The interior defensive linemen took the field first at the 2026 NFL Combine, but unfortunately, less than half the defensive tackles participated in on-field drills. Despite the low attendance, a handful of players stood out during this year’s event, including a few who weren’t featured in our 8 interior defensive linemen the Detroit Lions should be scouting preview article.
Let’s take a look at who stood out on Thursday.
Benny was featured in our Combine preview article, and while he didn’t run (most Michigan prospects don’t), his on-field drill work checked a lot of boxes. Benny kept his head up, displayed quick feet, and maintained his speed throughout the day, though he did wear down a bit on longer drills. His best drills were those where he was allowed to attack the edge, where he displayed tight spins and the ability to flatten after executing a pass-rushing move. I remain firm in my belief that he would excel in the Lions 4i role with the ability to kick inside to the 3T at times.
Proctor was another 4i/3T candidate I highlighted in my preview, and he looked great in on-field drills and measured drills—running a 1.69 10-yard split/4.79 40-yard-dash (Note: 1.70/4.94 is ideal for the position). On-field, Proctor showed smooth change-of-direction, maintaining control through speed drills, and was explosive getting upfield in pass-rushing drills. He consistently popped the pads with his attack, had a balanced low bend, effortlessly flattened out, and even pulled off a flying spin move. Super clean day for Proctor.
Onyedim played at the 5T at Iowa State before transferring to Texas A&M and shifting inside to the 3T last season. While he is an experienced two-gapper, the move to a one-gapping scheme unlocked his game, and the skills he showed in on-field drills at the Combine backed up the idea that he’ll thrive in a more attacking front in the NFL. Onyedim explodes at the snap, does a nice job of keeping his feet under him, and has the balance to get very low in his bend. He’ll need an extra step to get in and out of some of his pass-rushing moves, but he’s twitchy and athletic, making him an appealing prospect if he makes it to Day 3.
Durant may have had the best performance during on-field drills amongst the interior defensive linemen. He ran an impressive 1.66 10-yard, 4.75 40-split and carried over his quick feet into drills. He’s a smooth athlete, with power in his strike and the ability to get low in his bend, while flattening out after the rip. He has choppy feet that continually move, producing solid explosion and the ability to fluidly connect a combination of pass-rushing moves. My main question with Durant and the Lions is: Is he too redundant with Mekhi Wingo, or can he expand his game?
Halton wasn’t fully on my radar before the Combine, but his athleticism popped during on-field drills on Thursday and will force me to go back and watch more of his game film. He ran a very good 1.7/4.82 split, was quick out of his stance in drills, had great balance when changing direction, maintained body control as he increased his speed, and showed power in his hands. I’m not sure how, where, or if he’d even fit with the Lions, but he’s intriguing.
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