
MY VIEWS ON DEFENSIVE LINE DRAFTING
Year after year I watch many NFL GM's just blindly draft DE's with little or no regard for the type of defense their team plays or the defense the players is best suited for. Some players are clearly better suited for a 4-3 defense, some will excel in a 3-4 set, yet again NFL types insist on stuffing round pegs in square holes! Yes, sure some can crossover but even those will be far more valuable at the position they are best suited for. This is why I separate the two position and rank both.
When it comes to DT's
I consider this the most over drafted and overpaid position on the defensive side of the ball, the list of failures and wasted money is endless.
As for NT's check history, there have been a few EXTREMELY RARE individuals who could be considered playmakers the other 99.9% were just space eaters, not belittling the job, it is a skill, and absolutely a better skillset will make the player more valuable and productive but often pure mass will be adequate to complete the job.
NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION DEFENSIVE END
95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise. Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place. One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years. Mid/Late 1st round draft pick
82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but not great. Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round
74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely. Draft 3rd/4th round
65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career. Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years. Draft 4th/5th round
57-64 Career backup/ developmental player. At this point the draft is even more of a gamble. Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days. Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)
45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!! Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
. 4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS / AKA "EDGE"
Classic old school outside pass rush 1st specialists, some run defense separates the Elite, good, role player tags. Must have ability to disrupt the backfield on a regular basis. Pressure on QB is vital; these players can change the pace of a game.
But NEVER FORGET since '12 such names as Quinton Coples #16, Shea McClellan #19, Dion Jordan #3, Barkevious Mingo #6, Jarvis Jones #17, Bjoern Werner #24, Shane Ray #23, Soloman Thomas #3 Clelin Ferrell #4, have all been drafted in the Top 25 and underachieved or flat out flopped to different levels, this position only trails QB for players who were wildly overrated.
2026 4-3 DEFENSIVE END OVERVIEW
With ten prospects with a 3rd round or better grade this is an excellent year for Edge players. Combine this group with the 3-4 OLDB group and it's an elite year. This group is not only excellent at the top but loaded with depth pieces and developmental players. Great class!
4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS/EDGE RANKINGS/ CLASS GRADE A+
RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND
1.David Bailey TxTch 6 -4 251 97 Top 5
Elite physical talent. Great 1st step, lightning quick, very strong, excellent hand usage, big hitter,10 forced fumbles, improved run game defense but still has room to grow but has the tools to be a long-term excellent pass rusher. He is a perfect example of a player who could have come out last year and been a day 2 pick, instead he made the almost always correct decision to return to school., now a Top 10 pick!! Other players NEED TO LEARN THIS!!!
2.Rueben Bain Mia(F) 6-2 263 95 Top 10
Rare combination of strength, power and a high motor. Relentless against run and pass. Needs the right scheme to be dominant but should fit well in most DLs. Much has been made of his shorter arms and lack of length, don't worry about that nonsense. Kid can flat out play.
3.TJ Parker Clem 6-4 263 89 Early 2nd
Excellent against run and inconsistent vs pass game but shows promise. Needs some tech-work in pass game but has all the tools. Forced 6 fumbles and recovered 6 along with recording 21.5 sacks so production is there. Physically, some strength work would help his all-around game.
4.Patrick Payton LSU 6-5 260 87 Mid 2nd
Yet another victim of the Kelly mess at LSU last season, exactly the type of player Kelly had issues with. Excelled at FSU for 3 seasons then was never used correctly at LSU! Started 39 games, had 36.5 TFLs, 17 sacks, 21 hurries and batted down 19 passes!! He can flat out play regardless of what that idiot Kelly thought!
5.Caden Curry OSU 6-3 257 85 Late 2nd
SLEEPER ALERT!! Only started 1 season at loaded OSU but made the most of it, excelled against the run (16.5 TFLs) ans 11 sacks. Low miles on this high motor rising star.
