasons likely for this. Just like the rest of the Clemson team, the players there fell short last season. It could be because the team changed from a successful 4-3 scheme to 4-2-5.
But there is another rumor: it was his 10-15 pounds of weight gain that held him back this season; he played better the previous season at 305.
Not just the Combine, but I was looking for him at the Senior Bowl. Nothing to report back. He did alright; he was a top-10 guy in practices. Someone wrote an article, but nothing could definitely sway me from this. Maybe he’s holding back and waiting to show us the best is yet to come. Still valued as the number one interior defensive lineman, but there are contenders, and that lead could be fading fast.
DT2 Lee Hunter
One of the quickest risers in the class: Lee Hunter is surging up draft boards. Since the Senior Bowl/ Combine week, Hunter has vaulted himself from a top-50 prospect into legitimate first-round conversations. Explosive off the snap, he’s dominant as both a pass rusher and run defender, boasting one of the best run-stopping profiles in the entire 2026 DT group. As a nose tackle, he anchored one of the country’s top defensive line units at Texas Tech.
Hunter had a mixed bag at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Blowing kisses at the Camera probably did not help much. His “unsolicited” on-field drills showcased good explosiveness as he “lurked” around, giving magnum stares and rock-eye-brow-curling moments that are the stuff of future GIFs on the Internet. The power for his 6’3½”/318-pound frame and the athletic testing were underwhelming: a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, 1.79-second 10-yard split, 21.5-inch vertical (one of the lowest marks), and 8’4″ broad jump. It is not his game anyway; the tape and strong production stand for themselves.
What really helped his draft stock at the Senior Bowl was that during Senior Bowl week, he was almost unblockable and showcased in practice, winning one-on-one drills against top competition. They moved him around different techs that week, and the experiment worked. Originally thought to just be a 0-tech type of interior player, he showed throughout the week that he is capable of so much more next level. Teams are going to look at his size, his story, and his production and are likely to make him a first- or 2nd-round pick.
Fun Facts:
Hunter has some very interesting stats.
Per PFF College, Since 2023. His 146 Tackles rank 1st amongst his position in this class. 38 TFL’s/No Gain also 1st. 81 Run Stops (1st) 75 QB Pressures (2nd)
DT3 Caleb Banks
Massive riser and arguably in the conversation as a top three DT for teams prioritizing traits/upside. At 6’6¼”/327-335 lbs, his 5.04 40, blazing 1.76 split, 32″ vertical, 114″ broad, longest DT wingspan since ’99 (85¾”), and 35″ arms scream freak. Injury history cooled him pre-Combine, but this athletic explosion (rare for his size) makes him a potential top-15 overall pick as a dominant space-eater/pass-rush threat.
Three things you need to know: Profiles as a top three DT, exciting tape, physically gifted freaky athleticism who pours pressures at the QB. What I mean is that he is a 6’6″, 329-pound player, but he moves so quickly, generating pressure all over the field.
He generally plays three-tech or nose tackle, but you could see him play over at nine-tech in passing situations.
Elite arm length for an interior player and an exceptionally quick 12% pressure rate since 2023 at rushing the passer. Bit of a down year, but as a prospect possess elite ability that should translate to the next level. But why isn’t anyone talking to him, certainly like the other top names in this draft class, then?
I have him lower than the consensus. People like him in the elite tier, but with a 25.5% missed tackle rate (his only knock when compared to the other three, but it’s a big knock either way) I have concerns on how to clean that up next level. Thus, putting the other guy’s head and shoulder ahead of him. Has an interesting case study: he has the best talent among the top picks ahead of him and the potential to be the best defensive tackle in this Draft class.
DT4 Kayden McDonald
Mel Kiper Jr. still has Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) as his DT1 on his most recent big board (pre-Combine positional rankings on ESPN). Skipping the 40-yard dash and other measurables, lacking the expected athleticism and fluidity. McDonald’s game is built on power as a big run-stopper (different from pure IDP, as we play). His Combine was average, but not enough to nitpick this claim. Here is what we know so far: Stout 6’2-6’3″/326 lbs anchor with elite run defense, consistency, and breakout production. Testing was solid, with no major red flags, which is great news for a big guy who plays both 3-4/4-3 DT and commands doubles.
