Who are the top defensive prospects entering the 2026 NFL combine? Top 5 by position

A look at the best defensive prospects and which positions are strongest in this class

Let the debates begin. Linebacker and safety are the only two positions on the defensive side of the ball with a fairly clear-cut top prospect. Defensive tackle, edge rusher and cornerback are all hotly contested. 

Since it's shaping up to be a defense-heavy top half of Round 1, this will make for a fun cycle breaking down the top prospects on that side of the ball.

We already broke down the top five prospects at every offensive position earlier this week. Now, the focus shifts to defense.

1. Peter Woods, Clemson 2. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech 3. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State 4. Keldric Faulk, Auburn 5. Christen Miller, Georgia

I always love breaking down the skill sets of defensive tackles because there's so much nuance to the big fellas. These five represent three distinctly different defensive tackle archetypes.