### **DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State**
Kayden McDonald could go as high as the first round with his emergence as a Unanimous All-American for the Buckeyes in 2025. McDonald lined up as the nose guard and while he may have a small sample size of starts and defensive snaps, his dominance against the run is evident. He accumulated 65 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defensed in 2025. With surprising explosion off the ball, McDonald creates immediate push and bulldozes the opposition into submission. He lived in the backfield with consistent stops behind the line of scrimmage and is stout against double teams. His knock-back prowess jumps off the tape and although his pass rush plan will need development, his change-of-direction and ability to occupy blockers provide a high upside at the next level.
### **DT Peter Woods, Clemson**
Peter Woods moved up and down the line of scrimmage at Clemson, receiving All-ACC honors in each of his last two campaigns. Woods did not have the expected production in 2025 – 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two passes defensed – but has explosive twitch for his size. He is effective on stunts/twists and has the lateral quickness to pose a threat at various gaps. Woods disrupts the opponent's screen game, making plays outside the tackle box. He is known for his lethal club/rip move and has intriguing potential. He has violent hands and makes an impact in short-yardage/goal-line situations.
### **DT Caleb Banks, Florida**
Caleb Banks' projection varies after he played just three games in 2025 due to a broken foot. The athletic specimen has a quick first step and short-area quickness. Banks played in 12 games in 2024 and posted 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a pass breakup. He stuns with powerful hands and can separate with power. The versatile player lined up as the three-technique, and along the line from the five to the nose. Teams will have to assess risk with his injury history but Banks has a promising upside with raw strength, quick swipes and fluid, agile movements.
### **DT Christen Miller, Georgia**
Christen Miller played multiple positions in the interior of Georgia's rotation. He combined for just 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks during his collegiate tenure but Miller made his presence felt by leveraging gaps with stack-and-shed capability. Miller stays square at the point of attack and is a proficient run defender for early-down success. He is active in his pursuit of the football and has the agility to squeeze lanes.
### **DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech**
Lee Hunter, an instinctive run defender, totaled 31.5 tackles for loss over the previous three seasons (two at UCF, one at Texas Tech). He lined up as the nose guard in the Red Raiders' scheme and possesses natural power. Hunter moves with stunning quickness for a 320-pound man and pairs lateral range with the ability to generate vertical push. The durable prospect logged 52 games played over the previous four seasons and eats space as a two-gapping nose. He is quick off the ball with low pads and set the tone during the Senior Bowl with imposing bull rushes.