Who are the top defensive linemen Saints fans should know before next April?
The New Orleans Saints have had the luxury of having eight-time Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan on their defensive line for the past 15 seasons; however, his career is nearing its end. They still have Chase Young and Bryan Bresee, but must address the unit and find his successor or their next dominant defensive tackle. As a result, it would make sense to invest in the position early in the 2027 NFL Draft. If they do, here are five prospects they must consider.
Dylan Stewart- South Carolina
Dylan Stewart is the most explosive edge rusher in college football. He has an ELITE first step and lateral agility for someone his size, six-foot-five, 245 pounds. This ability lets him consistently embarrass linemen; it’s rare for them to have the speed to match him. Stewart has a high motor and has an excellent leg drive that makes him a threat even when he’s engaged with a blocker. He has some injury concerns, but he will likely be a top-10 pick if he has a healthy season.
Colin Simmons- Texas
It’s hard to find a flaw in Colin Simmons’ game. The junior is exceptional against both the pass and run game and is already a three-down threat. He has an absurd get-off and bursts off the line of scrimmage in an instant. This, paired with his superhuman strength, makes him a nightmare for opposing linemen to defend. Simmons would’ve been a top-10 pick last season if he had been eligible; now, expect him to dominate college football and be an impactful NFL player early in his career.
David Stone- Oklahoma
David Stone is the consensus top defensive tackle in a loaded group. He has a lightning-quick first step and plays with excellent leverage that allows him to bully offensive linemen, frequently pushing them back into the quarterback. Stone has violent hand usage that helps him easily stack and shed his blocker. The six-foot-three, 310-pound true junior has a clear path towards becoming a future NFL superstar and a top-10 selection if he puts together another impressive campaign.
A’Mauri Washington- Oregon
A’Mauri Washington has a case for being the best athlete in the nation. The six-foot-three, 330-pound monster pairs surprising speed with staggering power that makes him a mismatch against opposing linemen. He frequently penetrates the backfield and wins immediately after the snap. Additionally, he’s immovable against the run and has the potential to become a three-down lineman in the NFL. Washington could’ve declared for the draft last season, but waited and now has the chance to solidify his stock within the first round.
Damon Wilson- Miami
Damon Wilson is in line to be the next dynamic Miami edge rusher after spending the previous two seasons at Missouri. The six-foot-four, 250-pound senior is an explosive presence who frequently wins with his blazing first step and elite bend around the edge. Similarly, he’s a refined pass rusher with multiple pass rush moves and thrives at converting speed to power. Wilson must improve against the run in 2026, but he has the makings of a first-round prospect next April.
