This year's class of interior defensive linemen is one of the deepest in recent memory and overall is one of the top position groups in the entire draft. NFL.com has given a draft grade to 27 defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft. It's a versatile group that features everything teams might need upfront along their defensive line.
The Lions have two really good defensive tackles under contract for next season in Alim McNeill and DJ Reader, but it's unclear if McNeill will be ready to go at the beginning of the season after suffering a torn ACL in mid-December.
That interior of the defensive line is a position group teams like to rotate players in and out of the game quite frequently and Detroit could use some more depth there.
Top 5 defensive tackles to watch at the Combine:
1. Mason Graham, Michigan, 6-3, 320
No one was more disruptive in the middle of the defense in both the run and pass games than Graham this past season for the Wolverines. He consistently gets off blocks, has a really high football IQ, and plays most of his snaps in the opponent's backfield. He was the top-graded run defender in college football last year by Pro Football Focus.
View photos of the defensive line prospects who were invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (25) runs by Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in College Park. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander, bottom right, sacks Pittsburgh quarterback David Lynch (16) during the first half of the GameAbove Sports Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord (6) reaches for his fumble while tackled by Miami defensive lineman Tyler Baron (9) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty (92) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Georgia Tech defensive lineman Zeek Biggers (88) takes down Central Florida wide receiver Xavier Townsend (3) after a catch during the first half of the Gasparilla Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Iowa defensive lineman Yahya Black (94) rushes against Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Georgia defensive lineman Warren Brinson (97) sets up for a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Texas defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (45) reacts after sacking Ohio State quarterback Will Howard during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch (1) tackles UCLA running back T.J. Harden during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) throws under pressure from Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell (90) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter (11) prepares to sack Maryland quarterback MJ Morris, left, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) sacks Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels, right, during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Syracuse defensive lineman Fadil Diggs (10) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Ethan Downs, right, sacks Navy quarterback Blake Horvath during the first half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) defends against SMU during the first half of an NCAA college football game in University Park, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (44) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Louisville defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte (9) pursues Boston College wide receiver Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Chestnut Hill, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) watches during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates sacking Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch (12) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
National team defensive lineman Mike Green of Marshall (15) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Arkansas defender Eric Gregory against Tennessee during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (58)defends against Minnesota in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. Ohio State won 45-31. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, right, is tackled by Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Then-Miami defensive lineman Jared Harrison-Hunte (81), who played for SMU in the 2024 season, sacks Virginia Tech quarterback Connor Blumrick (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Miami won 38-26. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (91) during the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff game against Boise State, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
South Carolina defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway (91) catches a pass on a fake field goal-attempt as Vanderbilt defensive back Jaylen Mahoney, left, defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is tackled by Boston College defensemen, including Cam Horsley (96), during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Georgia defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (93) sets up for a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi defensive end Jared Ivey (15) blocks during a field goal attempt against Florida in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Samford quarterback Quincy Crittendon (2) is sacked by Florida edge George Gumbs Jr., bottom and defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Arkansas defensive lineman Landon Jackson (40) gets ready to run a play against Louisiana Tech during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
LSU defensive end Sai'vion Jones (35) lines up during the second half of an NCAA football game against Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Illinois running back Chase Hayden carries the ball as Minnesota defensive lineman Jah Joyner comes from behind to make the tackle during a NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. Joyner led the team in quarterback pressures despite being in a backup role. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
South Carolina defensive tackle DeAndre Jules (99) recovers a fumble and celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Old Dominion, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard (5) plays against Vanderbilt during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Iowa State running back Jaylon Jackson (12) is tackled by Baylor linebacker Steve Linton during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
West Virginia's Sean Martin #91 in action against Towson during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills (99) celebrates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) walks to the sideline after a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Missouri offensive lineman Javon Foster, right, blocks Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
