Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald – Photo by: IMAGN Images

Pewter Report analyzes the top players in the 2026 NFL Draft with its position previews. Scott Reynolds continues the previews with the defensive tackle position, offering a comprehensive look at what the Bucs have and what they need at defensive tackle.

Adam Slivon then analyzes a detailed list of this year’s top defensive tackle prospects while Reynolds provides the annual Pewter Report Bucs Best Bets – the most likely defensive tackle for the Bucs to select in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.

What The Bucs Have At Defensive Tackle

Todd Bowles was asked what the strength of his defense is right now at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona and he said defensive tackle. And he’s right.

Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler, and Calijah Kancey, who led the team in sacks with 7.5 in 2024, are both first-round picks. Newcomer A’Shawn Robinson, who is 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, is an upgrade over Logan Hall from a size, strength and experience standpoint. When Bowles deploys a 3-4 front with those three defensive tackles he has two powerful run stuffers with Robinson and the 347-pound Vea, and a lightning quick backfield penetrator in Kancey.

Bucs DTs Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

But the problem is that Vea just turned 31 and is entering a contract year, and the 31-year old Robinson signed a one-year contract. Neither will likely be in Tampa Bay for more than another two years. And while Kancey is entering his fourth year and will have his fifth-year option picked up by the team, he’s played in 29 games in three seasons in Tampa Bay, but missed 22 games due to injuries, including 14 last year with a torn pectoral muscle.

The Bucs let Hall, the team’s second-round pick in 2022, go in free agency and also moved on from backup nose tackle Greg Gaines, who wasn’t re-signed. Tampa Bay did re-sign Rakeem Nunez-Roches, 32, who was part of the Super Bowl LV team and brings more size, experience and energy to the defensive tackle position. Nunez-Roches spent the last three seasons in New York with the Giants.

Last year Tampa Bay spent a fifth-round pick on Elijah Roberts, a former big defensive end at SMU, and he provided the team with some interior pass rush ability as a rookie. Roberts is transitioning from a 285-pound end in a 4-3 scheme to being able to play defensive tackle in Bowles’ scheme around 300 pounds and has a promising upside.

Tampa Bay also has a trio of practice squad defensive tackles in Jayson Jones, Elijah Simmons and Nash Hutmacher. Jones is a massive, 6-foot-6, 320-pounder who tore his biceps in practice prior to the Eagles game in Week 4. The team had planned to elevate him for that game and start him in place of the injured Hall, but had to put Jones on injured reserve instead. Simmons got the start and saw limited playing time throughout the season. Both will compete with Hutmacher and Nunez-Roches for a depth spot on the roster.

The Bucs recently signed defensive tackle Haggai Ndubuisi, formerly of the Texans, for depth and training camp competition. The 6-foot-6, 298-pound Nigerian-born defensive tackle will likely serve as the team’s International Player exemption on the practice squad this year.

What The Bucs Need At Defensive Tackle

While the defensive tackle position is a strength in 2026 it could look vastly different in 2027 if the team decides not to re-sign Vea Vea to a contract extension and move on from A’Shawn Robinson. That makes defensive tackle a sneaky priority this year. Although not as big of an immediate need as inside linebacker and outside linebacker.

But with defensive tackles taking a year or two to develop at the pro level and adjust to the speed and power of the trenches in the NFL, the Bucs will probably want to draft a defensive tackle this year who could eventually serve as a replacement for Vea or Robinson in the near future. The problem is that this is not a great defensive tackle class in terms of impact players, and there is a real chance than only one – or perhaps none – gets drafted in the first round.

The 2026 NFL Draft has more run-stuffing nose tackles than elite 3-technique pass-rushing types. But given the fact that the Bucs might be looking to find a younger nose tackle or a 4i/5 technique defensive tackle, expect Jason Licht and Todd Bowles to spend a draft pick on one after the first round.

Top Defensive Tackles In 2026 NFL Draft

*Important Note: These players are NOT listed in the order of Pewter Report’s ranking for them. Rather, the numbers are provided to show you the rough order in which we expect them to come off the board during the draft.

1. Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald – Junior – 6-2, 326, N/A

Kayden McDonald anchored the interior of Ohio State’s defensive front in 2025, finishing with a stat-sheet stuffing 65 tackles, along with nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. His impact often went beyond the stat sheet, as he consistently occupied blockers and created opportunities for everyone else on the Buckeyes’ defense to eat. McDonald’s ability to hold the point of attack will initially make him a steady, early down presence in the NFL.

