The NFL combine will showcase many elite defensive tackles on Thursday, February 27th, and the Philadelphia Eagles‘ staff will be watching very closely. With the potential loss of Milton Williams at DT, coupled with the exorbitant cost of the position in free agency, drafting one could be high on Eagles GM Howie Roseman’s list.
I have added the pass rush win rate and stop-run rate of each prospect. As no stat can indicate projected success in the NFL, it gives some insight into the analytics that teams use in evaluating the players. Of course, you have to watch to see the level of competition they are up against, as numbers without context are not too useful. But it is hard to ignore that EDGE Rushers with a pressure rate over 14% in college have transitioned well into the NFL.
10 DT’s the Eagles should keep a close eye on at the NFL Combine
T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
Sanders has elite length and eliminates passing lanes with his height and reach. He utilizes a quick burst off the line and is disruptive, causing havoc in the backfield. T.J. provides an interior pass rush (8.5 sacks last 2 seasons), sheds blocks well, is a solid tackler, has gaudy TFL totals (17 in 23/24), and is a toolsy player with high upside. He had a 21.2% pass-rush win rate and an 11.3% run-stop rate in college and is a versatile piece that could be truly explosive in this defensive front.
21.2% pass rush win rate and an 11.3% run stop rate.
Darius Alexander, Toledo
A top-tier run defender who is explosive off the snap and a sure tackler, Alexander has powerful hands to rip down ball carriers at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. Alexander has displayed an elite ability to use leverage and shed blocks. He is a disruptor.
22.6% pass rush win rate and an 9.2% run stop rate.
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
His motor runs 9 of 10 while idling! Mason is a scrapper with a wrestling background, which I love for OL. Graham uses leverage well and has average balance and vice grips as hands. He can play inside or 5-tech. Mason has quick hands and feet, and elite raw power. His technique will only improve in the NFL with coaching.
21.7% pass rush win rate and a 14.3 run stop rate.
Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Nolen is a versatile- NT, DT. He faces double teams as often as Jalen Carter and wins more than he loses. He has an explosive first step and a nonstop motor. Nolen is a Pocket Killer, and nightmare for opposing QBs! Walter consistently collapses and disrupts both the pass and run lanes. He is active on the line using his strong hand to shed blocks well, and will be a force vs the run week one.
19.5% pass rush win rate and an 14.3% run stop rate
Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Harmon has a lot of raw talent. He is powerful, quick, a force inside, and penetrates the backfield creating pressure. Derrick uses leverage well and excels with a bullrush. He sheds blocks, pursues ball carriers, covers gaps, and is a reliable tackler. He is a versatile player. vs top talent. Harmon’s toolbox, floweth over. He can be seen assaulting OLs with one of the best interior pass rushes in the class. He has proven his draft stock by winning against top talent and beating double teams. One-on-one is a no-go!
26.9% pass rush win rate and an 10.3% run stop rate
Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Grant is a Feldman Freak, exuding more traits than stars in the sky. He has the size and strength and is explosively fast for his Jordan Davis-esque size. He has a strong vice grip lock, a strong core, and is an immovable object vs. the run. He is shockingly quick off-snap and has unlimited potential. Grant has been listed at 6’3 339, and JD is at 6’6 336.
14.3% pass rush win rate and an 10.1% run stop rate
Deone Walker, Kentucky
Walker is reportedly 6’6, 348 lbs, and has the strength and length requiring double teams regularly from opposing offenses. Deone has a non-stop motor and a desire to succeed and improve. He is explosive and quick, with elite foot movement, a strong grip, and a stronger tackler. Ball carriers disappear in his grasp. He disrupts pass and run options and was a Team Captain, something the Eagles value.
14.7% pass rus win rate and an 7.3% run stop rate
Shemar Turner, Texas A & M
Shemar shows active hands and an elite first step when watching his games. He is a long and disruptive force as an interior pass rusher who exploits mismatches and can win with power or speed. He is twitchy, athletic, and explosive, with a unique blend of size and athleticism. His versatility will appeal to many teams, including those looking for D-linemen who can move inside or out.
5.9% pass rush win rate and an 8.8% run stop
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
Tyleik is another Bruce Feldman Freak who explodes off the line with an elite first step and gets in the backfield fast! He is highly instinctive, with a high motor that he uses for separation. His active hands are always fighting through blocks. His raw power and versatility make Williams an intriguing prospect capable of playing NT or End.
10.0% pass rush win rate and an 8.8% run stop
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
He showed off at the Senior Bowl. He disrupts the offense with swipe and spin moves and has some of the best pass-rushing moves in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Violent hands, strength, leverage, twitchy in tight space, & can do the worm!
27.3 pass rush win rate and an 9.0% run stop
This is a player I could see the Eagles having an interest in in the middle rounds.
https://twitter.com/DC_NYJets/status/1885025285013492010
As always, thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
