NFL Teams Underwhelmed by Defensive Tackle Depth in 2026 Draft

Analysts predict just one or two DTs may be selected in the first round.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a defensive tackle making a tackle, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the various team uniforms mentioned in the story.Cubist interpretation of the defensive tackle position's diminished draft value in 2026.Denver Today

According to NFL insider Jonathan Jones, teams across the league are concerned about the lack of true first-round talent at the defensive tackle position in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. While there could be several wide receivers, offensive tackles, edge-rushers, and cornerbacks taken in the opening round, the defensive tackle class is seen as thin, with only a few prospects like Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, and Christen Miller considered potential first-rounders.

Why it matters

Defensive tackle is typically a premium position in the NFL Draft, but this year's class appears to be lacking in elite-level prospects. The shortage of top-tier DT talent could impact team strategies and player valuations throughout the draft, potentially leading to some surprises on draft day.

The details

Most analysts predict just one or two defensive tackles will be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a stark contrast to other positions like wide receiver, offensive tackle, edge-rusher, and cornerback, which could see six, seven, eight, and five first-round picks respectively. The three defensive tackles currently viewed as potential first-rounders are Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, and Christen Miller, but there is no consensus on the order they will be drafted.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Jones

An NFL insider and reporter for CBS Sports.

Peter Woods

A defensive tackle prospect expected to be one of the first players at his position selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle prospect expected to be one of the first players at his position selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Christen Miller

A defensive tackle prospect expected to be one of the first players at his position selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“You would assume there may be plenty of interest at defensive tackle. While the interest is there, the players may not be. Teams do not love the defensive tackles in this year's class. It may be the late 20s before we see a DT go off the board, and even that may not spark a run at the position based off what I'm hearing.”

— Jonathan Jones, NFL Insider

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, where teams will look to address their defensive tackle needs, despite the perceived lack of elite talent at the position.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft class appears to be thin at the defensive tackle position, which could lead to some surprises on draft day as teams navigate the limited options at a typically premium position. This shortage of top-tier DT talent may impact team strategies and player valuations throughout the draft.