2026 Draft Superthread And Draft Prospect Discussion

[Fleet 1]

Its that time of year. College football is close and with it comes our annual season/prospect discussion. Just some things that come to mind. We are also sitting on a mountain of cash so we could be players in FA.

Interior OL will likely be a position im keeping a close eye on. Pass rush with some emphasis on speed to chase down QBs that can move outside the pocket. And IDL

My guess at the end of the season is that trenches will be top of the list.

[DerwinBosa]

Dane Brugler’s 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Offensive tackles

Based on my initial viewing, I expected edge rusher to be early favorite as deepest position in the 2026 NFL Draft. But then I watched the offensive tackles — and there is a new frontrunner in the clubhouse. There are multiple seniors to get excited about, but it is the draft-eligible underclassmen who could make for a tackle-rich first round next April.

(Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a “v” representing verified measurements and “e” for estimated measurements.)

1. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (6-7e, 360e)*

Best trait: Rare explosive power


Proctor is simply built different. He is a naturally massive human with a wide frame, smooth muscle throughout and a thick lower half (big thighs, burly calves, large bubble).

And what stands out even more than his size is his ability to uncoil hellish power as a blocker. He uses long arms and upper-body strength to launch defenders or overpower them at contact. His nasty play style fits him well.

Proctor’s power profile and sheer size are the headlines, but he isn’t a slug. For a 360-pounder, he stays nimble on his feet.

Must improve: Conditioning

One of the more frustrating things in scouting is when a prospect doesn’t play up to his measureables. But it was clear from the jump I wouldn’t have to worry about that with Proctor because of his knock-back, mauling power.

However, Proctor needs to stay in top shape to achieve consistent leverage against NFL defenders. He wouldn’t take plays off effort-wise on last year’s tape, but there were times he would cut corners and rely on size over technique, especially in pass pro.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A five-star recruit out of high school, Proctor was one of the top players in the 2023 class and became a freshman All-American at left tackle for the Tide. After a brief transfer back home to Iowa, the Des Moines native returned to Alabama and earned second-team All-SEC honors last season.

It will be easy to lump Proctor in the same bucket as Evan Neal or D.J. Fluker and expect him to be the next massive Alabama linemen to fall short of expectations in the NFL. And Proctor is far from a finished product (see last year’s Michigan tape). But when you focus on his freaky talent, at that size, it is easy to understand why NFL scouts talk about him as a future first-round pick.

2. Spencer Fano, Utah (6-5e, 300e)*

Best trait: Balance through engagement

There is a ton to love about Fano’s tape.

In the run game, he is a fluid mover with vice-grip hands and the innate desire to drive his target from the spot. As a pass blocker, he uncoils out of his stance with light feet, firm punch and smooth redirect. The common theme from his tape is an ability to stay balanced from the point of attack through the finish, regardless of the action required.

Must improve: Filling out his frame

NFL teams have Fano listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, with average overall length. There isn’t much he can do about his arm length, but there is room on his frame to add weight and strengthen his base. He said he added 10 pounds of bulk this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how that impacts his performance.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

One of the highest-ranked recruits in Utah history, Fano immediately earned his way onto the field as a true freshman as the Utes’ starting left tackle. He kicked over to right tackle as a sophomore last season and was even better, earning multiple All-America nods. With arguably the best offensive tackle tandem in college football, Kyle Whittingham thinks his 2025 group will be the “best offensive line” at Utah since he became head coach 21 years ago.

A sticky blocker, Fano is one of the 10 best prospects I have studied this summer. NFL scouts share the same excitement, and they also praise his intelligence and no-ego mindset.

3. Xavier Chaplin, Auburn (6-7e, 335e)*

Best trait: Natural power/length

With his size and lateral movements, Chaplin is able to kick out and cut off speed rushers. But his power and length are most evident as a run blocker, and Virginia Tech often found success running behind its left tackle. (Chaplin transferred to Auburn this past offseason.)

Chaplin is able to torque, turn and run his feet to violently move defenders where he wants them to go. He has the mobility to cut off on the backside or wash the three-technique from the designed lane.

