2026 NY Rankings: Defensive Line

<p>An intriguing group of defensive linemen in the 2026 class in New York; there is a clear separation between the top 3 and the rest of the prospects. The main thing setting them apart is the size and athleticism of the top 3 defensive line prospects. A lot of the prospects ranked outside of the top 3 at the position hold really just one of those traits...size OR athleticism, but heading into their junior season, they have time to develop as athletes and in the weight room. </p>   <p>Check out the updated 2026 Rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/new-york/rankings/2026-rankings/">HERE</a></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Top Prospect</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Lozin clearly was the top DL in the 2026 class in New York last season. Amongst a talented defensive line group at Iona Prep, Lozin's natural strength stood out amongst other impressive Division 1 athletes. </p>   <p>One of the most dominant prospects in the weight room, this summer Lozin benched 225x27 and had a 720lb deadlift. Lozin shows good bend and a strong lower half where he can anchor and not be moved. A strong interior presence whose game will only get more refined. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Next Five Prospects</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ali, out of Lincoln in Brooklyn, is a raw defensive line prospect, but the tape is very promising. Ali looks every bit of his listed size at 6'3 260, and on tape, you can project a little that his body type will be able to add significant weight as he grows. </p>   <p>Ali is twitchy in the defensive line position and displays solid hand usage at the point of attack. He consistently hand-fights and does a good job of using his length to get off blocks. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Mercer is a player who I saw live at Downstate classic and he confirmed a lot of what you see on film. He is a very athletic defensive end prospect who already checks the measurables box coming off the edge. He has some natural length and still has two high school seasons to refine his body and add more strength. </p>   <p>Mercer's overall athletic ability is special coming off the edge. You can tell he is raw from a pass-rush standpoint and can be more violent at times, but with his size, athleticism, and time to learn and develop, he has a really high ceiling and is one of New York's top prospects.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedy, who is a defensive tackle for Baldwinsville, could also project as an offensive lineman but, in his sophomore tape, is stronger on the defensive side of the ball. Kennedy is quick off the ball and shows solid use of hands with the ability to shed blocks and use a really solid swim move to attack slower offensive linemen. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is an OLB/EDGE prospect right now that will likely add some weight and get to DE size. He was solid setting the edge for Tottenville this season. Thompson wins with his upfield burst; he shoots gaps really well and is an effective tackler in the backfield, consistently wrapping up. Most of his wins come with his quickness so adding more strength and violence to his game as an upperclassman will make him a more complete defensive end. </p>     <p>Watts is another player I have seen live. He is a raw interior DL prospect with some natural strength and quickness in his game that stands out on tape. </p>   <p>Watts plays with a great motor and consistently shows the ability to finish plays from behind. Watts needs to make strides in his hand usage and overall body control but he flashes athleticism not many other DL in the state have. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two Names To Know</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Warren has some quality varsity experience for Bennett and is one of the key returners on their defense this year. His production is there. He measures a little shorter at just around 6 feet, but he is strong and powerful and rarely moved by offensive linemen. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Beeman is one of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the state. In a 285-lb weight class at 255 lbs, Beeman shows on tape raw power in his hands, the ability to anchor and not be moved by offensive linemen, and, even better, some quickness and twitch to his game. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DL Rankings Table</h2>

An intriguing group of defensive linemen in the 2026 class in New York; there is a clear separation between the top 3 and the rest of the prospects. The main thing setting them apart is the size and athleticism of the top 3 defensive line prospects. A lot of the prospects ranked outside of the top 3 at the position hold really just one of those traits...size OR athleticism, but heading into their junior season, they have time to develop as athletes and in the weight room.