Fitting the Bills: Defensive Tackles for the 2026 NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills, under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, plan to run an aggressive, multiple-front scheme that thrives on interior disruption. Leonhard's philosophy emphasizes quick get-off, gap penetration, and versatility to align as 3-tech (pass-rush focused), 4i (tackle over the guard), or true nose tackle (NT, 0/1-tech run stuffer). Key traits for DTs include explosive first step for QB pressure, anchor strength against the run, violent hands to shed blocks, and the ability to two-gap or slant/twist in stunts. Buffalo's front, featuring Ed Oliver at 3-tech and Deon Walker at NT, needs complementary pieces: penetrators to free up linebackers, stout run defenders to clog lanes, and versatile athletes who can shift alignments. With concerns about depth and run defense (ranked middling in 2025), the Bills should target DTs who disrupt both run and pass games.

In this edition of "Fitting the Bills," we spotlight five DT prospects available across Rounds 1-7 who align with Buffalo's needs. We've prioritized players projected to be on the board at pick 26 (Round 1) or later, distinguishing between potential NTs (run-stuffing anchors), 4i/3-techs (gap shooters/pass rushers), and versatile hybrids. Focus is on two premier potential starters, one pure depth piece with special teams upside, and two sleeper steals. Each profile includes scouting notes, combine workouts (where available), leadership details, and fit/impact in Leonhard's defense.

	Defensive Tackles
	PLAYERS	POS	SCHOOL	Hgt	Wgt	40	Prod	Spd	RAS	Grd
		DT
27	Peter Woods	DT	Clemson	6024	298	4.90e	8.10		7.60	7.98
41	Kayden McDonald	DT	Ohio State	6021	328	5.35e	7.30		8.70	7.65
46	Gracen Halton	DT	Oklahoma	6030	293	4.82	7.10	60.79	9.23	7.63
71	Caleb Banks	DT	Florida	6062	327	5.04	6.60	64.88	9.86	7.42
76	Christen Miller	DT	Georgia	6036	321		7.2		7.8	7.39
79	Lee Hunter	DT	Texas Tech	6034	318	5.18	8.20	61.39	3.72	7.34
98	Domonique Orange	DT	Iowa State	6023	322	5.17	6.90	62.28	7.83	7.13
105	Albert Regis	DT	Texas A&M	6013	295	4.88	6.50	60.45	8.49	6.99
107	Darrell Jackson Jr.	DT	Florida State	6'5"	330	5.30e	6.90		6.80	6.98
118	DeMonte Capehart	DT	Clemson	6050	313	4.85	5.9	64.54	9.97	6.94
127	Tyler Onyedim	DT	Texas A&M	6034	292	5.07	6.40	57.59	8.30	6.88
145	Zane Durant	DT	Penn State	6010	290	4.75	5.90	61.05	9.20	6.73
149	Tyreak Sapp	DT	Florida	6'3"	275	4.85e	6.60		7.00	6.70
152	Dontay Corleone	DT	Cincinnati	6'1"	320	5.10e	6.50		7.00	6.61
164	Rayshaun Benny	DT	Michigan	6032	298		6.50		6.30	6.45
168	Zxavian Harris	DT	Ole Miss	6080	330	5.28e	6.00		7.50	6.38
174	Nick Barrett	DT	South Carolina	6027	312	5.10	5.80	61.18	7.67	6.27
180	Anthony Lucas	DT	USC	6'5"	295	4.92e	6		6.7	6.18
191	Tim Keenan III	DT	Alabama	6'2"	315	5.20e	6		2.74	5.185
198	Uar Bernard	DT	Nigeria	6044	306	4.63		66.09	10.00	5.10
219	Rene Konga	DT	Louisville	6036	298	4.79		62.21	9.78
233	Landon Robinson	DT	Navy						9.45
238	Marvin Jones Jr.	DT	Oklahoma						8.25
239	Jamal Davis	DT	Arkansas						9.43
242	Gary Smith III	DT	UCLA
243	Jackie Marshall	DT	Baylor						8.77
246	David Gusta	DT	Kentucky						9.24

Premier Potential Starter:

Premier Potential Starter: (Projected: Late Round 1/Early Day 2)

Peter Woods, Clemson

Peter Woods is a high-motor, athletic interior force with elite traits for Leonhard's attacking front. At 6'2"-6'3" and 298 pounds, scouting notes highlight his explosive first step, violent hands, squatty leverage, and quickness (production: 14.5 TFLs career, strong 2025). He's best as a 3-tech penetrator but can slide to 4i, with power to anchor vs. run. Not a captain but a leader by example in Clemson's defense.

Combine Workouts: Height: 6'2 1/2"-6'3", Weight: 298 lbs, Arm: 31 1/4", Hand: 9 1/8", 40-Yard Dash: DNP (full workout at Pro Day; 10-yard split est. 1.67s, elite burst). Athleticism elite (RAS est. 7.6+), with squatty power evident.

Fit and Potential Impact: Woods projects as a plus 3-tech in Leonhard's scheme, using burst for QB pressure and run disruption (potential 5-7 TFLs). His leverage anchors against doubles, complementing Oliver. As a Year 1 starter/rotator, he could add 40-60 tackles, elevate run defense, and provide versatile alignment flexibility.

Kayden McDonald. Ohio State

Massive 6'2", 326-pound dancing bear. NT prototype with anchor strength to clog lanes and absorb doubles and surprising athletic ability and burst. Best as a pure run-stuffer in base packages and will command double teams. Has the ability to stress an o-line when lined in the one gap. Relentless motor for a big man. If you subscribe to the planet theory, he should high on your board. In the 2025 season, he recorded 65 tackles, including 9 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

Combine Workouts: Height: 6021 326. Did not testing but displayed remarkable athleticism in on field drills and during Ohio State's pro-day.