Must improve: Sloppy habits

Though very gifted for a man his size, Chaplin is still a work in progress in multiple areas. His overaggressive tendencies will backfire on him, causing him to lunge and disrupt his balance. He doesn’t have top-tier body flexibility and can do a better job protecting against that, especially in space, to avoid penalties.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A lesser-known high school recruit, Chaplin redshirted at Virginia Tech in 2022 before becoming the Hokies’ starting left tackle the last two seasons. Once he jumped into the transfer portal, Auburn made him a priority to round out its offensive line.

Because he is both raw and incredibly talented, there is a wide range of outcomes for Chaplin as a pro prospect. If he continues to develop his body and discipline, the power, length and talent are there for him to be a first-round pick. Scouts are excited about his potential, but they also need to see continued progression this season before stamping him with an NFL-starter grade.

4. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (6-6e, 325e)*

Best trait: Strong as a bull

Mauigoa is a decent mover off the ball and in space, but it’s his play strength that makes him so effective. He can sit down and anchor versus power rushers or use his upper-body strength to rework his hands and slow down speed off the edge.

It isn’t always pretty in the run game as he continues to fine-tune his hand technique, but once he latches, Mauigoa can uproot his target.

Must improve: Inconsistent weight transfer

Mauigoa has adequate feet and mobility, but his balance can be disrupted by inconsistent weight transfer. At times, he gets over his skis and too far out front in the run game. Other times, he puts too much momentum on his outside foot mid-slide, leaving himself open to inside rush counters.

However, Mauigoa’s hands are both skilled and strong, which often can get him out of those compromised positions.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

According to most recruiting outlets, it was a two-man race between Proctor and Mauigoa for the OT1 spot in the 2023 high school class (both were consensus top-10 players in the country). Because of his trust in the coaching staff, Mauigoa signed with Miami — and his older brother, Francisco, joined him in Coral Gables (and ultimately was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Jets).

A left tackle as a senior at IMG Academy, Mauigoa has started all 26 games at right tackle in his two college seasons. Some NFL scouts see him as more of a guard than a tackle down the line, but they all expect him to be a future NFL starter with first-round potential.

5. Caleb Lomu, Utah (6-6e, 305e)*

Best trait: Pass-pro quickness

With his light feet, quick hands and athletic frame, Lomu is very natural in his movement patterns as a pass blocker. He explodes off the snap and maintains knee bend, balance and eager hands to easily shield speed rushers.

Only a redshirt freshman in his first season as a starter last season, he has plenty that needs improving. But Lomu has natural pass-protection feet and body quickness, both of which will always be coveted in the NFL.

Must improve: Play strength

When he stays square and keeps rushers off his frame, Lomu is dominant on pass-pro reps. Against power or rushers who get into his chest, however, he often breaks down or loses his balance. At times, he is able to regain leverage and stay engaged, but Lomu needs to get stronger to improve his recovery chances and be more of a force in the run game.

The player on the 2024 tape wasn’t ready for NFL power. I expect that to change in 2025.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

One of the top recruits out of Arizona in the 2023 class, Lomu committed to Utah over Michigan and was Whittingham’s second-highest-ranked recruit that year (behind Fano). He spent the 2023 season developing his body for the college level, then became a starter for the 2024 season. Considered more of a natural left tackle, Lomu breaking into the starting lineup pushed Fano to right tackle.

Still a very young player, Lomu isn’t a polished technician at this point and needs to continue developing his body and core strength before he is ready for NFL snaps. But he is an easy mover with the athletic tools and body type that have NFL teams bullish about his future. Based on long-term potential, it could be argued Lomu belongs ahead of Fano.

[DerwinBosa]

Dane Brugler’s 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Edge rushers

Based on summer scouting, edge rusher should be one of the stronger positions in the 2026 NFL Draft, including a few standouts at the top who might finish among the top non-quarterbacks in the class.

While I feel great about the seven edge prospects profiled below, numerous other candidates belong in the conversation. Can Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. return to his freshman-year impact? Is Kenyatta Jackson Jr. the next top-50 pass rush prospect from Ohio State? The list goes on and on, which speaks to the high-end talent and overall depth of this group.

