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Defensive Line

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Giants seek DL depth as Slayton sidelined by core-muscle surgery
sports26 days ago

Giants seek DL depth as Slayton sidelined by core-muscle surgery

The New York Giants placed wide receiver Darius Slayton on the sidelines after core-muscle surgery, prompting the team to add another defensive tackle while the defense looks for more depth as Calais Campbell returns to the Ravens. The report also covers ongoing 2026 free-agent and draft chatter, including UDFA signings and analysis of Giants picks (e.g., Colton Hood, Malachi Fields, J.C. Davis, Francis Mauigoa). Additional notes include rookie minicamp May 8–10 and upcoming OTA dates, plus broader league mentions like Odell Beckham Jr. rumors. Overall, the Giants are rebuilding DL depth and evaluating linemen for 2026 while tracking draft and UDFA developments.

Ravens Bring Back Calais Campbell on a One-Year DL Return
sports26 days ago

Ravens Bring Back Calais Campbell on a One-Year DL Return

Calais Campbell signed a one-year deal reportedly worth about $5.5 million to return to the Baltimore Ravens for his 19th NFL season, reuniting with the team after 2020–2022. The 40-year-old veteran, who has 960 tackles and 117 sacks in 278 games, will bolster Baltimore’s interior DL as it copes with injuries to Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington.

Giants fortify front with Leki Fotu signing
new-york-giants-news27 days ago

Giants fortify front with Leki Fotu signing

The New York Giants signed veteran defensive tackle Leki Fotu to a one-year contract, adding him to the defensive line alongside Shelby Harris. Fotu is a 6-5, 317-pound 27-year-old with 66 career games and 26 starts, known as a run defender but not a true nose tackle. The Giants note that neither Fotu nor Harris is a nose tackle, have drafted a nose tackle in Bobby Jamison-Travis, and continue to pursue veteran nose tackle options such as D.J. Reader.

Chiefs Post-Draft Mailbag: Evaluating the 2026 Plan, Fits and Depth
sports27 days ago

Chiefs Post-Draft Mailbag: Evaluating the 2026 Plan, Fits and Depth

Arrowhead Pride’s post-draft mailbag analyzes the Chiefs’ 2026 class and asks how the mix will fit: Mason Thomas could redefine the edge rotation under Spagnuolo, Peter Woods strengthens interior rush, but DT depth behind Tonga remains a question; on the back end, Mansoor Delane vs. Caleb Downs shapes the secondary with Alohi Gilman added; WR strategy hinges on internal development and potential veteran additions; and replacement for Leo Chenal is eyed in Jeffrey Bassa, Cooper McDonald, and possibly a veteran SAM, emphasizing versatile, matchup-driven roles over traditional starters.

Poles’ DL Dilemma: Why the Bears Passed Early on Defensive-Line Talent
sports28 days ago

Poles’ DL Dilemma: Why the Bears Passed Early on Defensive-Line Talent

Five offseasons into his tenure, Bears GM Ryan Poles has never used a first-round pick on a defensive lineman, prompting debate about neglecting the DL. An analysis restricted to the first two rounds shows near-pick DL options were limited or impractical, e.g., in 2024 Odunze at #9 was traded for a QB weapon despite DL alternatives like Latu, Murphy, and Verse showing productive pass-rush strides afterward. The Bears have struggled to generate pressure, but Poles capped gains with the Montez Sweat trade and blended in veteran pieces, even as some signings underwhelmed. The piece argues Poles bears some responsibility for the DL underperformance but attributes much to talent availability, cap realities, and rebuilding timing, concluding he isn’t solely guilty of neglecting the position.

Broncos add run-stopping depth with 2026 pick Tyler Onyedim
sports1 month ago

Broncos add run-stopping depth with 2026 pick Tyler Onyedim

Denver used a late-second-to-third-round swap to draft Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim, reinforcing the Broncos' emphasis on trench play. The 6’3”, 292-pound lineman brings length, run-stopping versatility, and experience at multiple DL spots, but his pass-rush production and consistency need development, so he’ll compete with Sai’vion Jones for a developmental role in Denver’s defensive rotation.

