Complete 2026 NFL Draft DT Rankings:
You are currently viewing our defensive tackle rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. The 2026 DT class needs to get better depth, how will that change as the season progresses?
Our top defensive tackle prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented defensive linemen in college football. Even though only about 20-25 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite.
We’ll provide you with inside information to help you know who will be a star, who will be a bust, and which sleepers will shock the world.
BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2026 NFL draft defensive tackle prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.
(Last Updated: April 21, 2025)
1. Peter Woods, Clemson
DT | 6’3″ | 315 lbs | 3rd Year
Peter Woods Preseason Scouting Report
Peter Woods impacts the game in a way that goes far beyond the stat sheet. His 8.5 tackles for loss last season was solid, but the tape and advanced analytics paint a far more dominant picture. PFF ranked him as the top returning DL in college football due to his high pressure rate as a pass rusher and ability to plug holes as a run stopper.
Woods has prototypical size at 6’3″” 315 pounds, combining strength with impressive agility and flexibility. His quick burst off the line and ability to penetrate gaps make him a constant threat in the backfield. Even when not recording a tackle, his presence forces offenses to adjust, often freeing up opportunities for his teammates. His versatility was on display in 2024 when he played both inside and on the edge.
As he enters his junior year, Woods is poised to take on a more prominent role in Clemson’s loaded defense. His combination of size, speed, and football instincts make him a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Peter Woods 2024 Stats
11 games: 28 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 fumble forced
2. Zane Durant, Penn State
DT | 6’1″ | 290 lbs | 4th Year
Zane Durant Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Zane Durant 2024 Stats
16 games: 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 pass defended
3. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
DT | 6’2″ | 325 lbs | 5th Year
Tim Keenan III Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Tim Keenan III 2024 Stats
13 games: 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 pass defended
4. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
DT | 6’2″ | 320 lbs | 5th Year
Dontay Corleone Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Dontay Corleone 2024 Stats
11 games: 26 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
5. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
DT | 6’4″ | 320 lbs | 5th Year
Lee Hunter Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Lee Hunter 2024 Stats
12 games: 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1 sack
6. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
DT | 6’4″ | 325 lbs | 5th Year
Domonique Orange Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Domonique Orange 2024 Stats
13 games: 24 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass defended
7. Damonic Williams, Oklahoma
DT | 6’1″ | 310 lbs | 4th Year
Damonic Williams Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Damonic Williams 2024 Stats
13 games: 36 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble forced
8. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
DT | 6’5″ | 330 lbs | 5th Year
Darrell Jackson Jr. Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Darrell Jackson Jr. 2024 Stats
12 games: 32 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble forced
9. Trevion Williams, Mississippi State
DT | 6’4″ | 295 lbs | 4th Year
Trevion Williams Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Trevion Williams 2024 Stats
11 games: 33 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass defended
10. Bear Alexander, Oregon
DT | 6’3″ | 315 lbs | 4th Year
Bear Alexander Preseason Scouting Report
Coming soon.
Bear Alexander 2024 Stats
3 games: 4 tackles
Complete 2026 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings
| RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | AGE | HT | WT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Woods | Clemson | 3rd | 6'3" | 315 |
| 2 | Zane Durant | Penn State | 4th | 6'1" | 290 |
| 3 | Tim Keenan III | Alabama | 5th | 6'2" | 325 |
| 4 | Dontay Corleone | Cincinnati | 5th | 6'2" | 320 |
| 5 | Lee Hunter | Texas Tech | 5th | 6'4" | 320 |
| 6 | Domonique Orange | Iowa State | 5th | 6'4" | 325 |
| 7 | Damonic Williams | Oklahoma | 4th | 6'1" | 310 |
| 8 | Darrell Jackson Jr. | Florida State | 5th | 6'5" | 330 |
| 9 | Trevion Williams | Mississippi State | 4th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 10 | Bear Alexander | Oregon | 4th | 6'3" | 315 |