McDonald wins with size, power, and leverage, projecting as a classic nose/1-tech. He is difficult to move off the ball and flashes heavy hands when engaged, but his pass-rush upside is limited and will require time to develop. As a quality run stuffer who controls the line of scrimmage, his floor is being a starter with the ceiling of becoming one of the league’s better nose tackles.

2. Clemson DT Peter Woods – Junior – 6-2, 298, N/A

Woods gained valuable playing experience for the Tigers last season, totaling 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks while building a reputation for being a disruptive interior defender. Lining up across multiple techniques, Woods showcased his versatility and ability to impact both the run and pass game, with his best fit lining up as a three-/4i-technique.

Woods’ game is built on explosive first-step quickness, power, and hand usage. He can penetrate gaps, collapse pockets, and hold his own against the run, making him scheme-diverse with three-down upside. The main concern is consistency and size, as he does not always finish the plays he disrupts and will have issues shedding blocks against bigger offensive linemen. Still, his combination of traits gives him one of the highest ceilings among defensive tackles in the class as a late first-round, early second-round prospect.

3. Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter – RS Senior – 6-4, 318, 5.18

Lee Hunter put together a strong 2025 season at Texas Tech, recording 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks while flashing interior disruption in both phases for the Red Raiders’ defense. After transferring from UCF where he played his previous three season, Hunter has steadily developed into a reliable presence with the ability to impact games as both a run defender and interior rusher.

Hunter is quicker than one might think given his size, and his stout frame paired with fierce hands is a lethal combination. He shows flashes of pass-rush ability, although he relies on force rather than finesse. His pad level can be inconsistent and get high, which limits his effectiveness against more technically sound linemen. He projects as a two-gap nose tackle with starting upside in the right system.

Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Ben Queen

4. Florida DT Caleb Banks – RS Senior – 6-6, 327, 5.04

Banks did not have a chance to put much film on tape in 2025, as he appeared in just three games for the Gators after missing nine games with a left foot injury. That limited Banks’ production to just six tackles and one tackle for loss, although he had a stronger 2024 season with 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. What stands out about him is his build, as he possesses unique size and flashed a high ceiling.

Banks, who re-broke his foot at the Combine, is an intriguing prospect, although he remains inconsistent. Despite being larger, he can get moved off his spot and there are questions about his conditioning. That makes him more of a risky prospect compared to the other top defensive tackles. If he can find ways to consistently produce and play to his strength, Banks can become a tone-setting three-tech at the next level.

5. Georgia DT Christen Miller – RS Junior – 6-4, 321, N/A

Miller served as a starter during his last two seasons at Georgia on stacked Bulldogs’ defenses. Miller, who once lived in Tampa, Florida and played a year of high school football in Pasadena Hills, decided to play college football in the Peach State and slowly emerged and carved out a role. Miller made the most of his snaps, flashing pass-rush hands and stout run defense.

Miller’s game is built on strength, leverage, and physicality at the point of attack. He is difficult to move and can clog running lanes effectively. There are question marks surrounding his production, as he had more than two pressures just once in 14 games in 2025. With an extensive injury history to boot, drafting Miller is a bet on his upside as a rotational defensive tackle in run-heavy situations.

6. Iowa State DT Domonique Orange – Senior – 6-2, 322, N/A

Domonique “Big Citrus” Orange anchored the middle of a physical defensive front at Iowa State last season, his lone season as a full-time starter. Orange’s production doesn’t fully capture his potential NFL impact, as he consistently occupied blockers and helped control the line of scrimmage in the Cyclones’ scheme.

Orange wins with strength and leverage, showing the ability to hold his ground and disrupt interior run lanes. He flashes heavy hands and a sturdy base but did not have any real eye-popping production during his college career. His projection is that of a rotational nose tackle who can contribute on early downs and in short-yardage situations.

Iowa State DT Domonique Orange – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Reese Strickland

7. Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. – RS Senior – 6-6, 315, N/A

Although covering this from a broader scope, it is difficult to ignore Jackson Jr.’s unique connection to the Bucs. His uncle, Dexter Jackson, also played at Florida State and played in the NFL for 10 seasons. One might remember him for being the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII. The younger Jackson has followed in his uncle’s footsteps, transferring to Florida State from Miami and playing his last three seasons for the Seminoles. He capped off his time there by recording 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.

Jackson has developed into a more complete player, with larger-than-life traits that will make him a hot commodity come Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Possessing pass-rushing promise, he absorbs contact and uses his length (35 1/4-inch arms, 86 1/2-inch wingspan) to wrap up ballcarriers and quarterbacks alike. He can play too high and lose leverage and struggles from a play recognition standpoint at times. J

8. Missouri DT Chris McClellan – Senior – 6-4, 313, 5.05

McClellan transferred to Missouri in January 2024 after two seasons at Florida. While McClellan showed promise for the Gators, he emerged as a key piece of the Tigers’ defense. That was on display throughout the 2025 season, where he tallied an impressive 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and six sacks. That stat line is one of the best of any defensive tackle prospect in this year’s class, and he did it by holding his own against SEC competition.