(Notes: An asterisk represents a draft-eligible underclassman. Listed heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with “v” representing verified measurements and “e” for estimates.)

1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn (6-6e, 275e)*

Best traits: Big-man power and athleticism

Not only does he look the part, but also Faulk plays the part using his length and the power in his hands. Regardless of his alignment, he consistently detaches in the run game with an efficient ability to stack, shed and finish.

Although he is more ad*****d as a run defender, Faulk also uses his strength to create knock-back and affect the pocket as a pass rusher (45 pressures and seven sacks in 2024). He plays both gap sound and violent to control the point of attack and dispose of blockers.

Against Cal last year, Faulk owned the trenches and frequently introduced himself to quarterback Fernando Mendoza and running back Jaydn Ott.

Must improve: Basic pass rush setup

Faulk can get away with being “bigger, faster, stronger” (even against SEC competition), but the next step in his development is to create more diversity when setting up his pass rush. As he enters his third year at the college level, I hope to see an expanded arsenal with the corresponding punctuality to maximize his efficiency. 2026 NFL Draft outlook

Faulk is one of the best draft-eligible prospects I have studied so far this summer. In a lot of ways, he reminds me of Mykel Williams — he’s long, physical, athletic and also happens to be one of the youngest players in the upcoming draft class (Faulk won’t turn 20 until Sept. 7). However, I think Faulk has shown better consistency and overall versatility through two college seasons than Williams had. It hasn’t mattered if he’s lined up as the nose, wide nine or any technique in between, Faulk has been productive.

My initial 2026 NFL Draft top 50 board won’t be released until August, but I feel safe saying Faulk will be very highly ranked, likely in the top 10. His traits are outstanding, and I’m excited to see him this fall.

2. T.J. Parker, Clemson (6-3e, 265e)*

Best trait: Body control running the arc

With his ability to win using both speed and power, Parker can dominate as a pass rusher. Whether he is mixing in a long-arm move or a physical swipe/chop, he uses his body well to leverage or wrap around blocks. And once he clears a blocker’s outside shoulder, Parker is quick to flatten and close on the quarterback.

He was an absolute menace against Pitt last season. Here are three clips (all sacks), which help illustrate his ability to carve up the corner and accelerate to the ball.

Must improve: Positioning versus the run

The motor Parker shows as a pass rusher also translates to the run game — he will chase the ball all day. However, he can be pinned at times by offensive tackles or tight ends on the edge, especially on outside runs. Parker is a solid run defender, but he can get caught with his eyes in the wrong spot and needs to do a better job anticipating angle blocks.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

Parker has been a stud since he arrived at Clemson. After his Freshman All-America season in 2023, he followed up with 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks and a school-record six forced fumbles as a sophomore. I was hoping to see him have more of an impact against Texas, the biggest game of his 2024 season.

While his overall consistency needs to be better, he plays with a ton of energy and can continue to unlock his talent as he becomes a technician.

The Clemson defense is well-stocked with NFL talent for the 2026 draft class, and that starts with Parker, who is on the path to becoming a top-15 pick.

3. LT Overton, Alabama (6-2 3/8v, 274v)

Best traits: Ability and energy

Overton has been more flash than consistent in college, but he teases exciting potential. He moves with impressive quickness, bend and body coordination for his size and competes with passion. If he takes a jump in his development in 2025 and becomes the sum of his parts, he has SEC Defensive Player of the Year potential.

Overton weighed in the 274-278-pound range last season but can get up to 290 if needed, which would expand his role as an interior player.

This rep against South Carolina (a ridiculous play by QB LaNorris Sellers) showcases Overton’s exciting ability to win gaps at the line of scrimmage.

