The 2025 NFL Draft interior defender class features a mix of high-upside players, each with strengths that could make them franchise cornerstones but also weaknesses that could give teams pause.
With PFF’s latest big board providing updated rankings and the Mock Draft Simulator allowing fans to test different scenarios, the debate over this year’s top prospects is already heating up.
Here’s a breakdown of what each player brings to the table, along with the areas they’ll need to refine at the next level.
For the full ranking of draft prospects, along with their three-year player grades and position rankings, click here.
DI1. Mason Graham, Michigan
Strengths:
• Elite first step explosiveness
• Excellent bend and flexibility for an interior player
• Fast and powerful hands
• Devastating push-pull move
• Strong player who can hold the line
Weaknesses:
• Arms appear to be on the shorter side
DI2. Walter Nolen, Mississippi
Big board rank: 19
Strengths:
• Well-built player
• Incredibly strong, especially with momentum; raw strength and explosiveness are evident consistently
• Has the build to play both defensive end and defensive tackle • Good effort to the whistle
Weaknesses:
• Looked less out of control in 2024, but still needs to be more purposeful in what he does
• Lacks a go-to pass rush move
DI3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Big board rank: 23
Strengths:
• Unique quickness for a player of his size
• Quick to get to counters
• Active hands in passing lanes for batted passes
• Just a really good athlete for a player of his size
Weaknesses:
• Could prioritize strength more at his size
• Gives up leverage and plays high too often
DI4. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
Big board rank: 28
Strengths:
• Compact, powerful stance pre-snap
• Has the frame to play both nose and 3-tech
• Explosive first step to shoot gaps, create power and cross face
• Hand speed, precision and purpose much improved in 2024
Weaknesses:
• Tends to pop up quickly to lose leverage
• Loses ground a bit too much when taking on combo blocks
• Does not have enough pass rush moves/counters
DI5. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
Big board rank: 37
Strengths:
• Quick hands to engage and get off blocks
• Plus arm length for an interior player
• Competitive third-down player
• Explosive first step laterally and linearly
• Has some twitch for a guy who is 295
• Long arms for PBUs
Weaknesses:
• Gives up leverage quickly post-snap
• Can get overzealous to shoot a gap in run defense
• Does not hold up well against doubles
• Could finish tackles/sacks better
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