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Sports
Spring Position Breakdown: Defensive Tackles
TL;DR
Former Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Huskies are focusing on strengthening their defensive line with a mix of returners, transfers, and freshmen ahead of the upcoming season.
Key points
- Anterio Thompson drafted by Atlanta Falcons in 2026 NFL Draft
- Elinneus Davis and Omar Khan are key returners
- Transfers include Kai McLendon, Darin Conley, and DeSean Watts
- Freshmen recruits include Derek Colman-Brusa and JD Hill
- Huskies aim to strengthen defensive line for Big Ten success
Mentioned in this story
Anterio ThompsonAtlanta FalconsElinneus DavisOmar KhanKai McLendonDarin ConleyDeSean WattsDerek Colman-BrusaJD HillTufanua Ionatana Umu-CaisDavid SchwerzelTa’a Malu
Washington Huskies
Returners
Elinneus Davis
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 312 lbs
Class: Junior
TRANSFERS
Kai McLendon, Mississippi State Height: 6’1” Weight: 334 lbs Class: Sophomore McLendon is hoping his return to action is a successful one after missing all of last season due to injury. He played in all 12 games in 2024 and started the final five. He logged 30 tackles and .5 sacks as a true freshman for the Bulldogs. Darin Conley, Ball State Height: 6’3” Weight: 290 lbs Class: Junior Conley started every game for Ball State last season. He finished with 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The season prior he saw action in every game. DeSean Watts, Sacramento State Height: 6’0” Weight: 313 lbs Class: Junior Watts was first-team All-Big Sky last season at Sacramento State. He had 36 tackles with two sacks on the year. It was his first season with the Hornets after spending the previous two at Fresno City Junior College. Takeaway: Fisch and staff chased experience and landed players that won’t graduate after just one season, which is a huge positive. The downside is that it could lead to freshmen transferring after the upcoming season, but in 2026, a player could play every snap, be a star player, and still want to transfer. No, that isn’t a shot at Demond Williams. The point is that we’re in an era where you have to assume no player is truly happy and will return the following season. No wonder coaches are eying the NFL.
Q&A
Who was drafted from the Washington Huskies in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Anterio Thompson was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What are the key returners for the Washington Huskies' defensive tackle position?
Elinneus Davis and Omar Khan are the key returners for the Huskies' defensive tackle position.
Which transfers joined the Washington Huskies' defensive line for the 2026 season?
Transfers Kai McLendon, Darin Conley, and DeSean Watts joined the Huskies' defensive line for the 2026 season.
What freshmen defensive tackles were recruited by the Washington Huskies?
The Huskies recruited freshmen Derek Colman-Brusa, JD Hill, Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, David Schwerzel, and Ta’a Malu.