A couple of days after dropping our Preseason All-Big Ten offense, NFL Mock is back with the defensive side of the ball. This year’s unit is headlined by Ohio State safety Caleb Downs — the top NFL Draft prospect in the conference and a projected top-five pick in 2026.
Ohio State leads the way with six players on the All-Underrated Team, including four on defense. Penn State follows with four total selections. Overall, ten Big Ten schools earned representation.
All-Big Ten NFL Draft Defense
Defensive End: Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon Ducks
Ideal NFL Team: Chicago Bears
Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most complete edge defenders in the class. He led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks during the regular season and consistently held up against the run. His size and power make him a perfect fit for Chicago, where defensive coordinator Dennis Allen favors bigger ends. Uiagalelei would likely be an upgrade over Dayo Odeyingbo, a free-agent signing the Bears overpaid for this offseason.
Defensive Tackle: Zane Durant, Penn State Nittany Lions
Ideal NFL Team: New York Jets
Zane Durant led all FBS defensive tackles with 14 tackles for loss or no gain, thanks to his explosive first step and burst off the ball. He’d be an ideal playmaker next to Quinnen Williams in New York, especially with the Jets likely needing to replace Derrick Nnadi after this season, given his one-year deal.
Defensive Tackle: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan Wolverines
Ideal NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers
With Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant both going in the top 15 of the 2025 NFL Draft, Michigan’s defensive line took a major hit, but Rayshaun Benny is ready to step up. Despite just four career starts, Benny enters the season with a fifth-round grade thanks to his size, power, and flashes of disruptive play. He’d be a logical fit for the 49ers, who will likely need to reinforce their interior defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Defensive End: Anthony Smith, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Ideal NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Anthony Smith is a big, versatile defensive lineman who tallied 11.5 tackles for loss last season and brings proven production from both defensive end and defensive tackle. His scheme flexibility and strength at the point of attack make him a valuable chess piece up front. While the Bengals invested a first-round pick in Shemar Stewart this year, edge depth will remain a priority, especially if Trey Hendrickson isn’t extended long-term.
Outside Linebacker: Sonny Styles, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ideal NFL Team: Buffalo Bills
Call me old school, but I still list outside linebacker as a position, and Sonny Styles is one of the best in the 2026 class. A former safety, Styles excels in coverage thanks to his fluid change of direction and high football IQ. He’d be an ideal long-term replacement for Matt Milano in Buffalo, especially with Milano struggling to stay healthy in recent seasons.
Middle Linebacker: Arvell Reese, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ideal NFL Team: Indianapolis Colts
Much like Rayshaun Benny, Arvell Reese enters the 2025 season as a backup-turned-breakout candidate. Despite limited snaps, he’s already shown the physicality and closing speed teams look for in a true middle linebacker. If he takes the next step, he could emerge as the Big Ten’s top inside linebacker prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. In Indianapolis, he’d be a strong fit in Lou Anarumo scheme and could push Zaire Franklin for the starting role in 2026.
Outside Linebacker: Tony Rojas, Penn State Nittany Lions
Ideal NFL Team: Detroit Lions
The Big Ten is thin at outside linebacker this year, with Styles the only prospect earning a grade higher than Day 3 on my board. Still, Tony Rojas is an intriguing athlete. He reportedly runs a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash and showed solid instincts in coverage last season, picking off three passes. He’d add needed speed and depth to a Lions linebacker unit that could use both.
Cornerback: Jyaire Hill, Michigan Wolverines
Ideal NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Jyaire Hill had his ups and downs last season, but the tools are undeniable. At 6-foot-2, he offers prototypical size for an outside corner and pairs it with impressive athleticism. With continued development, Hill has the upside to become a reliable NFL starter. A reunion with former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles could give the Chargers valuable depth and a long-term piece in their secondary.
Safety: Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ideal NFL Team: Miami Dolphins
Caleb Downs is not only the top safety in the Big Ten, he’s also one of the top overall prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. His versatility and high football IQ make him a rare talent. Downs displays elite range in coverage, explosive downhill ability against the run, and can line up at free safety, strong safety, or in the nickel. He’s also a proven playmaker on special teams as a punt returner. For a Dolphins secondary that’s among the weakest in the league, Downs would be an immediate impact player and long-term building block.
Safety: Kamari Ramsey, USC Trojans
Ideal NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings
Kamari Ramsey enters the 2025 season with a second-round grade on my board, thanks to his standout speed and coverage ability. He earned an 88.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus last year, showing the range and awareness teams covet in a modern NFL safety. Ramsey would be a strong fit in Minnesota, especially if the Vikings move on from veteran Harrison Smith after the season.
Cornerback: Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ideal NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Davison Igbinosun is one of the most physical cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft class. A tough, press-man defender with a big frame and aggressive mindset, he thrives in disrupting routes and challenging receivers at the line. He’d be a natural fit in Philadelphia, where the Eagles continue to rebuild their secondary with young, physical talent. Igbinosun would be the fourth Buckeye represented on this list, and a potential starter in Philly’s defense.
