2026 NFL Draft Interior Defensive Line Big Board

The 2026 NFL Draft is hours away from kicking off in Yinzer town, and teams have finalized big boards after a grueling months-long sprint. All that’s left to do is wait for the commissioner to put the Raiders on the clock. Who are the best interior defensive linemen that battle the big boys on the offensive line in the 2026 class? Will there be any surprises during the early rounds of the draft?

In case you missed the previous position groups in the big board series, they are listed below:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Offensive Tackle

Interior Offensive Line

EDGE

Note: All statistics are courtesy of College Football Reference, and all RAS numbers are courtesy of @MathBomb

1. Caleb Banks | 6’6 327 | Florida

Banks has more potential than actual production, but his physical profile tantalizes the mind of what he could be instead of what he is. 2025 was a season of regret for the Gators, and Banks was no different after suffering a myriad of foot issues. His foot injuries resurfaced at the Combine, but he finished the process, a testament to his character. The initial broken foot that he suffered during the season is also a concern. The former Gators tackle could’ve taken the easy way out with rehab, but returned to help the team. He’s a big body tackle who can move well at the position, and the testing bore that out. He’s a surefire first-round selection if not for the injuries. His physical comparison is that of Jaguars and Georgia legend Marcus Stroud.

Round Projection: First Round

RAS: 9.83

Player Comp: Marcus Stroud

Statistics: six tackles and one tackle for loss

2. Peter Woods | 6’2 298 | Clemson

Clemson’s “other” superstar defensive lineman is a solid athlete himself, even if the production was muted by his lofty standards. Woods initially projected as a top-15 pick at worst before his fall from those heights coincided with Clemson’s fall from grace as a former power. He’s a great lateral athlete who uses his quickness to run around blockers with a motor that won’t quit. Dealing with length could be an issue for him with sub-32″ arms. The versatile athlete played a variety of roles for the Tigers’ standout defensive front over the years. Teams will love the versatility and athleticism to take him in the first round. He compares physically and stylistically to longtime NFL veteran Lorenzo Alexander.

Round Projection: First

RAS: 7.59

Player Comp: Lorenzo Alexander

Statistics: 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks

3. Kayden McDonald | 6’2 326 | Ohio State

McDonald exploded in 2025 after waiting his turn behind a talented defensive front to hear his name called as a starter in 2025. His production was immense, with 65 combined tackles and three sacks for the defensive tackle position. He blossomed under new DC Matt Patricia’s defensive wizardry. The Ohio State defensive line pipeline to the NFL is alive and well with McDonald’s introduction. His motor won’t quit and consistently shows up when the chips are down. An explosive, quick athlete who stuns blockers with his athleticism. He’s a bowling-ball-type defensive tackle who makes offensive linemen make business decisions. McDonald resembles former Nebraska defensive tackle Carlos Davis in physical profile. He should be a first-round selection, but could slip to the early stages of the second round.

Round Projection: First to Second

Player Comp: Carlos Davis

Statistics: 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, one PBU, and two forced fumbles

4. Lee Hunter | 6’3 318 | Texas Tech

Hunter emerged as the best nose tackle in the country while playing for the star-studded Texas Tech defensive line. He transferred to Tech from Big 12 rival UCF after starting at Auburn. The former Red Raider was productive, posting 156 combined tackles and 31.5 tackles for loss in three seasons. He didn’t test well as expected for the position, producing a 4.12 RAS. Power is the name of his game, not athleticism, and he knows his role on defense. Hunter executes his job well and frees up his teammates to make plays. He’s more of an athlete than he’s given credit for. Texas Tech’s star tackle projects as a second-round selection and compares to Marcus Thomas of Florida fame.

Round Projection: Second

RAS: 4.12

Player Comp: Marcus Thomas (Florida)

Statistics: 41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble

5. Christen Miller | 6’3 321 | Georgia

Miller became a two-year starter for the surging Bulldogs defense and is the latest Georgia defensive tackle highly thought of by scouts. However, his numerous medical issues will hamper his chances of going in the first round, so Day 2 is more likely his ceiling. He’s a good enough athlete for the position and has lateral quickness to make blockers earn their paycheck. Miller’s production was minimal, given his stature among the Georgia legacies, and it should give teams pause. He has all the physical traits to become a starter at the next level. Miller compares physically to former Alabama legend Marcel Dareus.

Round Projection: Day 2

Player Comp: Marcel Dareus

Statistics: 23 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks

6. Darrell Jackson | 6’5 315 | Florida State

Jackson started his career at Maryland, made a pit stop at Miami, and finished his career at Florida State. He’s a powerful athlete with the height/weight/length traits that make teams drool in anticipation. A scheme and position versatile prospect who played a lot of roles, including nose, end, and tackle in his career. He bullies blockers in submission using his power and length. However, lateral athleticism isn’t a strength for him yet, so he needs to develop that aspect. The former Seminoles defensive lineman has the talent and physical traits to get into Day 2, but early Day 3 should be the landing spot. He compares physically to former Clemson defensive tackle Carlos Watkins.

