2028 Defenders Ready for Takeoff

The junior class of defensive players is loaded with talent at the top, but is rich throughout. In this piece, we'll be talking about some guys that are a little further under the radar that could stand out this fall.    John's game is interesting because I actually think his best is at the TE position, but that's why I think he could surprise some folks on defense. He's a big and physical kid with strength and the ability to make plays, particularly in the run game. A lot of his highlights show off his ability to shed blocks and fill the gaps. I think an offseason in the weight room and continuing to evolve his football IQ would allow him to make a massive leap, and raise his stock a ton this season.     Limited film for Griffin, which is why he may surprise some people. Every social media post I have seen from him show him working his butt off in the weight room and on the field. You can see the speed burst and explosiveness. He has really started to grow into his slim but athletic build. He has shown the ability to go up and make some difficult grabs, making him a formidable DB to try and throw on. I hope to catch Christian at some camps this spring!     Graydon is built extremely well, and with the clips I have seen from his film, he uses that to his advantage as he clogs up the middle. He can fire off quickly and either use a speed or power move to break into the backfield, even manhandling some slower or weaker offensive guards. If he is able to break into the rotation in 2026, I could see Graydon being a problem, especially on 3rd down. With some continued work this offseason, he could have some big-time bright spots in 2026.     Another guy with limited film, but the size profile is enough to say the ceiling could be really high. Coming from a program that is clawing its way back from some really tough times, a guy like Starks is a massive piece for his team. He has a good build, able to anchor down and control inside gaps. I love his potential as a run stopping nose guard/defensive tackle this season.     The first thing you notice about [player_tooltip player_id='1717284' first='Charles' last='Bennett'] is his measurables. At 6'4 and 295 pounds that he carries extremely well, Bennett is a can't miss as far as the eye test goes. He's a weight room warrior, which translates to the field. He has an incredibly strong lower body and has the mobility to hunt down ball carriers. Great technique and use of hands allow him to keep himself free, control his gap and make plays that come his way. On passing downs, he uses those hands to swipe hands off of him and get into the backfield. The mix of size and technique makes Bennett a can't miss prospect heading into 2026.

The junior class of defensive players is loaded with talent at the top, but is rich throughout. In this piece, we'll be talking about some guys that are a little further under the radar that could stand out this fall.