Best available DL in 2026 NFL Draft: Updated results, top prospects still on board

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, showcasing a strong group of defensive tackles. Key prospects include McDonald, Banks, Hunter, and Woods, with quality options available even in the later rounds.

Key points

The 2026 NFL Draft has begun.
Top defensive tackle prospects include McDonald, Banks, Hunter, and Woods.
Middle rounds 2-4 are ideal for finding quality defensive tackles.
The draft defies traditional positional trends.

Best available DL in 2026 NFL Draft: Updated results, top prospects still on board originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL Draft has arrived. No more conjecture or hypothetical. Five months of preparations and the biggest job interview in the world will now become real.

Viewers have become accustomed to certain similarities. The best quarterbacks, edge rushers, offensive linemen and cornerbacks are towards the top, while running backs, safeties and linebackers are less prioritized at the top. In 2026, they throw out almost all the positional tendencies and trends.

The group of defensive tackles (separate from EDGE) is a good group. The top tier, unlike other positions, has four names ahead of the pack. McDonald, Banks, Hunter and Woods.

Even in the later rounds, there will be quality defensive tackles throughout, with noteworthy names into Day 3. The middle rounds (2-4) could be the DT sweet spot.

Best available DL in 2026 NFL Draft


Name	School	HT	WT	Range	Pick	Team
Kayden McDonald	Ohio State	6'2	326	Rd 1-2
Caleb Banks	Florida	6'6	325	Rd 1-2
Lee Hunter	Texas Tech	6'3	318	Rd 1-2
Peter Woods	Clemson	6'2	298	Rd 1-2

Social Media Reactions to DL selections in 2026 NFL Draft

2026 NFL Draft How to Watch

The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network-- available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.

More 2026 NFL Draft news:

Q&A

Who are the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The top defensive tackle prospects are McDonald, Banks, Hunter, and Woods.

What rounds are expected to have the best defensive tackle options in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The middle rounds, specifically rounds 2-4, are expected to be the sweet spot for defensive tackles.

How does the 2026 NFL Draft differ from previous drafts in terms of positional trends?

The 2026 NFL Draft breaks from traditional positional trends, with a stronger emphasis on defensive tackles compared to other positions.

What is the significance of the 2026 NFL Draft for defensive tackles?

The 2026 NFL Draft is significant for defensive tackles as it features a deep pool of talent, with quality players available even in the later rounds.