Must improve: Pass rush production

Though his ability is outstanding, Overton needs to mature his technique and play stronger to be a more consistent performer, especially as a pass rusher. With only two sacks and three tackles for loss last season, he didn’t overwhelm with stat sheet production. NFL teams covet pass rush value, so to maximize his draft grade and NFL impact, Overton needs to take a jump in his second year as a starter.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A consensus five-star recruit out of high school, Overton was one of the top prep players in Georgia and chose Texas A&M over his home state Bulldogs. He was part of a headline-grabbing class for the Aggies, which also included fellow five-stars Walter Nolen and Shemar Stewart, both first-round picks in April. Overton, one of the youngest seniors in the 2026 draft class (will turn 21 in October), spent two years in College Station before transferring to Alabama, where he came off the bench last season as a key part of the defensive line rotation.

Overton ranked No. 4 among edge rushers (and as the No. 1 senior edge rusher) because his flashes have been better than his body of work. His summer grades from NFL teams are more in the Day 2 range, but he has the talent to cement himself in the first round if he puts better down-to-down consistency on his 2025 tape.

4. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon (6-5e, 270e)*

Best trait: Relentless physicality

Looking over my notes from the six Oregon games I studied last season, the word “effort” appeared under Uiagalelei’s name double-digit times. His motor is nonstop; he won’t take plays off, but I was more impressed with the relentless physicality of his play style. Whether taking on pullers or forcing his way through contact, Uiagalelei consistently makes his presence known on each snap.

Must improve: Pass rush get-off

Uiagalelei rushes with a potent mix of power and flexibility, allowing him to thud blockers or access the corner. He is an athletic player (at around 270 pounds), but his initial burst tends to be inconsistent. Although he will probably never be an elite get-off type of rusher, Uiagalelei can improve his timing and first-step quickness to make him an even more dangerous edge rusher (even if that means dropping some weight).

2026 NFL Draft outlook

The Oregon defensive front was loaded last season, with three starters who became top-100 draft picks (Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch and Jamaree Caldwell). Uiagalelei was the fourth starter, and he has a shot to be the highest-drafted of the group.

The younger brother of former top quarterback recruit DJ Uiagalelei, Matayo, was highly recruited himself and hasn’t disappointed (10.5 sacks last season). With his well-rounded skill set, Uiagalelei reminds me of JT Tuimoloau, who led the Big Ten in sacks in 2024 and was a 2025 second-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts. Neither player wows with their get-off, but both are agile and play with polish, physicality and strength. It is easy to envision Uiagalelei becoming a solid pro.

5. David Bailey, Texas Tech (6-3e, 250e)

Best trait: Arc explosiveness

Especially when lined up as a wide nine, Bailey is the type of speed rusher who can stress offensive tackles on an island using his arc acceleration and rush balance. Not only will he go around blockers, but also he can also convert that speed to power and put blockers in reverse. The Stanford transfer forces blockers to be perfect with their feet and timing, and he continued to add moves to his bag of tricks.

This ghost dip-and-rip rush against San Jose State looks like vintage TJ Watt. After a quick get-off, Bailey flashes that inside hand before taking it away and dipping underneath the blocker’s reach. The move execution and beautiful finish result in a strip sack.

Must improve: Proving himself as a full-time starter

With only two starts last season, Bailey averaged just 30 defensive snaps per game. He battled an injury midseason that contributed to his lower snap count, but the scheme also used him primarily as a pass rusher, which is what he does best. Scouts are hoping to see a more expanded role for him with the Red Raiders so he can prove himself as an every-down edge presence.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

Highly recruited out of Mater Dei (Calif.) High, Bailey was a Freshman All-American at Stanford. He then led the team in sacks and tackles for loss as both a sophomore and junior despite not being a regular starter. He also tallied five forced fumbles in 2024, the fourth most in the FBS. Amid a coaching change this offseason, Bailey jumped into the transfer portal and landed at Texas Tech as one of the most impactful spring signings.

With his bend, power and explosiveness off the edge, Bailey has the pass rush juice to have a Nik Bonitto-like impact in the NFL. He is one of the top senior defensive prospects I have studied this summer.

6. Zion Young, Missouri (6-5 1/8v, 255v)

Best trait: Stout edge setter

Young is a “first off the bus” kind of player. He has broad shoulders, long arms and definition throughout his frame, and his on-field play matches his body type. Against the run, Young has outstanding hands and controls the point of attack with his length. Edge setters with his size, athleticism and strength can have decade-long careers in the NFL.