| 11 | Rayshaun Benny | Michigan | 5th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 12 | Christen Miller | Georgia | 4th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 13 | Albert Regis | Texas A&M | 5th | 6'2" | 310 |
| 14 | Deven Eastern | Minnesota | 5th | 6'6" | 310 |
| 15 | Daevin Hobbs | Tennessee | 3rd | 6'4" | 300 |
| 16 | Caleb Banks | Florida | 5th | 6'6" | 325 |
| 17 | Markis Deal | TCU | 3rd | 6'5" | 325 |
| 18 | Jehiem Oatis | Colorado | 4th | 6'5" | 325 |
| 19 | Cameron Ball | Arkansas | 5th | 6'5" | 325 |
| 20 | Bryson Eason | Tennessee | 6th | 6'3" | 310 |
| 21 | Aaron Graves | Iowa | 4th | 6'4" | 300 |
| 22 | Damon Payne Jr. | Michigan | 5th | 6'4" | 315 |
| 23 | DeMonte Capehart | Clemson | 6th | 6'5" | 315 |
| 24 | Gracen Halton | Oklahoma | 4th | 6'2" | 285 |
| 25 | Kemari Copeland | Virginia Tech | 5th | 6'3" | 285 |
| 26 | DJ Hicks | Texas | 3rd | 6'5" | 310 |
| 27 | Amari McNeill | Colorado | 5th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 28 | James Thompson Jr. | Illinois | 6th | 6'5" | 290 |
| 29 | Tre Williams | Michigan | 6th | 6'2" | 305 |
| 30 | Cole Brevard | Texas | 6th | 6'3" | 335 |
| 31 | James Smith | Alabama | 3rd | 6'3" | 295 |
| 32 | Jordan Van den berg | Georgia Tech | 6th | 6'3" | 310 |
| 33 | Dominic Bailey | Tennessee | 6th | 6'3" | 295 |
| 34 | Jacobian Guillory | LSU | 6th | 6'2" | 320 |
| 35 | Keeshawn Silver | USC | 5th | 6'5" | 315 |
| 36 | David Gusta | Kentucky | 5th | 6'3" | 300 |
| 37 | David Blay | Miami (FL) | 5th | 6'4" | 300 |
| 38 | Jalen Logan-Redding | Minnesota | 6th | 6'4" | 290 |
| 39 | Uso Seumalo | Kansas State | 6th | 6'3" | 340 |
| 40 | Rushawn Lawrence | Minnesota | 7th | 6'2" | 270 |
| 41 | Bernard Gooden | South Florida | 6th | 6'1" | 280 |
| 42 | Brodarius Lewis | Southern Miss | 6th | 6'2" | 310 |
| 43 | Dion Wilson Jr. | Syracuse | 6th | 6'5" | 295 |
| 44 | Will Whitson | Mississippi State | 6th | 6'5" | 285 |
| 45 | KD Johnson | UTEP | 5th | 6'1" | 275 |
| 46 | Rayyan Buell | Memphis | 7th | 6'3" | 275 |
| 47 | Zykeivous Walker | Auburn | 6th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 48 | Keanu Williams | UCLA | 5th | 6'5" | 310 |
| 49 | Aliki Vimahi | Utah | 6th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 50 | Chubba Maae | Arizona | 6th | 6'2" | 345 |
| 51 | Edward Bobino III | Stephen F. Austin | 5th | 6'2" | 340 |
| 52 | Michael Otty | Bryant | 5th | 6'1" | 290 |
| 53 | Ethan Rodriguez | Cal Poly | 6th | 6'3" | 270 |
| 54 | Eric Taylor | SMU | 6th | 6'4" | 290 |
| 55 | Zaylin Wood | Vanderbilt | 7th | 6'0" | 280 |
| 56 | Josiah Green | Duke | 5th | 6'1" | 280 |
| 57 | AJ Ackerman | Duquesne | 7th | 6'5" | 300 |
| 58 | Tyler Huenemann | Harvard | 6th | 6'3" | 285 |
MORE NFL DRAFT RANKINGS
Traits That Make a Defensive Tackle Prospect Great
Interior defensive linemen don’t always put up glamorous stats, but they play pinnacle roles on every defense. Power, lateral quickness, explosion, and flexibility in the core/lower body are among some of the most important factors of scouting the top defensive line prospects.
Some of the factors we consider when scouting are included below.
Power
Having a powerful frame can’t be overlooked in defensive tackle rankings. A great d-lineman will be able fill their gap defensively without getting pushed off, while also disrupting offensive linemen with power moves. Power can help in pass rush, but is a necessity for plugging up holes against the run.
Lateral Quickness
Not all running plays go right up the middle, and the quarterback doesn’t always stay still in the pocket on pass plays. The ability to move swiftly side-to-side will help lineman fortify the defensive line on outside plays and react to backdoor cuts.
Flexibility
Big defensive linemen needs to still have flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles to change directions and stay in their gap. Being stiff or upright is a recipe for getting beaten consistently, so being smooth and bendy provides a massive advantage for all defensive linemen.
Burst
While stopping the run is usually the primarily goal of a defensive tackle, elite interior pass rushers are as valuable as any defensive role in football. Having a quick, powerful burst off the line of scrimmage will help with that. An explosive get-off allows defensive linemen to initiate contact and shoot through gaps.
2026 DT Draft Prospects FAQs
Who is the best DT in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Entering the season, the best defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft is Peter Woods of Clemson. Woods is a consistent disruptor in all phases, with a great combination of size and athleticism.
How good is the defensive tackle draft class in 2026?
After a very strong 2025 group, the 2026 center draft class is looking fairly average. There are several stars at the top, and reasonably good depth through the middle rounds.
