Inside defensive position shouldn’t be the sexiest place group within the NFL. Aaron Donald broke the positional archetype, and each NFL staff desires an uber-disruptive 3T who’s productive in each phases. These guys are extraordinarily uncommon, however there’s nonetheless worth in gritty, hard-nosed gamers who will do the soiled work inside. Let’s take a look at what names it’s best to look ahead to within the 2026 class.
Fite is a strong early-down defensive deal with for the Solar Devils who performs stout in opposition to the run, however lacks above-average traits to disrupt and be efficient as a move rusher. Arizona State performs him at 3T greater than it ought to, as Fite shouldn’t be an upfield-oriented participant. Nevertheless, can maintain his hole in opposition to onerous double groups and is better-than-expected at escaping blocks. He’s restricted as a rusher and is never on the sphere in clear passing conditions. Fite’s ceiling within the NFL is probably going as a depth piece.
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8. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Orange is tailored for a 3-4 scheme. At 6’4”, 325 kilos, he’s stout in the midst of the protection and may be an efficient run defender between the tackles. He’ll have hassle in opposition to wider zone runs, as his footwork isn’t the perfect, however Orange competes very onerous within the run sport. Like Fite, Orange received’t provide you with a lot as a rusher. He has higher consciousness and energy rush potential, however he’ll want to return off the sphere in passing conditions. It is a depth piece within the NFL.
7. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington is among the few IDLs on this listing greatest suited to play NT or 2i in a 4-3 scheme. He makes use of his size and power properly to shed and deal with on the level of assault. He received’t be the perfect zone run defender, given common at greatest toes, however his instincts hold him within the play. Washington isn’t the perfect move rusher going 1-on-1, however he’s artful when working video games. He has a greater really feel for learn how to penetrate when dashing half a person off a twist. You simply need him to be extra constantly efficient. Washington is one other depth piece within the NFL.
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6. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Corleone will go away you wanting extra when it comes to athleticism, however he’s an instinctive, highly effective defender in each phases, who’s greatest match for a 3-4 scheme. He’s a stiffer athlete who performs barely excessive in opposition to the run, however Corleone has an excellent really feel for the place the play goes and performs stout on the level of assault. As a rusher, he is aware of learn how to use his efficient fingers and pure energy to disrupt the pocket. He’ll by no means be a giant producer as a rusher, however Corleone has early-down move sport worth. He ought to discover a function within the NFL.
At 6’6”, 274 kilos, Jackson has the measurables that NFL groups love in a defensive deal with. He’s not the quickest or most explosive man, however he wins with size and stoutness on the level of assault. Jackson is best suited to a 3-4 NT, however he’s a greater lateral mover than anticipated when aligned at 3T. He’ll go away you wanting extra as an influence rusher, and he lacks the twitch to win with pace, however he’s very conscious of staying in his rush lane. Jackson is usually a high quality, early-down rotational DT.
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4. Christen Miller, Georgia
Miller is among the stoutest run defenders on this yr’s class. He makes use of his size and power successfully to carry his hole and has sturdy fingers to flee blocks. Listed at 6’4”, 310 kilos, he’s a load for inside blockers to deal with 1-on-1, however Miller’s vary is simply common as performs widen. He’s additionally not overly disruptive, given his common first step, however he’s productive due to his power and instincts. Miller’s fingers are productive dashing the passer, however he lacks the matching twitch to penetrate constantly. He has the instruments to be an efficient early-down run defender on the subsequent stage.
3. Caleb Banks, Florida
Banks has missed many of the 2025 season with a foot harm that required surgical procedure. The massive man (6’7”, 265lbs) is among the few extremely versatile guys on this listing, and his dimension and play model seem like Arik Armstead. He’s a fluid athlete best-suited for 3T, however he can successfully play on the sting. He might be extra stout in opposition to the run, however he makes use of his size properly to shed blockers. It’s robust for faculty guards and facilities to dam him straight up in safety. Banks has a transparent attain benefit, can get skinny to beat a double staff, and a excessive motor to complete on the QB. His measurables may make him a first-round choose if he checks properly within the spring.
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2. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Buckeyes transfer McDonald alongside the defensive position, however he’s an NT within the NFL. For his dimension (6’3”, 326lbs), he has efficient twitch and short-area quickness in each phases. He’s a rugged run defender who will play extra upright than you want, however he’s fast and powerful sufficient to trigger hassle. You’d wish to see extra up-field disruption within the run sport, however McDonald is a high quality run defender. He’s flashed productive pace rush strikes at Ohio State, however he ought to settle in as an inside energy rusher within the NFL. He has the physique kind and on-field potential that NFL groups search for in a 4-3 DT.
1. Peter Woods, Clemson
Woods has been IDL1 all season and was even getting love as the primary general choose heading into 2025. He, like Clemson, has been disappointing this yr, however the athletic traits and NFL potential haven’t waned. Woods has wonderful lateral quickness and motion within the run sport and is stout sufficient to carry his hole in opposition to double groups. He’s left you wanting extra as a move rusher this season, however he’s flashed energy when dashing inside and adaptability to dip across the edge. Woods has every thing you need in a 3T, and is deserving of being IDL1.
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This text initially appeared on Draft Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Early Interior DL big board
