INDIANAPOLIS – In an interior defensive line class that seems to deepen its intriguing pool daily as the draft process develops, Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton is an unheralded prospect. After posting 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons in Norman, Halton ranks among the most productive interior pass rushers in this class.
He began to shine in the national spotlight at the Senior Bowl, making impactful plays throughout the week. At the 2026 Scouting Combine media session, Halton was asked about his experience in Mobile.
“Man, it was a great experience. If I got the chance to, I would do it all over again, man. I had fun at the Senior Bowl, making my opportunity count.”
Heading into the combine as a late Day 2 to early Day 3 projection, Halton understands and embraces his mentality as an underdog. The energy he brings to the field reflects someone who enjoys the game he loves and makes the most of every opportunity.
“I feel like the underdog, you know, just being consistent and going out there and having fun. Football, that’s what I do. I love it. So once I get a chance to go out there, make something happen, I gotta do it.”
His energy is evident in both his preparation and attitude. He strives to give maximum effort on and off the field.
“On the field, they’re getting a physical, relentless, humble, good, hard man. You know, a guy that’s enthusiastic, that likes to make plays, that’s got to make plays. Off the field, they’re getting a guy with a good heart who loves to make friends. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. When it’s time to have fun, it’s time to have fun.”
Halton took a peculiar route to get to where he is. It’s hard to imagine a player measuring just over 6’2″ and weighing 293 pounds playing anywhere but in the trenches. But that wasn’t always the case with Halton. In his early childhood, he primarily played quarterback. Even during his high school days, he played tight end, catching five touchdown passes his senior year.
The position he most credits for shaping his current playing style is running back, which he played before high school. During the media session, Halton was asked whether his time as a ball carrier affected his view of the game.
“Oh yeah, definitely. You know, just seeing what running backs do. They’re gonna bounce, they’re gonna cut in, something like I would do, getting off the ball, being explosive, fast, and physical. I’ve always been like that my whole life, so changing to tackle is the same thing.”
Whether running the ball or taking down the ball carrier, one thing is clear: Halton loves contact and physicality. When asked whether he would rather meet Derrick Henry in the hole or sack Patrick Mahomes, Halton had this to say:
“Both, you know. I love feeling that hit. So whatever he delivers, whatever I deliver, it’s gonna get me going, get my adrenaline rushing.”
Pittsburgh could find itself targeting a defensive lineman in April. Although Halton falls on the smaller side for an interior defender, he brings real pass-rushing potential. Whoever selects him will get a player entering the league with a chip on his shoulder—one who fully embraces the role of the underdog.
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