DT5 Christian Miller, Georgia
You’ll often hear praise for his reliability as a tackler, and it shows up clearly on film in many instances. However, his missed tackle rate jumped dramatically to 19.5% this past season, ballooning from just 5.9% the year before. There could be various factors at play, scheme changes, increased snaps, fatigue from a heavy workload, or simply more opportunities in space, but it’s a red flag worth digging into for evaluators, especially for a big run defender projected as a fringe first- or second-round pick depending on how he stacks up against the other top DTs in this class.
DT6 Dominique Orange
Domonique Orange has the best nickname in this draft class, “Big Citrus”, stuck to measurables only at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, no on-field drills or positional work, but still turning heads with his verified athletic analytical profile. At just 22 years old and projected as a solid second-round pick (fringe late Day 1 to early Day 2 depending on final boards), he’s the prototypical immovable nose tackle for obvious running downs: a thick, powerful anchor who rarely gets knocked off his spot on tape, excels at clogging gaps, eating doubles, and holding the point of attack with elite strength and leverage.
While he lacks production, his freakish power, benching 450 pounds, squatting 650, cleaning 365, and a 34-inch vertical jump—earned him a spot on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, highlighting rare explosiveness for a 6’4″/325-pound frame. That athletic prowess shines through in his ability to stack and shed, maintain pad level, and disrupt with surprising quickness off the snap despite his massive build. Many evaluators slot him as a top-6 to top-7 interior defensive lineman in the class (often DT3–DT7 on big boards), and his Combine numbers should sustain or boost that momentum as a high-floor run defender with starter upside in 3-4 or 4-3 under schemes—exactly the kind of “Big Nasty” whose sheer strength and presence bring all the blockers (and scouts) to the yard.
Great run defense, but not that good on tackles. Individual tackles have a 21% missed-tackle rate, which could be due to his ability to take on double teams well. I’ve seen a few lists where he is DT3 in this class. So why’s he down this low? He doesn’t have a good pass rush, with only around a 5-6% win rate, so keep that in mind.
DT7 Darrell Jackson Jr.
Darrell Jackson Jr. is the son of former NFL wide receiver Darrell Jackson Sr., who brings a prototypical NFL frame with rare length, including 35-inch arms that immediately stand out on tape. After stops at Maryland, Miami, and Florida State, he used the transfer portal strategically, landing in situations where he could maximize his role and production. At each program, he carved out meaningful snaps and proved he could be “the guy,” totaling over 1,600 collegiate snaps against high-level competition.
Overall, it was a “freak of nature” measurement showcase that reinforced his Day 2 projection. ‘5⅝” (or 6’5.5″) and 315 pounds (a notable drop from his listed playing weight of 337 lbs last season and 328 at the Shrine Bowl implying trimmed up for better movement) His only did measuremnt and those were outstanding. length was off the charts: 34¾-inch arms, 11-inch hands (largest by any player in 12 years), and an 86-inch wingspan (tying or edging out Caleb Banks’ 85¾” for the longest DT wingspan at the Combine since 1999 sheer size and length bring all the blockers (and attention) to the yard. Questions linger on his conditioning/history and full athletic translation, but the Combine reinforced his massive physical tools as a starter-caliber interior force. If he tests well at pro day, he could climb higher in this deep DT class!
DT8 Gracen Halton
Gracen Halton put on an explosive show at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, flashing elite athleticism for an interior defensive lineman. Measuring in at 6’2⅝”–6’3″ and 293 pounds, he clocked a strong 4.82-second 40-yard dash (third-fastest among DTs), with a 1.70-second 10-yard split (top-five at the position), while leading all defensive tackles with a 36.5-inch vertical jump and tying for second in the broad jump at 9’6″. These standout numbers highlight his rare burst and lower-body power, making him a true standout in a deep class.
