The 2025 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is getting prepared now for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2026 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Defensive Linemen.
Banks was a three-star recruit in the class of 2023, who signed with Louisville out of Michigan. He didn’t play much in his first two seasons with the Cardinals, registering two tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. Banks transferred to Florida for the 2023 season. He tallied 19 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. Florida was only able to win five games that season. In 2024, Banks had 21 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He helped Florida improve to eight wins.
At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Banks has great size for an interior defensive lineman. He attacks gaps well and moves extremely well for his size. His burst at the snap is good and he has good pass rush production. He needs to keep his pad level down and add more pass more moves to his arsenal to help him improve.
As a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, Faulk decided to stay in the state to play for Auburn. In his first season, Faulk had 35 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. The Tigers won six games this season. For the 2024 season, Faulk improved with 45 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He played well, but Auburn won just five games.
At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Faulk has a big frame, but is a little underweight for a defensive lineman. While he plays defensive end for Auburn, he often is part of a three-man front, but he can rush from the inside. He uses his length well and plays the run well. He can shed blocks faster and add more pass rush moves to his game. Whether he bulks up and plays as a 3-4 DE or adjusts to a new role in the NFL, Faulk could be successful.
Miller was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 who stayed in-state to play for Georgia. He redshirted in 2022, then registered 14 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. In 2024, Miller tallied 27 total tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. With his larger role in 2024, Miller helped Georgia win 11 games and make the CFP.
He stands at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, which gives him solid size for an interior defensive lineman. Miller is a good run stopping defensive lineman. The two-gapper can take on double teams and help others make plays. He can fill out his frame a little more and won’t help much as a pass rusher, but Miller could still play well enough to be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, Parker signed with Clemson out of Alabama. He played immediately for the Tigers, registering 26 total tackles and three tackles for loss. He helped Clemson win nine games that season. In 2024, he had 28 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Woods led the Tigers to 10 wins in 2024.
At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Woods has great size for an interior defensive lineman. He is a great athlete for his size with good flexibility. Woods has good burst at the snap, hand usage and a motor that shows up constantly. His pad level gets too high and he could shed quicker, but his run stopping ability is enticing.
Bear Alexander, Oregon Ducks- Alexander was a prized recruit that hasn’t met his full expectations yet. He’s big and moves well, so maybe Oregon can get more out of him this season.
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati Bearcats- Corleone has three good years under his belt at Cincinnati and has been a bright spot for the Bearcats.
Zane Durant, Penn State Nittany Lions- Durant has improved every season at Penn State and did well with 11 tackles for loss in 2024.
Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss Rebels- Harris is huge and has a chance to show better production in 2025 to help his stock.
Darrell Jackson, Florida State Seminoles- Jackson was one of the bright spots for Florida State last season with 3.5 sacks from the interior.
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