6.Dani Dennis-Sutton PennSt 6-6 256 84 Early 3rd
23.5 career sacks but we all were always expecting more! Decent against run but gets out of position to often, still had 12 TFLs last season. If someone can KEEP the light on , they could have a STEAL!
7.Akheem Mesidor Mia(F) 6-3 259 83 Early 3rd
I'm not as high on him as others though he still can be a decent NFL player. 6-year player who never was a major contributor till this past season while playing on some poor teams. Shows rush potential and is decent against the run. Should be a solid rotational player.
8.Ethan Burke Tx 6-6 259 82 Mid 3rd
I'm higher on him than others. Great size and frame, good strength, decent quickness and agility, while not an elite rusher he is solid in all aspects. Not great at anything, excellent motor, hard worker, will do the dirty work so others get stats, coaches will love him as will fans.
9.Gabe Jacas ILL 6-4 260 78 Late 3rd
College OLB with over 40 career starts, 27 sacks. 35.5 TFLs, 7 forced fumbles and 183 career tackles. Great production, very good athletically, could end up as 3-4 OLB but I see him best here.
10.Zion Young Mo 6-6 262 77 Early 4th
One of the top run defenders in the group, electric nonstop motor but needs discipline. Same issue in passing game, will need some work on rush mechanics but run defense will get him on the field.
11.Malichi Lawrence UCF 6-4 253 75 Mid 4th
Excellent athlete, very explosive but could use some strength work, 68 QB pressures but only 12 sacks over last two seasons. Needs tech-work in run game but has the tools to excel.
12.Derrick Moore Mich 6-4 254 74 Mid 4th
A nice athlete, very strong which makes him a solid run defender, limited arsenal of rush moves and will need work there.
13.Max Llewellyn Iowa 6-4 258 70 Late 4th
Late bloomer with great motor, has limits athletically but well-coached hard worker coaches will love.
14.Keyron Crawford Aub 6-4 253 68 Early 5th
Athletic player who moved up to SEC and continued to improve, has great frame and some nice upside.
15.Wesley Williams Dk 6-3 256 65 Late 5th
Solid run defender with 29 TFLs and 11 sacks and 5 blocked kicks. Should be excellent on special teams.
16.Isaiah Smith SMU 6-4 248 64 Early 6th
Athletic player with 36 TFLs and 23 sacks.
17.TJ Guy Mich 6-4 250 62 Mid 6th
Well coached athletic solid run defender shows some upside.
18.Anthony Lucas USC 6-6 256 61 Late 6th
I kept waiting for more from the once elite recruit. Has all the physical tools, length, strength, quickness he just has to realize it's now or never will be
19.Eddie Walls Hou 6-4 250 59 Early 7th
Player who moved from HBCU to FIU to Houston and kept playing better, every Houston game I watched he was noticed.
20.Jack Pyburn LSU 6-4 258 58 Early 7th
Strong run defender, limited athlete with great motor and strength.
21.Nyjalik Kelley UCF 6-5 256 56 Mid 7th
Great athlete, strong in run game.
22.Mikail Kamara Ind 6-0 265 55 Late 7th
Average athlete with EXCELLENT motor and competitiveness. Hard worker with a great knowledge of the game.
23.Wesely Bailey Lou 6-5 265 53 PFA
24.Logan Fano Utah 6-5 257 52 PFA
25.Cam'ron Stewart Temp 6-4 250 51 PFA
26.Mason Reiger Wisc 6-5 251 50 PFA
27.Eric O'Neil Rut 6-3 250 49 UDFA
28.Sebastian Harsh NCSt 6-3 263 48 UDFA
29.Ben Bell VaTch 6-2 255 47 UDFA
30. Cian Stone NCSt 6-4 254 46 UDFA
31.Michael Heldman CMich 6-4 260 44 UDFA
32.Nathan Voorhis BallSt 6-3 247 42 UDFA
*******************************************************************************
3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS/ "5 TECHNIQUE"
Run stuffer 1st, (5 Technique) if these players excel at pass rush they are rare and can become elite(JJ Watt). Generally larger and closer to the DT body mold than the classic 4-3 DE. Rarely are these players worth more than a 2nd round pick. Many will be highly drafted and paid way to much causing salary cap issues when a second contract comes along.. Often just big guys that need to hold point of attack. VERY rare prospects worthy of a top 15 pick. Often many more are drafted that high. ANY AND ALL of these prospects can move inside and some will and have some success. That said I feel they are BEST SUITED to play here.
