As we hit mid-February 2026, the NFL draft cycle is officially in “over-analysis” mode. While the offensive stars like Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava are hogging the headlines, defensive coordinators are looking at this class as a potential goldmine for foundational “eraser” players.
With the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis just a week away (starting February 23), here is a look at the defensive prospects who will be making general managers lose sleep this spring.
The Game-Changer: Caleb Downs (Safety, Ohio State)
If you could build a safety in a laboratory for the 2026 NFL, it would look exactly like Caleb Downs. After a dominant college career that spanned Alabama and Ohio State, he is the undisputed “unicorn” of this class.
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The Scouting Report: Downs is a “box-to-post” defender. He’s physical enough to stop a 230lb running back at the line of scrimmage, yet fluid enough to play man coverage on an NFL slot receiver.
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Draft Stock: Top 10. In an era where “Positionless Defense” is the buzzword, Downs is the crown jewel.
The Trench Monsters: The Interior DL
This class is uniquely deep at Defensive Tackle, led by two titans who play with entirely different styles.
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Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): The current consensus DT1. He is a 325lb “anchor” who spent the 2025 season making Big Ten interior linemen look like they were on roller skates. He’s more than just a space-eater; he has a surprising “swim” move that makes him a pocket-collapser.
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Peter Woods (Clemson): The most polarizing player in the draft. Scouts love his “twitch” and explosiveness—he even played some fullback at Clemson—but his shorter arms have some teams worried about his leverage at the next level. He’s a high-ceiling, boom-or-bust candidate likely to go in the late first round.
The Predators: Edge & Linebacker Hybrids
The “Micah Parsons Effect” has NFL teams looking for hybrid defenders who can rush the passer or drop into coverage without skipping a beat.
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Arvell Reese (Ohio State): The projected No. 2 overall pick (likely heading to the New York Jets). At 6’4” and 245 lbs, Reese is a terrifying athlete. He played a hybrid role under Matt Patricia at OSU, and his closing speed is described by scouts as “predatory.”
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Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas): One scout famously called him a “Lamborghini with a teenage driver at the wheel.” He has rare physical gifts and sideline-to-sideline range, but he’s still learning the nuances of NFL-level play recognition. If a coach can refine his eyes, he’s a perennial All-Pro.
The Lockdown Wardens: Cornerbacks
While there isn’t a “Sauce Gardner” level lock this year, the top tier is incredibly steady.
| Prospect | School | Style | Projection |
| Mansoor Delane | LSU | The “Chess Piece” (Elite in Zone & Man) | Top 15 |
| Jermod McCoy | Tennessee | Sticky Man Specialist (Coming off ACL) | Round 1-2 |
| Avieon Terrell | Clemson | High-IQ, Technical Master (AJ’s younger brother) | Late 1st |
| Malik Muhammad | Texas | High-End Recovery Speed | Round 2 |
Stock Watch: Who to Watch at the Combine
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Reuben Bain Jr. (Miami): An absolute wrecking ball on the edge. If he runs a sub-4.6 forty-yard dash at 275 lbs, he could jump into the Top 5.
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Caleb Banks (Florida): A massive human (6’6”, 320 lbs) who started as a defensive end. He is the “workout warrior” to watch; his testing numbers are expected to be historic for someone his size.
