Editor’s note: This is the second installment of Dane Brugler’s 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting series. Previous ranking: Wide receivers

You need only watch the defensive lines at Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Oregon to get a sense for the top draft-eligible defensive tackles in college football.

There might not be a Jalen Carter or Mason Graham in the group — a clear and obvious top-10 pick. But the early-round potential at the position is much deeper than that of last year’s class.

(Note: An asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams currently have on file for each player, per league sources.)

1. Will Echoles, Ole Miss (6-2, 309)*Best traits: Active and well-rounded defender

The lasting takeaway from Echoles’ tape was all the different ways he can impact the game. On one play, he uses both upfield and lateral quickness to penetrate the backfield. On the next, he showcases his instincts to shut down the run lane. And then on another, he shows off his upper-body strength and violent hands to shed contact and find the football.

Even more encouraging is his hyperactive play style. If his effort is any indication, Echoles loves playing the run just as much as he enjoys chasing the passer. He put several highlights on his 2025 tape, but this rep against Oklahoma was my favorite:

Will Echoles vs. Oklahoma

Dane Brugler

Must improve: Pass-rush counters

With his instincts and physical traits, Echoles knows how to deconstruct blocks and will his way to the football. While that works against equal or lesser competition, the next step in his development will be patching together pass-rush plans with built-in counters to find success versus any level of blocker. His talent is evident, which suggests an encouraging floor for him at the next level. But his ceiling will depend on his technical developments, specifically with his counters.

2027 NFL Draft outlook

The top high school recruit in Mississippi three years ago, Echoles chose the Rebels (over Alabama, Auburn and several other SEC programs) and separated himself as the top defensive player at Ole Miss last season. Echoles’ impact consistently showed on the 2025 tape, as well as on the stat sheet — he finished with double-digit tackles for loss, plus ranked top five on the team in total tackles and second in sacks.

Echoles has a natural feel for the game and uses his physical traits to put himself in position to make plays. His disruptive and diverse skill set reminds me of Derrick Harmon, the 21st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

2. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon (6-3, 319)Best trait: Explosive power

Ranked No. 4 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” last summer, Washington teases natural power and rare burst for a player his size. Consistency was an issue for him throughout last season, but Washington has the talent to gain early advantages.

Gennings Dunker was a third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in April, but Washington gave him all kinds of trouble during their 2025 matchup. This clip shows Washington’s explosiveness off the ball and ability to shoot his hands and hips to immediately leverage the point of attack:

A’Mauri Washington vs. Iowa

Dane Brugler

Must improve: Playing more freely

Washington is blessed with all kinds of talent. His impact last season was more sporadic than steady, however, which is not uncommon for a first-year starter learning on the fly. At times, it appeared that he was thinking too much instead of relying on his natural ability to counter and win with secondary moves. Scouts want to see him play with more freedom in year two as a starter.

2027 NFL Draft outlook

At this time last year, Oregon had to replace a pair of early-round draft picks at defensive tackle and faced several question marks on its D-line. But Washington quickly moved from “unproven” to “asset” in 2025, and his flashes of talent are why he starts the season as my top-ranked senior at the position.

Can he take that next step in his senior year and be more of an impactful presence? Last season, he finished with just 4.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 against FCS Montana State in the season opener. The tape and traits matter much more for his NFL evaluation as stats can be misleading (the clip above won’t show up in the box score), but his efficiency and consistency could determine if he is a slam-dunk top-25 pick or more of a top-50 selection next April.

3. Justin Scott, Miami (6-4, 305)*Best trait: Explosive big-man skills

Scott arrived in Coral Gables with a ton of hype and showed exciting flashes as part of the starting rotation in 2025. He has the play strength expected of a prospect his size, but his explosive nature jumps out in a way that makes him unique. Because of his heavy hands and movement potential, Scott has a very high football ceiling.

Indiana center Pat Coogan, a Tennessee Titans draft pick in April, had trouble handling Scott in the national title game. On this rep, the Miami defensive tackle immediately controls the point, drives Coogan into the backfield and then violently sheds to make a stop for minimal gain:

Justin Scott vs. Indiana

Dane Brugler

Must improve: Pass-rush process

Right now, Scott’s run instincts are further along than his pass-rush instincts. Though explosive, he needs to be more consistent with his snap anticipation to maximize his ability to shoot gaps. His hands are forceful as a pass rusher, but he’s not yet skilled in terms of maneuvering in hand-to-hand combat.

2027 NFL Draft outlook

A native of the Chicago area, Scott was considered the top defensive tackle (and one of the top 10 recruits overall) in the 2024 recruiting class. After originally committing to Ohio State, he flipped to the Hurricanes and was the prize of Mario Cristobal’s 2024 class.