Round Projection: Third to Fourth

Player Comp: Carlos Watkins

Statistics: 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack

7. Domonique Orange | 6’2 322 | Iowa State

Big Citrus took the nation by storm during the 2025 season and is a good prospect in the 2026 cycle. He has the length to play more than his usual nose tackle at the next level. The tackle production isn’t ideal for a prospect with his experience, which will concern teams. He’s an above-average athlete who tested well during the offseason, but his tool bag is limited. The size is the big thing that will get him drafted, as well as teams looking for a nose tackle. He could sneak into Day 2 but is projected to go early in the fourth round. Orange’s physical comparison is to Jarren Reed.

Round Projection: Third to Fourth

RAS: 7.84

Player Comp: Jarran Reed

Statistics: 18 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and one PBU

8. Zane Durant | 6’1 290 | Penn State

Penn State churns out freaky defensive linemen on the regular, and Durant is the latest one in that line. He’s an outstanding athlete who earned a spot on Feldman’s “Freaks” list. Penn State didn’t have the greatest season in 2025, and his play suffered a bit as a result. Durant is undersized for the position and doesn’t have the ideal measureables that teams want, but he makes it work with his athleticism. He also has an underrated power game to go along with his quickness. Blockers take advantage of his lack of size at times, but the former PSU tackle wins leverage most of the time. Durant projects as an early Day 3 selection and compares physically to current Seattle Seahawk Byron Murphy.

Round Projection: Early to Middle Day 3

RAS: 9.28

Player Comp: Byron Murphy

Statistics: 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and two PBUs

9. Tyler Onyedim | 6’3 292 | Texas A&M

Onyedim joins former Iowa State teammate Orange on the interior defensive line big board and is a solid prospect in his own right. He’s a good athlete, as his testing numbers indicate, and his versatility will enamor teams. He played in both three-man and four-man fronts at both programs. The former Aggie tackle looks the part physically, but didn’t consistently produce until 2025. He possesses a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves to get the blocker out of his way. Power isn’t his calling card, but his versatility can outmaneuver that in certain roles at the next level. He compares physically and stylistically to former Ole Miss lineman Breeland Speaks. Teams will take a chance on him in the middle of Day 3.

Round Projection: Middle Day 3

RAS: 8.31

Player Comp: Breeland Speaks

Statistics: 48 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble

10. Chris McClellan | 6’3 313 | Missouri

McClellan started his career at Florida before spending two seasons at Missouri, where he saw his numbers increase every year. His production won’t blow anyone away, so he’s a traits-based prospect that teams will take a chance on in Day 3. The former Tigers’ defensive tackle is a versatile athlete who played multiple roles inside for the program. He has a few tricks up his sleeve to stymie blockers and is a better athlete than given credit for. McClellan compares physically to former Maryland standout Randy Starks.

Round Projection: Early to Middle Day 3

RAS: 6.01

Player Comp: Randy Starks

Statistics: 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, and two PBUs

11. Gracen Halton | 6’2 293 | Oklahoma

Halton was a key contributor for the Sooners during all four seasons of his career in Norman. While he didn’t start every game, he found ways to help Oklahoma’s tough defense over the years. He’s an outstanding athlete, and the offseason testing proved it with an 8.45 RAS. Explosive athlete off the snap and takes blockers by surprise with his quickness. The former Sooner is slightly undersized and can be exploited by bigger blockers. Can his NFL team find certain packages for him as a developmental starter? He projects as a Day 3 selection and compares physically to former Sam Houston State IDL PJ Hall.

Round Projection: Day 3

RAS: 8.45

Player Comp: P.J. Hall

Statistics: 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two PBUs, and one forced fumble

12. Kaleb Proctor | 6’1 291 | Southeastern Louisiana

Proctor is an undersized tackle and a freaky athlete who tested very well during the process, earning a sky-high 9.15 RAS. While he doesn’t have the brute power that teams crave, he uses his athleticism and size disadvantage to outleverage the blocker. He moves well for a defensive tackle and possesses an explosive first step. His sack production gradually increased each season, culminating in 9 in 2025. His athleticism gets him in the door via Day 3. Can an enterprising defensive coordinator use his speed and athleticism? He compares physically to former Bengals star Geno Atkins.

Round Projection: Day 3

RAS: 9.15

Player Comp: Geno Atkins

Statistics: 43 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and two PBUs