On Thursday, the Daily News looked at five offensive players who could make an impact at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
Now, it’s time to look at the defensive side of the ball, which arguably could field the best talent in Indianapolis.
“I’m excited about this draft,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said during a conference call with reporters on Thursday. “It’s a starter’s draft, is how I would phrase it.
“Going through and watching all these guys for the combine and talking to a bunch of people around the league, okay, some positions maybe don’t have that superstar that we have had in years past, but we do have a boatload of starters, particularly the defensive line. A bunch of really, really good players.”
The defensive line prospects could be the best on record since the 2019 NFL Draft when 11 of them were selected in the first 32 picks. With that in mind, let’s look at five defensive players who could turn heads during this year’s combine.
Kenneth Grant, Michigan, DL
Mason Graham is the Michigan defensive tackle that has received the most attention during this year’s draft cycle. However, Grant will also likely be a first-round selection in April’s draft.
At 6-3, 342 pounds, Grant is a nearly unmoveable defensive tackle with the power to break through double teams and the technique to escape defenders. During the last two seasons, Grant has been one of the better nose tackles in the nation. In Michigan’s national championship season in 2023, Grant recorded 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
He followed that up by finishing with 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks. Grant’s biggest strength is what he offers as a run defender. Grant consistently gets into the backfield as a two-technique player, creating havoc on rushing downs.
A significant weakness of Grant’s game is he is limited as a pass rusher. He lacks the quickness to win consistently during passing situations and needs to improve his footwork to beat bigger and faster offensive linemen.
Grant should be a long-time starter in the league and a team like the Bills at No. 30 overall makes a lot of sense. A good 40-yard dash time could certainly increase Grant’s stock.
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, DL
For teams who are looking for someone with untapped potential, Stewart has to be on their radar. The 6-5, 281-pound edge rusher certainly looks the part, but Stewart’s lack of production at Texas A&M is a bit concerning.
During his three seasons as an Aggie, Stewart registered just 4.5 sacks. However, Stewart’s speed puts pressure on offensive linemen and he has the elite power to flatten them at the line of scrimmage.
With the right coaching, Stewart’s full potential could be unlocked, especially if he can expand his pass-rushing skills, which were limited at Texas A&M.
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, LB
During his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Campbell improved from season to season. Last season, Campbell finished with 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
Campbell has a rare combination of young talent, size, speed, and athletic ability. It’s unclear whether he will be a full-time edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme or an off-ball linebacker at the next level, but he could be productive no matter where he plays.
Campbell has incredible sideline-to-sideline speed to make plays on quarterbacks, running backs, and even wide receivers. He also has the skills to beat bigger offensive linemen.
A negative aspect of Campbell’s game is his instinct against the run. He tends to have bad technique and can react slowly. Campbell’s draft range is from the middle of Round 1 to an early Round 2 selection. Whoever drafts him expects Campbell to be used in various ways at the next level.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, S
Safeties aren’t typically selected early in the NFL Draft, but Starks is arguably the best at his position and will be a first-round pick. He’s a strong run defender who also has ball-hawking skills.
Starks was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs and was one of the key players on a team that won the SEC in 2024. In 14 games, Starks recorded 77 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception.
What stands out about Starks is his high football intelligence, which allows him to recognize plays, locate the ball, and make tackles regularly. Starks will be a Day 1 starter and has All-Pro potential.
Derrick Harmon, Oregon, DL
There hasn’t been enough talk about Harmon, but that could change after the combine. He has good size for a defensive tackle (6-5, 310 pounds) and can play multiple positions on the defensive line.
Harmon has the strength to challenge and beat offensive linemen steadily while having the pass-rush repertoire to win his one-on-one matchups. He finished with 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Missed tackles have been an issue for Harmon, but that could be improved with better gap discipline and better technique. Harmon won’t be a frequent double-digit sack guy in the NFL, but he could be a missing piece on a contending team in 2025.