95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise. Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place. One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years. Mid/Late 1st round draft pick
82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but not great. Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round
74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely. Draft 3rd/4th round
65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career. Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years. Draft 4th/5th round
57-64 Career backup/ developmental player. At this point the draft is even more of a gamble. Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days. Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)
45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!! Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
2026 3-4 DEFENSIVE END OVERVIEW
This group while not as deep as the Edge group has some players who can have very good careers. Most if not, all have the ability to be effective in multiple schemes and sets. Several players here also have interesting upside as developmental prospects. Solis class.
3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS/5 TECHNIQUE RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE B
RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND
1.Keldric Faulk Aub 6-6 276 91 Late 1st
Top run defender in the group! Sets the edge and doesn't give. Great strength, athletic big man in need of some better coaching and understanding of his skillset, pass rush skills are limited at this stage due to the coaching issues, but he has the tools to be much better. Tremendous upside. Some see him as an edge, this is his best spot.
2.Aaron Graves Iowa 6-4 300 85 Late 2nd
UNDERRATED ALERT!! Every season someone bypassed by most analysts, this year I believe this is the guy. He WILL NOT be drafted this high but prove worth it. Very intelligent and very underrated as an athlete. Former B-Ball star and state placing wrestler in HS. Uses those attributes to record 11 sacks and 14.5 TFLs last two seasons as a DT, where he also could play. I see him best here.
3.Darrell Jackson FlaSt 6-6 315 83 Early 3rd
This player could achieve success at any of 3 positions, DE, DT, NT. I can see him at any of them. Not much of a pass rusher and suffers from lapses in motivation at times. If he ever realizes how good he can be, that team will love him.
4.LT Overton Ala 6-3 274 80 Late 3rd
Excellent run defender who rarely saw the field on passing downs. Nice size and athleticism so some solid coaching could help his rush deficiencies. Still solid run defender who could move into a 3-tech spot also.
5.Chris McClellan Mo 6-4 313 77 Early 4th
He really took a big step last season with 6 sacks, 8 TFLs and 6 hurries. Rock solid against run but pass rush needs work, he must learn some new moves to continue to improve in NFL. I like his odds and I like him bets here, easily could have success as a 3-tech DT also.
6.Demonte Capehart Clem 6-5 313 75 Mid 4th
Can be a dominant run stopper and that will get him on the field. He will have to develop some type of pass-rush. 4 sacks in 5 seasons will get him a ticket inside if that trend is not reversed. Long, powerful, has tools.
7.Tyreak Sapp Fla 6-2 276 69 Early 5th
Compact, strong, athletic tweener. Shows good effort in run game, can hold edge due to strength but lack of bulk can cause issues at times, his lack of development in pass rush lands him here. With some specific coaching could become a nice rotational player.
8.Cameron Ball Ark 6-4 310 64 Early 6th
College NT who I believe can move outside and play here or 3-tech DT as well as NT. Low sack numbers in CFB but moved the pile and got numerous hurries and pressures
9.Tyler Onyedim TxA&M 6-4 292 62 Mid 6th
Very strong, quick run defender, that will get him on a team so he can develop some pass rush moves, he offers little there now.
10.James Thompson ILL 6-5 310 60 Late 6th
Long and powerful, has shown some pass rush ability, strong vs run.
11.Jackie Marshall Bay 6-3 293 59 Early 7th
Solid run defender, nice strength.
