The biggest sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft defensive tackle class

One of the weaker position groups in the 2026 NFL Draft is the defensive tackle class. I only have two players at the position with first-round grades on my board, and both are late first-round prospects. However, that does not mean there is not value to be found. A couple of players who could outperform their draft positions are Baylor’s Jackie Marshall and SE Louisiana’s Kaleb Proctor.

Top player: Peter Woods, Clemson

The defensive tackle with the highest upside in this class is Clemson’s Peter Woods. His value comes from his explosive first step and ability to generate pressure from the interior. Over the past two seasons, he has totaled five sacks, and this past year earned second-team All-American honors. His athletic traits are also widely recognized, as he ranked No. 5 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List entering the season.

While there are still some concerns about his motor and his ability to consistently hold up against the run, the upside as an interior pass rusher still makes Woods worthy of a mid-first-round pick.

Breakout player: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald burst onto the scene this season, earning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors after not starting a game during his first two seasons with the Buckeyes. His biggest impact came against the run, where he anchored a defense that finished seventh nationally in rushing defense and allowed just 89 yards per game. McDonald’s dominance in that area also showed up in the analytics, posting a 92.3 PFF run-defense grade that was four points higher than any other defensive tackle in the country.

Biggest risk: Caleb Banks, Florida  

A defensive tackle who could be a risky selection is Florida’s Caleb Banks. This past season he played in only three games due to a foot injury and, when on the field, appeared out of shape. However, his 2024 film shows a massive defensive tackle who fires off the ball with impressive burst, something backed up by the 5.04 forty-yard dash he posted at the NFL Combine. Banks also has the physical traits NFL teams covet, measuring 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds with 35-inch arms. If a team can keep him motivated and healthy, they could land a high-quality starter. If not, selecting Banks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft could become a pick they regret.

Sleeper: Jackie Marshall, Baylor

A player who has a strong chance of going undrafted but still making an impact in the NFL is Baylor’s Jackie Marshall. The biggest reason he could go undrafted is that he is slightly undersized at 6-foot-2 and 293 pounds, and he is coming off a disappointing season in which he battled injuries. However, when healthy, he has shown the ability to be a difference-maker. In 2024, he consistently generated pressure on the quarterback and finished the season with an impressive 88.4 PFF run-defense grade. The traits that stand out most with Marshall are his burst off the ball, his nonstop motor, and his versatility, as he saw time at both defensive tackle and defensive end during his career at Baylor.

Had a disappointing season: Zane Durant, Penn State

A defensive tackle whose production took a step back this season is Penn State’s Zane Durant. After leading all FBS defensive tackles with 14 tackles for loss or no gain the previous year, he finished with just 4.5 tackles for loss this season. He also had issues against the run, lacking the bulk needed to consistently hold up at the point of attack. On the positive side, Durant remains one of the most athletic defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft and showed that at the NFL Combine by posting a 4.75 forty-yard dash, the fastest time among defensive tackles.

Non-Power 4 standout: Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana 

One of the most explosive defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft is SE Louisiana’s Kaleb Proctor. This past season the Southland Conference Player of the Year recorded 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He also posted impressive numbers at the NFL Combine, including a 4.79 forty-yard dash, which was the second-fastest time among defensive tackles. As a pro prospect, he projects best as a 3-technique one-gap defensive tackle who can consistently penetrate into the opponent’s backfield.

Overrated: LT Overton, Alabama

A player who comes across as a bit of a tweener, especially in a four-man front, is Alabama’s LT Overton. As a defensive end, he lacks the burst typically needed for the position, and even when projecting him inside his get-off is only average. Moving him to defensive tackle also presents issues, as he is undersized for the role at just 274 pounds. While he showed solid strength playing defensive end for Alabama, shifting inside raises questions about whether he can consistently hold up there.

One potential fit would be as a 3-4 defensive end, which helps explain interest from teams like the Steelers. However, with limited upside and no clear natural position in most defensive schemes, I have a sixth-round grade on Overton. That is significantly lower than some outlets, including Fox Sports, which has him projected as a first-round pick.

Overrated No.2: Domonique Orange, Iowa State

Another defensive tackle who is being overvalued is Iowa State’s Domonique Orange. When watching his film there are several concerns, starting with the fact that he lacks much burst off the ball and is a below-average athlete. There are also questions about his work ethic, with stamina being a major concern, and he has even admitted that he has been lackadaisical at times on the field. He also is not the run stuffer some evaluators claim he is, as teams were routinely able to run between the tackles against Iowa State this season, and he earned just a 67.4 PFF run-defense grade. For these reasons, I have a sixth-round grade on him, which is much lower than his consensus third-round projection.

Overall Rank

1. Peter Woods, Clemson (first round)

2. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State (first round)

3. Caleb Banks, Florida (second round)

4. Christen Miller, Georgia (third round)

5. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (fourth round)

6. Zane Durant, Penn State (fourth round)

7. Gracen Halton, Oklahoma (fifth round)

8. Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana (fifth round)

9. Darrell Jackson, Florida State (fifth round)

10. Domonique Orange, Iowa State (sixth round)

11. LT Overton, Alabama (sixth round)

12. Nick Barrett, South Carolina (sixthr round)

13. Jackie Marshall, Baylor (seventh round)

14. Rayshaun Benny, Michigan (seventh round)