Combine: Guide to watch front seven prospects
Jeremy Bissett breaks down DL/Edge/LB prospects at NFL Combine.
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The NFL Combine serves as the offseason’s primary proving ground for all former college standouts eager to elevate their NFL draft stock.
There will be a number of front-seven players with a lot to prove in Indy and they are scheduled to work out Thursday, televised by NFL Network.
Thursday, February 27: 3 p.m. ET for defensive linemen and linebackers
Big Ten standouts Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant have already solidified themselves as first-round locks, boasting dominant game tape and elite measurables that make their Day 1 status all but guaranteed.
However, for those hovering on the bubble, this is an opportunity to separate from the pack. A blazing 40-yard dash, an explosive performance in the agility drills, or a standout interview could be the key to catapulting a player from Day 2 to first-round territory. A Day 3 hopeful will find the Combine even more critical, as it offers a chance to rise from undrafted free agent to an actual NFL draft selection.
While high-profile names like Nic Scourton, Mykel Williams, James Pearce Jr., and Shemar Stewart are making strong cases as first-round picks, lesser-known prospects will get a long look in Indy. One player rapidly climbing draft boards is Marshall University edge rusher Mike Green, whose dominant production has sparked first-round buzz.
But just how high can a small-school standout rise with an elite Combine performance? Enter David Walker from Central Arkansas. His production is staggering—in just 34 career games, he racked up 191 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, and 31 sacks. If he tests well, Walker could go from hidden gem to one of the Combine’s most talked-about participants.
Now, let’s dive into the top prospects looking to make their mark with NFL coaches and executives.
Interior Defensive Lineman
DL1T- Primary alignment over center, or inside guards
DL3T- Primary alignment over guard, or inside tackles
Deone Walker, Kentucky – DL-1T
Height/Weight/Class: 6051, 340, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 17-100
Stats: 37 GP, 53 Solo, 79 Ast, 132 Total, 23 TFL, 10.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Dominant size and power at the point of attack
Strong anchor against double teams, tough to move off his spot
Pass-rush technique still developing but flashes disruptive ability
Can improve pad level and leverage to maximize effectiveness
Jordan Phillips, Maryland – DL-1T
Height/Weight/Class: 6021, 320, rSo
Overall Rank Range: 66-117
Stats: 28 GP, 31 Solo, 27 Ast, 58 Total, 3 TFL, 0.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Explosive first step for a nose tackle
Strong hands and ability to shed blocks quickly
Needs to develop more pass-rush counters
Can be inconsistent with effort and motor
Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon – DL-1T
Height/Weight/Class: 6005, 342, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 88-167
Stats: 34 GP, 44 Solo, 24 Ast, 68 Total, 18 TFL, 8.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Classic run-stuffer with a wide frame and natural strength
Holds the point well but lacks top-end athleticism
Limited as a pass-rusher, needs to refine hand usage
Could improve overall conditioning for better stamina
Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee – DL-3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6021, 295, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 61-80
Stats: 44 GP, 47 Solo, 42 Ast, 89 Total, 17 TFL, 13.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Quick off the snap with an impressive first step
Effective at penetrating gaps and disrupting plays
Can get washed out against bigger interior linemen
Needs to add more functional strength to be a consistent factor
Shemar Turner, Texas A&M – DL3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6051, 300, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 46-82
Stats: 43 GP, 54 Solo, 61 Ast, 115 Total, 24 TFL, 10.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Versatile interior lineman with pass-rush upside
Good hand technique and ability to disengage from blocks
Can struggle against power blockers in the run game
Plays with high energy and a strong motor
Darius Alexander, Toledo – DL3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6035, 304, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 47-95
Stats: 58 GP, 45 Solo, 82 Ast, 127 Total, 23 TFL, 9.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Great length and athleticism for a mid-major prospect
Has the tools to develop into a solid pass rusher
Needs to improve his lower-body strength to hold up in the run game
Could take time to adjust to NFL competition
Ty Hamilton, Ohio State – DL3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6025, 295, rSR
Overall Rank Range: 69-240
Stats: 57 GP, 46 Solo, 70 Ast, 116 Total, 14 TFL, 8.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying”
Plays with strong leverage and technique
Flashes interior pass-rush ability but needs to be more consistent
Can get outmuscled by bigger offensive linemen
High football IQ and positional versatility
Joshua Farmer, FSU – DL3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6031, 318, rJR
Overall Rank Range: 39-127
Stats: 42 GP, 32 Solo, 48 Ast, 80 Total, 21 TFL, 11.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Explosive, disruptive interior lineman
Strong hands and solid bull rush technique
