Top Defensive Linemen to Watch, Peter Woods and T.J. Parker Headline a Deep and Disruptive 2026 NFL Draft Class

The journey to the 2026 NFL Draft continues with one of the most loaded position groups in all of college football: the defensive line.

This year’s class offers everything NFL teams covet—explosiveness, versatility, and high-end production. From potential No. 1 overall pick Peter Woods to dominant edge rushers like T.J. Parker and Rueben Bain Jr., the 2026 group is stacked with immediate-impact talent and Day 1 starters.

We’ve evaluated each player’s current scouting grade, positional fit, and ceiling potential heading into the 2025 college football season. While some are surefire first-rounders, others are poised for breakout campaigns that could vault them up draft boards.

Top 2026 NFL Draft Defensive Linemen to Watch

Each player below is listed with height, weight, play style, draft ceiling, and a detailed scouting profile.

📌 Grades follow the Football Scout 365 scale. Projected draft tiers are based on current tape, data, and positional value.

Peter Woods, Clemson (IDL)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 315 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Hybrid interior/edge DL

• Ceiling: Elite - Top 5-10 Picks (1st Round)

Scouting Report: Peter Woods enters 2025 as a dominant, scheme-versatile force and potential No. 1 overall pick. He combines elite explosiveness, leverage, and violent hands to disrupt as both a 3T and edge defender. His 83.3 PFF grade through two seasons underscores his immediate impact, and if his pass-rush production continues to rise, he’ll be a game-wrecking NFL anchor with Quinnen Williams/Chris Jones upside.

T.J. Parker, Clemson (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 265 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: 4-3 DE / 3-4 base end

• Ceiling: Near Elite - Mid-to-Late 1st Round

Scouting Report: Parker led all returning Power Four EDGE defenders in sacks (12) and forced fumbles (6) in 2024. His bull-rush power, finishing ability, and positional IQ make him a true every-down player. With continued growth in hand counters and bend, Parker could rise into the top 10 as a premier EDGE prospect.

Caleb Banks, Florida (IDL)

• Ht/Wt: 6'6", 325 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Penetrating 3T / versatile odd-even fit

• Ceiling: High-End Starter Potential - 2nd-3rd Round

Scouting Report: Banks is a 6’6” disruptor with 53 pressures in 2024—leading all returning Power Four DTs. His raw explosiveness and lateral agility make him one of the most exciting traits-based risers in the class. With improved leverage and technique, he could skyrocket into Round 1.

Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 275 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: 4-3 edge / reduced 5T

• Ceiling: High-End Starter Potential - 2nd-3rd Round

Scouting Report: Despite a 2024 calf injury, Bain has 73 pressures and 11 sacks across two seasons. His power profile, advanced technique, and versatility make him a top-40 candidate with three-down upside. He fits modern attacking fronts with strong run/pass balance.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'5", 272 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Strong-side DE / rotational 3-4 end

• Ceiling: High-End Starter Potential - 2nd-3rd Round

Scouting Report: With 15 sacks and 85 tackles, Dennis-Sutton brings elite run-stopping value and high motor. While his bend is limited, his power and technique keep him on track for a top-20 selection with starter-level traits.

Derrick Moore, Michigan (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 258 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Power end in 4-3 / hybrid fit

• Ceiling: High-End Starter Potential - 2nd-3rd Round

Scouting Report: Moore posted a 23.1% pass-rush win rate in 2024 (4th among FBS EDGE). He thrives with speed-to-power conversion and edge-setting. With growth in pass-rush variety, he could land in Day 2 as a true three-down edge.

David Bailey, Texas Tech (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 250 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: 3-4 OLB / space mover

• Ceiling: High-End Starter Potential - 2nd-3rd Round

Scouting Report: Bailey brings elite bend and pass-rush juice (93.2 PFF pass-rush grade in 2024). He offers rare OLB/edge versatility and is one of the most disruptive movers in the class. If he adds strength and counters, he could vault into Round 1.

Tyreak Sapp, Florida (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 272 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Hybrid 5T / strong-side DE

• Ceiling: High-End Starter Potential - 2nd-3rd Round

Scouting Report: Sapp is a polished, high-IQ defender with NFL bloodlines and strong hands. His plug-and-play floor fits 3-4 and 4-3 fronts alike. He lacks elite twitch but makes up for it with technique and consistency.

LT Overton, Alabama (EDGE)

• Ht/Wt: 6'5", 283 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Inside-out 4i/5T / chess piece

• Ceiling: Mid-Level Starter Potential - 4th-5th Round

Scouting Report: Overton finally broke out in 2024 after transferring from Texas A&M. His length and movement skills fit hybrid fronts perfectly. If he sharpens his finishing ability, he’s a top-40 sleeper with inside-out value.

Christen Miller, Georgia (IDL)

• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 305 lbs

• Play Style/Scheme: Penetrating 3T / hybrid 4i

• Ceiling: Mid-Level Starter Potential - 4th-5th Round

Scouting Report: Miller posted an 82.3 overall PFF grade in 2024 while flashing dominant run-stop traits. His 11.2% pass-rush win rate and quickness give him long-term rotational starter upside. He’s a name to watch for a Day 2 or early Day 3 rise.