2026 NFL Draft Position Review – Interior Defensive Line

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February 13, 2026

By Noonefromtampa

This draft class has depth on day 2 of the draft for interior defensive line and not too much on day 1. Some of the top players expected to be drafted include:

Player College Ht Wt Class Draft Projection
Peter Woods Clemson 6’3″ 315 JR Day 1
Kayden McDonald Ohio State 6’2″ 326 JR Day 1-2
Christen Miller Georgia 6’4″ 305 RJR Day 2
Caleb Banks Florida 6’6″ 325 RSR Day 2
Dontay Corleone Cincinnati 6’1″ 320 RSR Day 2
Domonique Orange Iowa State 6’3″ 325 SR Day 2
Zxavian Harris Ole Miss 6’6″ 320 SR Day 2
Zane Durant Penn State 6’1″ 288 SR Day 2
Darrell Jackson Jr. Florida State 6’5″ 330 RSR Day 2
Lee Hunter Texas Tech 6’4″ 320 RSR Day 2
DeMonte Capehart Clemson 6’4″ 315 RSR Day 3
Rayshaun Benny Michigan 6’3″ 296 RSR Day 3
Tim Keenan III Alabama 6’2″ 326 RSR Day 3
Albert Regis Texas A&M 6’1″ 310 RSR Day 3
Aaron Graves Iowa 6’4″ 300 SR Day 3
Keanu Tanuvasa BYU 6’3″ 300 RJR Day 3
Deven Eastern Minnesota 6’6″ 320 RSR Day 3
Chris McClellan Missouri 6’4″ 323 SR Day 3
Cameron Ball Arkansas 6’5″ 323 RSR Day 3
Brandon Cleveland NC State 6’4″ 315 SR Day 3

 

The Commanders probably will not be taking an interior defensive lineman early in the draft given the limited number of picks in the early rounds. The look for depth player in the later rounds.

Players the Commanders have interviewed so far:

  • David Blay, DT, Miami, East-West Shrine
  • Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State, East-West Shrine
  • Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati, East-West Shrine
  • Tommy Dunn, DT, Kansas, Hula Bowl
  • Jacobian Guillory II, DT, LSU, American Bowl
  • Aaron Hall, DT, Duke, East-West Shrine
  • Darrell Jackson Jr, DT, Florida State, East-West Shrine
  • Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M, East-West Shrine
  • Landon Robinson, DT, Navy, East-West Shrine
  • Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA, East-West Shrine

Top 5 Players

The first player coming off the board will be Peter Woods. Woods is a powerful player, strong at the point of attack, but can be undisciplined in gap control. He can also play inside and outside in 4-3 schemes which increases his versatility.

Kayden McDonald is classic defensive tackle who clogs up his space and doesn’t let the offensive line move him out.  Strong with quick feet, he shows up in big moments and big games. He’ll need to improve his pass rush moves to be more successful at the next level.

Christen Miller is an excellent run stopper and gap filler. He plays low and with leverage even against double teams. His biggest drawback is lack of pass rush skills. He is not a true three down defensive tackle.

Caleb Banks helped himself out with a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl in front of all the NFL scouts in attendance. His has immense size and displayed that he could use it in the one-on-one drills with explosiveness and finesse.

Dontay Corleone plays with a quick burst and good leverage. His height and ongoing weight issues are concerns. He can take on double teams but his pas rushing skills need development.

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