After breaking down the top linebackers in the draft, we shift to the defensive line, where we look at traditional hand-in-the-dirt defenders along with a few tweener prospects.
There is a clear No. 1 in this group, but the depth stands out across the first couple of rounds. Several prospects have slid from their pre-2025 projections, yet there are still at least 10 players with legitimate first- or second-round grades.
1. Rueben Bain Jr. DE/EDGE, Miami
6’2”, 263lbs, 30 ⅞” arms, 9 ⅛” hands
Bain Jr. is a monster off the edge, attacking tackles with a rare blend of burst, powerful hands, and fluid hips. He played a key role in Miami’s run to the Playoff Championship, and his ability to elevate in big moments will not go unnoticed by evaluators.
The main concern right now is his arm length. Measuring just under 31 inches, Bain could be viewed as a liability against longer tackles, which may cause him to slide a bit on draft boards. That said, his first step is explosive enough to close space quickly and help neutralize that disadvantage.
If he continues to expand his pass-rush repertoire, particularly as a block-shedder, he has the upside to become a consistent double-digit sack producer at the next level.
Projection: Top 10
2. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
6’2”, 298lbs, 31 ¼” arms, 9 ⅛” hands
Peter Woods entered 2025 as the projected top defensive lineman in the class. He is an athletic freak for his size, with burst off the snap and the flexibility to overwhelm interior linemen while still playing with the full power of his 300-pound frame.
Clemson’s struggles last season took some of the shine off Woods as a prospect, but likely more than they should have. He can improve as a tackler, and his production does not fully reflect his impact, but he was the focal point of opposing blocking schemes and consistently commanded attention along the defensive line.
At the next level, surrounded by comparable talent, Woods should have more opportunities to show just how disruptive he can be.
Projection: Top 15
3. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
6’6”, 276lbs, 34 ⅜” arms, 9 ⅞” hands
At first glance, Faulk looks like a prototypical pass-rushing end. At 6’6 with nearly 34.5-inch arms, he has the length to overwhelm tackles and win with reach and leverage. However, he is currently more effective as a run defender, consistently setting the edge and powering through blocks.
As a pass rusher, he remains raw. The physical tools are there, but his instincts and timing need development. He does not yet diagnose passing situations as quickly, and there is some hesitation in how and when he attacks.
If he lands in the right system and receives proper coaching, Faulk has the upside to develop into a high-level 4-3 defensive end.
Projection: Top 15-20
4. Cashius Howell, DE/EDGE, Texas A&M
6’2”, 253lbs, 30 ¼” arms, 9 ¼” hands
If Combine measurements are a concern for Bain Jr., the same standard has to apply to Howell, and his are even more limiting. With arms barely over 30 inches, teams will question his ability to disengage and win against longer NFL tackles.
On film, though, Howell still produces. He has a quick first step, a developing set of pass-rush moves, and the motor to finish plays, including on chase downs. He consistently competes at the point of attack and finds ways to be disruptive despite the physical limitations.
He remains an incomplete player, particularly against the run, where his instincts lag behind. But in the right system, especially as a 3-4 edge, Howell can contribute early as a pass-rush specialist while continuing to develop as a more complete defender.
Projection: Late 1st round
5. TJ Parker, DE/EDGE, Clemson
6’4”, 263lbs, 33 ⅛” arms, 9 ½” hands
TJ Parker has some of the best hands in this defensive line class, consistently winning at the line with a wide array of swipes and counters while also forcing fumbles in key moments. That hand usage also shows up in coverage, where he is capable of dropping into shallow zones and holding his own.
The concern is his inconsistency, particularly against the run. He is an average to below-average tackler and struggles to track ball carriers if he does not meet them early in the play.
Early on, he projects as a strong situational pass rusher. The long-term question is whether he can develop into a more complete defender.
Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st round
6. Kayden McDonald, NT, Ohio State
6’2”, 326lbs, 33 ¼” arms, 9 ¾” hands
The first true nose tackle in this class, McDonald may slide in the draft due to positional value, but he projects as a long-term NFL starter. He is built for the role, with a thick frame and the power to anchor in the middle and control the line of scrimmage.
That strength is the foundation of his game, but it also highlights his limitations as a pass rusher. While he moves well for his size, he lacks a developed set of hand moves and relies heavily on leverage and power to collapse the pocket.
He profiles as a reliable two-down run defender early in his career, with the potential to expand his role if he can develop more as a pass rusher.
Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd round
7. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
6’2”, 241lbs, 31 ⅝” arms, 8 ⅞” hands
R. Mason Thomas shares a similar profile to Cashius Howell, though he is not as powerful and shows better awareness against the run. He relies on speed to beat slower tackles and has the flexibility to dip under longer blockers.
The concerns are his size and durability. He is undersized even for a 3-4 edge, and his injury history will raise questions for teams. Repeated muscle strains and ankle issues suggest his frame may struggle to hold up over a full NFL workload.
Projection: Mid 2nd
8. Romello Height, LB, Mizzou
6’3”, 239lbs, 32 ¼” arms, 9 ½” hands
Arguably the best pure pass rusher in this group, Romello Height is also one of the most divisive prospects in the class. He is a fast, fluid edge player with the speed to pressure quarterbacks, chase plays down, and finish. He also offers some versatility, with the ability to drop into coverage when needed, even if that is not his primary role.
The issue is his impact against the run. He lacks the strength to anchor, struggles to hold his ground, and can be taken out of plays, especially against double teams.
To become more than a situational pass rusher, Height will need to add strength and improve his ability to hold up at the point of attack.
Projection: Mid-to-Late 2nd
9. Christen Miller, NT, Georgia
6’4”, 321lbs, 33” arms, 10” hands
A run-stuffing nose tackle with the aggression to disrupt the interior, Miller was a force in the middle for Georgia. He projects as a Day 1 contributor against the run and has the versatility to line up at defensive tackle when needed.
The limitation is his lack of pass-rush production. He has not shown the stamina or consistent effort to impact the quarterback, which caps his overall ceiling.
He profiles best as a situational run defender early in his career rather than a full-time, every-down starter.
Projection: Late 2nd
10. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
6’3”, 226lbs, 31 ⅞” arms, 9 ¼” hands
Banks is one of the most versatile defensive linemen in this class, with experience lining up across the front. He plays with energy and physicality, engaging blockers, driving them back, and working through with strong hands.
He would rank higher if not for his inconsistency as a tackler. Too often, he fails to finish plays and can be caught out of position by well-designed offenses.
If he proves coachable and cleans up those issues, he has the tools to outperform his draft slot.
Projection: Late 2nd
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