The interior defensive line group isn’t as deep as it has been in other draft classes, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of future starters.
Jer'Zhan Newton and Byron Murphy II seem to be first-round locks as 3-tech defensive tackles. But there are a handful of other interior players, ranging in skill set and size, who will be valuable for certain fronts.
Here are the top interior defensive linemen in the class.
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1. DI JER'ZHAN NEWTON, ILLINOIS
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 11
Newton has some physical limitations due to his size and lack of natural flexibility, but his hand usage, pass-rush tools and block-shedding ability allow him to be very productive in any alignment as a three-to-five-technique player.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. DI BYRON MURPHY II, TEXAS
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 12
Murphy is a gifted defensive lineman in terms of strength and speed. He is a versatile three-down player who brings plus abilities as a run defender and a pass-rusher, projecting as a first-round impact starter for any front.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. DI BRADEN FISKE, FLORIDA STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 44
Fiske's measurements are not ideal, but he has an NFL-level football IQ and pass-rush quickness to be a potential impact player as a 4-3 defensive tackle.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. DI KRIS JENKINS, MICHIGAN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 50
Jenkins is one of the strongest players in the entire draft class, but his arm-length limitations and lack of pass-rush profile will likely limit his draft stock to a mid-to-late Day 2 selection. However, his high floor presents starting potential in a 4-3 scheme.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. DI BRANDON DORLUS, OREGON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 65
Though a bit of a tweener, Dorlus has 3-4 and 4-3 versatility with a strong power profile to be a rotational player and potential spot starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. DI RUKE ORHORHORO, CLEMSON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 67
Orhorhoro is a versatile defensive lineman who can be a high-floor player at defensive end or defensive tackle. However, he needs to develop technical pass-rush moves to be more than a rotational player at the next level.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. DI Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 107
Hall's measurements make him a tough player to slot into a specific scheme, but due to how quickly he can win with finesse on the interior, his best spot in the league is likely as a DT/DE in a versatile 4-3 front. His pass-rush abilities give him the chance to be a productive pass-rush specialist.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. DI T'VONDRE SWEAT, TEXAS
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 122
Sweat has the ideal size. At his best, he's an impact, versatile interior defensive player, but weight and conditioning will determine how often he can make an impact.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. DI Mekhi Wingo, LSU
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 131
Wingo's shorter arms and legs limit his efficacy and versatility. He will likely be limited between the 2i and 4i alignments in a 4-3 scheme. However, his quickness and consistent hand placement can lead to some success as a rotational pass-rusher in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. DI DEWAYNE CARTER, DUKE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 136
Carter isn't an elite physical presence, but he is a versatile, smart and consistent football player in both the run and pass games. He projects as a high-floor rotational player with starting potential.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
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