NFL · 2 hours ago

Mel Kiper’s New 2026 NFL Draft Top 10 Defensive Tackles Rankings

John Canady

Host · Writer

Just Missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Previous Rank: NR

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 305

Rayshaun Benny remained a steady contributor for Michigan, doing the dirty work inside while still finding ways to impact the stat sheet. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, offering a solid all-around presence.
Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defensive Tackle
As the 2026 NFL Draft board solidifies, legendary analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has identified the "game-wreckers" in the middle. This year's interior defensive line class is defined by massive frames and surprising lateral quickness, offering NFL teams everything from pure run-stuffers to elite sub-package pass rushers.

Rising Stock and Hidden Gems

From Clemson’s disruptive Peter Woods at the top to late-season surges like Ole Miss giant Zxavian Harris, the rankings reflect a high-ceiling group. Whether it’s the consistency of Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald or the pass-rush upside of small-school standout Kaleb Proctor, these 12 names are the ones currently climbing NFL draft boards as the scouting process intensifies.

The most recent edition of Kiper's position rankings, updated on March 30, has a new addition among his top 10 defensive tackles.
1) Peter Woods, Clemson
Previous Rank: 1

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 315

Peter Woods continues to flash disruptive upside along Clemson’s interior, using his strength and quickness to impact plays even when the stat sheet doesn’t fully reflect it. He finished with 30 total tackles, two sacks, and one pass defense, showing he can hold his own while still growing into a more consistent force.
2) Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Previous Rank: 2

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 326

Kayden McDonald brings a physical, tone-setting presence to the middle of Ohio State’s defense, consistently finding ways to impact both the run and pass. His production backs it up, totaling 65 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass defense, highlighting his ability to stay active and disruptive.
3) Christen Miller, Georgia
Previous Rank: 3

Height: 6-foot-4| Weight: 305

Christen Miller remains a developing interior piece for Georgia, flashing power at the point of attack while continuing to refine his overall consistency. He recorded 23 total tackles and 1.5 sacks, with his best football still likely ahead as he grows into a larger role.
4) Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Previous Rank: 4

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 325

Lee Hunter carved out a steady role at Texas Tech as a reliable interior defender who can plug gaps and create pressure in key moments. He posted 41 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, showing a well-rounded ability to contribute across the defensive front.
5) Caleb Banks, Florida
Previous Rank: 5

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 330

Caleb Banks had his 2025 season cut short, limiting his opportunity to build momentum, finishing with just six total tackles. Despite the setback, his flashes before the injury still leave intrigue about what he can become when fully healthy.
6) Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Previous Rank: 6

Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 292

Gracen Halton emerged as one of Oklahoma’s more active interior defenders, combining effort and quickness to find the football consistently. He tallied 33 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble, showcasing his ability to impact plays in multiple ways.
7) Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Previous Rank: 7

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 337

Darrell Jackson Jr. provided Florida State with a physical presence in the middle, anchoring against the run while chipping in as a pass rusher. He finished with 44 total tackles and one sack, offering stability along the defensive front.
8) Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Previous Rank: 8

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 325

Domonique Orange continues to be a depth piece for Iowa State, contributing in rotational snaps while working to expand his overall impact. He recorded 18 total tackles and one pass defense, showing flashes but still searching for more consistency.
9) Zane Durant, Penn State
Previous Rank: 9

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 294

Zane Durant plays with a relentless motor that consistently shows up on tape, making him one of Penn State’s more disruptive interior defenders. He compiled 25 total tackles, four sacks, two pass defenses, and one interception, highlighting his ability to create splash plays.
10) Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss
Previous Rank: NR

Height: 6-foot-7 | Weight: 320

Zxavian Harris joins the top 10 of Kiper's defensive tackle ranking after a solid senior season at Ole Miss. The six-foot-seven tackle racked up 58 total tackles, three pass defenses, three sacks and an interception in his final year with the Rebels. Harris will be a solid late-round addition in the draft.
Just Missed: Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Previous Rank: 10

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 280

Kaleb Proctor brings intriguing pass-rush upside from the interior, using his quickness to create pressure and finish plays. He put together an impressive season with 43 total tackles, eight sacks, and two pass defenses, emerging as a true difference-maker.
Just Missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Previous Rank: NR

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 305

Rayshaun Benny remained a steady contributor for Michigan, doing the dirty work inside while still finding ways to impact the stat sheet. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, offering a solid all-around presence.
Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defensive Tackle
As the 2026 NFL Draft board solidifies, legendary analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has identified the "game-wreckers" in the middle. This year's interior defensive line class is defined by massive frames and surprising lateral quickness, offering NFL teams everything from pure run-stuffers to elite sub-package pass rushers.

Rising Stock and Hidden Gems

From Clemson’s disruptive Peter Woods at the top to late-season surges like Ole Miss giant Zxavian Harris, the rankings reflect a high-ceiling group. Whether it’s the consistency of Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald or the pass-rush upside of small-school standout Kaleb Proctor, these 12 names are the ones currently climbing NFL draft boards as the scouting process intensifies.

The most recent edition of Kiper's position rankings, updated on March 30, has a new addition among his top 10 defensive tackles.