2026 Draft Eligible Defensive Tackles - Early Top 5

Newt Westen

After highlighting the offense, it’s time to step to the other side of the ball and look at the big men clogging the middle of the trenches. The 2026 defensive tackle class is full of stout run defenders and disruptive interior rushers, with several players bringing three-down ability to the next level. From high-motor grinders to explosive first-step linemen, this group has plenty of variety and NFL upside. Starting with an honorable mention for Alabama’s Tim Keenan III and counting down from No. 5 to No. 1, here are the top defensive tackles to know.

Honorable Mention, Tim Keenan III

• Height: 6’2⅜”

• Weight: 313 lbs

• School: Alabama

Tim Keenan III is a space-eater in the middle with excellent strength and surprising get-off for a player of his size. His stout anchor makes him tough to move in the run game, and he flashes a solid bull rush when asked to collapse the pocket. His shorter arms, however, limit his ability to disengage from longer blockers, keeping him more of a two-down defender at this stage. With an 89.8 run-defense grade, Keenan has shown he can shut down rushing lanes and provide reliability in the heart of a defense. Right now he is my #1 nose-tackle in this class.

5. Darrell Jackson Jr.

• Height: 6’5¼”

• Weight: 341 lbs

• School: Florida State

Darrell Jackson Jr. is a massive presence inside, combining his sheer size with the versatility to contribute against both the run and pass. His frame alone makes life difficult for interior linemen, and his ability to hold his ground keeps him on the field in multiple situations. He’s not dominant in any one area, though, and his pass-rush plan leans heavily on size and power rather than refined moves. Still, with 30 total pressures in 2024, Jackson has proven he can generate disruption when his strength takes over. If he can become more consistent in his play and continue to develop his technique, we could see him as a top 15 pick.

4. Caleb Banks

• Height: 6’6⅛”

• Weight: 334 lbs

• School: Florida

Caleb Banks is a long, athletic lineman with the quickness to slice into gaps and the length to challenge interior blockers. His lateral movement and active hands give him the tools to affect both the run and pass games, while his get-off makes him a tough cover at 3-tech (or even 4i). He struggles with stacking and shedding consistently, and his tackling must improve after a rough 2024 season. Even so, his 21.6% pass-rush win rate underscores just how disruptive his length and athleticism can be when he fires off the snap.

3. Christen Miller

• Height: 6’4”

• Weight: 305 lbs

• School: Georgia

Christen Miller brings twitch and urgency to the Bulldogs’ defensive front, flashing an explosive first step and active hands in both phases. His quickness helps him win as a penetrator, while his run defense has held up well despite a lighter frame for the position. He lacks a true power profile, often erased by double teams, and his pass-rush arsenal remains raw. Still, with 16 total pressures in 2024, Miller has shown disruptive potential, a high-floor as a run defender, and could take a leap if his technique continues to develop.

2. Aaron Graves

• Height: 6’4⅝”

• Weight: 296 lbs

• School: Iowa

Aaron Graves is a high-motor defender who pairs tenacity with polished hand usage, consistently stacking and shedding blockers. He’s a balanced lineman, capable of contributing in both run defense and pass rush, while his above-average athleticism lets him challenge interior protection schemes. What he lacks is a true calling card—he’s solid across the board but doesn’t yet dominate in any one area. With 48 total pressures in his career and a 78.1 defensive grade in 2024, Graves’ consistency and effort make him a reliable centerpiece on Iowa’s line.

1. Peter Woods

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 315 lbs

• School: Clemson

Peter Woods headlines the class with a combination of explosiveness, strength, and technique that makes him a three-down force. His quick first step and violent hands allow him to disrupt immediately after the snap, while his anchor holds up well against double teams. He can, however, convert more of his pressures into production and must cut down on missed tackles. Still, Woods posted 43 total pressures in 2024, showcasing just how active and disruptive he can be in both the run and pass game.