NFL · 6 months ago

2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Best 40 Interior Defensive Linemen Available

John Canady

Host · Writer

40) Joe Evans, UTSA
Joe Evans started his college career at LSU, where he spent three seasons before transferring to UTSA. The defensive lineman played three seasons with the Roadrunners but struggled to produce at either stop. Evans will likely go undrafted unless a team falls in love with his athletic potential.
1) Mason Graham, Michigan
Mason Graham showed off everything he had to offer this past year with Michigan. The defensive tackle has excellent instincts, and his strength in the interior is exactly what NFL teams are looking for. Graham can be a reliable stopper in the run game, and his pass rush is just as dominant, especially when bull rushing.

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2) Kenneth Grant, Michigan
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Another Michigan Wolverine to join this list is Kenneth Grant. Grant is a massive defensive lineman, standing at six feet three inches and weighing 339 pounds. The Michigan product has a long way to go as a pass rusher, but his run defense makes up for the weaknesses. Despite not being a polished pass rusher now, he has the skill set to figure that part of his game out at the next level.
3) Derrick Harmon, Oregon
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After transferring from Michigan State, Derrick Harmon was a key piece to the Oregon Duck's dominant defense this past year. The defensive lineman racked up 45 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass defenses during his career year with the Ducks. Harmon could be one of the more underrated defenders in the draft, as he's shown more strengths than weaknesses.
4) Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
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Walter Nolen was one of college football's biggest transfer portal targets last offseason and opted to join Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss for his final season. The six-foot-three lineman took advantage of his time with his new squad, totaling 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two pass defenses as a key disruptor for the Rebels. Like many defenders in the draft, Nolen has many areas that need improvement, such as his ball tracking. However, if he can fix his issues, he can be a star at the next level.
5) Joshua Farmer, Florida State
Joshua Farmer may not be talked about as much as he should be heading into this draft process. The defensive tackle has a quick first step and the ability to throw multiple moves at opposing linemen if he doesn't win the rep on his original attempt. Farmer is versatile and has a chance to show that at the combine, which will likely be the key reason he rises on many draft boards.