I’ve highlighted him as a sleeper on The IDP Hunter Podcast for a while now, but his Combine performance has blown the lid off after gaining traction at the Senior Bowl. Though slightly undersized for a full-time nose tackle, he more than compensates with his ability to generate pressure (racking up 29 pressures last season and around 30 in 2024 per reports), showing he knows how to disrupt quarterbacks effectively. Size remains key for consistent play at this position, but Halton’s traits scream upside as a penetrating 3-technique with starter potential, turning him from a hidden gem to a rising name scouts can’t ignore anymore.
Fun Fact:
Late Round Gems: Gracen Holton, Oklahoma: 💎 77.7 overall grade, 💎 8.6% pass rush, 💎 7.6% run stop down goaline sets, etc. Intimidating presence
DT9 Zane Durant
Zane Durant, also known as “Lil’ Zane,“ at 6’1″ and 290 pounds, was one of the smaller defensive tackles at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but his athletic testing was nothing short of spectacular and arguably the best among DTs.
He blazed a 4.75-second 40-yard dash (fastest at the position, fourth-best by a DT since 2003), paired with a class-leading 1.66-second 10-yard split that screams elite first-step quickness and get-off. He added a strong 33.5-inch vertical jump (third among DTs) and a 9’4″ broad jump (fifth), showcasing rare burst and lower-body power for his frame.
This performance built on his prior reputation; he made Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List multiple times (including a third straight appearance in the 2025 preseason), highlighting his explosive traits, such as a 4.66 forty in prior testing, a 425-pound bench, a 660-pound squat, and consistent athletic dominance. On tape, he’s proven effective against the run with solid stop rates (e.g., strong production in 2024 with 27 run stops noted in some reports, and he improved his overall impact in 2025 despite varying metrics across sources). While his size limits him as a pure nose tackle, his penetrating style, quickness, and disruption ability make him a rising 3-technique prospect.
Post-Combine, he feels like a guy just inside (now) the top-10 DT conversation, likely mid-to-late Day 2 range fringe top-100 conversation, and underdog label.
Measuring in at 6’1″ and 290 pounds (with 10⅝-inch hands and 31⅞-inch arms), Durant dominated the speed and explosiveness drills: he posted the fastest 40-yard dash among DTs at an official 4.75 seconds (fourth-fastest DT time since 2003, edging out names like Aaron Donald’s 4.68 in 2014 when adjusted for era), with the top 10-yard split at 1.66 seconds — a huge indicator of first-step quickness and get-off that’s crucial for interior rushers. He also ranked highly in jumps: 33.5-inch vertical (top-3 or 4 among DTs) and 9’4″ broad jump (top-5), showcasing rare lower-body power and burst for a 290-pounder. His overall athleticism score was elite (estimated 89 from Next Gen Stats, leading DTs), earning him a high Relative Athletic Score (around 9.22 in some metrics).
DT10 Kaleb Proctor
Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) entered the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine as a somewhat undersized, low-profile defensive tackle prospect, until Shrine Bowl week, when, at 280 pounds, he was knocking around offensive linemen twice his size. That made scouts want to look at his production in college. I’ll throw this in there: He finished the 2025 season with around 43 total tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and 9 sacks, standout production for a defensive tackle.
Receiving an invite to the Combine, he checked that box too, wasting no time with a strong athletic showing to offset concerns about his frame, and he absolutely delivered. At 6’2″ and 291 pounds (with 33″ arms and 9½” hands), he posted the second-fastest 40-yard dash among DTs at an official 4.79 seconds (trailing only Zane Durant’s 4.75), paired with a sharp 1.69-second 10-yard split (tied for second or third at the position, showcasing elite initial burst and get-off). He added a solid 33-inch vertical jump (fifth among DTs) and a 9’5″ broad jump (fourth), highlighting impressive lower-body explosiveness and power for his size. This is a prospect that could thrive in a 4-3 scheme.
DT11 Albert Regis
had a strong, explosive Combine day on Thursday (February 26, 2026) at Lucas Oil Stadium, turning in one of the better athletic showings among DTs and boosting his stock noticeably in this deep 2026 class.