Broncos Trade Back, Land DL Tyler Onyedim at No. 66
sports1 month ago

Broncos Trade Back, Land DL Tyler Onyedim at No. 66

Denver traded back into the second round to select Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim (6-foot-3.5, 292 pounds), an ascending interior defender who had 48 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 8.5 TFL in 2025. He offers size, length and scheme versatility to the Broncos, but run-defense technique and hand consistency will need coaching to maximize his NFL potential.

Packers double down on DT and CB depth in 2026 seven-round mock
sports1 month ago

Packers double down on DT and CB depth in 2026 seven-round mock

In this one-and-only 2026 Packers mock, the author uses the NFL Mock Draft Database to target cornerback and interior defensive line depth, selecting Christen Miller (DT, Georgia) at 52, Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State) at 84, De’Zhaun Stribling (WR, Ole Miss) at 120, Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M) at 156, Billy Schrauth (OL, Notre Dame) at 160, Kaelon Black (RB, Indiana) at 201, Jordan Van den Berg (DT, Georgia Tech) at 229, George Gumbs Jr. (EDGE, Florida) at 236, Haynes King (QB, Georgia Tech) at 249, and Fernando Carmona (OL, Arkansas) at 255, with two late trades in Round 5 to add picks. The picks align with Packers Top-30 visits and emphasize added depth at CB and interior DL.

Carr Shines as Michigan's Spring Game Highlights a Strong Defensive Effort
sports1 month ago

Carr Shines as Michigan's Spring Game Highlights a Strong Defensive Effort

Michigan’s spring game ended 7-6 as the Maize squad defeated the Blue; Tommy Carr impressed at quarterback, Jordan Marshall flashed burst on limited carries, Bryce Underwood struggled in his brief action, and the defense—especially the defensive line—looked solid for fall, while receivers failed to establish a clear go-to target.

Jets eye pass-rush upgrade in the 2026 NFL Draft
sports1 month ago

Jets eye pass-rush upgrade in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Jets added T’Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata this offseason but could still pursue an athletic pass-rushing defensive lineman in the 2026 draft. Florida’s Caleb Banks is a potential option, though foot injuries could push him to Day 2; the second round (No. 33) is seen as a sweet spot for defensive tackles, and the team may also seek depth in the later rounds.

Chiefs’ Day 1 playbook: three up-the-draft moves to grab their guy in 2026
sports2 months ago

Chiefs’ Day 1 playbook: three up-the-draft moves to grab their guy in 2026

KC could aggressively reshuffle the first round in 2026 with three Day 1 up-the-draft options: (1) trade No. 9 and 74 to Washington for No. 7 to target an edge rusher such as Rueben Bain, David Bailey, or Arvell Reese; (2) move up to No. 6 by sending No. 9, 74, and 148 to Cleveland if Washington doesn’t trade out, to secure a top pass rusher or receiver; (3) swap No. 29 and 74 with Dallas for No. 20 to leap ahead for a defensive lineman like Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, Keldric Faulk, or Akheem Mesidor, or even a falling receiver such as Jordan Tyson. With nine picks in 2026, Veach has shown he’ll aggressively chase his guy.

OSU taps NFL pass-rush guru and taekwondo coach to lead defensive line
college-football2 months ago

OSU taps NFL pass-rush guru and taekwondo coach to lead defensive line

Ohio State hired Joe Kim, a veteran NFL pass-rush consultant and renowned taekwondo instructor, to coach the defensive line. Kim spent last season at Illinois and has worked with 11 NFL teams, including the Patriots and Browns, and will help OSU develop its pass rush under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, joining the Buckeyes after Illinois’ Robby Discher; he’s credited with producing top pass rushers and was praised by Nick Saban as the 'pass-rush guru'.