Needs to develop more counter moves to be effective at the next level
High motor, never quits on plays
Howard Cross III, Notre Dame – DL3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6006, 288, Graduate
Overall Rank Range: 113-271
Stats: 64 GP, 80 Solo, 89 Ast, 169 Total, 21 TFL, 11.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Undersized but plays with elite quickness and effort
High-energy player with great instincts
Will struggle against larger offensive linemen in the NFL
Strong leader and technician on the interior
J.J. Pegues, Ole Miss – DL3T
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 323, rSR
Overall Rank Range: 73-190
Stats: 62 GP, 62 Solo, 64 Ast, 126 Total, 29 TFL, 10.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Big-bodied lineman with surprising agility
Solid against the run but needs to refine pass-rush technique
Can wear down over the course of a game
Has the potential to be a rotational piece in the NFL
Defensive Ends: DL5T/Edge Rushers
DL5T- 3 point stance, primary outside of tackles, inside TE
Edge- 2 point stance, primary outside widest guy on OL
Nic Scourton, Texas A&M, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 280, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 12-39
Stats: 37 GP, 75 Solo, 34 Ast, 109 Total, 31 TFL, 17.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Features the strength and versatility to play multiple positions along the line
Shows an aggressive, disruptive inclination
Technique must be more consistent
Could develop into a top-notch NFL performer with right team, coaching
Landon Jackson, Arkansas, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6050, 273, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 43-64
Stats: 42 GP, 58 Solo, 58 Ast, 116 Total, 28 TFL, 16.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Known for his powerful hands and ability to disengage blockers quickly
Scouts appreciate his length and athleticism but question his motor at times
Needs to be more consistent to take his game to the next level
Shows potential to develop into a strong pass-rusher
T.J. Sanders, South Carolina, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 284, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 32-79
Stats: 39 GP, 63 Solo, 46 Ast, 109 Total, 18 TFL, 9.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
His size and strength give him an edge against both the run and pass
Needs to refine his pass-rushing technique
High ceiling if he continues to develop
A potential starter in the NFL with proper coaching
Jordan Burch, Oregon, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6050, 275, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 51-100
Stats: 58 GP, 81 Solo, 89 Ast, 170 Total, 33 TFL, 16.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Raw talent and great frame, with the ability to rush the passer
Needs to improve consistency against the run
Great upside if he can refine his skills
Likely to be a developmental prospect with high potential
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6000, 289, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 84-124
Stats: 60 GP, 39 Solo, 79 Ast, 118 Total, 21 TFL, 11.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Well-rounded defensive lineman with a strong base
Needs to work on his flexibility and explosiveness
His work ethic and strength make him an intriguing prospect
Could be a solid NFL rotational player with further development
Jared Ivey, Ole Miss, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6060, 283, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 53-98
Stats: 58 GP, 80 Solo, 85 Ast, 165 Total, 35 TFL, 17.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Size and length are his greatest assets
Needs to develop more pass-rush technique
Flashes the potential to be a disruptive force
A project player, but with strong physical tools
Ashton Gillotte, Louisville, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6030, 270, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 45-120
Stats: 51 GP, 73 Solo, 58 Ast, 131 Total, 41 TFL, 26.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Athletically gifted but needs to improve strength against the run
Strong motor but lacks consistency
Potential to become a rotational piece in the NFL
Intriguing upside but more consistency needed
Elijah Roberts, SMU, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 295, Gr
Overall Rank Range: 73-197
Stats: 47 GP, 49 Solo, 44 Ast, 93 Total, 26 TFL, 18.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Powerful and disciplined player
Needs more explosiveness and consistency
Has the potential to be a solid rotational piece in the NFL
Needs to increase his production to become an NFL starter
Tyler Batty, BYU, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6050, 269, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 139-224
Stats: 53 GP, 122 Solo, 102 Ast, 224 Total, 34 TFL, 16.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Shows flashes of pass-rushing ability
Needs to improve his conditioning and motor
More consistency needed
Could develop into a situational pass-rusher with more refinement
Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 285, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 177-259
Stats: 61 GP, 70 Solo, 42 Ast, 112 Total, 18 TFL, 9.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Quickness and explosiveness off the line
Needs to improve his ability to hold up against double teams
A developmental prospect with room to grow
Potential as rotational player at the next level.
