NFL · 11 hours ago

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Ranks Top 10 Defensive Tackles Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

Just Missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 305

Rayshaun Benny remained a steady contributor for Michigan, doing the dirty work inside while still finding ways to impact the stat sheet. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, offering a solid all-around presence.
1) Peter Woods, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 315

Peter Woods continues to flash disruptive upside along Clemson’s interior, using his strength and quickness to impact plays even when the stat sheet doesn’t fully reflect it. He finished with 30 total tackles, two sacks, and one pass defense, showing he can hold his own while still growing into a more consistent force.

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2) Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 326

Kayden McDonald brings a physical, tone-setting presence to the middle of Ohio State’s defense, consistently finding ways to impact both the run and pass. His production backs it up, totaling 65 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass defense, highlighting his ability to stay active and disruptive.
3) Christen Miller, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-4| Weight: 305

Christen Miller remains a developing interior piece for Georgia, flashing power at the point of attack while continuing to refine his overall consistency. He recorded 23 total tackles and 1.5 sacks, with his best football still likely ahead as he grows into a larger role.
4) Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 325

Lee Hunter carved out a steady role at Texas Tech as a reliable interior defender who can plug gaps and create pressure in key moments. He posted 41 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, showing a well-rounded ability to contribute across the defensive front.
5) Caleb Banks, Florida
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 330

Caleb Banks had his 2025 season cut short, limiting his opportunity to build momentum, finishing with just six total tackles. Despite the setback, his flashes before the injury still leave intrigue about what he can become when fully healthy.
6) Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 292

Gracen Halton emerged as one of Oklahoma’s more active interior defenders, combining effort and quickness to find the football consistently. He tallied 33 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble, showcasing his ability to impact plays in multiple ways.
7) Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 337

Darrell Jackson Jr. provided Florida State with a physical presence in the middle, anchoring against the run while chipping in as a pass rusher. He finished with 44 total tackles and one sack, offering stability along the defensive front.
8) Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 325

Domonique Orange continues to be a depth piece for Iowa State, contributing in rotational snaps while working to expand his overall impact. He recorded 18 total tackles and one pass defense, showing flashes but still searching for more consistency.
9) Zane Durant, Penn State
Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 294

Zane Durant plays with a relentless motor that consistently shows up on tape, making him one of Penn State’s more disruptive interior defenders. He compiled 25 total tackles, four sacks, two pass defenses, and one interception, highlighting his ability to create splash plays.
10) Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 280

Kaleb Proctor brings intriguing pass-rush upside from the interior, using his quickness to create pressure and finish plays. He put together an impressive season with 43 total tackles, eight sacks, and two pass defenses, emerging as a true difference-maker.
Just Missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 305

Rayshaun Benny remained a steady contributor for Michigan, doing the dirty work inside while still finding ways to impact the stat sheet. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, offering a solid all-around presence.
1) Peter Woods, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 315

Peter Woods continues to flash disruptive upside along Clemson’s interior, using his strength and quickness to impact plays even when the stat sheet doesn’t fully reflect it. He finished with 30 total tackles, two sacks, and one pass defense, showing he can hold his own while still growing into a more consistent force.

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ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Ranks Top 10 Defensive Tackles Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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