Must improve: Effectiveness at the top of his rush

With his length and power, Young can push his way to the pocket as a bull rusher. However, he is inconsistent at the top of his rush and doesn’t threaten the corner with his quickness. Though he has some speed when chasing in the run game, Young needs to set up his pass rush plan better because he won’t win with edge speed alone.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A former three-star recruit from the Atlanta area, Young began his college career at Michigan State, where he became a starter as a freshman. (He was one of seven Spartans charged with misdemeanor assault after a postgame incident in the Michigan Stadium tunnel following a 2022 game.) After Michigan State fired Mel Tucker, Young entered the portal and transferred to Missouri before the 2024 season.

Although the stat sheet production has been modest (5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 2024), Young is built like an NFL player and his best football is still ahead of him. Scouts are optimistic he can follow a similar path to that of former Missouri edge defender Darius Robinson and become a top-60 pick with continued development as a senior.

7. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (6-1 5/8v, 249v)

Best trait: Explosive twitch

With his first-step burst and ability to gain ground in a blink, Thomas flashes the explosive twitch to stress blockers and access the pocket. Once at the top of his rush, he can bend or attack from a low position to create a leveraged push into contact.

Former LSU left tackle Will Campbell gave up two sacks combined over his sophomore and junior seasons. This rep against Thomas was one of them.

Must improve: Press out versus the run

Though his backfield production jumps off the page, Thomas managed just 23 tackles last season, a number that reflects some of his issues as a run defender. He flashes feisty power to set the edge for a speed-based player, and his violence jumps out on film. However, Thomas can do a better job pressing off contact at the point of attack and working around roadblocks to create issues in the run game.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

Despite having a wildly inconsistent defense last season, Oklahoma boasted several well-established prospects, including linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman (both fourth-round picks in April). However, Thomas was the top draft-eligible prospect on Oklahoma’s defense and led the team in both tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (9.0). He would have been a top-100 pick in 2025 but elected to return for his senior year.

With a short, compact frame and limited length, Thomas won’t be an ideal fit for every scheme. However, because of his explosiveness off the line, Thomas has cornering skills to finish at the top of his rush and affect the pocket, which could keep him on an NFL field for a long time.

[DerwinBosa]

Dane Brugler’s 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Interior offensive linemen

Of Alabama’s three interior offensive line starters from last year, one (Tyler Booker) became the highest-drafted guard in the 2025 NFL Draft class and the other two (Nos. 2 and 3 on these early rankings) are well-liked prospects in the 2026 class. However, it is an Auburn center who kicks off this list at No. 1.

(Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a “v” representing verified measurements and “e” for estimated measurements.)

1. Connor Lew, Auburn (6-3e, 300e)*

Best trait: Movement efficiency

Whether he is climbing to the second level or working laterally to protect the pocket, Lew plays with above-average quickness and control in his movement patterns. He is tough and physical and has a solid anchor, but it’s his slide mirror coupled with his blocking awareness that stand out most.

Must improve: Strike consistency

The negative reps on Lew’s tape usually are a result of his initial strike being slightly off the mark. Though he plays with balance and hand strength (he’s a former high school wrestler), his recovery skills are inconsistent, especially in the run game. Going into his second season as a full-time starter, I expect this part of his game to continue to get better.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

After Hugh Freeze was hired as Auburn’s head coach, one of his first moves was flipping Lew from Miami to be part of his initial Tigers recruiting class. Lew broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman, then had some hiccups early on his sophomore tape before playing at a high level over the second half of the 2024 season. Lew is one of the youngest true juniors in this class (still just 19), which is exciting when forecasting his upcoming development.

With his smooth athleticism, processing and makeup, Lew has several of the key traits NFL teams look for at the center position.

2. Parker Brailsford, Alabama (6-2e, 290e)*

Best traits: Foot quickness and demeanor

NFL teams that can overlook the measurables and value quickness and demeanor will have Brailsford high on their offensive line draft boards. He effortlessly slides through lateral engagement or reaches and cuts off defenders in the run game. His climb and run angles are consistently on point, and his tenacious play personality allows him to maintain his positioning.

