2026 Draft: Defensive Tackle

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

I always pay attention when scouting reports talk about violent hands.

 

[Uptown]

Although I think edge is more of an immediate priority, I have to say that I do like DT Peter Woods from Clemson. Quick feet, violent hands (much improved from last year) & very powerful. I love him at 3-tech.

 

[Uptown]

 

[mayoclinic]

So if Peter Woods or Caleb Banks was BPA, what do people think?

 

[manxman2601]

So if Peter Woods or Caleb Banks was BPA, what do people think?

It wouldn't be my preference but I could come to like it. I am firmly defensive or iOL BPA.

 

[mayoclinic]

Both Woods and Banks are potential top 15-20 talents. Probably better talents than any pure EDGE available in the late 1st round.

Could Milt Williams be used more as a jumbo DE?

 

[manxman2601]

Both Woods and Banks are potential top 15-20 talents. Probably better talents than any pure EDGE available in the late 1st round.

Could Milt Williams be used more as a jumbo DE?

I don't know how I'd feel about Banks v TJ Parker. I'd probably go Parker.

 

[mayoclinic]

I would probably go Yhonzae Pierre if he comes out. Not sure about Parker.

Would consider Banks or Woods good value in the 30-32 range.

 

[manxman2601]

Ahmad Moten, Miami, 6-3, 325lbs
A RS junior so may not declare this year. He's one of the best pass rushing DTs who could potentially be in this draft with multiple pressure games in every game this season except one (against Bethune-cookman) of all people. Of draftable names, he has the highest win percentage on true pass sets with a 25% win rate.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

Both Woods and Banks are potential top 15-20 talents. Probably better talents than any pure EDGE available in the late 1st round.

Could Milt Williams be used more as a jumbo DE?

Right now the DT group is shaping up to be stronger than the EDGE group. Again, I wonder if there may be ways of using this. Milt Williams as DE in a 4-3 under, for example.

I am much more excited about Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, Kayden McDonald and Lee Hunter than I am about some of the EDGE prospects.

 

[manxman2601]

Note to Mike Vrabel. Just draft Texas Tech defenders. This is DT AJ Holmes. He is the 2nd highest graded run defender in the country behind only Kayden McDonald. He also has 5 sacks on the year.

 

[manxman2601]

Look how fast Skyler Gil-Howard is on this interception return. He's been injured for a lot of the year but he might be Texas Tech's best DT.

 

[manxman2601]

If there's one DL to rival that of Texas Tech, it might be Oklahoma. Here's 2 back to back Gracen Halton plays. He's undersized at 6'1", 291lbs but he's explosive.



impressive effort too to chase down Quinn Ewers.

 

[manxman2601]

Chris McClellan, Missouri.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

Look how fast Skyler Gil-Howard is on this interception return. He's been injured for a lot of the year but he might be Texas Tech's best DT.

Manx's mock:

1. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
2. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
3. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
4a. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
4b. AJ Holmes, DT, Texas Tech
5a. (Trade up) Skyler Gill,-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
5b. Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech
6-7. Any Texas Tech DBs

 

[manxman2601]

Manx's mock:

1. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
2. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
3. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
4a. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
4b. AJ Holmes, DT, Texas Tech
5a. (Trade up) Skyler Gill,-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
5b. Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech
6-7. Any Texas Tech DBs

Seriously though, that would be an awesome draft haul. Tell me I’m wrong.

The best pass rusher, the 2nd highest graded run stopper, the highest graded interior pass rusher and the best defensive player in CFB.

 

[manxman2601]

Manx's mock:

1. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
2. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
3. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
4a. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
4b. AJ Holmes, DT, Texas Tech
5a. (Trade up) Skyler Gill,-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
5b. Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech
6-7. Any Texas Tech DBs

<cough> Cole Wisniewski <cough>