This isn't a deep class of interior defenders up front, but there are definitely some impact players at the top of the class.
Football games are won and lost in the trenches, so teams are always on the lookout for upgrades along their defensive line.
Top 5 defensive linemen to watch at the Combine:
1. Jordan Davis, Georgia, 6-6, 340
The Outland Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award winner, Davis is a big-bodied space eater with surprising athleticism for a player his size. He can collapse the pocket with his size and strength, but there's also some room to grow as a pass rusher. He's got the skillset to be a dominant, run-stuffing nose tackle at the NFL level.
2. Phidarian Mathis, Alabama, 6-4, 312
Mathis' strength really shows up in the run game, with the ability to stack blocks and find the ball. He recorded 53 tackles (20 solo) and 10.5 sacks this past season. He consistently pushes blockers back into the pocket, which is where a lot of his disruption in the pass game comes from (9.0 sacks in 2021). He's got a non-stop motor and should help a team right away as a Day 1 starter and solid two-gap nose or defensive tackle.
View photos of the defensive line prospects who were invited to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) slips past the tackle of Idaho defensive lineman Noah Elliss (99) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
American Team defensive lineman Zach Carter of Florida (17) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team defensive lineman Neil Farrell of LSU (92) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team defensive lineman Sam Williams of Mississippi (7) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team defensive lineman John Ridgeway of Arkansas (98) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey of Oklahoma (98) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team defensive lineman Dominique Robinson of Miami (OH) (11) in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Louisville running back Trevion Cooley (23) is stopped by Air Force defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, center, and linebacker Alec Mock (40) during the second half of the First Responder Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Dallas. Air Force won 31-28. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) rushes the edge defends during the 108th Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against the Utah on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 in Pasadena, Calif. The Buckeyes won, 48-45. (Ric Tapia via AP)
National Team defensive lineman Travis Jones of Connecticut (57) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
West defensive lineman Matthew Butler, of Tennessee, (94) in action against the East during the East West Shrine Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
American Team defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt of Georgia runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
San Diego State Aztecs defensive lineman Cameron Thomas (99) in a defensive stance during the NCAA college football game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Carson, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Myjai Sanders (21) rushes the edge during the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. Alabama won, 27-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (91) rushes the edge during the an NCAA college football game against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2021 in Pasadena, Calif. Oregon won, 34-31. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Minnesota defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo (9) in action during an NCAA college football game between Minnesota and Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Arizona State defensive lineman D.J. Davidson (98) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Michigan linebacker David Ojabo (55) sets prior to a play at the line of scrimmage during the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis. Michigan won 42-3. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) plays against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Wisconsin defeated Purdue 30-13. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston defensive lineman Logan Hall (92) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football against Temple, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Philadelphia. Houston won 37-8. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie lines up against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Coastal Carolina linebacker Jeffrey Gunter (94) looks into the backfield past Georgia State offensive lineman Johnathan Bass (77) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Conway, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker, Jr.)
Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa pass rushes against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College,Pa.,Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) reacts the ball after a play against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) works against Florida offensive lineman Richard Gouraige (76), right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Micheal Clemons (2) returns a fumble by Auburn quarterback Bo Nix for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M won 20-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Auburn quarterback Bo Nix (10) fumbles the ball as Texas A&M defensive lineman Jayden Peevy (92) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M recovered the fumble for a touchdown. Texas A&M won 20-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
South Carolina quarterback Zeb Noland (8) is sacked by Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyree Johnson (3) for a loss of six yards during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Ohio State defensive lineman Haskell Garrett plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Stanford defensive end Thomas Booker stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oklahoma linebacker Nik Bonitto runs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Lawrence, Kan. Oklahoma won 35-23. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) defends against UCLA during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) lines up for a play against Kentucky during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Michigan's Chris Hinton plays in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Josh Lugg (75) defends against Virginia Tech defensive lineman Amare Barno (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday October 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Gentry)
South Carolina defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (1) plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 45-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
UAB linebacker Alex Wright (16) during an NCAA football game against Tulane on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Western Kentucky University defensive end Deangelo Malone reacts to a play during an NCAA football game against Indiana University on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Bowling Green, KY. IU beat WKU 33-31. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Iowa State defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (58) gets set for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Florida running back Dameon Pierce (27) tries to get around Alabama defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas (95) gestures during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Kentucky defensive end Joshua Paschal (4) runs 77 yards after intercepting a Mississippi State pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (48) works against Florida offensive lineman Jean Delance (56) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (95) during an NCAA football game against Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021 in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Central Florida defensive lineman Kalia Davis (22) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Miami defensive lineman Jonathan Ford (96) works against Florida offensive lineman Jean Delance (56) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Kentucky defensive lineman Marquan McCall (50) celebrates a play during the second half of the NCAA college football game against Louisville, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
3. Devonte Wyatt, Georgia, 6-3, 307
Wyatt showed terrific quickness, athleticism and bend in one-on-one pass-rush drills at the Senior Bowl, making an argument that he can be a better pass rusher in the NFL than his college statistic show (2.5 sacks in 2021). He also notched 39 tackles (18 solo) and 7.0 tackles for loss for the Bulldogs this past season.
4. Neil Farrell, LSU, 6-4, 325
Farrell is a block-eating nose tackle who plays with terrific leverage and power. He showed that off consistently at the Senior Bowl last month, using his pad level and leverage to his advantage to walk back blockers into the backfield. He doesn't offer much in the way of pass rush, but those skills can be developed more at the next level.
5. DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M, 6-4, 290
The Aggies moved Leal up and down the line, showing he's got some position versatility at the next level. He recorded 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss for the Aggies this past season. The one criticism that came up often from different analysts is improving his pad level. He uses quickness more than power because he sometimes plays a little too high.
Combine sleeper to watch: Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma, 6-4, 292
Winfrey recorded 5.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss in 11 games as a senior for the Sooners in 2021. He was one of the most dominant defensive tackles at the Senior Bowl last month. He won consistently in both one-on-one and team periods. He completely dominated the Wednesday practice at the Senior Bowl. He has disruptive traits NFL teams will like.
Lions need at the position: Moderate
Detroit's top three interior defenders – Michael Brockers, Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike – return next season, and they've got some depth at nose tackle with John Penisini also in the rotation, but teams are always looking to add reliable interior defenders.
Veteran Nick Williams is a free agent, so there's definitely room to add to the rotation upfront for Detroit.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after the season he believes the offensive and defensive lines are the team's strength headed into the offseason, so it's not a huge priority for the Lions. We'll have to see what the Lions do in free agency, but if a player fits the draft slot, there's certainly the potential to add to this group, especially if Holmes identifies someone as being able to give them some more pass-rushing prowess from the interior.
Key stat: Detroit's 30 sacks in 2021 were the third lowest in the NFL. Of those 30, only 4.5 came from the defensive end or nose tackle positions in Detroit's 3-4 front.