Must improve: Masking poor measurables

He competes with the grit to stay attached, but Brailsford can be rocked backward by bull rushers and might have a tough time settling down against next-level power. NFL teams are going to love the tenacity he brings to the field each snap, but swaying size-obsessed scouts will be a constant battle.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

An Arizona native, Brailsford spent two seasons at Washington, including an All-America redshirt freshman season snapping to Michael Penix Jr. He transferred to Alabama before the 2024 season, rejoining Kalen DeBoer, and again earned All-America honors.

Some evaluators will study Brailsford and see a center-only with too many limiting size factors. Others will focus on his athleticism and demeanor and see a player who works hard staying attached. For the latter, Brailsford will be graded as a future NFL starter.

3. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (6-4 1/8v, 323v)

Best traits: Size and play strength

For NFL teams targeting big and powerful offensive linemen, Roberts will fit the bill. Originally 350 pounds when he enrolled, he is now in the 320-325-pound range but still impressing with his mass and 34-inch arms. Roberts comfortably drives opponents out of the play and showcases the play strength to toss defenders.

Must improve: Technical consistency

Roberts is big and competitive and has come a long way on the mental side of the game since arriving in Tuscaloosa. However, he is still working through his hand placement and the consistency of his technique. NFL scouts say Roberts is coachable and applies what he is taught, giving evaluators optimism that his best ball is coming in 2025.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

Now in his fifth year in the program (his third as a starter), Roberts has gone from up-and-coming youngster to proven veteran. The Alabama staff raves about his smile and effort behind the scenes, which isn’t surprising considering the improvements he has made on the field. Although his athleticism is best described as “average,” Roberts is a bully once he latches on. He projects as a wall-and-fit NFL starting guard.

4. Trey Zuhn, Texas A&M (6-6 3/8v, 318v)

Best trait: Position versatility

Entering his fourth season as a starter, Zuhn has only played left tackle in college, so any position flexibility is more projection than proven. However, scouts like Zuhn as a prospect because they believe he has true five-position versatility.

With his lack of length (less than 32-inch arms), his full-time position at the next level will be on the interior. Still, his initial quickness and coordination in space are evident on film.

Must improve: Run-game polish

Zuhn is a good-sized mover, and he flashes point-of-attack strength and leg drive in the run game. However, he will get narrow at times and needs to be more consistent swinging his hips to wall off and seal. Though he faces some pad-level issues due to his height, Zuhn has enough athletic bend to avoid compromised positions with better angles and posture in the run game.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

After redshirting in 2021, Zuhn stepped into the starting left tackle role for the Aggies and has started 37 games over the last three seasons. He showed steady improvements each year and is poised for his best season yet. On top of his talent, NFL scouts use phrases like “toughest player on the team” and “wired the right way” to describe his character. Zuhn enters his senior season with mid-round grades from NFL teams.

5. Logan Jones, Iowa (6-2 1/2v, 300v)

Best trait: Finishing tenacity

With his exceptional quickness and blocking instincts, Jones is often the catalyst for Iowa’s big plays in the run game. However, what stands out most on tape is his stubborn resolve to finish each snap with the same relentless mentality.

Jones has some limitations in his core strength due to his lack of size, but his grip strength and ability to create torque jumps out, especially as a finisher — he loves the weight room and set a school record with a 700-pound squat.

Must improve: Compensating for lack of size/mass

Jones has a dense body type with broad shoulders, but his sawed-off frame allows long-armed defenders to get into his chest. There are positives to his size, including how he uses his natural leverage to slow power rushers, but Jones’ short arms hinder his overall play strength and hurt his ability to reach and sustain.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

An undersized, former defensive tackle at Iowa who goes on to become a draft pick at center? Stop me if that sounds familiar. Tyler Linderbaum made that same transition a few years back. When he jumped to the NFL, Jones shifted from the defensive line to center and flourished, despite not having played the position since his sophomore year of high school. He has started 38 games at center the last three seasons and is described as a “typical” Iowa lineman by NFL scouts: smart, tough and a focused worker.

