Defensive Line Rankings 2026 NFL Draft

SHARE:
LAST UPDATED: 04/30/2025

Player Rankings - Defensive Line

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
21

DL/ED
Cashius
Howell

6-4 245lbs 4.65
DL/ED
Texas A&M   Mascot
Texas A&M Mascot
245lbs 6-4 4.65 21 94
81.5
Howell's profile is that of a high-upside edge rusher with the potential to contribute immediately as a designated pass-rush specialist....
42

DL/ED
Clayton
Smith

6-4 240lbs 4.64
DL/ED
Arizona State   Mascot
Arizona State Mascot
240lbs 6-4 4.64 72 502.5
66.1
Smith shows good quickness off the line of scrimmage and flashes the violent hands to win around the edge. He’s a capable blitzer with...
37

DE
Dylan
Brooks

6-4 240lbs 4.60
DE
Kansas   Mascot
Kansas Mascot
240lbs 6-4 4.60 65 479
73.0
Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on outside...
46

DL/ED
Demon
Clowney

6-4 250lbs 4.55
DL/ED
Charlotte   Mascot
Charlotte Mascot
250lbs 6-4 4.55 100 619.5
61.3
With a powerful lower body and the ability to hold up at the point of attack as a run defender, Clowney is remarkably instinctive. He's...
48

DL/ED
Khordae
Sydnor

6-4 262lbs 4.47
DL/ED
Purdue   Mascot
Purdue Mascot
262lbs 6-4 4.47 105 672.5
57.2
Plays with leverage at the point of attack whether inside or outside. Keeps eyes in the backfield when inside; moves linemen to either side...
39

DE/ED
Keaten
Wade

6-4 245lbs 4.45
DE/ED
Kentucky   Mascot
Kentucky Mascot
245lbs 6-4 4.45 54 393.5
72.5
Raw talent with a sky-high ceiling, but currently more of a traits-based prospect than a polished product. His transfer to Colorado...
32

DL
Markis
Deal

6-5 325lbs 5.10
DL
TCU   Mascot
TCU Mascot
325lbs 6-5 5.10 49 299.5
75.5
His motor is excellent, and he’s quick to locate the ball and make plays against the run. Possesses the length and power to ward off...
7

DT
Darrell
Jackson Jr.

6-5 330lbs 5.05
DT
Florida State   Mascot
Florida State Mascot
330lbs 6-5 5.05 8 42.3
83.8
Put on the tape and you'll see a raw ball of clay who could be molded into something special. Jackson's got the kind of rare physical...
36

DL
Jehiem
Oatis

6-5 325lbs 4.90
DL
Colorado   Mascot
Colorado Mascot
325lbs 6-5 4.90 56 405.5
73.3
Oatis fits the mold of a rotational piece in an NFL defensive line, with the potential to develop into a starting nose tackle or...
38

DL
Gabriel
Rubio

6-5 316lbs 4.90
DL
Notre Dame   Mascot
Notre Dame Mascot
316lbs 6-5 4.90 69 493.5
72.6
Rubio has heavy hands and uses them aggressively, rocking offensive linemen back. He shows the ability to disengage and out-grapple...
4

DE/ED
LT
Overton

6-5 283lbs 4.85
DE/ED
Alabama   Mascot
Alabama Mascot
283lbs 6-5 4.85 4 22
86.0
Overton brings a blend of physical tools and raw potential to the defensive line position. His frame and athleticism suggest scheme...
5

DE/ED
Matayo
Uiagalelei

6-5 270lbs 4.85
DE/ED
Oregon   Mascot
Oregon Mascot
270lbs 6-5 4.85 5 24.2
85.5
Plays with leverage at the point of attack whether inside or outside. Keeps eyes in the backfield when inside; moves linemen to either side...

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.