2026 NFL Draft DL Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions

Ranking the top 10 defensive tackles available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Defensive linemen were this year's opening position group at the NFL Combine. The spine of defenses, the 2026 NFL Draft features a strong and stout class of down linemen. Several defensive tackles established themselves as first-round picks, while some sleepers climbed draft boards.

Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks stunned scouts with his measurements and early athletic testing results. Penn State's Zane Durant ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among defensive tackles at 4.75 seconds. Southeastern Louisiana's Kaleb Proctor was among the surprises, clocking in at 4.79. Gracen Halton leaped the biggest vertical jump at 36.5 inches.

Now that the NFL Combine is officially in our rearview mirror, we've updated our positional rankings at defensive tackle. There's been movement all throughout this list. Nearly 10 defensive linemen made our top 100 prospect rankings, proving there's value throughout every round.

Top 10 Defensive Linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft: Post Combine Update

1. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Peter Woods didn't meet expectations at Clemson, but flashes of dominance and high-level baseline traits were present. Woods is still scratching the surface of his full potential, but he possesses the tools required to develop into a premier pass-rushing three-tech at the next level. At his best, the quick-footed interior defender wins with power and lateral quickness.

2. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was built in a lab, with a 6-foot-6, 335-pound frame that is also blessed with 35-inch arms. Banks was arguably the best prospect in attendance at this year's Senior Bowl, where he confirmed his status as a first-round pick, in our opinion. Pairing physical traits with terrific short-area quickness makes him a potentially dominant player.

3. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Kayden McDonald will swiftly earn an early-down role as a dominant NFL run defender. He's improving as a pass rusher, as proven by his career-high three sacks in 2025. McDonald dominates the line of scrimmage with rare power, having recorded nine tackles for loss this past season.

4. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Christen Miller never played more than 380 snaps in a single season at Georgia, but he routinely flashed when afforded opportunity. Miller is naturally talented and gifted, with the ability to stun and shock offensive lineman with heavy hands. He's both powerful and explosive.

5. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Lee Hunter projects as a two-down nose tackle with limited pass-rush upside. Hunter had just 2.5 sacks at Texas Tech in 2025, but he's a space-eating run defender who resets the line of scrimmage. He was fairly dominant at the Senior Bowl and could post impressive testing numbers at the NFL Combine later this week at roughly 320 pounds.

6. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

Darrell Jackson Jr. was a standout during the collegiate all-star circuit as a dominant East-West Shrine performance earned him a late Senior Bowl call-up. He made plays in the backfield for the Seminoles, with seven tackles for loss across 2024-25. Jackson relies on natural power as a pass rusher, as he lacks a wide variety of moves.

7. Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

Chris McClellan took a massive step forward at Missouri this season, registering career-highs in tackles (48) and sacks (six). He possesses desirable measurements at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds with 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands (Senior Bowl verified). McClellan will capture a role as a rookie.

8. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

An injury cost Domonique Orange an opportunity to participate in this year's Senior Bowl. Hopefully it doesn't continue to impact his pre-draft process. On tape, Orange carries his weight well (325 pounds), utilizing power and first-step quickness to play an impactful two-down role.

9. Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

Rayshaun Benny, who recently joined NFL Draft On SI for an exclusive interview, registered 12 tackles for loss as a keynote contributor at Michigan. The pass-rushing numbers don't pop off the screen, but he was unlucky to have three sacks taken away from him during his sophomore season due to penalties away from the play. Benny is a lanky defensive lineman who plays with terrific length and extension.

10. Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant is an athlete who utilizes first-step quickness to impact the pocket. He was excellent at the NFL Combine, showcasing legitimate athleticism. Durant previously ran a 4.66 40-yard dash, reaching a max velocity of 21.1 mph, according to Bruce Feldman's Freaks List.

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