McClellan’s game is built on effort, physicality, and positional discipline. He can hold the point of attack and shows flashes of interior push as a pass rusher, but his ceiling may be limited due to marginal and burst, projecting him as a depth piece who can provide quality snaps.

9. Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton – Senior – 6-3, 293, 4.82

Halton is a unique player to profile, as he had intriguing production despite not being a full-time player for the Sooners. In 13 games (seven starts), Halton had 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2025. With a compact build, the 22-year-old showcased his ability to penetrate and create backfield disruption, as he moves more like a defensive end than a true defensive tackle.

Halton wins with quickness and initial burst while also playing with a high motor. He naturally shoots gaps and generates pressure, but his lighter frame that appears maxed out can be a liability against the run, where he struggles to anchor against stronger interior linemen. He projects as a pass-rush-oriented defensive tackle who can provide a spark if utilized correctly.

Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Kevin Jairaj

10. Texas A&M DT Tyler Onyedim – RS Senior – 6-3, 290, 5.07

Onyedim transferred to Texas A&M after four seasons at Iowa State, as he searched for a platform year to get to the NFL. Onyedim accomplished that goal, recording 49 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2025. His ability to generate pressure from the interior stood out, as he has a variety of cross-chop, swipe and swim moves in his pass-rushing toolbox.

Onyedim offers a blend of strength and speed, along with active hands. He can be inconsistent with pad level and finishing plays, and his production was not otherworldly, as he had just 17 pressures on 292 pass-rush snaps last season. Onyedim does not have a ton of weaknesses, projecting as more of a jack-of-all-trades piece that can be relied on as part of a defensive line rotation.

11. Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny – RS Senior – 6-3, 298, N/A

After four seasons as mostly a rotational defensive tackle for the Wolverines, Benny spent his last season with the program as a starter. Benny responded with 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He has a heavy rip to get through gaps, with active hands to find the football. Benny flashes, but he is what he is at this point of his development and is not incredibly polished. He does offer enough value to see the field right away, particularly in rotational packages.

12. Texas A&M DT Albert Regis – RS Senior – 6-1, 295, 4.88

Regis is the second Aggie defensive tackle listed here in short order. Regis is one of the more active interior defenders in this year’s draft class, as he controls the run and had 10 passes defensed over his last two seasons. While lacking ideal size and length, his effort and physicality give him a solid floor. Regis will find a way to contribute at the next level in run defense and is seen as having a high work ethic.

13. Southeastern Louisiana DT Kaleb Proctor – Senior – 6-2, 291, 4.79

Seen as being a linebacker entering college, Proctor converted to defensive tackle but carried much of his athleticism with him. As a no-star recruit, Proctor has fought to get onto the NFL radar, helped in part by being at the East-West Shrine Bowl and putting together a productive run at Southeastern Louisiana. His time there concluded with a 43-tackle, 13-tackle for loss, and nine-sack 2025 season.

Proctor has good size, although he is on the leaner side. He does not have experience against high-level competition, so he will need to prove his production can translate. Even with that caveat, Proctor is an intriguing Day 3 developmental interior defender with rotational upside.

Southeastern Louisiana DT Kaleb Proctor – Photo by: IMAGN Images

14. South Carolina DT Nick Barrett – RS Senior – 6-3, 312, 5.10

Barrett was slow to see the field during his college career, playing in 39 games with zero starts before finally becoming a full-time starter in 2025. Barrett had moments of displaying his length and power, although his development has lagged. As a team captain who prides himself on strength and conditioning, there are things to like about how he can round out a defensive line depth chart. It will take time to for him to adjust to the NFL, but he has enough juice to stick as a three-technique with a balanced game.

15. Cincinnati DT Dontay Corleone – RS Senior – 6-0, 340, N/A

As Don Corleone once said in The Godfather: “great men are not born great, they grow great.”

Take Dontay Corleone as someone who not only carries the name but has the frame of a true imposer on the defensive line. Corleone got off to a great start with the Bearcats in 2022, although his play regressed in ensuing seasons and he battled blood clots in 2024. Known for his power, Corleone is a space eater at the line of scrimmage, eating up blocks and clogging interior rushing lanes. His dominance against the run gives him clear value, even if he does not offer much as a pass rusher. He projects as a backup nose tackle in the NFL.

