Sportsvival continues its in‑depth evaluation of the 2026 NFL Draft class with a heavy focus on the trenches, where games are won on Sundays. Through extensive film study, trait evaluation, and contextual analysis, Sportsvival identifies prospects who project to translate to the NFL, not just dominate at the college level. Rather than relying solely on statistics or preseason hype, Sportsvival emphasizes play strength, leverage, burst, hand usage, and role projection when stacking its boards. Interior defensive linemen are evaluated on their ability to control gaps, disrupt blocking schemes, and influence quarterbacks, even when the box score doesn’t reflect it.
Top 10 Interior Defensive Linemen
1- Peter Woods, Clemson , DT
Height: 6’3” Weight: 315 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1
A rare blend of power and explosiveness. Woods wins with leverage and violent hands, projecting as a high‑impact interior disruptor from Day 1.
2- Caleb Banks, Florida, DT/NT
Height: 6’6” Weight: 330 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1
Elite size and length with upside as a three‑down interior defender. Medical evaluations will play a role, but the ceiling is evident.
3- Kayden McDonald, Ohio State , NT/ DT
Height: 6’3” Weight: 326 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1–2
A true space‑eater who commands double teams. McDonald’s anchor strength and run‑game dominance make him a premium early Day‑2 target; improving pass‑rush flashes and scheme versatility push him into the 1–2 range.
4- Lee Hunter, Texas Tech - DT
Height: 6’4” Weight: 330 lbs
Projected Round: Round 1–2
Powerful interior presence with surprising movement for his size. Hunter pairs mass with suddenness, can play 1‑tech or 3‑tech in multiple fronts, and projects as an early starter or high‑impact rotational piece. Needs refinement in hand polish and a sustained pass‑rush plan. Had a big week at Senior Bowl.
5- Christen Miller, Georgia -DT
Height: 6’4” Weight: 305 lbs
Projected Round: Round 2
Balanced interior defender with scheme versatility. Strong against the run with developing pass‑rush ability.
6-Domonique Orange, Iowa State - DT/NT
Height: 6’4” Weight: 325 lbs
Projected Round: Round 2–3
Power‑based interior lineman who collapses running lanes. A reliable early‑down presence with starter potential.
7- Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State - DT
Height: 6’5” Weight: 337 lbs
Projected Round: Round 3-45
Massive frame with natural run‑stopping traits. Ideal fit for teams seeking interior bulk and strength.
8- Zane Durant, Penn State - DT
Height: 6’1” Weight: 294 lbs
Projected Round: Round 3–4
Quick‑twitch interior penetrator with pass‑rush upside. Wins with burst and leverage rather than sheer size.
9- A’Mauri Washington, Oregon - DT/NT
Height: 6’3” Weight: 320 lbs
Projected Round: Round 4
Stout interior defender with rotational value and upside in multiple fronts.
10- Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati - NT/DT
Height: 6’1” Weight: 320 lbs
Projected Round: Round 4–5
Veteran run defender with strong lower‑body power. Projects as a reliable depth piece with situational starting value.
(photo courtesy of Clemson)