Here are some DLine Players to Watch next year

Photo: Prep Redzone

Miles Pastian

November 24, 2022 @ 11:06 AM

The defensive line is one of the unsung heroes of every defensive unit, with their constant battles in the trenches that allow their defensive unit to stay in the game at any time. They are the players that are working hardest and will always play hardest when the game is on the line, so let's look at some players who need a little more coverage compared to others. Without anything else, let's dive right into some defensive linemen to watch.     [player_tooltip player_id='294159' first='Thane' last='Beheler'] - 6'3" 215lbs, Mobridge-Pollock   Beheler is a stalwart for his defensive unit and has been a rock when he gets snaps on the field, he can be a truly versatile player on the defensive line. He is the best of all worlds when it comes to being a defensive weapon, he can stuff the run and rush the pass both of which are something that not everyone can do like he does. Beheler is simply a defensive beast and I think he will take it to a next level in the coming year, he has always shown to be a player who works on his game, with his defensive IQ being at a higher level compared to his contemporaries. Beheler is a star that can only go higher with his abilities, he already has a high floor as of now, and with what he can do with his film study, he can truly be a star player     [player_tooltip player_id='305546' first='Jackson' last='Maynard'] - 6'3" 205lbs, Hitchcock-Tulare   Maynard is a player that I am very high for the fact that he can simply take over a game with his ability to stop anything that happens at the line of scrimmage. What is truly impressive to me is how he can stop the run at such a high level and moreover his ability to line up pretty much anywhere on the defensive line. His ability to simply explode off of the edge to get into the backfield and rack up TFLs is simply unparalleled and by watching his tape, he is simply too hard to contain at times. His swim moves along with his ability to use his footwork and hands to get past defenders are one of the best traits that he has. He is a player that can fit in anywhere on the line and will always fall into a role with what his team needs him to do.     [player_tooltip player_id='294163' first='Andrew' last='Niles'] - 6'5" 270lbs, Beresford   Niles has some of the best physical attributes that I have seen in a defensive line so far and without a doubt, he is one of the best defensive line prospects in South Dakota. His big frame is something that he already has a size up on compared to the others that are around him, but what is even more impressive is his speed and athleticism. Niles can not only make plays on the ball at the line scrimmage but is able to get his hands up there and swat balls down like a defensive back. With him getting more and more time on the field, I see him becoming more of a true defensive end or edge rusher style of player who can blow up off the edge to sack the QB. Offensive lineman also struggles to contain him not only due to his size but how he is able to read blocks and adjust how he rushes the passer throughout the game. Overall, he is a player that can do so much with his size and strength, he is a player that colleges should start looking at now.     [player_tooltip player_id='305549' first='Emmit' last='Andersen'] - 6'2" 220lbs, Pierre TF Riggs   Andersen is a prospect who has some of the least amounts of tape on him but he has the ability to only go up from. The Pierre defense will be needing some more holes needing to be filled with the loss of some key players, and Andersen will be needed to step up to be an even better player than he is now. I think with more playing time we will see a better grasp of what his game is. While he might be on the smaller side, he is fast and can use his lateral quickness to reach the quarterback fast. I will be looking to see what he can do with the increased playing time and is a prospect that can truly turn into someone that college prospects like. He has a great work ethic now and if he reaches a higher level of play, it will be only up to him as to how great he can be.

The defensive line is one of the unsung heroes of every defensive unit, with their constant battles in the trenches that allow their defensive unit to stay in the game at any time. They are the players that are working hardest and will always play hardest when the game is on the line, so let's look at some players who need a little more coverage compared to others. Without anything else, let's dive right into some defensive linemen to watch.