The interior defensive line landscape is shifting dramatically. While the 2026 draft cycle appears relatively thin—with Clemson’s Peter Woods standing as a lone first-round possibility—early scouting for the 2027 class reveals a far more robust group. This upcoming crop of defensive tackles is headlined by six elite prospects who all possess first-round potential. What truly distinguishes this group is the combination of youth and polished skill sets; three of the top four prospects are rising juniors who already display balanced abilities against both the run and the pass. This season will serve as a high-stakes competition to determine who ultimately claims the “DT1” mantle.
Evaluating the 2027 Defensive Tackle Prospect Pool (Rating: 9/10)
David Stone | Oklahoma
- Archetype: Multi-Dimensional Interior Defender
- Provisional Grade: Round 1
Even as a true sophomore, David Stone demonstrates a level of functional power in his hands that is rarely seen in players his age. He is a quintessential power rusher who successfully overwhelmed veteran SEC linemen throughout the previous campaign. The most encouraging aspect of Stone’s profile is that pure strength is a trait that typically continues to develop into a player’s mid-20s, whereas raw explosiveness often plateaus. For Stone to be this physically dominant so early in his collegiate career is a massive indicator of NFL success. A former five-star recruit, Stone needs to turn his 28 pressures into more consistent sack production, but his trajectory remains firmly in the first-round conversation.
Deone Washington | West Virginia
- Archetype: Disruptive Nose Tackle
- Provisional Grade: Round 1
At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Washington is a nightmare for interior offensive linemen. He possesses a rare burst off the snap for a man of his stature, paired with a natural ability to maintain a low center of gravity. His floor as a run defender is exceptionally high because he is nearly impossible to moved off his spot; blockers can only hope to redirect his momentum rather than stonewall him. However, his ceiling as a pro will depend on his development as a pass rusher. Currently, Washington relies heavily on his initial explosion. To become a three-down threat at the next level, he must improve his ability to disengage from blocks and develop a more sophisticated repertoire of hand-fighting techniques.
Will Echoles | Ole Miss
- Archetype: Every-Down Defensive Tackle
- Provisional Grade: Round 1
Echoles possesses a unique, barrel-chested frame at 6-foot-2 that seems tailor-made for the interior. His density makes him an immovable force in the run game, yet his stamina is perhaps his most underrated trait. Last season, Echoles logged more snaps than any other defensive tackle in the Power-4 and ranked third nationally in the FBS. Despite this heavy workload, his efficiency didn’t waver. He trailed only Kayden McDonald in run stops among Power-4 tackles—an incredible feat for a player who played the entire season at just 19 years old. If he continues this level of production, he has a legitimate claim to be the top interior defender in the class.
Bear Scott | Miami
- Archetype: Penetrating Interior Specialist
- Provisional Grade: Early Day 2
Scott initially flew under the radar on a deep Hurricanes defensive line, but his late-season surge proved he is a high-end talent. His performance peaked on the biggest stage, where he saw significant action in the National Championship game. Scott’s sophomore tape is particularly exciting due to his pass-rushing upside. He registered 17 pressures over his final seven appearances, utilizing a powerful two-hand strike that resets the line of scrimmage before using his lateral agility to bypass guards. While scouts want to see this dominance sustained over a full season, the flash plays suggest a high-level NFL starter.
Gadson | Kentucky
- Archetype: 3-4 Defensive End
- Provisional Grade: Day 2
After dealing with a knee injury early in his career, Gadson emerged as a legitimate threat last fall, recording 20 pressures. He possesses the “long and twitchy” profile that NFL teams covet, featuring a quick first step and the reach to disrupt passing lanes. While he was often asked to play out of position at nose tackle for Kentucky, his true value lies as a 3-4 defensive end. Under the guidance of a new coaching staff, Gadson could see his draft stock soar if he is allowed to play more in space where his athleticism can shine.
Ahmad Moten Sr. | Miami
- Archetype: 3-Technique
- Provisional Grade: Day 2
Moten’s decision to return for a fifth season was a surprise to many, given that his athletic profile likely would have made him a top-50 pick in a weaker 2026 class. He is a “light-footed” rusher who uses nimble movements to navigate around interior blockers. By pairing his active hands with excellent body control, Moten provides consistent interior pressure. Returning to school gives him the opportunity to refine his run defense and solidify a first-round grade.
