The 2026 NFL Draft features strong defensive line prospects, and the Philadelphia Eagles are likely to target this position despite their current depth. The team values impactful defenders to maintain their trench dominance and prepare for future transitions.
The 2026 NFL Draft is loaded with defensive line talent, and the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be in the mix despite being stocked at the interior defensive tackle position. The Eagles don't have conventional defensive ends in Vic Fangio's system, but true edge rushers who don't drop in coverage can be considered vital to the position as well.
For a franchise built on trench dominance, adding another impact defender is always on the table. This year's class offers a mix of explosive edge rushers and interior disruptors capable of making an immediate impact. Philadelphia likes to prioritize depth and rotation along the defensive front, making the defensive line one of the safest and most logical draft targets.
Whether it's reinforcing an already strong unit or preparing for future transitions, the trenches remain a priority.
And if history tells us anything, the Eagles won't pass on adding a game changer to the rotation.
Reiger, the Defensive MVP of the 2026 Shrine Bowl, played in all 12 games and made 11 starts at outside linebacker during his only season with the Badgers. He finished the season with 33 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 6.0 tackles for loss (TFLs). Reiger recorded tackles in every game and had notable performances, including three tackles and a sack against Miami (OH) on August 28, and four tackles against MTSU on September 6.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher could be the next defensive standout from the Mid-American Conference. Tucker was tabbed the winner of the 44th Vern Smith Leadership Award as the top player in the MAC as well as the Defensive Player of the Year. In the eight MAC games, Tucker had 12.0 tackles for loss and a MAC-best nine sacks. The New York, N.Y., native also forced two fumbles and helped the Broncos' defense allow just 14.5 points per game.
The Soutland Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Proctor played in 48 games, logging 134 total tackles, 45 solo, 26 TFLs, 16 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
In 2024, Harris played in all 13 games for the Rebels, making three starts. He ended the season with 32 total tackles (13 solo), 4.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, two QB hurries, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick. Harris is a massive, rare specimen at defensive tackle, listed at 6-foot-8, 330 pounds. Harris took a major step forward in production last fall, finishing sixth in the FBS with 27 run stops.
Gil-Howard made an immediate impact for the Red Raiders after transferring, starting each of the first six games of the season before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year. In the games he played, he recorded 13 tackles (9 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, and a half-sack, along with 6 quarterback hurries. He had at least one tackle in five of the six games. Up until his injury, Gil-Howard was among the highest-graded players in all of college football. He received an overall grade of 88.6 from Pro Football Focus, ranking tied for 35th nationally and third among interior defensive linemen with at least 150 defensive snaps, earning a pass-rushing grade of 90.0, which placed him third among interior defensive linemen (minimum 150 snaps). PFF credited him with 12 pressures and eight defensive stops.
Baltimore has Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and C.J. Okoye all returning; the Ravens have uncertainty with Nnamdi Madubuike. What they really need is an interior defensive tackle who has the explosiveness to penetrate and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. McClellan is an athletic specimen at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, and had six sacks and eight tackles for loss last year, while being stout against the run.
A huge interior defender and run game destroyer at Texas Tech, Hunter earned first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 in his redshirt senior season. The 6-4, 330-pound defensive tackle posted 8.5 tackles for loss in addition to 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He finished his career with 168 total tackles and 7.5 sacks.
In his final season at Georgia, Miller played and started in all 13 games. He made 20 tackles, 9 of which were solo, recorded 3.0 tackles for loss totaling 11 yards, achieved 1.5 sacks totaling nine yards, and had two quarterback hits.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL Draft: Top defensive line prospects who could land with the Eagles
The Eagles are looking at a mix of explosive edge rushers and interior disruptors from the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Defensive line prospects are a priority to reinforce an already strong unit and ensure depth and rotation for future transitions.
Vic Fangio's system requires true edge rushers rather than conventional defensive ends, influencing the Eagles to seek specific types of defensive line talent.
Historically, the Eagles have prioritized adding game-changing defenders to their rotation, especially along the defensive front.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.
Arshdeep Singh makes history as the first PBKS bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets!
California's top high school football prospects are on the move this weekend.
Viktor Hovland shines with a 64 at RBC Heritage, Gotterup scores 70.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.