2027 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Tackle

7/2/26: Echoles was a disruptive force for the Rebels in 2025 and made a lot of big plays for them at the point of attack. He showed run defense and pass-rush ability, totaling 68 tackles, five sacks, and five passes batted. Echoles has quickness, athleticism, and strength.

7/2/26: In 2025, Alexander has 50 tackles with one sack and one pass batted. Early in the season, Alexander did not play a lot before getting more snaps. Oregon staff told Alexander that he had to show more effort in practice to get playing time. With USC in 2024, Alexander had five tackles and zero sacks. He went out for the season in late September. Alexander totaled 47 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes batted for USC in 2023. In 2022, he played with Georgia as a backup and recorded nine tackles, two sacks, and two passes batted. Alexander has talent with the upside to produce more.

7/2/26: Gadson had an impressive sophomore season for the Wildcats, totaling 28 tackles with 2.5 sacks. Gadson looked like he was just scratching the surface, and he could be a riser. The NFL advance scouts gave Gadson a good preseason grade.

7/2/26: Moten was a key contributor and an interior pass rusher on the tough Hurricanes defense that carried them to the National Championship. In 2025, Moten totaled 4.5 sacks with 31 tackles. Moten has a good skill set with upside to develop.

7/2/26: In 2025, Washington had 31 tackles with 1.5 sacks and seven passes broken up. Washington is known to have an excellent skill set and upside. He is very strong, physical, and has surprising speed and athleticism for a heavy defensive tackle. Last year, Washington was a rotational backup behind Derrick Harmon. In 2024, Washington totaled 10 tackles and two passes broken up.

7/2/26: Stone flashed some next-level ability in 2025. He was a disruptive run defender with 43 tackles on the season. Stone had 1.5 sacks as a sophomore. Improving as a pass rusher would help him to rise.

7/2/26: In 2025, Hicks was a disruptive defender and showed some interior pass rush ability. He totaled 26 tackles with three sacks. Hicks totaled 2.5 sacks and 30 tackles the previous two seasons. For the NFL, Hicks could stand to gain some weight and strength.

7/2/26: In 2025, Lockett was a solid nose tackle for the Knights. He totaled 12 tackles with one sack and two passes batted.

7/2/26: Copeland showed dangerous interior pass rush ability with the Hokies in 2025. He had 4.5 sacks to go along with 48 tackles and an interception. Copeland is a quick and athletic interior defender. He should look to gain weight for the NFL.

7/2/26: In 2025, McKinley has nine tackles with a sack and a pass batted. McKinley was a reserve as a sophomore in 2024, but he flashed a special skill set with excellent physical talent. He had three sacks as a backup and could be poised to rise in 2026.

7/2/26: Smith has a lot of talent and could break out in 2025 or 2026. He has flashed some disruptive ability in the early going of 2025. Smith had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

7/2/26: In 2025, Thompkins was a quality defender for USC, contributing in both phases. He recorded 31 tackles with three sacks, one forced fumble, and two passes defended. Thompkins is quick and athletic, but could stand to add some weight and strength for the NFL.

7/2/26: In 2025, Holmes played well on a talented defensive line. He was a quality interior disruptor next to Lee Hunter. Holmes totaled 38 tackles with 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four passes batted. It was his first season with the Red Raiders after playing three seasons at Texas.

7/2/26: Ibirogba played at Wake Forest the past two seasons and was a solid player in 2025. He totaled 21 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. Ibirogba transferred to Texas Tech and flashed enough for NFL advance scouts to place him on their preseason watch list.

7/2/26: In 2025, totaled 26 tackles with 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. It was his first season as a starter, and Abasiri could rise as he gains experience.

7/2/26: Oke has a skill set and upside to rise as a senior. He only played in three games and redshirted in 2025. In 2024 with Abilene Christian, Oke totaled 63 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss.

7/2/26: In 2025, Bledsoe had 28 tackles with 1.5 sacks. He was a backup at Texas for three seasons before transferring to the Bulldogs. Bledsoe played well enough to land on NFL team’s preseason watch list.

7/2/26: Fite has been a solid defender for Arizona State the past two seasons. In 2024, Fite totaled 30 tackles with two sacks. In 2025, he had 29 tackles with one sack, two passes batted, and a forced fumble.

7/2/26: In 2025, Tanuvasa totaled 26 tackles with two sacks and three passes batted. He contributed as a rotational lineman for three seasons at Utah. Tanuvasa looks like a potential backup nose tackle.

7/2/26: Sigler played at Arkansas State in 2025 and had a quality season with the Red Wolves. He totaled five sacks with 35 tackles and six passes batted. Auburn landed Sigler in the transfer portal, and he will be a riser if he produces at a similar level in the SEC.

7/2/26: Hall had 12 tackles in 2025 as a rotational backup for the Bulldogs. He has the upside to rise, but needs to lock down a starting job and produce more in 2026.