2027 NFL Draft Prospects: Nose Tackle

10/21/26: Gilliam has been a beast for Tennessee in 2026 with impressive performances against Texas, Georgia Tech, and Alabama. Thus far, he has 22 tackles with five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass batted. In 2025, he had 16 tackles with .5 sacks and a forced fumble while playing with Penn State. Gilliam (6-2, 305) is fast, athletic, and strong. Off the snap, Gilliam has rare explosion to fire past blockers and cause disruption in the backfield. He is a dangerous interior pass rusher and is stout against the run. Gilliam is reminiscent of Quinnen Williams at Alabama. He could be a riser through the process.

10/21/26: In 2026, Echoles has 18 tackles, one pass batted, and 1.5 sack. 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.

10/21/26: In 2026, Alexander has 30 tackles and two sacks. 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.

10/21/26: Moten missed some time to start the 2026 season. Thus far, he has five tackles and one sack. 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.

10/21/26: Washington has 20 tackles and five passes batted in 2026. 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.

10/21/26: In 2026, Stone has 22 tackles and .5 sacks. Stone flashed some next-level ability in 2025. He was a disruptive run defender with 43 tackles. Stone had 1.5 sacks as a sophomore. Improving as a pass rusher would help him to rise.

10/21/26: In 2026, Gadson has 24 tackles with three sacks and two passes batted. 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.

10/21/26: Thus far in 2026, Lockett has 17 tackles and .5 sacks. In 2025, Lockett was a solid nose tackle for the Knights. He totaled 12 tackles with one sack and two passes batted.

10/21/26: Thus far in 2026, McKinley has 10 tackles. 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.

10/21/26: In 2026, Holmes has 18 tackles and four sacks. 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.

10/21/26: Ibirogba has 11 tackles and two sacks thus far in 2026. 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.

10/21/26: In 2026, Oke has 11 tackles and .5 sacks. 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.

10/21/26: Tanuvasa has four tackles and .5 sacks thus far in 2026. 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.

10/21/26: In 2026, Sigler has 18 tackles with a sack and a pass batted. 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.

10/21/26: In 2026, he has 11 tackles. 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.