Best Of The Rest

16. Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart – Sixth-Year Senior – 6-5, 313, 4.85

DeMonte Capehart spent a long time with the Clemson Tigers, beginning his time there in 2020. After the years, Capehart saw the field more and more and started half of the team’s games in 2024 and 2025. Showing promise and meeting the eye test, he plays with heavy hands and moves a lot quicker than one would think. Although he has some traits, Capehart had below-average production and has character concerns to take into consideration. He projects as a depth defensive tackle who can fit just about any front.

17. Penn State DT Zane Durant – Senior – 6-1, 290, 4.75

Durant is a ball of energy Penn State has enjoyed having as part of the program since 2022. Per Dane Brugler’s The Beast, he attributes one NFL scout saying this about Durant: “His ‘give-a-shit’ factor is high. Always taking notes in meetings. Warrior in the weight room. One of the most respected voices in the program.” That statement carries weight, and the compactly built defensive tackle has elite speed and quickness off the ball. Durant did not have the biggest year in 2025 after a more promising 2024 season, so his consistency is something for him to work on.

Penn State DT Zane Durant – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Matthew O’Haren

18. Arkansas DT Cameron Ball – RS Senior – 6-4, 308, 5.1

As with many defensive tackles in this year’s class, Ball’s production is not jaw-dropping. Ball did develop into a starter at Arkansas, although more improvement is needed to stick in the NFL. To his credit, he has a solid frame and fits well in the run game. He can see plays developing behind the line of scrimmage, and his 50 games of playing experience is another feather in his cap. Even as an underdeveloped player relative to other defensive tackles on Day 3, Ball is well-rounded enough to compete for a rotational role.

19. NC State DT Brandon Cleveland – Senior – 6-3, 307, 5.12

Cleveland grew up outside Tampa, Florida and his cousin, Tyrie Cleveland, played wide receiver at Florida and was a seventh-round pick by the Broncos in 2020. Cleveland will likely fall in that same range as a Day 3 player, but he enters the league coming off a solid 2025 season at NC State (36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks). He offers good size and strength, showing the ability to plug gaps and hold up against the run when called upon. That is Cleveland’s calling card to provide situational value in the NFL.

20. Alabama DT Tim Keenan III – RS Junior – 6-1, 327, 5.31

Keenan III is a plug-and-play defensive tackle who helps control the line of scrimmage. Keenan played that role along the Crimson Tide’s front throughout his time there, peaking with a promising 2024 season (40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks). His follow-up was not as impressive, but he plays with instincts and maintains gap integrity. That has value as an NFL nose tackle, one who is well-respected for the leadership he provided to a premier college football program.

Bucs Best Bets – By Scott Reynolds

ROUNDS 1-3: Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter

Hunter started his career at UCF where he was an impact player against the run with 21.5 tackles for loss, but only totaled five sacks. He then took a lucrative NIL deal to transfer to Texas Tech where he played with an all-star lineup that included edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height along with defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard and All-American linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. All figure to be drafted this year. Hunter helped the Red Raiders win the Big XII and make the playoffs with 41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2025.

The big 6-foot-3, 322-pound Hunter can win with quickness off the snap as a backfield penetrator or power at the point of attack. Nearing the age of 24, he’s an older prospect who is mature and well-liked in the locker room due to his gregarious nature. The Bucs seem to have taken an interest in him, meeting with him at the Senior Bowl, formally interviewing him at the NFL Scouting Combine, and then having him in for an official 30 visit at the team facility. Hunter could be an option for Tampa Bay in the second or third round.

ROUNDS 4-7: Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart

The Bucs have a penchant for drafting athletic defensive linemen with high RAS scores (relative athletic scores), and Capehart had a 9.97 score out of a possible 10. At 6-foot-3, 313 pounds, Capehart has big, strong hands capable of knocking back offensive linemen, and ran an eye-opening 4.85 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, including a 1.72 time in the 10-yard split. While a great athlete for his size, Capehart didn’t always play up to his potential at Clemson, which is why he’s likely a Day 3 pick.

Capehart, who had an official 30 visit with Tampa Bay, started the last three of his six seasons with the Tigers, but never totaled more than 21 tackles, playing next to defensive tackle Peter Woods and defensive end T.J. Parker. With just three career sacks, Capehart brings little pass rush to the table. Yet against the run he is quite capable of doing some real damage by shutting down running lanes and blowing up offensive linemen at the point of attack to disrupt zone runs. Should the Bucs draft him on Day 3, Capehart would be capable of playing nose tackle or the 4i/5-technique positions in Todd Bowles’ defense.