Measuring around 6’1″ and 295-308 pounds (sources vary slightly on exact weight, with shorter arms at ~31⅝”), Regis focused on testing and drills rather than skipping like some peers. His key numbers were elite for the position:
- 40-yard dash: 4.88 seconds (T-5th or 5th among DTs, with one run at 4.92 and official at 4.88)
- 10-yard split: 1.72 seconds (strong short-area burst indicator)
- Vertical jump: 34 inches (2nd among DTs, behind only Gracen Halton’s 36.5″)
- Broad jump: 9’8″ (1st/ best among DTs, ahead of Caleb Banks and Gracen Halton at 9’6″)
- Other: 20-yard shuttle ~4.85 seconds (solid agility)
He also stood out in positional/on-field drills (e.g., pass rush, run the hoop, four-bag agility), where CBS Sports noted him as a “standout” with good stoutness, quickness for his build, and effective leverage/movement. No major red flags—reports called it a “nice evening” representing the Aggies, with his lower-body power and explosiveness confirming tape traits as a run-stuffer/anchor who can disrupt despite not being the longest or tallest.
DT12 Demonte Capehart
Played in 894 defensive snaps across 57 games (12 starts), contributing to three ACC championship teams. A rotational player until now, Capehart stole the show at the Combine.
Eye-popping stats. He measured in at an elite prototype frame: 6’5″ (and 314 pounds, with massive 10¼-inch hands (top-tier) and long 33⅞-inch arms perfect traits for a versatile 3-technique or even 5-tech in sub-packages, combining length, power, and natural leverage. Capehart fully participated in testing and drills, posting standout numbers:
- 40-yard dash: 4.85 seconds (4th-fastest among DTs)
- One of only seven sub-5.0
- 10-yard split: 1.72 seconds (tied for 7th with Albert Regis)
- Vertical jump: 33.5 inches (3rd behind Halton and Regis)
- Broad jump: 107 (average for position)
Every draft has a guy who blows up draft boards like a complete unknown from a Bob Dylan song. The smart way to play this is not to go over-drafting this. Take the known pass-rushing commodities first, then pick him up before the run-stoppers or the guys with warts on their profiles. As TLC and Michael Keaton say, don’t go chasing waterfalls.
DT13 Rayshaun Benny
Benny skipped the speed drills and focused on what he does best: size and movement. Measuring in at 6’3″ and 298 pounds (with 9¼-inch hands and 33⅜-inch arms), Benny impressed evaluators with his quick feet, head-up play, and maintained speed through reps. He kept a strong pad level and leverage, showed good lateral quickness,
I’m higher on Benny than the consensus. Probably because I interviewed him and got to see him play at the Senior Bowl. If you look at both of his seasons together ‘24 and ‘2,5, he’s had 38 pressures in total. He’s starting to figure that out.
Benny had zero missed tackles. He’s got a strong anchor. Shoot the gap well. 4.6 miss tackle rate in his entire career is elite play and outstanding.
DT14 Chris McClellan
Got to see him up close at Senior Bowl and he’s an excellent run defender + 8.3% stop rate as a run defender during the 2024season (8.1% in 2025)+ Reliable tackler (Only a 6.6%)
Good right. Same too season. Pass rush grade 10.3% in rate 2025 not good, and an even worse 3.8% win rate in 2024. The issue with him is he doesn’t win against the pass its an issue, so if you are looking at him as a prospect, make sure its tackle heavy l
DT15 Skylar Gil-Howard
Skyler Gill-Howard didn’t do any of the drills but told the world exactly what we needed to see. Profiled as an undersized player, wanted to see if the 6’1 290-pound rumor was true. Perhaps he got bigger. All lies. Fire up, Henry Rollins music.
In regard to measurements. Measuring in at 6’1″ and 280 pounds, one of the lighter DTs in attendance.
This confirms what we already know: an incredibly strong run defender (nearly 90.0), yet undersized. And now I can’t trust him. Fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice.
People love this guy, but be careful, his best games were against the weakest competition, and he padded his stats. He also got to benefitfrom playing on one of the best defensive lines in College with Romeo Height and Lee Hunter. He’s a free fall for me now.