Francis Brewu | Notre Dame
- Archetype: Specialized 3-Technique
- Provisional Grade: Day 2
Brewu is the definition of a “sawed-off” disruptor. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 285 pounds, he lacks prototypical size, but he compensates with immense leverage and lower-body strength. Unlike many undersized tackles who get washed out in the run game, Brewu holds his ground remarkably well through contact. His productivity at Pittsburgh prior to his transfer suggests he can be a high-impact sub-package rusher, and his development at Notre Dame will be closely watched by teams looking for interior penetration.
Horace Lockett | UCF
- Archetype: Playmaking Nose Tackle
- Provisional Grade: Late Day 2
At 355 pounds, Lockett is a massive human being, but his tape shows a player who is surprisingly agile for his size. He isn’t just a “space-eater” designed to double-teams; he has the movement skills to make plays in the backfield. Before a pectoral injury cut his previous season short, he was averaging two run stops per game. If he has maintained his mobility while rehabbing, Lockett will be one of the most physically imposing prospects in the draft.
Bear Alexander | USC
- Archetype: Multi-Dimensional Interior Defender
- Provisional Grade: Late Day 2
Alexander has been a prominent name in the transfer portal era, but his on-field growth at USC has finally begun to match his recruiting hype. He has unlocked a more violent playstyle, showing a better ability to shed blocks and pursue the ball carrier. He finished last season as one of the top returning defensive tackles in terms of total run stops, proving that he has evolved from a raw athlete into a refined football player.
A.J. Holmes Jr. | Texas Tech
- Archetype: Early-Down Specialist
- Provisional Grade: Late Day 2
Holmes may not have the towering frame of some of his peers, but his technical proficiency is top-tier. He consistently wins the leverage battle by getting his hands inside the opponent’s chest plate, allowing him to control the point of attack. He was arguably the most reliable run defender on a very talented defensive line last year. While his lack of elite length may cap his draft ceiling, his consistency and high football IQ make him a safe bet for the middle rounds.
Emerging Talents to Track
Cody Sigler | Auburn
Sigler may not have the “flashy” traits of a first-round pick, but his production at Arkansas State was impossible to ignore. After a long journey through the lower ranks of college football, he now has the chance to prove his stats translate to the SEC. If he can disrupt high-level interior lines, his draft stock will climb quickly.
Jide Abasiri | USC
Abasiri is a “first off the bus” type of prospect. With an incredibly long reach and a lean, muscular frame for a 300-pounder, he looks like a modern NFL defensive tackle. While he is currently a project player who relies on raw physical gifts, any jump in technical refinement could see him skyrocket up draft boards.
Mateen Ibirogba | Texas Tech
Ibirogba is a high-variance prospect who flashes NFL-caliber strength and twitch. While his production at Wake Forest was inconsistent—starting strong before fading late in the season—he now enters a Texas Tech system known for developing interior defensive linemen. If he can find consistency in finishing plays, he has the physical tools to be a starter at the next level.
2027 Defensive Tackle Superlatives:
- Pro-Ready Skills: Will Echoles, Ole Miss
- Positional Versatility: David Stone, Oklahoma
- Run Stuffing Elite: Will Echoles, Ole Miss
- Premier Interior Rusher: Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami
- Raw Power: Horace Lockett, UCF
- Pure Athleticism: Francis Brewu, Notre Dame
- Top Small-School Prospect: Trevion Traylor, Central Arkansas
- High-Upside Undersized Tackle: Santana Hopper, Colorado
- Most Cumulative Experience: A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech (1,820 snaps)
Final Thoughts on the 2027 Defensive Tackle Class
The 2027 defensive tackle class represents a significant talent infusion for NFL teams seeking interior help. Unlike the previous year, which lacked depth at the top, this group offers a diverse array of prospects ranging from massive nose tackles like Horace Lockett to twitchy gap-penetrators like Ahmad Moten Sr. With several high-floor starters and high-ceiling developmental projects, the battle for draft positioning among these interior defenders will be one of the most compelling storylines to watch throughout the upcoming college football season.
