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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

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