DT16 Renee Konga
Konga has a great highlight film, a 26.1% win rate, and 26 pressures last year alone. 85.2% pass rush grade, but the other side of the ball is the issue. The run game needs work, with an 18.1% missed-tackle rate, and there are games where he disappears completely.
I’m not sure what to do with this player. The talent is all there, yet it doesn’t translate. I’ve got serious questions: the last two seasons? Straight fire, one of the best statistical bodies of work we’ve seen. But before the transfer… he was just hiding out up there? Nah, buddy – he was in Canada playing Fortnite. Explains the glow-up
DT17 Tyler Onyedim
Not a bad Combine: Height – 6’3 1/2” Weight – 292 Arm Length – 34 1/8” 40 – N/A 10 yard split – N/A Vertical – 32” Broad Jump – 9’3” 3 cone – Shuttle – N/A Solid day from TO, I think he ends up being picked on the first half of day 3 now. Profiles as a solid backup/ fringe starter with interesting stats, including 11.7% stop rate as a run defender, which is among the highest in the country.
He needs more polish as a pass rusher. Only 5.5 sacks in four seasons. I mean, tape shows he got the spin move down, but he’ll need to be coached up to the next level.
Potent Potable (SNL Jeopardy joke) and other Honorable Mentions
DT18 Dontay Corleone
Continuing on with one of the best nicknames in the Draft Class, Dontay “The Godfather” Corleone
is a fan favorite, known for his exciting pass rush particually a bull rush. He is one of the more misplaced and polarizing figures in this interior group. His ranking is all over the place. PFF has him as their 6th; NFL.com ranks him as their number 1 and 2, and I have him faded all the way down to DT18. What gives. I’ll explain.
He tested poorly today. Electing not to do drills but measured in with 31 7/8 inch arms. Also, take the metrics and hype away; he was diagnosed with blood clots. Rumors have it he ballooned up to 350, not to mention knee and ankles.
He’s a fade to me, buried behind an already deep draft class with plenty of guys that all do the same thing, so why take a chance with the one who has medicals?
I think he profiles as a Day three guy now. Why will Dontay Corleone get drafted in the later rounds? Because teams know if they passed on him, he’d make them an offer they can’t refuse: double-teams every snap, or watch their QB get buried in the pocket. Leave the gun, take the cannoli… but leave the run lane to The Godfather? Forget about it
DT19 Brandon Cleveland
People have been talking up Cleveland lately. Rumored to be scouted today by the Titans. Nose guard profile. A 16.2% win rate. Excellent in the run game. Realiable tackler as well, PFF gives him a 72.4 PFF run grade. His combine confirms what we knew already: decent-average starter, next level. Value pick.
DT20 Tim Keenan III
I spoke with Keenan down at the Senior Bowl. He mentioned he’s not afraid to do any scheme or anything. Right now, we know him as a decent run defender with a PFF grade of 73.7, which is great and will get you drafted, but more polish is needed on the pass rush. Just 5.5 sacks in four seasons. Profiles as a depth piece
DT21 Aaron Graves
An unbeliever Combine Invite snub. Standing at 6’4”, 300 lbs. Wrestler background with 24% win rate. wrestler background. He also had 120 tackles in his college career, so it’s mind-boggling that he didn’t receive an invite, which will affect his draft stock.
DT22 Landon Robinson
Another Combine snub, Landon Robinson, the Navy defensive tackle, was among the more notable snubs from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, missing out on the chance despite a good Shrine Bowl week and three appearances on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List.
At a compact 5’11” and 291 pounds, he brings a smaller size but non-stop effort. His 2025 production popped as well: 6.5 sacks, 34 pressures, and an impressive 84.7 PFF pass-rush grade, highlighting his disruptive quickness off the snap, violent hands, and ability to knife through gaps despite his sawed-off frame. As a Feldman Freak standout, Robinson’s raw power is undeniable; he benches 465 pounds (up from prior years) and squats heavy, making him a low-leverage, explosive force who stacks and sheds with authority. While the Combine invite omission hurts his visibility in a deep DT class, not sure what else he could do, I will continue to be ranking him as a flyer until someone takes a chance on him and this impressive resume.