Though not the same level of pro prospect as Linderbaum, who has become one of the best centers in the NFL, Jones has a next-level future ahead of him and starts the 2025 season as the top senior at his position.

[DerwinBosa]

Dane Brugler’s 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Defensive tackles

Although not as deep as the edge rusher group, the defensive tackle position has a ton of promise for the 2026 draft class, and it all starts with Clemson’s Peter Woods, one of the best players in the country. I don’t know if this group will have five first-rounders like the 2025 class did, but there are multiple DT prospects with top-100 promise.

(Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a “v” representing verified measurements and “e” for estimated measurements.)

1. Peter Woods, Clemson (6-3e, 315e)*

Best trait: Blend of strength and athleticism

When you think of Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence or any other of the NFL’s best defensive tackles, they aren’t just powerful or athletic, they are a balanced mix of both. And that is what stands out about Woods, who utilizes his play strength to break down blocks and movement skills to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

Woods is quick to diagnose the blocking scheme, which allows him to defeat the block and chase down the football with strength and athleticism. This play on the Pitt tape comes on third-and-goal and saves four points in a tight game.

With his urgency to rid himself of blocks, Woods has dominant qualities in the run game.

Must improve: Pass-rush polish

As a pass rusher, Woods becomes a battering ram and taps into his power to force his way through gaps or blockers. And though his bully mentality often translates to disruption, I would like to see more technical finesse with his setup and handwork. Expanding his rush attack in his third year of college ball would keep blockers guessing and make Woods even more dangerous.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

One of the top defensive line recruits out of high school three years ago, Woods almost immediately lived up to the hype as a Freshman All-American at Clemson. The Alabama native continued his promising play last season, bouncing between defensive end and defensive tackle while helping the Tigers win the ACC.

Woods is one of the best 2026 NFL Draft prospects I’ve studied thus far. He’s not Jalen Carter — I can’t go that far. However, could he be a 90-percent version of Carter in the NFL? I think that is a realistic projection.

2. Caleb Banks, Florida (6-6 1/8v, 334v)

Best trait: Downhill force

Banks is a humongous human with verified measurements that will make him one of the NFL’s largest defensive linemen the moment he is drafted. That size is a strong selling point, but I was even more impressed with Banks’ dogged effort and ability to create force. Straight out of the Chris Jones playbook, Banks uses his length to create movement, and his effort from the backside is outstanding.

On a per-snap basis, Banks was one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in college football last season due to his ability to generate force to the football.

Must improve: Pad level

Standing over 6 feet 6, Banks unsurprisingly struggles with leverage issues at times when blockers can get underneath and stand him up. He has problems with angle blocks, which can cause him to move out of the run lanes. Banks has superb chase skills in the run game, but he can improve as a run-game finisher in close quarters.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

My No. 1 criterion when scouting defensive linemen: Draft the guys who hate to be blocked. Banks qualifies because of the different ways he can unwind from blocks or power through contact. He led the Gators in pressures last season and should do so again in 2025, especially considering the dominant way he finished last season (check out his LSU and Ole Miss tapes).

Although he is a work in progress in several areas (both on and off the field), Banks is long and strong and still has plenty of untapped potential. Several NFL teams have stamped him this summer with second-round grades.

3. Christen Miller, Georgia (6-4e, 305e)*

Best trait: Run-game radar

Miller launches off the line in the run game and extends his hands into single blocks while reading the backfield action. He has the power to play peekaboo as a two-gapper, press blockers off his frame and ground the ball carrier in the gap. His natural twitch and fierce hands are apparent when he sheds blocks and finishes tackles.

Thanks to his pad level, power and run-game radar, Miller was a problem for the Notre Dame offensive line in last season’s playoff game.

