NFL · 4 hours ago

Mel Kiper’s Top 10 Defensive Tackles | Latest Rankings, NFL Draft Combine Results

John Canady

Host · Writer

Just Missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Previous Rank: NR

Rayshaun Benny's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 298 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 33 3/8"
Rayshaun Benny remained a steady contributor for Michigan, doing the dirty work inside while still finding ways to impact the stat sheet. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, offering a solid all-around presence.

Rayshaun Benny's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defensive Tackle
Mel Kiper Jr. has turned his attention to the "game-wreckers" in the middle, releasing an updated set of Defensive Tackle position rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. This year’s interior class is defined by a rare blend of massive frames and lateral quickness, offering a mix of classic run-stuffers and high-upside sub-package pass rushers.

The Top Tier
- Peter Woods (Clemson): Maintaining his firm grip on the DT1 spot, Woods remains the premier interior prospect. Despite a slight dip in his overall Big Board ranking earlier this year, his disruptive tape at Clemson makes him the consensus "safe" blue-chip pick.
- Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): A model of consistency, the Buckeyes' star is locked in as Kiper's DT2. Fresh off a season as a unanimous All-American, McDonald’s combination of size (326 lbs) and technique has made him a staple of the elite tier.
- Christen Miller (Georgia): The latest product of the Georgia defensive line factory, Miller rounds out the top three, bringing the athleticism NFL scouts crave for modern interior pressure.
Risers and Sleepers
- Zxavian Harris (Ole Miss): One of the biggest movers this spring, Harris has leveraged his massive frame and a productive senior season to surge into the Top 10 of the positional group.
- Lee Hunter (Texas Tech): A versatile senior who has climbed into Kiper's DT4 spot. His high motor and 32.5 career tackles for loss have caught the eyes of scouts looking for backfield disruption.
- Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana): The draft’s true "hidden gem." Despite his small-school pedigree, Proctor is drawing major intrigue as a late-round sleeper with elite pass-rush upside, recently appearing as a priority target in several league-wide mock drafts.
Combine Impact

Athletic benchmarks are reshaping the bottom half of the rankings. Caleb Banks (Florida) currently holds the DT5 spot, largely fueled by a record-breaking performance at the Combine where he posted a 7' 1.75" wingspan—the longest recorded for a defensive tackle in nearly 30 years.

As the draft in Pittsburgh nears, the interior defensive line remains one of the deepest and most volatile groups on Kiper’s board.
1) Peter Woods, Clemson
Previous Rank: 1

Peter Woods's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2.5"
- Weight: 298 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 31 1/4"
Peter Woods continues to flash disruptive upside along Clemson’s interior, using his strength and quickness to impact plays even when the stat sheet doesn’t fully reflect it. He finished with 30 total tackles, two sacks, and one pass defense, showing he can hold his own while still growing into a more consistent force.

Peter Woods's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
2) Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Previous Rank: 2

Kayden McDonald's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 326 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/4"
- Arm: 32 1/4"
Kayden McDonald brings a physical, tone-setting presence to the middle of Ohio State’s defense, consistently finding ways to impact both the run and pass. His production backs it up, totaling 65 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass defense, highlighting his ability to stay active and disruptive.

Kayden McDonald's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
3) Christen Miller, Georgia
Previous Rank: 3

Christen Miller's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 321 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 33"
Christen Miller remains a developing interior piece for Georgia, flashing power at the point of attack while continuing to refine his overall consistency. He recorded 23 total tackles, and 1.5 sacks, with his best football still likely ahead as he grows into a larger role.

Christen Miller's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
4) Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Previous Rank: 4

Lee Hunter's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3 1/2"
- Weight: 318 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 33 1/4"
Lee Hunter carved out a steady role at Texas Tech as a reliable interior defender who can plug gaps and create pressure in key moments. He posted 41 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, showing a well-rounded ability to contribute across the defensive front.

Lee Hunter's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.18
- 10-Yard Split: 1.79
- Vertical Jump: 21.5”
- Broad Jump: 8’4”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
5) Caleb Banks, Florida
Previous Rank: 5

Caleb Banks's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 327 lbs.
- Hand: 10 7/8"
- Arm: 35"
Caleb Banks had his 2025 season cut short, limiting his opportunity to build momentum, finishing with just six total tackles. Despite the setback, his flashes before the injury still leave intrigue about what he can become when fully healthy.

Caleb Banks's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.04
- 10-Yard Split: 1.76
- Vertical Jump: 32 inches
- Broad Jump: 9'6"
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
6) Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Previous Rank: 6

Gracen Halton's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 293 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
Gracen Halton emerged as one of Oklahoma’s more active interior defenders, combining effort and quickness to find the football consistently. He tallied 33 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass defenses, and one forced fumble, showcasing his ability to impact plays in multiple ways.