Fit and Potential Impact: Would slip in day one as an early down and short yardage NT or 1 Tech. Provides the size and strength to eat blocks and allow those around him to make plays, including keeping LBs clean. Also, has the athleticism to purse the QB when rushing the gap.

Eventual Starter - Rotational situational: (Projected: Day 2, Rounds 2-3)

Domonique Orange

Domonique Orange (Big Citrus) has surged up draft boards with his dominant traits as a powerful, instinctive interior force. At 6'2" and 322 pounds, plus traits include his violent hands to stack and shed, exceptional leverage, raw power, and explosive closing burst that allows him to finish plays. He does an excellent job recognizing play development pre- and post-snap, with a knack for making big plays in goal-line and short-yardage situations—often collapsing pockets or stuffing runs at the point of attack. His production in the Big 12 showcased consistent disruption against the run and flashes of pass-rush upside. Not a formal captain but a tone-setter in Iowa State's defensive line room.

Combine Workouts: Height: 6'2", Weight: 322 lbs, Arm: 33"+ (estimated long), Hand: 10"+, 40-Yard Dash: 5.35e (limited testing), Bench Press: 28+ reps (powerful upper body). His size and strength metrics highlight anchor ability, with burst evident in position drills despite raw 40 time.

Fit and Potential Impact: Orange's violent hands and leverage make him a natural fit as and early down NT or 1 Tech but also has some juice and tape lining up at 3-tech/4i hybrid in an odd front. Can bull rush or show surprising burst to penetrate gaps, and collapse the pocket on stunts. His closing burst and play recognition add a disruptive element that would complement Oliver and rotate with Walker, while his short-yardage dominance shores up goal-line stands. As a potential Year 1 starter or high-end rotator, he could deliver 45-65 tackles, multiple TFLs/sacks, and elite run defense, transforming Buffalo's interior into a true strength.

Gracen Halton, Oklahoma

Gracen Halton is an explosive, athletic DT who offers depth and special teams value. At ~6'3" and 293 pounds, exhibits quickness, burst, and stunt/twist effectiveness (8.5 sacks, 13 TFLs last two seasons). Best as a 3-tech penetrator with run defense chops. Leadership via production and energy in Oklahoma's front.

Combine Workouts: Height: ~6'3", Weight: 293 lbs, 40-Yard Dash: 4.82s (3rd among DTs), 10-Yard Split: 1.70s, Vertical Jump: 36.5" (1st among DTs, historic), Broad Jump: 9'6", 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.79s, 3-Cone: 8.09s. Elite explosion (top testing).

Fit and Potential Impact: Halton's twitch fits as rotational 3-tech/4i, rushing passer and contributing in twists. Special teams motor should secures roster spot (coverage/gun units). He could add 30-50 tackles, TFLs in sub-packages, and develop into reliable depth.

Potential Sleeper/Steal with Risk: (Projected: Day 2/Rounds 3-4)

Caleb Banks, Florida

Caleb Banks is a massive, powerful DT with sleeper upside as a run stuffer. At 6'6" and 327 pounds, plus traits include length, anchor strength, and gap-clogging ability, with improving pass-rush flashes. Ideal NT/0-tech vs. run, versatile to 4i. Not a captain but consistent performer.

Combine Workouts: Limited details; solid size metrics, testing focused on power (bench/strength strong).

Fit and Potential Impact: Banks anchors as NT in base, stuffing runs and freeing linebackers. He'd clog lanes, with low-risk upside for rotational snaps and special teams. Development could yield 40+ tackles, strong run defense. Would slip right in as early down run stuffer on the Nose or 1 tech.

Additional Day 2/Day 3 Options and Versatile Depth Prospects

Beyond the top five, several other prospects from the Bills' watch list offer value in Rounds 2-7, particularly for rotational depth, run-stopping reinforcements, or pass-rush upside.:

• Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State, Day 2/Rounds 3-4): Versatile 6'5", 330-pound big body who can play NT or slide to 4i. Elite run defender with heavy hands; developing pass-rush plan but strong against the run. Consistent performer without captaincy; fits as a two-down anchor or rotational piece.

• Christen Miller (Georgia, Day 3, Rounds 4-5): 6'3", 321-pound power DT with SEC polish. Strong anchor vs. run, good leverage; limited burst but reliable in gap control. Depth option with special teams upside.

• Lee Hunter (Texas Tech, Day 3, Rounds 5-6): Massive 6'3", 318-pound NT with elite run-stopping ability. Best as a pure lane-clogger; conditioning and pass-rush need work. High-upside steal if he refines technique.

• DeMonte Capehart (Projected Day 3): Explosive traits with 3-tech upside; raw but twitchy for sub-packages.

• Zane Durant (Penn State, Day 3): Quick 6'1", 290-pound penetrator; best as 3-tech gap shooter with burst.

• Tyreak Sapp (Florida, Day 3): Athletic 6'3", 275-pounder who can rush as 3-tech/4i; developing anchor.

• Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati, Day 3): Stout 6'1", 320-pound run defender; NT depth with power. "The Godfather"

• Zxavian Harris (Ole Miss, Day 3): Towering 6'8", 330-pound frame; massive NT potential with raw traits.

These additional prospects provide a deep pool of NT anchors, versatile 4i/3-tech hybrids, and pure run stuffers to round out the rotation, ensuring Leonhard has options to mix alignments and keep offenses off balance.

These DT prospects mix penetration, anchor ability, and versatility to elevate Leonhard's front. Stay tuned for Edge rushers. For more draft analysis, visit profootballwarroom.com.