Sai'Vion Jones, LSU, DL5T
Height/Weight/Class: 6050, 289, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 123-148
Stats: 51 GP, 38 Solo, 61 Ast, 99 Total, 18 TFL, 11.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Versatile lineman who can play inside or outside
Needs to refine his technical skills, particularly his pass-rush technique
Great physical tools but inconsistent at times
Could develop into a starting role with better technique
Mike Green, Marshall, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6030, 251, rSo
Overall Rank Range: 16-44
Stats: 32 GP, 62 Solo, 69 Ast, 131 Total, 33 TFL, 22.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Great athleticism and burst off the line
Needs to develop his pass-rush moves
Obvious potential but more production needed
Could become a key piece with development
Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 264, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 32-97
Stats: 57 GP, 67 Solo, 69 Ast, 136 Total, 40 TFL, 25.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Athletic edge rusher with explosive first-step quickness
Needs to refine his technique and improve his consistency
Possesses a high ceiling but requires coaching to reach it
Could be a situational pass-rusher early in his NFL career
Kyle Kennard, South Carolina, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 248, Gr
Overall Rank Range: 29-87
Stats: 54 GP, 84 Solo, 59 Ast, 143 Total, 39 TFL, 24.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Strong edge defender with the ability to rush the passer effectively
Lacks elite burst but compensates with strong technique and a relentless motor
Shows the potential to be a three-down player with development
Can be a valuable piece in an NFL defensive rotation
J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 270, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 36-78
Stats: 55 GP, 71 Solo, 73 Ast, 144 Total, 45 TFL, 23.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Highly athletic with a rare combination of size and speed
Excellent against the run and as a pass rusher
Needs to fine-tune his pass-rush moves for more consistency
Could be a future starter with the right coaching
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 248, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 28-90
Stats: 47 GP, 113 Solo, 102 Ast, 215 Total, 47 TFL, 30.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Very productive with excellent strength and technique
Lacks elite athleticism but uses his smarts and physicality to win battles
A developmental pass-rusher with great upside
A likely Day 2 pick with the potential to become an NFL starter
Bradyn Swinson, LSU, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 250, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 39-96
Stats: 54 GP, 64 Solo, 64 Ast, 128 Total, 26 TFL, 13.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
A well-rounded edge defender who excels against the run and pass
Needs to improve his closing speed on the quarterback
Solid rotational component who could emerge as a full-time starter
A likely mid-round draft pick with the potential to make an impact early on
Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 267, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 28-78
Stats: 54 GP, 68 Solo, 76 Ast, 144 Total, 29 TFL, 23.0 Sacks, 3 FR, 2 Tds
What scouts are saying:
Strong all-around edge rusher with great flexibility
Excels at setting the edge in the run game
Needs to work on his consistency in pass-rush situations
Could be a top-tier NFL prospect, with refinement
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 253, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 62-163
Stats: 52 GP, 66 Solo, 51 Ast, 117 Total, 42 TFL, 30.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Known for his relentless work ethic and strong edge rush
Needs more pass-rush moves to increase production
Has the potential to be a starter with the right development
A high-motor player with a lot of upside for an NFL team
Josaiah Stewart, Michigan, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6010, 248, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 34-85
Stats: 51 GP, 84 Solo, 66 Ast, 150 Total, 48 TFL, 30.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Productive player with an excellent ability to chase down the quarterback
Needs to add more strength to his frame for the NFL
Offers a lot of potential as a pass-rusher, but requires some polish
Likely a high-ceiling project
Tyler Baron, Miami (FL), EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 262, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 63-181
Stats: 61 GP, 68 Solo, 71 Ast, 139 Total, 39 TFL, 19.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Has the frame and tools to be a strong pass-rusher at the next level
Needs to develop more moves and consistency
Can play both inside and outside, adding versatility
A mid-round pick who could develop into a starter with time
Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6030, 261, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 73-153
Stats: 47 GP, 121 Solo, 119 Ast, 240 Total, 25 TFL, 6.0 Sacks, 2 INT, 3 FR
What scouts are saying:
Versatile defensive backer with great tackling ability
Needs to add more pass-rushing moves and explosiveness
Excellent in coverage and against the run
Could be a utility player in an NFL defense with development
David Walker, Central Arkansas, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6010, 267, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 94-172
Stats: 34 GP, 114 Solo, 77 Ast, 191 Total, 63 TFL, 31.0 Sacks, 8 PD, 6 FF
What scouts are saying:
Productive edge rusher with great hustle and play recognition
Needs to improve his agility and burst off the line
A developmental project who could excel as a situational pass-rusher
Shows potential for being a versatile piece in an NFL defense
Barryn Sorrell, Texas, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6040, 253, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 114-217
Stats: 49 GP, 52 Solo, 80 Ast, 132 Total, 26 TFL, 15.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Quick off the edge with a relentless motor
Needs to improve his pass-rushing technique to become more consistent
Could develop into a solid backup for an NFL team
A reliable defender with the tools to become a starter with time
Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State, EDGE
Height/Weight/Class: 6030, 271, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 126-238
Stats: 49 GP, 69 Solo, 50 Ast, 119 Total, 35 TFL, 24.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Excellent length and speed off the edge
Needs more consistency in holding up against the run
Shows great upside but must sharpen his pass-rush moves
A high-ceiling prospect who could be a situational player early in his career.