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6) Darius Alexander, Toledo
Darius Alexander turned heads at the combine with his performance, especially his 4.95 40-yard dash time. The defender spent five seasons at Toledo, improving each year. In his final season with the Rockets, Alexander totaled 40 tackles, four pass defenses, 3.5 sacks, and one interception returned for a 58-yard touchdown. The six-foot-four defensive lineman could be an absolute nightmare for opposing teams in the right defensive scheme.
7) T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
T.J. Sanders may not be a name many people know, but he'll turn heads at the next level when given the chance. The South Carolina product developed into one of the most reliable defensive starters for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, ending his collegiate career with back-to-back dominant seasons. In 2024, Sanders racked up 51 total tackles, four sacks, and a pass defense while serving as one of the best run-stoppers on the team.
8) Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
Omarr Norman-Lott spent three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2023 season. The six-foot-three defensive lineman suited up for the Volunteers for two years, showing flashes of his ability to get to the quarterback. Norman-Lott's stats won't jump out at you, but he has all the tools to be a more than serviceable defender at the next level.
9) Deone Walker, Kentucky
Deone Walker is another lineman who showed flashes of his pass rush and run defense in college. In 2023, the Kentucky standout racked up 7.5 sacks to pair alongside 55 total tackles. However, in 2024, Walker's stats took a step back in the pass rush department, but it wasn't due to poor individual play, more so the Wildcats' inconsistency as a defensive unit. With his pro day still to come, it wouldn't be a surprise to see his draft stock continue to rise.
10) Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
Tyleik Williams is another Ohio State defender who is expected to have plenty of interest in this upcoming NFL Draft. The four-year Buckeye showed all the flashes on film teams could want, but his main flaw has been consistency. If he can put it all together at the next level, he will have all the tools to be a starter for any team.
11) Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Aeneas Peebles spent four seasons at Duke before transferring to Virginia Tech. At both stops, the defensive tackle proved he could be a reliable disruptor on the defensive line. Although he's not an athletic freak like some of the other defenders on this list, he's a consistent force, which should bode well for playing time at the next level.
12) Alfred Collins, Texas Longhorns
Alfred Collins spent five seasons at Texas developing his game with the Longhorns. In his fifth and final season, the Texas native put together a career year racking up 55 total tackles, six pass defenses, one sack, and a forced fumble. Collins's experience and productivity will make him an intriguing pick in the later rounds.
13) CJ West, Indiana
CJ West transferred to Indiana ahead of the 2024 season after spending four years at Kent State. The defensive lineman had a strong year, totaling 42 tackles, two sacks, one pass defense, and a forced fumble for the Hoosiers. Not only is his college tape impressive, but the lineman posted a 4.95 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which alone turned heads.
14) Vernon Broughton, Texas
Vernon Broughton is another five-year player for Texas in this draft. The defensive lineman put together a strong final season, which included four sacks and two forced fumbles. Broughton will be an intriguing prospect for the later rounds.
15) JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
JJ Pegues may be the most versatile defensive lineman in the draft, but not for his ability to play in different techniques on the defensive line. The versatile defender was used as a red zone threat in Lane Kiffin's offense this past season, rushing for seven touchdowns. Although that alone won't get him drafted, his ability to make an impact on defense while also adding another layer to his game will make him an interesting prospect to watch.
16) Ty Robinson, Nebraska
Ty Robinson is one of the more experienced defensive tackles in the draft after spending five seasons at Nebraska. The six-foot-six lineman showed promise in his first four years, but he finally put it all together in his final season in college football. Robinson strung together a career year, racking up 37 tackles, seven sacks, four pass defenses, and a forced fumble. Expect the defender to have plenty of interest in the middle rounds of the draft.
17) Jordan Phillips, Maryland
Jordan Phillips spent one season at Tennessee, where he struggled to find a role. Looking to make an impact, the defender transferred to Maryland. Phillips showed promise in his time with the Terrapins, but he still needs to improve in some areas before he can be a reliable player. Now, he'll get the chance to develop in the NFL.
18) Cam Horsley, Boston College
Cam Horsley spent five seasons at Boston College, where he consistently showed improvement each year. In his final season with the Eagles, the six-foot-four defensive tackle totaled 42 tackles and three pass defenses. Horsley hasn't shown much as a pass rusher, but his ability to stop the run will get him playing time at the next level.
19) Cam Jackson, Florida
Cam Jackson spent three seasons at Memphis before transferring to Florida ahead of the 2023 season. The six-foot-six defensive lineman quickly impressed, serving as a reliable run stopper and a capable pass rusher. Expect teams to be interested in Jackson's development in the draft.
20) Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech
Zeek Biggers spent four seasons at Georgia Tech before deciding to enter the NFL Draft. The Yellow Jackets defender showed flashes but never quite put it all together. Despite that, his size and skillset will have many teams willing to take a gamble on him.
21) Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
Ty Hamilton spent four seasons at Ohio State, taking strides each year in a Buckeyes' jersey. The defensive tackle put together a career year in 2024, totaling 51 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in his final year at OSU. Now, he enters the draft, where he could be selected higher than many think.
22) Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
Tonka Hemingway is another five-year senior to enter this NFL Draft class. The Gamecock product put together a solid season in his final year, racking up 25 tackles, four sacks, one pass defense, and a forced fumble to end his college career. Hemingway will likely be a late-round pick but will have solid value for the team that lands him.
23) Junior Tafuna, Utah