National team defensive lineman Oluwafemi Oladejo of UCLA (99) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Clemson defensive tackle Payton Page (55) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Citadel on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Virginia Tech defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles tackles Stanford quarterback Justin Lamson, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Mississippi's JJ Pegues, right, runs past a Mississippi State defender into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs the ball while Maryland defensive lineman Jordan Phillips (8) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Old Dominion's Chris Adams (65) squares up to Antwaun Powell-Ryland (52)) in the second half against Virginia Tech of an NCAA college football Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)
North Carolina defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie (5) and defensive lineman Tomari Fox (0) close in on Appalachian State running back Nate Noel, middle, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
SMU defensive end Elijah Roberts (5) pressures Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) during the first half of the American Athletic Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama linebacker Que Robinson (34) sets up against South Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson (9) pursues Purdue quarterback Hudson Card (1) in the backfield during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
North Carolina defensive end Kaimon Rucker (7) rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is run the ball past South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (90) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rushes during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Texas, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Texas A&M's Nic Scourton (11) celebrates a defensive stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Tennessee defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (10) celebrates after stopping a run by Oklahoma during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Alabama defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) sets up before a play against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Texas edge defender Barryn Sorrell (88) rushes Georgia quarterback Carson Beck during the first half an NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) woorks against Ball State offensive lineman Ethan Crowe (54) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (5) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers fumbles as he is hit by LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. LSU recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Utah defensive tackle Junior Tafuna (58) reacts after a forced fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. runs the ball against UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Seattle. Washington won 31-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau celebrates after tackling Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love during first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) sacks Bowling Green quarterback Connor Bazelak (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) sets up for a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
National team defensive lineman David Walker of Central Arkansas (33) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) in action during an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Oct. 19 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Kentucky 48-20. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) fends off Indiana defensive lineman CJ West (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) sets up for a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss, 6-3, 293
Nolen is a little bit undersized at 293 pounds but makes up for it in quickness and playmaking ability from the interior. Nolen anchored a record-breaking defensive line for the Rebels in terms of total sacks and was ultra productive with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He's a penetrating three-technique tackle in the NFL.
3. Derrick Harmon, Oregon, 6-5, 310
Harmon is an athletic big man with some position versatility being able to play up and down both odd and even fronts. The Detroit native was very disruptive in both the pass game and as a run defender, recording 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks against Big 10 offensive line competition.
4. Kenneth Grant, Michigan, 6-3, 342
Grant and Graham formed one of the most formidable interior duos in college football this past season. Grant is a massive interior nose tackle prospect at 340-plus pounds. Watching him, he's got quicker feet than one would expect from a player his size and he had some sack production at Michigan (6.5 sacks last two seasons combined).
5. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State, 6-3, 327
The thing that jumps out watching Williams is the production. He's a super nimble defender for his size and is involved in a lot of plays throughout the course of a game. He's recorded 99 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks the last two seasons combined. Williams graded positively on 27.1 percent of run plays last season, per PFF, a top five rate in the nation.
Combine sleeper to watch: Deone Walker, Kentucky, 6-7, 340
The Detroit native has rare size and athletic traits. Because of his height, his pad level will always be a big focus for him. Teams will have to figure out why there was a big discrepancy in production when he had 55 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2023 vs. 37 tackles, five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks this past season.
Lions' need at the position: High
As mentioned above, McNeill and Reader are back, but will McNeill be ready to go Week 1? When healthy, he's a Pro Bowl caliber player and one of the best defensive tackles in football. He and Reader really complemented each other when on the field together.
Levi Onwuzurike took a big step forward in his fourth season, setting career marks in games played (16) and quarterback hits (13). He is headed toward free agency as an unrestricted free agent.
This is going to be a make-or-break season for third-year defensive tackle Brodric Martin, who hasn't been able to carve out a consistent role his first two seasons in the league.
Detroit expects Mekhi Wingo to take a big step in Year 2. Last year's sixth-round pick carved out a reserve role before his season was cut short by a knee injury. He could be a nice rotational player next season.
The need for depth and rotational talent behind McNeill and Reader is real and it's a position the Lions are likely to bolster both through free agency and the draft.
Key stat: Detroit generated the fourth most total quarterback pressures from a team's interior defensive line group during the 2024 season with 132 behind Denver (182), Seattle (139) and Philadelphia (137).
