Defensive Line Rankings 2026 NFL Draft

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LAST UPDATED: 03/20/2025

Player Rankings - Defensive Line

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
16

DT
Dontay
Corleone

6-1 320lbs 5.10
DT
Cincinnati   Mascot
Cincinnati Mascot
320lbs 6-1 5.10 17 94
83.5
Dontay Corleone projects as a high-impact defensive tackle at the next level, with the potential to become a cornerstone of an NFL...
29

DL
Thomas
Collins

6-1 285lbs 4.85
DL
Oregon State   Mascot
Oregon State Mascot
285lbs 6-1 4.85 33 276
78.5
He’s flexible enough to bend the edge, and he’s at his best when Collins can use his quickness and change-of-direction abilities to counter...
12

DE/ED
Mikail
Kamara

6-1 265lbs 4.80
DE/ED
Indiana   Mascot
Indiana Mascot
265lbs 6-1 4.80 12 64
85.2
The violent hands and explosive first step translate immediately to passing downs at the next level. Shows refined pass rush plan with...
23

DT
Zane
Durant

6-1 290lbs 4.66
DT
Penn State   Mascot
Penn State Mascot
290lbs 6-1 4.66 24 153
82.5
Durant's skill set aligns with the role of a rotational 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme, with upside as a sub-package rusher. His elite...
40

DT
Keyon
Ware-Hudson

6-2 305lbs 4.80
DT
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
305lbs 6-2 4.80 45 409
70.0
His hand use is excellent; he’s strong in the upper body and consistently swats away blockers. He’s a high-effort pass rusher who shows...
24

DE/ED
R Mason
Thomas

6-2 240lbs 4.62
DE/ED
Oklahoma   Mascot
Oklahoma Mascot
240lbs 6-2 4.62 25 157
82.3
Thomas fits the profile of an immediate impact pass rush specialist who has the tools to develop into an every-down edge defender at the...
21

DT
Bear
Alexander

6-3 315lbs 5.10
DT
USC   Mascot
USC Mascot
315lbs 6-3 5.10 23 152
82.6
Bear Alexander projects as a versatile defensive lineman with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His combination of...
55

DL
Darnell
Jefferies

6-3 285lbs 5.09
DL
Minnesota   Mascot
Minnesota Mascot
285lbs 6-3 5.09 110 908
43.5
Jefferies is strong enough in the lower body to hold up at the point of attack, and Jefferies displays a good feel as a grappler in the...
56

DE
Bryce
Carter

6-3 272lbs 4.90
DE
Virginia   Mascot
Virginia Mascot
272lbs 6-3 4.90 118 953
39.3
Excellent hustle-and-chase tackler. Good closing speed with change of direction to corral mobile quarterbacks. Carter has an excellent...
43

DT
Jonathan
Jefferson

6-3 295lbs 4.90
DT
SMU   Mascot
SMU Mascot
295lbs 6-3 4.90 49 444
65.4
He’s a high-effort pass rusher who shows good initial quickness and the ability to beat blockers to the inside. He’s quick to react and...
31

DL/ED
Akheem
Mesidor

6-3 280lbs 4.90
DL/ED
Miami   Mascot
Miami Mascot
280lbs 6-3 4.90 35 313
75.7
Mesidor projects as a versatile defensive lineman who can contribute in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes at the next level. His ability to...
8

DL
James
Smith

6-3 296lbs 4.88
DL
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
296lbs 6-3 4.88 7 45
86.4
Smith has an excellent motor and shows the stamina to last deep into the fourth quarter. Quick off the snap in the pass rush, Smith has...

2026 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Line

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2026 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Defensive Line

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.