Big 12 defensive linemen to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft: Top prospects, best NFL fits

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a breakout moment for the Big 12’s defensive linemen.
Jackie Marshall of Baylor is a highly though of NFL prospect
Jackie Marshall of Baylor is a highly though of NFL prospect | Tom Pennington/GettyImages

Last season, the Big 12 had a down year in the trenches when it came to NFL talent. Only one defensive lineman, Collin Oliver, was drafted, going in the fifth round to the Green Bay Packers. That number should rise sharply in the 2026 NFL Draft, with seven defensive linemen from the conference carrying draftable grades on my board heading into the season.

The top Big 12 defensive lineman on my board is Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey, a transfer from Stanford. But most of the strength in the conference lies inside. Four of my top five Big 12 linemen project as defensive tackles at the next level.

All positional designations below reflect where I project each player in a 4-3 defensive scheme.

Top five defensive linemen in the Big 12 

1. David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

David Bailey a prospect to watch ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
Stanford transfer David Bailey makes his debut at Texas Tech's spring football practice. | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Preseason Draft Grade: 3rd Round

NFL Fit: Baltimore Ravens

Texas Tech hit the jackpot in the transfer portal with David Bailey, who led Stanford with seven sacks last season and tied for fourth in the FBS with four forced fumbles. He’s not a full-time defensive end yet but shows the burst and bend to win off the edge as a situational rusher. The Ravens feel like a natural NFL fit as Bailey’s quickness and frame would thrive in their 3-4 scheme as a stand-up rusher.


2. Jackie Marshall, DT, Baylor

Jackie Marshall of Baylor a player to watch in the Big 12
Baylor's Jackie Marshall | Alex Slitz/GettyImages

Preseason Draft Grade: 4th Round

NFL Fit: Detroit Lions

Marshall may have played on the edge in college, but his best NFL projection is as a 3-tech in a 4-3 front. He posted an elite 88.4 run defense grade from PFF in 2023 despite being just 6'3", 290. He’s compact, powerful, and disruptive inside. The Lions could be a strong landing spot, especially with Levi Onwuzurike likely gone after the season. They’ll need depth, and Marshall fits their style.


3. Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

Dontay Corleone a player to watch in the Big 12
Cincinnati Bearcats defensive tackle Dontay Corleone | Julio Aguilar/GettyImages

Preseason Draft Grade: 5th Round

NFL Fit: New Orleans Saints

Corleone had a down year in 2024 while managing a serious medical issue (blood clots), but when healthy, he’s a dominant run-stopper. His 80.4 run defense grade in 2023 was impressive, but his 2022 grade of 94.7 was the best PFF had given since Micah Parsons in 2019. The Saints, whose defensive line graded dead last in the NFL per PFF, could use a tone-setter like him up front.


4. Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYU

BYU DT Keanu Tanuvasa one of the best in the Big 12
Brigham Young's Keanu Tanuvasa | Chris Gardner/GettyImages

Preseason Draft Grade: 5th Round

NFL Fit: Indianapolis Colts

Tanuvasa is another intriguing portal pickup, transferring to BYU from rival Utah. Despite playing only seven games in 2024, he managed 4.5 tackles for loss and flashed impressive burst and strength on tape. One knock against him is his age since he’s older than most prospects after serving a two-year LDS mission post-high school. The Colts make sense as a landing spot with both Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner now over 31. Indianapolis needs to start lining up replacements on the interior, and Tanuvasa’s upside is worth the investment.


5. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Domonique Orange anchors the middle of the Iowa State defensive line
Iowa State's Domonique Orange | David K Purdy/GettyImages

Preseason Draft Grade: 5th Round

NFL Fit: New England Patriots

Iowa State’s Domonique Orange is a massive presence in the middle at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds. He’s expected to take on a larger role in 2025 after limited snaps last season due to conditioning issues. As an NFL prospect, he checks the boxes for a prototypical nose tackle with his size, raw power, and surprising movement skills. The Patriots could be a strong match. They run a 3-4 front and may be in the market for a backup nose tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft. Orange fits that mold perfectly.

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