Feb. 13, 2026, 2:06 p.m. ET
It is never too early to evaluate interior defensive line talent for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently valued size and power along the defensive front, and Todd Bowles’ scheme demands interior defenders who can anchor against the run while still providing interior disruption. Prospects who can control the A-gaps and reset the line of scrimmage remain foundational pieces in NFL defenses.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Cincinnati interior defensive lineman Dontay Corleone.
InformationSchool: CincinnatiConference: Big 12Position: Interior Defensive LineHeight Weight: 6-1, 335 poundsClass: Redshirt SeniorHometown: Cincinnati, OhioBackground
Nicknamed “The Godfather,” Corleone has been one of the most accomplished defensive players in Cincinnati history. A former three-star prospect out of Colerain High School, he developed into a multi-year starter and three-time all-conference selection during his time with the Bearcats.
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Corleone burst onto the national stage in 2022, earning multiple All-America honors while being graded as Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated defensive player that season. Over his career, he has totaled 109 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks across 34 games, anchoring Cincinnati’s defensive front through multiple conference transitions.
He overcame a significant health setback in 2024, returning after being sidelined during the offseason. His ability to regain form and continue producing speaks to his resilience and work ethic.
Notable Stats from 2025352 total snaps80.9 run defense grade72.6 overall defensive gradeEight total pressures
Corleone’s 2022 season stands out as one of the most dominant run-defending campaigns among interior defenders in recent years, reflected in his elite grading and disruptive presence.
SkillsElite run-stopping anchorStrong leverage at 6-1 with natural pad level advantageHeavy hands at the point of attackAbsorbs and splits double teamsInterior pocket compression abilityGood awareness versus zone schemesConsistent motor in short-area pursuit
Corleone’s game centers around power and leverage. At 335 pounds, he consistently wins with low pad level and interior strength, making him difficult to displace in one-on-one situations. His run-defense production reflects his ability to control gaps and disrupt blocking schemes at the line of scrimmage.
While not a high-end interior speed rusher, Corleone has demonstrated the ability to collapse the pocket. His 30 pressures in 2022 and 27 in 2024 show that he can convert power into interior disruption when isolated against guards or centers.
Player Summary
Dontay Corleone projects as a late second to early fourth-round selection, depending on how teams weigh his dominant early-career production against recent seasons and overall athletic ceiling. His run-defense profile gives him a clear NFL role as a rotational nose tackle with starting upside in the right system.
In Tampa Bay, Corleone would fit naturally as an interior anchor in Todd Bowles’ front. His ability to control interior gaps and handle double teams would provide stability on early downs, with interior push value on passing situations when aligned over the center.