Linebackers: OLB/ILB
Jalon Walker, Georgia, OLB
Height/Weight/Class: 6030, 245, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 7-32
Stats: 43 GP, 56 Solo, 33 Ast, 89 Total, 19 TFL, 12.5 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
Extremely fast with great range in coverage
Strong tackler who has a knack for making stops in the backfield
Improved pass-rush technique will fulfill promise as an edge rusher.
Evident athleticism and ability to disrupt the opposing offenses
Barrett Carter, Clemson, OLB
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 230, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 26-120
Stats: 52 GP, 126 Solo, 107 Ast, 233 Total, 33 TFL, 12.5 Sacks, 3 INT, 21 PD, 3 FR
What scouts are saying:
Versatile linebacker capable of playing all over the field
Excellent sideline-to-sideline range, often trusted in coverage situations
Strong football IQ, excels in reading plays and reacting quickly
Off-the-charts playmaking ability with a great eye for the ball in coverage
Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, OLB
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 240, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 61-113
Stats: 51 GP, 125 Solo, 87 Ast, 212 Total, 18 TFL, 8.0 Sacks
What scouts are saying:
A powerful presence on the field, known for his ability to stuff the run and get after the quarterback
Has solid coverage skills, though positioning in man-to-man situations needs work
Strong tackler with the ability to explode through offensive lines to make plays behind the line of scrimmage
Possesses leadership and can impact the game with his IQ and physicality
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 230, Jr
Overall Rank Range: 13-39
Stats: 35 GP, 88 Solo, 96 Ast, 184 Total, 16 TFL, 5.5 Sacks, 2 INT, 3 FR
What scouts are saying:
A hard-hitting linebacker who loves to play in the box and cover ground in short areas
Excels in run-stopping and is a consistent tackler in the backfield
Needs to improve his coverage ability to be a three-down player at the next level
A strong leader and natural playmaker with solid instincts to read and react to offensive schemes
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 225, rJr
Overall Rank Range: 28-88
Stats: 38 GP, 109 Solo, 54 Ast, 163 Total, 12 TFL, 5.0 Sacks, 3 INT
What scouts are saying:
A quick and agile linebacker who shows great awareness in pass coverage
Strong against the run but still developing as a pass rusher
Has a lot of potential to contribute on special teams and in nickel packages
A great communicator and well-liked in the locker room
Demetrius Knight II, South Carolina, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6010, 246, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 33-99
Stats: 61 GP, 131 Solo, 98 Ast, 229 Total, 17 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, 4 INT
What scouts are saying:
A physical, tough linebacker who thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations
Good leader and emotional presence on the field
Shows potential in coverage but still needs to develop his anticipation skills in open space
Praised for his ability to step up in big moments and produce turnovers.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6000, 246, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 156-222
Stats: 49 GP, 122 Solo, 70 Ast, 192 Total, 25 TFL, 13.0 Sacks, 2 INT, 6 PD, 3 FR, 2 TDs
What scouts are saying:
One of the most explosive linebackers in terms of pass rush, showing great burst off the edge
Very active on the field, always around the ball and able to generate big plays
A bit inconsistent at times in coverage but shows the physical tools to improve
Ability to make plays in the backfield makes him one of the most dangerous linebackers in the class
Jay Higgins, Iowa, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6020, 233, rSr
Overall Rank Range: 138-197
Stats: 58 GP, 157 Solo, 184 Ast, 341 Total, 10 TFL, 3.5 Sacks, 5 INT, 9 PD, 4 FR, 3 FF
What scouts are saying:
A versatile linebacker who can be used in various defensive packages
Exceptional in pass coverage, especially for a linebacker, with excellent ball skills
High football IQ and great tackler in space
Needs to become more aggressive against the run but offers a lot of upside with his ball skills
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6030, 240, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 85-170
Stats: 47 GP, 184 Solo, 192 Ast, 376 Total, 37 TFL, 8.0 Sacks, 3 INT, 1 TD, 4 FF
What scouts are saying:
A dynamic linebacker with excellent sideline-to-sideline range and high energy
Very disruptive in both the run game and pass rush
Shows great leadership and instincts, often a step ahead of the play
Needs to refine his coverage ability but could be a game-changer in the right system
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon, ILB
Height/Weight/Class: 6010, 226, Sr
Overall Rank Range: 83-131
Stats: 55 GP, 125 Solo, 111 Ast, 236 Total, 14 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, 3 INT, 1 TD
What scouts are saying:
Quick and elusive linebacker with solid ball instincts
Known for making plays in critical moments
Needs to add more strength to take on bigger blockers but has great coverage skills
A potential project with a lot of upside and natural playmaking ability