Our Clients:

Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

Feb 19, 2026 9:04 am

Top 5 Defensive Tackle prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

Peter Woods
Photo by: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position.

All defensive linemen follow an itinerary in Indianapolis calling for arrival on Tuesday, media Wednesday and on-field workouts Thursday. The entire position group tests in the bench press on Friday.

1. Peter Woods, Clemson
6-3, 315
Exceptional athlete with light feet, sudden agility and explosive power. He’s projected to clock in the 4.8s in the 40.

2. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
6-2, 326
Big-bodied nose tackle with disruptive effort and consistent push. Instincts are excellent, but he’s still refining technical elements of his game.

3. Caleb Banks, Florida
6-6, 334
Rare size and athleticism, a legitimate run-stuffer at nose tackle. Can be explosive off the ball. Has an injury history to overcome.

4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Profile: 6-3, 322
Surprising movement skills for his size but active and a challenge for blockers to square up and sustain blocks against.

5. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
6-2, 325
Strong and disruptive run stopper, he’ll be one to watch for the bench press total. Overall agility and arm length to be scrutinized.

Zane Durant (Penn State) might defer his full workout to the campus pro day but with ground to make up in the position pecking order, don’t be surprised if the 285-pounder decides to show his insane straight-line speed by at least running the 40 on Thursday.

–Field Level Media

You may also like

Tigers, Guardians
May 19, 2026 5:09 am

Tigers determined not to fall too far behind Guardians

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch sees the Cleveland Guardians as the heavyweights in the American League Central. “We know the division runs through Cleveland, as much as we want to…

Reds, Chase Burns
May 19, 2026 4:55 am

Sizzling club faces hot pitcher as Phillies oppose Reds’ Chase Burns

Cincinnati right-hander Chase Burns, currently one of the best pitchers in the National League, faces a challenging foe on Tuesday when the Reds visit the surging Philadelphia Phillies. Burns (5-1,…

Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves
May 19, 2026 4:08 am

Braves eager to see Ronald Acuna Jr. hit against Marlins

Ronald Acuna Jr. will return to the Atlanta starting lineup on Tuesday when the visiting Braves play the Miami Marlins in the second game of a four-game series. Acuna was…

More News News

Tigers, Guardians
May 19, 2026 5:09 am

Tigers determined not to fall too far behind Guardians

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch sees the Cleveland Guardians as the heavyweights in the American League Central. “We know the division runs through Cleveland, as much as we want to…

Reds, Chase Burns
May 19, 2026 4:55 am

Sizzling club faces hot pitcher as Phillies oppose Reds’ Chase Burns

Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves
May 19, 2026 4:08 am

Braves eager to see Ronald Acuna Jr. hit against Marlins

Los Angeles Angels
May 19, 2026 3:26 am

MLB roundup: Angels end J.T. Ginn’s no-hit bid in 9th, get walk-off HR

MacKenzie Gore
May 19, 2026 2:18 am

Rangers LHP MacKenzie Gore downlplays lat ailment

Read all
fb-post
advertisment
title-icon

Upcoming events

See all odds