The fantasy season might be over, but in dynasty fantasy football, there is no offseason. This is a fun time of year for your IDP dynasty leagues, as we learn about the incoming rookie class as they make their way through the pre-draft process. This article will examine the incoming defensive tackle group, rank them, and discuss their profiles. It's early in the process; these rankings will be fluid. One thing to keep in mind is that these rankings include some IDP and draft projection. At the very least, it will familiarize you with some of the players as we prepare for the NFL Combine. Alright, let's dive in.
*Denotes a player measurement taken from the Senior Bowl
1. Caleb Banks, Florida (*6-foot-6, 335 pounds)
2025 Stats (3 games)
- 6 tackles (2 solos)
- 1 tackle for loss
- 1 fumble recovery
At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Caleb Banks is an imposing figure. Banks isn't just big; he moves well for a man his size, showcasing solid athleticism and movement. Banks can be a handful off the snap, using arm-over and side-step moves to win quickly. Given his size and athleticism, Banks has the versatility to play multiple positions along a defensive front. As you can see in his stats above, Banks didn't see the field much this season, as a broken foot limited him to three games. Due to his big frame, Banks can play high, limiting his effectiveness against double teams, and balance getting tackle angles. While he has some things to clean up, there's an intriguing upside with Banks on the interior.
2. Peter Woods, Clemson (6-foot-3, 310 pounds)
2025 Stats (12 games)
- 30 tackles (10 solos)
- 3.5 tackles for loss
- 2 sacks
- 1 pass defended
Off the snap, Peter Woods shows good burst and is effective at shooting gaps. Woods is also an easy mover for a big man, with the ability to work down the line, play multiple spots along the front, and be utilized in inside games. However, his athleticism can cause him to gamble in pursuit at times. As a pass rusher, Woods flashes a good bull rush, and adding to his arsenal will only add to his effectiveness there. Woods is a solid run defender with upside to elevate his pass rush game.
3. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State (6-foot-3, 326 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 65 tackles (31 solos)
- 9 tackles for loss
- 3 sacks
- 1 pass defended
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 fumble recovery
After not seeing the field much in his first two seasons, Kayden McDonald put himself on the map as a junior, posting 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks in his final season as a Buckeye. McDonald brings a solid tackler floor, as he's sound off the snap with the ability to redirect or evade blockers to reach the ball carrier in the mess. While McDonald is a stout run defender, his high pad level can cause him to lose ground at times. For IDP purposes, McDonald upping his pass-rush plan would only add to his appeal as a player who should post consistent tackle totals.
4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (*6-foot-3, 320 pounds)
2025 Stats (14 games)
- 41 tackles (16 solos)
- 10.5 tackles for loss
- 2.5 sacks
- 1 forced fumble
Lee Hunter is a big, powerful man who brings solid production to his profile from the interior, amassing 155 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks over his past three seasons between his time at Central Florida and Texas Tech. Hunter has a keen ability to anchor down and hold his ground, and can overwhelm opposing blockers with his size and power when singled up. A solid run defender, Hunter could contribute on early downs right away. While he projects as an early-down contributor, Hunter's hot and cold snap get-off and his high pad level could limit his effectiveness in the pass rush department.
5. Christen Miller, Georgia (6-foot-4, 310 pounds)
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