12.Stephan Dailey Ind 6-1 273 58 Early 7th
Another tweener, doesn't have the burst for a true edge, excellent in run game.
13.Kaleb Proctor SELa 6-2 292 57 Mid 7th
Former HS LB who kept growing and was a force in small conference.
14.Jeffrey M'ba SMU 6-5 312 54 Late 7th
Great frame has shown flashes.
15.Anterio Thompson Wash 6-3 310 53 PFA
16.Clay Patterson Stan 6-3 280 52 PFA
Could surprise, nice athlete.
17.Tyre West Tenn 6-3 290 49 UDFA
18.Kordae Sydnor Vand 6-3 272 48 UDFA
19.Dayon Hayes TxA&M 6-3 264 45 UDFA
20.Rene Konga Lou 6-4 300 42 UDFA
21.Dominic Bailey Tenn 6-3 292 40 UDFA
22.Vincent Anthony Dk 6-6 258 38 UDFA
be drafted this high. NEED TO LEARN THIS. NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION DEFENSIVE TACKLE/NOSE TACKLE
95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise. Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place. One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years. Mid/Late 1st round draft pick
82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but not great. Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round
74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely. Draft 3rd/4th round
65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career. Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years. Draft 4th/5th round
57-64 Career backup/ developmental player. At this point the draft is even more of a gamble. Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days. Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)
45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!! Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries, college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted. .
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning their character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLES /"3 TECHNIQUE"
Classic run stuffers, (3 technique) when able to provide pass rush value increases significantly, on RARE occasions to elite level. Position is OFTEN overrated and wildly overpaid, countless long term huge cap strangling contracts have been given and soon regretted. Get a few years out of them and move on. Again, VERY rare prospects worthy of a top 15 pick. Again, very often many more are drafted that high and NFL execs still fail to learn!
2026 DEFENSIVE TACKLE OVERVIEW
Another year and rest-assured many more mistakes will be made. Most of these will be over-drafted/over-paying guys in this group. As for this group, the top two look to be solid prospects, after that it will be hit or miss as it is most seasons. This is my pick for the most over-valued position there is.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE D
RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND
1.Peter Woods Clem 6-2 298 89 Early 2nd
Powerful, great strength, excellent athlete and that is what has got him here. More potential than substance, Was inconsistent as the the rest of the Clemson team, was not given solid coaching. Has pass rush tools but needs some work on how to use them. It's up to him how good he becomes; I'm betting on him.
2.Zane Durant PennSt 6-1 290 88 Early 2nd
Even a better athlete than Woods. He struggles to maintain his bulk which at his best is marginal. That said numerous players with hi athleticism and skillset have had long careers. To be every down player he will need some work but the tools are clearly there.
3.Landon Robinson Nvy 6-0 287 84 Early 3rd
Very active, 125 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, 14.5 Sacks last three season, VERY STRONG, excellent athlete, hard worker. Lack of size/bulk is the only negative. With more time to dedicate to his training he should gain nicely.
4.Gracen Halton Okl 6-3 293 83 Early 3rd
Came on strong last two seasons. Lightning quick, remind me of Michael Hall. Uses 1st step to get in the middle of plays and disrupt. Not a classic run stuffer but active, quick, agile.
5.Albert Regis TxA&M 6-1 295 79 Late 3rd
Very active. get penetration, excels in run game, limited sacks but has 9 passes knocked down last two seasons so with some coaching he should improve,
6.Aaron Hall Dk 6-4 290 76 Early 4th
Solid in run game, 86 tackles,19 TFLs last two seasons, show potential in pass rush, 8 sacks last two seasons. Strong, nice 1st step, could move to 5 Tech DE.
7.Slyler Gil-Howard TxTch 6-1 280 75 Early 4th
Former Dll and MAC player who in the six games he played at Tech was more than holding his own. Should have returned to school for more work. Still should be a nice rotational player.
