Defensive Lineman To Watch This Offseason

[player_tooltip player_id='1524371' first='Ben' last='Gredell'] is one of the defensive linemen I'll be watching this offseason closely. At 6'3”, 230 pounds, his game starts with quickness. His initial burst off the line jumps off the tape.   He pairs that get-off with natural leverage. For a taller lineman, he stays low and overwhelms blockers early in reps. Once engaged, his hands take over. They're violent, well-placed, and timed correctly. He shoots from the hips and powers through contact.   Gredell impacts games against the run and as a pass rusher. He plays with urgency and finishes plays. That combination has made him one of the more consistent defensive linemen in the state.   His season earned him a spot on the Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Public Team. He also picked up offers from Penn and Southern Miss. Heading into the offseason, Gredell's development and recruitment are both trending up.      [player_tooltip player_id='1562051' first='Ubrig' last='Kurtz'] brings real power to the interior. At 6'2”, 225 pounds, he uses a strong upper body to overwhelm offensive linemen at the snap. His strength shows immediately in the run game.   Kurtz plays with good pad level and strong hand placement. He shoots his hands well and controls blockers' chests, allowing him to stay gap-sound and disruptive. He's at his best as a run defender, where his physicality and technique consistently show up.   What also stands out is his movement ability. He changes direction well, works around blocks, and hustles to the football when plays move away from him. In one-on-one situations, he's a reliable finisher.   Currently ranked 21st among defensive linemen, Kurtz has the tools to climb higher. With continued development, he has a real chance to crack the top 15 and become a bigger name heading into next season.      [player_tooltip player_id='909412' first='Carter' last='Blattner'] was at the center of Northern Highlands' standout season. The program finished as one of the top public-school teams in the state, and Blattner drove that success on both sides of the line.   Defensively, Blattner checks every box. He blends athleticism with real power off the edge. He shows pass-rush moves, creates havoc, and stays disciplined against the run. His wingspan stands out. It allows him to control space and finish plays. He looks every bit like a collegiate edge rusher.   He's also valuable on offense. Blattner earned a spot on the Jersey SportsZone All-Zone Public Team as an offensive lineman, underscoring his versatility and toughness.   Blattner enters the offseason as one of the top 2027 prospects in New Jersey. He's been rated a four-star by On3 and previously held interest from programs like Maryland, Temple, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, USC, Pitt, Rutgers, Boston College, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Duke, and others. With more exposure and camp reps ahead, he'll have the chance to reinforce why he's viewed as one of the elite linemen in his class.      [player_tooltip player_id='910822' first='Jordan' last='Key'] has some of the most impressive tape of any defensive lineman on this list. His versatility immediately stands out. At 6'2”, 230 pounds, he can line up inside or on the edge and impact the game from both spots.   Inside, Key is strong and stout. He anchors well, absorbs double teams, and still finds ways to make plays against the run. He plays with good leverage and doesn't get moved easily. That strength shows up consistently on early downs.   On the edge, he brings power and effort. He can collapse the pocket, overwhelm blockers, and win with physical pass-rush moves. While his long-term projection likely falls within the next level, his ability to play multiple roles adds real value.   This offseason feels pivotal. If Key takes the expected jump, he has a chance to emerge as one of the top defensive line prospects in New Jersey heading into the 2026 season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1691506' first='Tyson' last='Brown'] is a genuine diamond in the rough. At 6'3”, 210 pounds, he brings length, athleticism, and versatility that immediately stand out. While he lines up on the defensive line at times, his game is rooted in athleticism rather than pure trench play.   On the edge, Brown shows explosiveness and a quick get-off. His long arms allow him to disrupt passing lanes, bat balls, and affect quarterbacks' sightlines. He also finishes nicely when he gets home, closing with urgency and balance.   Long term, linebacker looks like his best fit. He has enough change of direction, length, and movement skills to play off the ball and impact the game in coverage. Adding strength will be necessary, but the tools are already there.   Currently ranked 98th by Prep Redzone, Brown has real room to climb. Exposure may be the biggest hurdle, but camp season provides that opportunity. With the right setting, he can raise his profile and significantly boost his stock this offseason.