5 Under-the-Radar Defensive Linemen Ready to Break Out in 2026

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   Defensive linemen don't always get the attention they deserve. Going through film this offseason, there are a few linemen who keep standing out. They may not be widely recognized yet, but they have the traits and play style to take a step forward this season.   Here are five unranked defensive linemen who are flying under the radar right now but are positioned to break out in 2026.    2027 George Washington DL [player_tooltip player_id='1695973' first='Jay' last='Butcher'] is a name that could come back strong this season after missing his junior year with an injury. Butcher flashed real potential as a sophomore at Herbert Hoover, and now steps into a new opportunity with the Patriots. At 6'3, 215, Butcher has the kind of length you can't teach, and it shows up when he's able to extend and disrupt. He gets off the ball quickly and plays with energy, chasing plays down and staying active. There's still development ahead, but Butcher has the tools and looks to be recovering well. If he puts it together this season, Butcher has a chance to make a real impact for the Patriots.      2027 University DL [player_tooltip player_id='1659122' first='Devon' last='Williams'] is a player who brings a different kind of problem for offensive linemen. Williams may be undersized at 5'10, 210, but he wins with quickness and leverage, consistently getting underneath bigger tackles and forcing them to adjust. He uses his hands well to stay clean and fight off blocks, which is critical at his size, and Williams shows the ability to work into pass rush moves to get after the quarterback. There's a lot of effort in his game too, as Williams is active in pursuit and doesn't take plays off. He can line up outside or slide inside and bring a scrappy presence, and Williams has a natural feel for dipping under blockers and creating pressure. He feels like a player who could carve out a role as a stand-up edge at the next level for a D3 or Sprint program.      2027 Spring Valley DL [player_tooltip player_id='2168293' first='Judson' last='Rich'] is a player whose upside on the defensive side really stands out when you watch him. Rich also starts on the offensive line, but at 6'3, 240, his length and athleticism translate well as a defensive lineman. He had a productive junior season, but Rich still looks like someone who has more to give on defense. He plays with patience off the edge and then closes quickly when he commits, showing the ability to crash and disrupt. Rich moves well laterally and will chase plays down from the backside. He's physical at the point of attack and can win in different ways, whether it's using his quickness or playing through contact. There's a lot to build on here, and Rich feels like a player who could take a real step forward this season for the Timberwolves.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/yeSyZz43yTI?si=dK-xxPSQDIJC9CTo </div></figure>     2028 Bluefield DL [player_tooltip player_id='2066891' first='Travis' last='Francisco Jr'] is an underrated piece of a loaded class for the Beavers, and the fact that he was on the field often as a sophomore for a state runner-up team says a lot. Francisco brings an aggressive style and gets off the ball quickly, which allows him to create problems right away. He shows the ability to split gaps, whether it's working between guard and tackle or beating tackles inside with quickness. Francisco can line up in multiple spots, but his long-term upside looks strongest on the interior, where his strength and leverage show up. He moves well laterally, closes in short areas, and consistently finds his way into the backfield. For a young player, Francisco is already a reliable tackler and plays with a physical edge, and he feels like someone who will keep trending up.      2027 St. Marys DL [player_tooltip player_id='2060069' first='Lennie' last='Hartshorn'] is a classic small school interior player who just finds ways to be effective. Hartshorn is undersized at 5'8, 255, but he makes up for it with quickness, leverage, and effort. He moves well laterally, slips blocks with his agility, and doesn't stay stuck on contact for long. Hartshorn fires off the ball with a quick first step that can catch interior linemen off guard, and once he's engaged, he plays with strength and toughness at the point of attack. He's an aggressive player who stays around the football and competes through the whistle. There's a tenacity to Hartshorn's game that stands out, and he feels like a quality D3-type prospect who can play at the next level.

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