8.Rayshaun Benny Mich 6-3 293 74 Mid 4th
Quick, strong athletic. Plays bigger than he is. Could move out to a 5 Tech DE. Versatility will make him a valuable rotational player.
9.Carlos Allen Hou 6-1 295 72 Late 4th
SLEEPER ALERT!! I'm wildly higher on this player than anyone. Every UH game I watched (at least 6) he stood out. Quickness, tenacity, over 70 tackles last season.
10.Damonic Williams Okl 6-2 305 69 Early 5th
11.Brandon Cleveland NCSt 6-3 307 66 Mid 5th
12.Nick Barrett SCar 6-3 312 58 Early 7th
13.Payton Zdroik AFrc 6-0 275 54 Late 7th
14.Damonte Smith MTSt 6-1 301 53 PFA
15.Cam Rice Md 6-2 303 52 PFA
16.Kahlil Saunders Ky 6-4 293 50 PFA
17.Kody Huisman VaTch 6-3 297 48 UDFA
18.Jahmeer Carter Vir 6-2 311 47 UDFA
19.Jared Dawson NDame 6-1 305 46 UDFA
20.Damon Payne Mich 6-3 313 45 UDFA
21.David Gusta Ky 6-2 308 42 UDFA
*******************************************************************************
3-4 NOSE TACKLES /" 1 TECHNIQUE"
Inside guys playing the middle on 3-4 defenses, paid to stuff up the middle at let LB's do the tackle work. RARELY a player with 1st round ability. Many will be drafted to play DT and has average at best careers or be out of the league in a few seasons.
2026 NOSE TACKLE OVERVIEW
A very rare season with two prospects with 1st round grades. Not many pure 3-4 defenses right now but fortunately most of these players can play some 3-tech. Eleven draftable bodies here as I see it so a great season for the biggest guys.
NOSE TACKLE RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE A+
RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND
1.Lee Hunter TxTch 6-3 318 91 Late 1st
Crazy athletic for size! Great motor. Best run defender in the group. Over 150 tackles last 3 season. 10 TFLs last season, needs work in rush game but the tools are there. Plug and play at NT, has quickness to play 3 Tech DT also.
2.Kayden McDonald OSU 6-2 326 90 Late 1st
Much like Hunter, great size, quickness, strength for the position. Still improving in run game but very solid, show rush ability, could even have a higher upside than Hunter.
3.Caleb Banks Fla 6-6 327 84 Early 3rd
INJURY ALERT!! Massive, powerful, crazy athletic for size showed great potential in '24 season. Two foot injuries this season are a red flag. Reality is, big men and foot injuries are VERY. VERY concerning. If he stays healthy, he can outplay this spot easily.
4.Tim Keenan Ala 6-1 327 80 Late 3rd
Probably the hardest to move in the group. Solid VERY strong base that is impressive, not overly athletic, offers little in pass rush as of now, solid in run game.
5.Domonique Orange IoSt 6-2 322 77 Early 4th
Thick, powerful, sets a strong base. Inconsistent, lack of production is concerning. Light doesn't appear to stay on full-time.
6.Christen Miller Ga 6-4 321 76 Early 4th
Thick strong, very hard to move, gets penetration, disruptive.
7.Dontay Corleone Cin 6-1 340 73 Late 4th
Had his worst season last fall. Totaled 9.5 sacks previous 3 seasons.
8.Devin Eastern Minn 6-5 315 69 Early 5th
Great size and bulk, very good in run game.
9.Bryson Eason Tenn 6-2 323 62 Mid 6th
6-year former HS LB, still learning how to use his abilities, raw.
10.Zxavian Harris Miss 6-8 330 57 Mid 7th
Has everything except the desire to be as good as he can be, I doubt that ever comes.
11.Gary Smith UCLA 6-1 319 54 Late 7th
12.Cole Brevard Tx 6-2 346 51 PFA
13.Keeshawn Silver USC 6-4 330 48 UDFA
14.B Jamison-Travis Aub 6-3 328 44 UDFA