Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Defensive Line Rankings

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Defensive Line Rankings

We’re finally moving to the defensive side of the ball. After hitting the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and offensive line, the Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft rankings shift to the defensive line. For this post, we’re hitting ten guys on the interior and on the edge. We’re going for quick snapshots and a list of players for you to track heading into the upcoming season. Without further ado… let’s get to the list!

Edge Rusher:

10: LT Overton (Alabama)

One of these Bama guys are going to pop. Just two sacks last year, but there’s more in the tank here. Maybe the right answer is Keon Keeley, but we’ll see.

9: Mikail Kamara (Indiana)

Forget about CJ West. I thought this was the best player on the Indiana front last year. Proved he wasn’t a fluke coming from James Madison posting 10 sacks last year for Indiana. If we get another leap, look out.

8: Qua Russaw (Alabama)

Redshirt sophomore next year. Just one sack last year, but his flashes are something. Wouldn’t be surprised if he pops off.

7: Gabe Harris (Georgia)

Just two sacks last year but the opportunity is there to really carve. 6-foot-4, 260, and has tools. We’ll find out more this year.

6: Tyreak Sapp (Florida)

No related to Warren Sapp, but this dude can play. Seven sacks last year and has some thickness compared to these other edge guys coming out. Former four star guy hailing from St. Thomas Aquinas who is rounding into form. Might get another leap coming.

5: Patrick Payton (LSU)

Showed some big time flashes as a sophomore for Florida State. Last year the team was such a mess and he really didn’t look good. Now is the time to prove it. Will be at LSU this year and if he can do damage in the SEC… it should reveal what we’re actually looking at it.

4: Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State)

Was a really nice side kick for Abdul Carter last year. Now it’s time for DDS to make it his front. Former five star guy who posted 8.5 sacks last year. What does he look like without Carter on the field? Now it starts to get fun.

3: Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon)

10.5 sacks as a sophomore last year. Yes, his brother is DJ and there’s some PTSD there. The only thing about it is the defensive version has already proved he’s a good player. Still young and doesn’t even need to come out. It’s a matter of if this Uiagalelei is special or just good?

2: TJ Parker (Clemson)

11 sacks and six forced fumbles as a sophomore. Not sure he’s elite twitch dude, but this dude can definitely play. How many levels are we climbing based on what we’ve already seen? TBD.

1: Rueben Bain (Miami)

Big frame at 6-foot-3, 275, and has been a factor since his freshman year. Last year wasn’t as good, but he dealt with injuries and the team defense around him was piss poor. I think this year we find out how real Bain is.

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Offensive Line Rankings

Defensive Tackle:

10: Tim Keenan (Alabama)

Not on the Jonathan Allen tier but probably a tick below that. Good player who you will see a lot. Run stopper stuff is there.

9: Darrell Jackson Jr (Florida State)

6-foot-5, 330, and posted 3.5 sacks from the interior last year. What happens without Josh Farmer, who provided a lot of that bull rush stuff? Can Jackson really take over?

8: Bear Alexander (Oregon)

Has bounced around a ton. Started at Georgia, played sparingly at USC, now he’s at Oregon. There’s no question he has talent. Let’s see if Dan Lanning can pull it out of him. I’m done doubting Oregon.

7: Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)

I thought he was awesome at UCF. Now he comes to Texas Tech as part of their monster portal class. We’ll see which portal adds flop, but I don’t think this will be one of them.

6: Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)

Had a blood clot issue last year. Should be fine and ready to go this year. Would have been a huge prospect had it not happened. Let’s see what we get this year.

5: Christen Miller (Georgia)

Played in flashes in the past, but will now be given a starting role. Let’s not overthink this one. We’ll see what we get, but my guess is Miller flashes big time.

4: Keldric Faulk (Auburn)

Seven sacks last year. Probably more of an edge guy, but could see him being a chess piece that does line up inside. 6-foot-6 and long. Could be part of the equation that gets Auburn back on track.

3: Caleb Banks (Florida)

Recruited as a defensive end. Now he’s grown into a real DT. 4.5 sacks last year from being inside. Call me crazy… but what does it look like without Desmond Watson? Banks has his turn to prove he’s the alpha.

2: Zane Durant (Penn State)

I may be a tick too high, but I’m not sure Carter thrived at Penn State on his own. Really liked the flashes Durant showed last year. All-Big Ten honorable mention last year. I think that moves to first or second team this year.

1: Peter Woods (Clemson)

I want to make something clear. Peter Woods is by far my favorite player on the list. I don’t think it’s close. This dude is a freak. He’s a “I’m not leaving the draft without him” type of guy. He’s a reason to watch Clemson on his own. Mark my words.

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