The interior defensive line has had a recent renaissance in the NFL. The reintroduction of 2-high defenses has created light boxes, welcoming offenses to run the ball. To counter this, there has been an urgent need for large, run-stopping defensive linemen. The 2027 NFL Draft class is loaded with interior defensive line prospects. Here are my top 5 before the college football season kicks off.
Other prospect rankings:
Top 10 QBs
Top 5 RBs
Top 5 WRs
Top 5 TEs
Top 5 EDGEs
1. Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami
6’3″ | 300 | 22 | Senior
Strengths
• Quick penetrator. Wins early in the down
• Relentless motor. Impressive for a player his size
• Active, quick hands. Uses them in a variety of ways
• Lines up at all iDL positions
Weaknesses
• Can struggle if he doesn’t win early in the down
• Plays too high at times
• Runs himself out of tackles
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Sack production
• Can he anchor against the run? Double teams?
• Win with power
2. A’Mauri Washington
6’3″ | 320 | Senior
Strengths
• Great power to bully blockers. Anchors in the run game & bull rushes the pocket
• Good get-off for a large DT
• Great pursuit speed, even without great change of direction
Weaknesses
• Plays high at times
• Struggles in space against runners and the QB
• Often engages before making a move. Could be coached to play run first
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Could be dominant with better pad level
• More pass-rush moves? Good arm over and bull rush
• PBUs – great arm length
3. Bear Alexander, Oregon
6’3″ | 302 | 23 | Senior
Strengths
• Large, imposing build with very long arms
• Very active hands; does not let blockers get into his body
• Penetrates quickly with bull rush or quickness
• Plays all positions along iDL
Weaknesses
• Plays too tall at times
• Overly aggressive. Head slaps and hands to the face
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Can he dominate on his own, or is it because of A’Mauri Washington & elite supporting cast?
• Sack production
• Motor throughout the game? Great conditioning? High octane play style for a large man
4. Will Echoles, Ole Miss
6’3″ | 315 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Great burst and short-area quickness for a man of his size
• Quick hands. Swim move, bull rush, and uses them to disengage in the run game
• Lateral agility for stunts and twists
• Lines up at DT and NT
Weaknesses
• Doesn’t know his power
• Breaks discipline on run gaps frequently
• Can struggle to make the play at the QB
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Sack production
• Play with more power. Straightforward pass rush and anchor in the run game
5. Justin Scott, Miami
6’4″ | 303 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Skilled hands. Wins early; doesn’t let blockers into his body. Quick hands with pass-rush moves
• Good leverage and power to anchor against the run
• Sheds blocks to tackle well
Weaknesses
• Doesn’t dominate against run or pass
• Poor lateral agility
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Pocket-pushing pass rush
• Finish more plays at the QB
• Take over games
More Draft Content Coming!
NFL Draft season never ends for the die-hards. Last year, Blitz Sports Media brought you our first-ever draft prospect profiles, big board, and mock draft simulator. 2026-2027 will be even bigger.
Summer scouting is at full blast, and I will be bringing you pre-season position rankings right up to the start of college football. I will update trends throughout the season and, of course, lead right into NFL draft coverage starting right before the combine.
If you’re looking for NFL Draft coverage all season long, you have come to the right place!
Make sure to give me a follow on X for MUCH more NFL & draft content @JLSports24
