The defensive line class for the 2026 NFL Draft has been a bit of an enigma this year. Prospects who were highly rated before the season failed to meet expectations, yet several underclassmen who saw little action one year ago have stepped to the forefront. The class has a lot of potential on paper, especially at the top, as it’s filled with large, athletic linemen who are effective in all facets of playing up front.

Here’s a look at the top eight defensive linemen who will be headlining the 2026 NFL Draft.

Keldric Faulk/DE/Auburn: Faulk was graded by NFL scouts as one of the top next-level prospects entering the season, regardless of position, despite being an underclassman. And while he played up to that billing at times in 2025, the 20-year-old was not as consistently dominant as sco

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