2026 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings: CFN’s College Football Perspective

This isn’t the year for defensive tackles.

If you want a great one, you either have to trade like Cincinnati did to get Dexter Lawrence away from the New York Giants, or you’ll have to overpay for one and ignore other strong positions.

Five defensive tackles went in the first round last season, and ten went in the top 65.

Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald is a first rounder this year, but in terms of talent and upside, there are only a few worthy of a top 50 spot.

Here’s the CFN ranking of the best defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates a fumble recovery with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) after stripping the ball from Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates a fumble recovery with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) after stripping the ball from Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ca’Lil Valentine (5) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
He’ll fall because he’s under 300 pounds, but his quickness will be a problem in pass-rushing situations as part of a rotation. He’ll likely be a rarity – a Day 3 pick who’ll not only stick, but play a role.

Top Sleeper Defensive Tackle

Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
One of the most productive defensive tackles in college football over the last four years might be there for the taking as an undrafted free agent. You want an anchor? Here you go.

He doesn’t look the part – too short, too stout, not a pass rusher, but you’re not knocking this guy over. There is concern about a frightening blood clot issue before the 2024 season, but he played the last two years at an All-Big 12 level.

Will Go Too Early

Caleb Banks, Florida
If he’s 100% healthy, look out. He’s huge, has all the tools, and is tough as nails with the way he battles on when he can, but he missed most of last year with a foot problem. Considering he might be the second tackle off the board, there’s a risk.

Best of the Rest Defensive Tackles
(In alphabetical order, with the projected draft round in parentheses)
Nick Barrett, Texas A&M (4); Rayshaun Benny, Michigan (5); Zane Durant, Penn State (4); Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M (2); Albert Regis, Texas A&M (4)

Darrell Jackson Jr.

CFN DT Rank: 10
College: Florida State
Projected Draft Round: 3
Height/Weight: 6-6, 315
2025 Stats: 45 tackles, 1 sack, 3 PBU

There’s a chance someone loves his combination of tools enough to take him late on Day 2. Huge, he takes up a ton of space, but he’s not a great pass rusher and can be moved a bit.

Domonique Orange

CFN DT Rank: 9
College: Iowa State
Projected Draft Round: 4
Height/Weight: 6-2, 322
2025 Stats: 18 tackles, 1 PBU

Very productive for a very long time, he’ll be a good value late anchor with the size and toughness to be a solid part of a rotation against the run. Don’t ask for anything in the backfield – let him eat things up.

DeMonte Capehart

CFN DT Rank: 8
College: Clemson
Projected Draft Round: 4
Height/Weight: 6-5, 313
2025 Stats: 21 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 2 PBU

Stocky, he doesn’t get moved off his base. He might not quite fit the idea of a next-level anchor for an NFL defense, but he has enough quickness for his bulk to show up large against the run.

Zxavian Harris

CFN DT Rank: 7
College: Ole Miss
Projected Draft Round: 4
Height/Weight: 6-8, 330
2025 Stats: 58 tackles, 3 sacks, 9 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PBU

There’s so much to like about his potential, but between injury concerns and a few off-the-field incidents, he might slip.

A giant, he’s still able to operate with enough strength to hold up as an eater for the ground game. There might not be a true fit, but he’ll work in a variety of ways in a rotation.

Christen Miller

CFN DT Rank: 6
College: Georgia
Projected Draft Round: 2
Height/Weight: 6-4, 321
2025 Stats: 36 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL, 1 PBU

Solid more than sensational as an NFL prospect, and that’s not a knock. He’ll move, and he’ll find his way into opposing backfields, but it’ll be his job to take up two blockers and let everyone else work.

Gracen Halton

CFN DT Rank: 5
College: Oklahoma
Projected Draft Round: 3
Height/Weight: 6-3, 293
2025 Stats: 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 7 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 FF

Smallish, he has to find the right scheme that takes advantage of his lightning-quick athleticism. There’s no true position for him, but put him next to a monster of an anchor and turn him loose.

Lee Hunter

CFN DT Rank: 4
College: Texas Tech
Projected Draft Round: 3
Height/Weight: 6-4, 318
2025 Stats: 41 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL, 1 FF

Not quite as quick as you might like for a modern-day defensive tackle, he fits as one of the only true anchors among the top tackles. He can get behind the line, but his role at the next level will go beyond his stats.

Caleb Banks

CFN DT Rank: 3
College: Florida
Projected Draft Round: 2
Height/Weight: 6-6, 327
2025 Stats: 6 tackles, 1 TFL

Big, but with the ability to carry his weight on his frame, he looks the part of a big NFL defensive tackle.

The big question is his durability, missing most of last season with a foot injury. As long as he’s healthy, he’ll be a great part of a rotation.

Peter Woods

CFN DT Rank: 2
College: Clemson
Projected Draft Round: 2
Height/Weight: 6-3, 298
2025 Stats: 30 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 TFL, 1 PBU

A little light but super quick, he’s stronger than bulky with his upside as an athletic option next to a Coke machine in the interior. A part of a puzzle, but he’ll be a very reliable piece.

Kayden McDonald

CFN DT Rank: 1
College: Ohio State
Projected Draft Round: 1
Height/Weight: 6-2, 326
2025 Stats: 65 tackles, 3 sacks, 9 TFL, 2 FF

The frame isn’t quite ideal, and he could use a little work overall, but he’s the best defensive tackle in the draft, and it’s not particularly close.

He’s not tall, but he’s a rock against the run with the quickness to get into the backfield on a regular basis.

No, he might not be the anchor of your defense, but he’ll be a devastatingly productive part.

This story was originally published by College Football News on Apr 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL Draft section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings: CFN’s College Football Perspective

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