Must improve: Pass-rush plan

The explosiveness Miller shows in the run game is apparent when he is rushing the passer, too — he flashes a swim move to squeeze into the backfield. However, his countermeasures and pass-rush efficiency are currently undeveloped, and Georgia’s heavy defensive line rotation is a significant reason behind that. If given more opportunities to rush the passer, Miller has the talent to make noise.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

Georgia always has dudes on the defensive line, even if the frequent rotation and run-first mindset limit production on the stat sheet. Miller ranked 17th on the team in defensive snaps last season, but he was among the Georgia leaders in exciting flashes, primarily against the run. With Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse off to the NFL, Miller will see a bump in his playing time, and the talent is there for him to cement top-50 status in the 2026 class.

4. David Oke, Arkansas (6-1 3/4v, 312v)

Best trait: Nimble big man

Three seasons ago, Oke (pronounced OAK-ee) enrolled at Abilene Christian as a raw 250-pounder with a ton of talent and ambition. He gained weight over the years but didn’t sacrifice his athleticism.

Oke is at his best moving laterally to cross the face of blockers or bounce between gaps to make stops at the line.

Must improve: Consistent pad level

Oke is a highly active player with a radar for the football in the run game. However, there are times when he gets too high and flat-backed at the point of attack, which causes him to lose his balance. Now, in the SEC, Oke will need to play with more consistent leverage to win at the contact point.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

Abilene Christian isn’t known for churning out defensive talent (its last defensive draft pick was 20 years ago: defensive back Danieal Manning). However, the school found something in Oke, who had a breakout 2024 season, primarily as a nose tackle.

Oke, who grew up in Nigeria, transferred this offseason from FCS Abilene Christian. The jump in competition will help NFL scouts decipher if he has NFL starting potential, like he showed on last year’s video.

5. Domonique Orange, Iowa State (6-1 3/4v, 328v)

Best trait: Point-of-attack power

A thickly built, powerful nose, Orange plays with extension into contact and generates knockback, which allows him to create downhill tilt or muck up run lanes. He can easily power through the numbers of blockers or open lanes. Orange can be a step late anticipating, but his violent play to discard blocks stands out.

Must improve: Turning flashes into consistency

Orange has the play strength to create interior push, but he needs to be more consistent with his shed timing and awareness to become more productive. Although he was much more impactful than the stat sheet suggests (4.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack), those numbers are expected to increase as his blocking awareness and overall consistency improve.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A Kansas City, Mo., native, Orange had offers from Georgia, Ohio State and several other premier programs out of high school before committing to Iowa State, where he has steadily developed the last three seasons. At one time, he weighed over 400 pounds, but he has worked hard to slim down and improve his conditioning, which has been reflected in his impressive play last season.

Orange checks a lot of boxes for the next level. He has a dense, bulky body type with a stout lower half and the length to shoot his hands and control the point of attack. For a 4-3 scheme looking for a shaded nose, Orange could be an early-round target.

[DerwinBosa]

I don't take Dane Brugler's rankings seriously, but that gives us an idea of some prospects we can check out during the season.

[dmac_bolt]

I cannot consider college player rankings before they play their first snap of the year. I just ... can't.

[Boltinloudguy]

DT Aaron Graves is an underrated DT coming into this year IMO. 6’4 300 lbs with some pass rushing chops.

Edge/DE Gabe Jacas is my favorite edge player at the moment. He’s a relentless train coming for the QB. Needs to refine pass rush moves but seems like a good fit for the the Harbaugh Culture

Centers- Bryce Foster or Logan Jones

[Boltnut]

I'll wait until mid-season to start my scouting... but here is a guy I liked when scouting last year:

OC Jake Slaughter:

[21&500]

Not sure if he's related to our qb (DJ Uiagalelei) but this Duck has a nice blend of passrush juice and stout run defense.
Very good eyes and rarely over-pursues.
Maybe we go back to the Oregon DL next draft.

[Boltnut]

Not sure if he's related to our qb (DJ Uiagalelei) but this Duck has a nice blend of passrush juice and stout run defense.
Very good eyes and rarely over-pursues.
Maybe we go back to the Oregon DL next draft.

They are brothers.

[Boltinloudguy]

I'll wait until mid-season to start my scouting... but here is a guy I liked when scouting last year:

OC Jake Slaughter:

I like Jake Slaughter as well. He’s ranked all over the board from back end 1st rounder to somewhere around 200th overall.