2026 Rankings Watch List: 5 Breakout Defensive Linemen

Watson is one of the more technically sound defensive tackles across the region heading into 2025, and offers good position versatility along the defensive front, able to play anywhere between the wide 9 tech to inside as a 3-tech or 4i at the prep level. He is heavy handed with a strong initial punch and lockout, shows he can quickly get off blocks and reset the line while flowing well to the ball backside and showing he can go speed to power off the edge. He is strong at the POA and understands using his leverage to win at the point, and can split double teams and take on combos effectively. When rushing the passer, he shows a few speed and power moves and has some short area twitch when collapsing the pocket. He should draw plenty of FCS+ interest and has been flying under the radar to this point.     The Long Beach Poly product has the ideal length, frame and twitch for the 4-3 defensive end position in college, and is very technically sound on tape. He explodes off the ball and is a violent edge setter with strong hands, initial punch and creates immediate knock-back outside. He shows he can win with inside moves and twitch and collapses the pocket quickly with re-direct abilities and change of direction. He is stout against the run with heavy hands and a quick lockout, while also showing he can beat tackles with speed inside and is very disruptive from the edge but can also kick inside when needed. Heading into his Senior season, he is one of the top under-recruited edge players in the state.     The Servite product is one of the top '27 defenders in the Trinity League, and is coming off a very productive sophomore season for Servite from his defensive tackle position. He snaps out of his stance and plays with a low hat and quick initial lock out while showing he can quickly shed blocks and win at the POA. He is a high motor kid that shows relentless pursuit to the ball and can make plays behind the line while quickly closing in on ball carriers. Strong at the point, he also shows he can take on double teams and drive blocks, while adding speed inside when rushing the passer. He should have a breakout Junior season in 2025 and is a top '27 name to note, especially in the Trinity League.     Chavez is a very active defensive tackle with good twitch and a explosive get off inside that can quickly disrupt plays and gets into the backfield. He shows heavy hands and is a high IQ player that can sniff out screens/draws and flows well to the ball in the open field. He moves well for his size, shows a strong base and body control when holding the point, and can eat up blockers inside while physical at contact and plays with proper leverage and hand placement. He is a balanced defender against the run and when rushing the passer, and should draw of plenty D3+ interest through his senior season and is one of the top returning defensive tackles across the Central Section.     Jones can play on either side of the ball at the next level, and has been a standout for Alemany for the past couple seasons. He is big and physical at the point of attack and wins with initial punch and strength when working against the run. He shows he can eat up blocks, split double teams and hold the point well inside while also athletic enough to two-gap when needed and play anywhere from the 0-2 tech inside. Heading into his Senior season, he is one of the more under the radar guys in the trenches across the Southern Section, and is a name to note as we head into the Fall amongst guys up front.