Scouting the Top 2027 Prospects: Interior Defensive Linemen

We're switching to the defensive side of the ball in our "elite 2027 prospects" series. If you've missed some of the other positions, make sure you look at the best players on offense in 2027. Here, we're looking at the elite 2027 defensive linemen in North Carolina.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scouting the Top 2027 Interior Defensive Linemen</h2>   There's plenty of potential in this interior defensive line group, though there's one thing that makes evaluating this particular class difficult: most of the top defensive linemen are at smaller schools. While projecting forward can be difficult for every position, it's especially hard at positions where players can win off of athleticism alone. Still, there are several top prospects who should have little trouble making the transition to the college level.    Often listed as an edge rusher, Fields could end up as a 4-3 defensive end, and will occasionally play there for Corvian. However, we see him as a speedy interior rusher who has the quickness to shoot gaps and the strength to hold up as a run-defender. No matter how he develops, he should be an asset for a Power Four college program.     Kamba is a violent defender who plays at full-speed all game. He routinely sheds offensive linemen to make stops in the running game, and his length means that he can get on top of blockers before they can engage him. If he can maintain his strength and speed as he continues to grow, he should be able to play early at the next level.     Archer is absolutely massive, but moves extremely well. In fact, while he's listed as a nose guard, he often played edge rusher for Seventy-First, something you almost never see from a 320-pounder. His first step looks more like a 240-pounder, and he has obvious strength at his size and length.     McKoy is only 6'3", but has a massive wingspan and insane work rate that make him look closer to 6'6" or so on the field. Though the sack numbers took a hit this season, he improved as a prospect in our eyes, as he consistently fought through double-teams and chased down ball-carriers. McKoy has one of the highest ceilings in the class.     While some programs are recruiting Rushing as an offensive lineman, we like him best on the defensive side of the ball. He's a high-upside pass-rusher who created plenty of pressure this season. In the running game, he's unafraid to take on double-teams and he plays with mjore strength than his frame would suggest.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Potential FBS Interior Defensive Linemen</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1607884' first='Paxton' last='Dobbins'], Crest   [player_tooltip player_id='1158999' first='Markez' last='Wilbert'], Millbrook   [player_tooltip player_id='415653' first='Jaiden' last='Gilbert'], Statesville   [player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis'], Warren County   [player_tooltip player_id='1717095' first='Mekkhei' last='Williams'], Northeastern   This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, reevaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo Code Helms30 is good for 30% off your first billing cycle.

We're switching to the defensive side of the ball in our "elite 2027 prospects" series. If you've missed some of the other positions, make sure you look at the best players on offense in 2027. Here, we're looking at the elite 2027 defensive linemen in North Carolina.