Our 2025 NFL Combine preview series continues along as we approach the big event, which is scheduled to be televised from Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 2.

So far, we have already previewed which quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, and interior offensive linemen the Detroit Lions should be scouting. In this article, we flip to the other side of the ball and start by examining the interior defensive line prospects that should be on the radar of general manager Brad Holmes.

Of note: Defensive linemen will kick off the on-field drills on NFL Network on Thursday, February 27.

Team need

While it’s still a bit unclear if new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will alter the Lions’ defensive front, what we do know is that he will continue to prioritize stopping the run while earning the right to rush the passer.

“Everything you do on defense starts with the front,” Sheppard said in a recent interview with Fox News Dan Miller. “Just look at the final guys in the championship game. It’s not like I’m telling some secret. Everything you do on defense starts with the front. It starts in the trenches, in both the run and the pass game.”

While the Lions return both starters, Alim McNeill is coming off an ACL injury and DJ Reader is in the final year of his contract. There are developing youth on the roster—Mekhi Wingo, Brodric Martin, and Chris Smith—but they all contributed less than Levi Onwuzurike, Pat O’Connor, and Kyle Peko who are all unrestricted free agents. This figures to be a position group that addressed their holes in multiple ways, including potentially adding via free agency and the draft, or even double dipping for depth.

What skills to watch for during on-field drills

When watching the interior defensive line players run through drills, the top things to watch for are balance through the hips, hand placement (especially evident with bag work), and if they play with their head up/eyes on target. Additionally, keep an eye on players’ feet. Do they keep their weight over them? Are they quick? How is their lateral movement? Do they shuffle or cross-step?

This draft class is loaded with defensive line talent as a whopping 41 defensive tackles were invited to the Combine. Michigan’s Mason Graham figures to go off the board very early in the first round, but there are a few more prospects who could be great value for the Lions at the end of Day 1.

First round consideration

Walter Nolen, 3/5T, Mississippi (6-foot-3, 293 pounds) was the No. 1 overall high school player in 2022, but he didn’t come into his own until his Junior season after he transferred from Texas A&M to Ole Miss. This past season he rounded out his game, and while he’s still developing, the traits he possesses should get him drafted in the first round.

While he’ll get most of his attention for his athleticism, first-step quickness, and ability to explode through gaps, his run defense may actually be the best part of his game right now. Nolan is an incredibly strong tackler, has fantastic range to run down any ball carrier, and has elite recoverability when he gets beat. His hands are active and quick, but he’ll need better counters and second pass rush moves to level up in the NFL. Fortunately, he looks like a player willing to put forth the effort to improve.

Kenneth Grant, NT, Michigan, (6-foot-3 ¹⁄₂, 342) is a dominant run stuffer, who acts as a massive anchor in the middle of the defensive line. He has light feet, displays nimble footwork, and ever-improving hand usage. His pass-rushing chops are underrated and highly effective, but they could be more consistent, as he has the potential to dominate every snap, but doesn’t always stay low in his pads.

Derrick Harmon, 3T, Oregon (6-foot-5, 310) is from Detroit and initially attended Michigan State before transferring to Oregon. In East Lansing, Harmon was mainly a high-level run stuffer, but he dropped some weight when he moved to Eugene and worked on his interior disruption. He has a great first step, quick feet, and fast hands, but still shows off his power when bull rushing. With a strong level of football intelligence and a consistently high motor, he’s a complete 3-technique ready to challenge for a starting role.

One trick DL… but it’s an elite trick

Tyleik Williams, NT, Ohio State (6-foot-2, 322) is one of the best run-stuffing defensive linemen in this class but he’s not going to give you much as a pass rusher. Still, offenses need to run away from his gap because his anchor will ruin plays at the line of scrimmage. He’s NFL-ready due to his strength and run-stopping skills, but the lack of pass rush will likely negatively impact his overall stock.

TJ Sanders, 3T, South Carolina (6-foot-4, 284) is a 1-gapping penetrator who uses his edge experience to create pressure up the middle. His power bull rush is often accompanied by a variety of secondary pass rush moves and counters. He does a nice job of staying locked onto the ball, and can often make plays that appear out of his range. He has several skills that point to him potentially expanding to the 5-technique as well, but he’ll need to improve his edge setting.

Omarr Norman-Lott, 3T, Tennessee (6-foot-2, 295) doesn’t get the hype Sanders does, but he wins in a lot of the same ways. The Volunteers rotate their defensive linemen frequently which took Norman-Lott off the field more than it should have, and as a result, the production numbers are lower than anticipated. His experience versus the run is minimal due to the rotation, and it’s difficult to know how effective he really is in this area. However, if you look at percentages, like PFF’s pass rush win rate, where he approaches 20% success, which is near the top of the class. A reserve pass-rushing role should be his floor as a rookie.

Relentless effort

Joshua Farmer, 3T, Florida State (6-foot-3, 314) was forced to fight the good fight at FSU this season as offensive lines keyed on disrupting him, often sending double teams. With minimal help around him, Farmer had to bring high effort on every play in order to make an impact. His run defense and ridiculous 35.25-inch arm length will get teams’ attention and top-100 consideration.

Shemar Turner, 3T, Texas A&M (6-foot-3, 290) began his career as an edge rusher but he shifted inside this past season. It was a smart decision for Turner, as his body type is better suited inside in the NFL, but he’s still getting used to the position, which could lead to him being a value selection. He’s an above-average athlete with an unusually flexible frame, excellent hands, and a relentless motor. He plays quick and violent, but also never gets locked up by his opponents. The Lions will love his love of football and willingness to play through injuries.

Darius Alexander, 3/5T, Toledo (6-foot-3 ¹⁄₂, 304) is an impressive run defender with the strength to play inside and the quick feet to also get some work on the edge. His explosive first step and consistently high motor frequently puts him around the ball. If there’s a knock to his game, it’s that he’ll turn 25 years old during his rookie season.

Because… why not?

JJ Pegues, NT, Mississippi (6-foot-2, 323) is a former tight end who put on weight and shifted to the defensive side of the ball… well, not entirely. As a nose tackle, Pegues relies on his power to anchor and hold his gaps, but he’s also enough of a high-end athlete that he’ll catch offensive linemen off guard. His quick hands and feet are rare for a man his size and often help him shoot gaps and disrupt the backfield.

But what makes Pegeus really fun is when Ole Miss temporarily shifts him back to the offensive side of the ball, deploying him as a tight end, fullback, and even Wildcat—where he confidently fielded direct snaps and plowed defenders over. In 2024, Pegues had 21 (!) rushing attempts for seven touchdowns and averaged 5.3 yards per carry.