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Mel Kiper’s Top 14 Defensive Tackles | NFL Draft Final Rankings

John Canady

Host · Writer

Honorable Mention: Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss (Ranked: 19)
Previous Rank: 10

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
2026 NFL Draft: Kiper's Defensive Tackle Rankings
With the 2026 NFL Draft one day away, Mel Kiper Jr. has released a major refresh of his Defensive Tackle positional rankings. This year’s interior class is defined by a rare blend of massive frames and lateral quickness, offering a volatile mix of classic run-stuffers and high-upside sub-package pass rushers.

The Elite Tier: Dominance at the Top
- Peter Woods (Clemson): Maintaining a 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 refined athleticism NFL scouts crave for modern interior pressure.
New Blood in the Top 10

The board underwent a significant shakeup this week, with three massive SEC risers crashing the Top 10:
- No. 7: Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M): A physical specimen who has seen his stock soar thanks to a high-motor senior campaign.
- No. 8: Chris McClellan (Missouri): McClellan’s ability to anchor the middle while providing interior pass rush has vaulted him into the elite conversation.
- No. 10: Nick Barrett (South Carolina): Rounding out the new-look Top 10, Barrett brings a "lunch pail" toughness that has caught the attention of scouts in the season's final stretch.
The Shifting Board: These gains come at the expense of Penn State’s Zane Durant and Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr., both of whom have dropped out of the Top 10 entirely. Meanwhile, Ole Miss standout Zxavian Harris saw the biggest slide of the cycle, tumbling from No. 10 down to No. 19 as concerns over positional consistency linger.

Combine Impact & sleepers
- Lee Hunter (Texas Tech): A versatile senior holding the DT4 spot with 32.5 career tackles for loss.
- Caleb Banks (Florida): Holds the DT5 spot, fueled by a record-breaking Combine performance featuring a 7' 1.75" wingspan—the longest recorded for a DT in nearly 30 years.
- Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana): The draft’s true "hidden gem." Drawing major intrigue as a late-round sleeper with elite pass-rush upside.
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

Mel's Big Board:

Peter Woods' 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' 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) Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Big Board: 109

Tyler Onyedim's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3.5"
- Weight: 292 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/8"
- Arm: 34 1/8"
Tyler Onyedim brings a sturdy, physical presence to the interior of the defensive line, using his size and leverage to hold up at the point of attack while flashing the ability to disrupt. He totaled 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one pass defense, showing signs of growth as he continues to develop into a more consistent contributor.

Tyler Onyedim'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) Chris McClellan, Missouri
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Big Board: 118

Chris McClellan's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3 3/5"
- Weight: 313 lbs.
- Hand: 11"
- Arm: 34"
Chris McClellan offers a balanced skill set along the defensive front, combining strength with enough quickness to impact plays in multiple ways. He finished with 36 total tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble, backing up his steady presence with production that reflects his ability to stay active.

Chris McClellan'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) 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
10) Nick Barrett, South Carolina
Previous Rank: NR

Mel's Big Board: 120

Nick Barrett's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2 7/8"
- Weight: 312 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 33 3/8"
Nick Barrett provides a reliable interior presence who can anchor against the run while working to carve out more impact as a pass rusher. He recorded 31 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one pass defense, showing flashes of disruption as he continues to round out his game.

Nick Barrett'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
11) 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
12) Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Previous Rank: NR

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
13) 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
14) 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
Honorable Mention: Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss (Ranked: 19)
Previous Rank: 10

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
2026 NFL Draft: Kiper's Defensive Tackle Rankings
With the 2026 NFL Draft one day away, Mel Kiper Jr. has released a major refresh of his Defensive Tackle positional rankings. This year’s interior class is defined by a rare blend of massive frames and lateral quickness, offering a volatile mix of classic run-stuffers and high-upside sub-package pass rushers.

The Elite Tier: Dominance at the Top
- Peter Woods (Clemson): Maintaining a 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 refined athleticism NFL scouts crave for modern interior pressure.
New Blood in the Top 10

The board underwent a significant shakeup this week, with three massive SEC risers crashing the Top 10:
- No. 7: Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M): A physical specimen who has seen his stock soar thanks to a high-motor senior campaign.
- No. 8: Chris McClellan (Missouri): McClellan’s ability to anchor the middle while providing interior pass rush has vaulted him into the elite conversation.
- No. 10: Nick Barrett (South Carolina): Rounding out the new-look Top 10, Barrett brings a "lunch pail" toughness that has caught the attention of scouts in the season's final stretch.
The Shifting Board: These gains come at the expense of Penn State’s Zane Durant and Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr., both of whom have dropped out of the Top 10 entirely. Meanwhile, Ole Miss standout Zxavian Harris saw the biggest slide of the cycle, tumbling from No. 10 down to No. 19 as concerns over positional consistency linger.

Combine Impact & sleepers
- Lee Hunter (Texas Tech): A versatile senior holding the DT4 spot with 32.5 career tackles for loss.
- Caleb Banks (Florida): Holds the DT5 spot, fueled by a record-breaking Combine performance featuring a 7' 1.75" wingspan—the longest recorded for a DT in nearly 30 years.
- Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana): The draft’s true "hidden gem." Drawing major intrigue as a late-round sleeper with elite pass-rush upside.
As the draft in Pittsburgh nears, the interior defensive line remains one of the deepest and most volatile groups on Kiper’s board.