Gracen Halton's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.82
- 10-Yard Split: 1.7
- Vertical Jump: 36.5””
- Broad Jump: 9’6”
- 3-Cone Drill: 8.09
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.79
- Bench Press: n/a
7) Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Previous Rank: 7

Darrell Jackson Jr.'s Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5 1/2"
- Weight: 315 lbs.
- Hand: 11"
- Arm: 34 3/4"
Darrell Jackson Jr. provided Florida State with a physical presence in the middle, anchoring against the run while chipping in as a pass rusher. He finished with 44 total tackles and one sack, offering stability along the defensive front.

Darrell Jackson Jr.'s Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
8) Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Previous Rank: 8

Domonique Orange's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 322 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/4"
- Arm: 33 3/8"
Domonique Orange continues to be a depth piece for Iowa State, contributing in rotational snaps while working to expand his overall impact. He recorded 18 total tackles and one pass defense, showing flashes but still searching for more consistency.

Domonique Orange's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
9) Zane Durant, Penn State
Previous Rank: 9

Zane Durant's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 290 lbs.
- Hand: 10 5/8"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
Zane Durant plays with a relentless motor that consistently shows up on tape, making him one of Penn State’s more disruptive interior defenders. He compiled 25 total tackles, four sacks, two pass defenses, and one interception, highlighting his ability to create splash plays.

Zane Durant's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.75
- 10-Yard Split: 1.66
- Vertical Jump: 33.5”
- Broad Jump: 9’4”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
10) Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss
Previous Rank: NR

Zxavian Harris's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'8"
- Weight: 330 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 34 5/8"
Zxavian Harris joins the top 10 of Kiper's defensive tackle ranking after a solid senior season at Ole Miss. The six-foot-seven tackle racked up 58 total tackles, three pass defenses, three sacks and an interception in his final year with the Rebels. Harris will be a solid late-round addition in the draft.

Zxavian Harris's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Just Missed: Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Previous Rank: 10

Kaleb Proctor's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 291 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 33"
Kaleb Proctor brings intriguing pass-rush upside from the interior, using his quickness to create pressure and finish plays. He put together an impressive season with 43 total tackles, eight sacks, and two pass defenses, emerging as a true difference-maker.

Kaleb Proctor's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.79
- 10-Yard Split: 1.68
- Vertical Jump: 33”
- Broad Jump: 9’5”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.71
- Bench Press: n/a
Just Missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Previous Rank: NR

Rayshaun Benny's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 298 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 33 3/8"
Rayshaun Benny remained a steady contributor for Michigan, doing the dirty work inside while still finding ways to impact the stat sheet. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses, offering a solid all-around presence.

Rayshaun Benny's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defensive Tackle
Mel Kiper Jr. has turned his attention to the "game-wreckers" in the middle, releasing an updated set of Defensive Tackle position rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. This year’s interior class is defined by a rare blend of massive frames and lateral quickness, offering a mix of classic run-stuffers and high-upside sub-package pass rushers.

The Top Tier
- Peter Woods (Clemson): Maintaining his firm grip on the DT1 spot, Woods remains the premier interior prospect. Despite a slight dip in his overall Big Board ranking earlier this year, his disruptive tape at Clemson makes him the consensus "safe" blue-chip pick.
- Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): A model of consistency, the Buckeyes' star is locked in as Kiper's DT2. Fresh off a season as a unanimous All-American, McDonald’s combination of size (326 lbs) and technique has made him a staple of the elite tier.
- Christen Miller (Georgia): The latest product of the Georgia defensive line factory, Miller rounds out the top three, bringing the athleticism NFL scouts crave for modern interior pressure.
Risers and Sleepers
- Zxavian Harris (Ole Miss): One of the biggest movers this spring, Harris has leveraged his massive frame and a productive senior season to surge into the Top 10 of the positional group.
- Lee Hunter (Texas Tech): A versatile senior who has climbed into Kiper's DT4 spot. His high motor and 32.5 career tackles for loss have caught the eyes of scouts looking for backfield disruption.
- Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana): The draft’s true "hidden gem." Despite his small-school pedigree, Proctor is drawing major intrigue as a late-round sleeper with elite pass-rush upside, recently appearing as a priority target in several league-wide mock drafts.
Combine Impact

Athletic benchmarks are reshaping the bottom half of the rankings. Caleb Banks (Florida) currently holds the DT5 spot, largely fueled by a record-breaking performance at the Combine where he posted a 7' 1.75" wingspan—the longest recorded for a defensive tackle in nearly 30 years.

As the draft in Pittsburgh nears, the interior defensive line remains one of the deepest and most volatile groups on Kiper’s board.