Junior Tafuna suited up for the Utah Utes for the past four seasons, serving as a solid interior defender. The six-foot-three tackle showed flashes of his ability to rush the passer, but his presence in the run defense stood out more. Look for Tafuna to be a late-round pick.
24) Tommy Akingbesote, Maryland
Tommy Akingbesote could be an intriguing prospect to watch throughout the draft process. The Maryland product's college stats don't jump out at you, but his athleticism on film makes the idea of his development in the NFL intriguing. Expect an NFL team to have similar thoughts regarding Akingbesote at the next level.
25) Bryson Eason, Tennessee
Bryson Eason played five seasons at Tennessee before deciding to enter the NFL Draft. The six-foot-three lineman was a reliable defender for the Vols, but he didn't flash anything special. Eason could be a late-round pick as a flier or a priority undrafted free agent.
26) Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
Jamaree Caldwell spent two seasons at Houston before transferring to Oregon in 2024. The South Carolina native put together a career-year with the Ducks, totaling 29 tackles, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble. Although he hasn't put together overwhelming numbers, the defender will likely be drafted with a chance to become a quality depth piece.
27) Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
Rylie Mills spent five seasons at Notre Dame, and in his final two years with the Fighting Irish, he became a big-time playmaker for Marcus Freeman. In 2024, the six-foot-five lineman racked up 37 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Mills's production in his final year should bode well for him come draft night.
28) Howard Cross III, Notre Dame
Howard Cross III is one of the most experienced defensive tackles in the upcoming draft class. The defender spent six seasons at Notre Dame, where he showed flashes of his ability to be a reliable run stopper. In his final two seasons in college, Cross III set career-highs. He heads to the NFL to test his luck at the next level.
29) Tim Smith, Alabama
Tim Smith spent five seasons at Alabama before deciding to enter the NFL Draft. The six-foot-four defender showed the ability to be a reliable run stopper, but he also showed weaknesses that can stop him from being a genuine threat at the next level. If he can clean up certain areas of his game in the NFL, he has the tools to be a quality depth piece.
30) Jared Harrison-Hunte, SMU
Jared Harrison-Hunte spent four seasons at Miami before transferring to SMU in 2024. The six-foot-four defensive lineman put together a career-year in his lone season with the Mustangs, totaling 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one interception. Between his experience and film this past year, Harrison-Hunte could be a sleeper pick in the later rounds.
31) Aidan Keanaaina, Cal
Aidan Keanaaina spent three seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to Cal for his senior season. The six-foot-three defender put together a career year, serving as a big-time run stuffer for the Golden Bears. If he can develop his pass rush ability, he could be a quality depth piece.
32) Payton Page, Clemson
Payton Page spent four seasons at Clemson, where he broke out during his senior year. The six-foot-four defensive tackle totaled 32 tackles, one pass defense, one interception, and 0.5 sacks as a crucial piece for the Tigers' defense. Now, he enters the draft.
33) Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
Over the last five seasons at Georgia, Nazir Stackhouse has developed into a reliable part of the Bulldogs' defensive line. The six-foot-three tackle showed flashes as a capable run defender and willing pass rusher, but flashes alone won't earn him a spot on an NFL roster. Stackhouse must earn his way onto a team at the next level.
34) Chidozie Nwankwo, Colorado
Chidozie Nwankwo spent four seasons at Houston before transferring to Colorado. The undersized defensive tackle put together a solid season, totaling 31 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Nwankwo's size could make him fall on draft day, but his heart could earn him a spot on a team.
35) Tre Williams, Clemson
Tre Williams spent five seasons at Clemson, where he served as mostly a depth piece in Dabo Swinney's defense. This past year, Williams finished with 14 total tackles, two sacks, and two pass defenses, but he struggled to earn a consistent role. It will be interesting to see if Williams can find a role at the next level.
36) Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Georgia
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins spent the last four seasons at Georgia, where he's served as a key role piece on the Bulldogs' defensive line. This past year, the South Carolina native put together his most productive year, with 19 total tackles, three sacks, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble. Ingram-Dawkins has the physical tools to be a solid depth piece at the next level.
37) Simeon Barrow Jr., Miami
Simeon Barrow Jr. spent three seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Miami for his final college season. The defensive lineman racked up 30 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass defense in his lone year with the Hurricanes. He's a defender who could have plenty of interest in the later rounds.
38) Warren Brinson, Georgia
Warren Brinson is another defensive lineman from Georgia who will enter the draft. The six-foot-four defender spent five seasons with the Bulldogs but struggled to develop his game to be anything more than a quality run stopper. The traits are there, but the production was not.
39) Eric Gregory, Arkansas
Eric Gregory is one of the most experienced defensive linemen in the draft after spending six years at Arkansas. In his final season with the Razorbacks, the Tennessee native broke out, totaling 43 tackles, three sacks, and one pass defense. Gregory may not be a top prospect, but his final year may have earned him a look on Day 3.
40) Joe Evans, UTSA
Joe Evans started his college career at LSU, where he spent three seasons before transferring to UTSA. The defensive lineman played three seasons with the Roadrunners but struggled to produce at either stop. Evans will likely go undrafted unless a team falls in love with his athletic potential.
1) Mason Graham, Michigan
Mason Graham showed off everything he had to offer this past year with Michigan. The defensive tackle has excellent instincts, and his strength in the interior is exactly what NFL teams are looking for. Graham can be a reliable stopper in the run game, and his pass rush is just as dominant, especially when bull rushing.

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2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Best 40 Interior Defensive Linemen Available

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