5 Shocking DT Standouts at the 2026 NFL Combine: One Will Change Your Team's Future!

The 2026 NFL Combine kicked off with the interior defensive linemen taking the field first. However, participation was notably low, with less than half of the defensive tackles opting to engage in on-field drills. Despite this reduced attendance, several players showcased their potential, offering intriguing prospects for teams like the Detroit Lions, who are in the market for talent to bolster their defensive line.

Among the standouts was Rayshaun Benny, a 4i/3T from Michigan, measuring 6-foot-3 and weighing 298 pounds. Benny, who was previously highlighted in our Combine preview, chose not to run, a common choice among Michigan prospects. Nevertheless, his performance in drills was impressive. He maintained his speed throughout the day, although he showed signs of fatigue in longer exercises. His standout moments came when he was allowed to attack the edge, where his tight spins and ability to flatten out after executing pass-rushing maneuvers left a strong impression. Many scouts believe he would thrive in the Lions’ 4i role but could also be versatile enough to shift inside to the 3T position as needed.

Another player who caught the eye was Kaleb Proctor from SE Louisiana, also a 4i/3T candidate. Proctor, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 291 pounds, had a remarkable performance, recording a 10-yard split of 1.69 seconds and a 40-yard dash time of 4.79 seconds—just shy of the ideal 1.70/4.94 for his position. His on-field drills demonstrated a smooth change of direction and explosive speed in pass-rushing drills. Proctor showcased a balanced low bend, allowing him to effectively engage and disengage from blockers, further amplified by a flying spin move that left observers impressed.

Tyler Onyedim, transitioning from Iowa State to Texas A&M, also made his presence felt. Standing at 6-foot-3½ and weighing 292 pounds, Onyedim has shifted from a two-gap to a one-gap scheme, which has seemingly unlocked his potential. His Combine drills reflected this newfound explosiveness at the snap, revealing his ability to maintain balance and agility, especially when bending low. While he may need refinement in some of his pass-rushing techniques, his twitchy athleticism makes him a compelling prospect, particularly if he remains available into Day 3 of the draft.

Another notable performance came from Zane Durant of Penn State, measuring 6-foot-1 and weighing 290 pounds. Durant may have delivered the best overall performance among interior defensive linemen, clocking a 10-yard split of 1.66 seconds and a 40-yard dash time of 4.75 seconds. His agility and strength were evident as he demonstrated quick footwork and explosive movements during drills. However, a key consideration for the Lions is whether Durant’s skill set might be too similar to that of teammate Mekhi Wingo, raising questions about roster redundancy.

Lastly, Gracen Halton from Oklahoma, standing at 6-foot-2½ and weighing 293 pounds, was an unexpected but intriguing prospect. Halton’s athleticism shone during the drills, showcasing a 10-yard split of 1.7 seconds and a 40-yard dash time of 4.82 seconds. His quick stance and impressive balance made him stand out, highlighting his potential for further development. While it remains unclear how he might fit into the Lions’ defensive scheme, his performance certainly warranted a deeper look at his game film.

As the NFL off-season progresses, the performance of these players at the Combine could significantly impact their draft prospects. With the Lions looking to strengthen their defensive line, the standout efforts of Benny, Proctor, Onyedim, Durant, and Halton provide a promising glimpse into the future talent pool available for selection. Each player brings unique skills and attributes that could enhance the Lions' defensive strategies moving forward.