Is Scott still learning how to streamline his immense talent into more consistent production? No question. But the NFL salivates for explosive big-man traits — and Scott has those to offer. It won’t be surprising at all to see his disruptive ability warrant first-round consideration with another year of starting experience under his belt.

4. David Stone, Oklahoma (6-3, 315)*Best trait: Five-star talent

As with Scott, there isn’t much mystery to what made Stone a five-star recruit out of high school. He offers size, power and movement ability that’s impressive for his frame. Stone launches out of his stance to create pressure with various push-pull or bull-rush techniques. The raw tools are there for him to become a high-level run defender and pass rusher.

When he plays with a full tank and stays on time, Stone is not a fun player to block.

David Stone vs. Temple

Dane Brugler

Must improve: Turning flashes into consistency

If you grade to the flashes, it is easy to get excited about Stone and his talent. But the gaps in between are frustrating. In the NFL, being big, strong and athletic in the trenches isn’t enough — the best players separate themselves with technique and know-how. Stone is a better prospect than player right now, meaning his potential is off the charts, but he is still figuring out how to maximize those gifts.

2027 NFL Draft outlook

One of the highest-recruited defensive tackles in the 2024 class, Stone returned home to the Sooner state after prepping at IMG Academy in Florida. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he was part of Oklahoma’s deep defensive line rotation last season as a sophomore, starting twice and averaging 33 snaps per game (eight tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2025).

Stone is one of the more intriguing “wait and see” draft-eligible prospects in the country. It is fair to project a jump in his on-field impact this season, but how much of one? He has dominant potential.

5. Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami (6-3, 311)Best trait: Coordinated agility

Lining up primarily as a one-tech or shaded nose, Moten explodes off the ball with the athletic force to win in different ways. He can get hung up in crowded spaces, but his initial quickness gives him an advantage to get upfield or work laterally around roadblocks.

Moten played his best in the national championship game against Indiana, including a handful of “whoa” reps that showcased his big-man coordination against the run and pass.

Ahmad Moten Sr. vs. Indiana

Dane Brugler

Must improve: Upright play style

A common theme on Moten’s tape was his inclination to pop upright, creating disadvantages for himself when he didn’t win at the snap. When his hips and pads get high, he can be too easily knocked off balance by angle blocks or displaced by double teams. At just a hair over 6-foot-3, Moten is tall, although better consistency with his leverage will be something scouts are watching on his senior tape.

2027 NFL Draft outlook

A former three-star recruit out of Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Moten was ranked near the bottom of the Hurricanes’ 2022 recruiting class. However, he gradually improved over his first few years and enjoyed a breakout redshirt junior season with 9.5 tackles for loss. Though he didn’t receive as much praise as Miami’s edge rushers, Moten was a disruptive part of the Hurricanes’ path to the national title game.

After his strong finish to the 2025 season, some scouts expected him to go pro, but he returned to Miami for his fifth season. He will compete to be the first senior drafted at his position and a potential top-40 pick.

Top 25 senior defensive tackles

1. Washington
2. Moten
3. Bear Alexander, Oregon (6-3, 311)
4. DJ Hicks, Texas A&M (6-3, 288)
5. Anthony Smith, Minnesota (6-6, 279)
6. A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech (6-2, 300)
7. Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech (6-2, 287)
8. Devan Thompkins, Alabama (6-5, 290)
9. Horace Lockett, UCF (6-5, 362)
10. Mateen Ibirogba, Texas Tech (6-3, 301)
11. Jaray Bledsoe, Mississippi State (6-4, 290)
12. C.J. Fite, Arizona State (6-1, 311)
13. James Smith, Ohio State (6-2, 294)
14. David Oke, Arkansas (6-2, 287)
15. Tyrique Tucker, Indiana (6-0, 302)
16. Trey Pierce, Michigan (6-1, 303)
17. Keanu Tanuvasa, BYU (6-3, 300)
18. Hero Kanu, Texas (6-4, 317)
19. Daniel Lyons, Florida State (6-3, 285)
20. Cody Sigler, Auburn (6-2, 303)
21. Emmanuel Oyebadejo, Florida (6-6, 305)
22. Jason Onye, Notre Dame (6-4, 294)
23. Joe Hjelle, Indiana (6-2, 314)
24. Tomiwa Durojaiye, South Carolina (6-4, 290)
25. Marquis Gracial, Missouri (6-3, 307)

Top 10 draft-eligible underclassmen

1. Echoles
2. Scott
3. Stone
4. Tavion Gadson, Kentucky (6-4, 302)
5. Eddrick Houston, Ohio State (6-3, 295)
6. Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma (6-2, 310)
7. Jide Abasiri, USC (6-5, 285)
8. Francis Brewu, Notre Dame (6-1, 285)
9. Dominick McKinley, LSU (6-6, 300)
10. Michai Boireau, Ole Miss (6-5, 350)