Abdelrahman
The defensive linemen’s segment at the NFL Scouting Combine has concluded. While several prominent athletes opted out of participation, others, such as Derrick Harmon, seized the opportunity to showcase their skills.
Below, we take a closer look at the standout performers and those who fell short during Thursday’s drills in Indianapolis, starting with the measurements of the prospects featured in the CBS Sports’ top 50 consensus rankings.
Note: Mason Graham participated in only the bench press, while Walter Nolen opted not to take part in any drills. Kenneth Grant intended to compete, but medical assessments indicated a hamstring injury that prevented his participation.
Evaluating the Top Defensive Linemen
Derrick Harmon, Oregon: A
Thursday served as a platform for Harmon to distinguish himself as one of this draft class’s premier interior defenders, especially since many of his competitors chose to sit out. He consistently excelled during the drills and was among the larger participants at his position.
Omar Norman-Lott, Tennessee: B+
Norman-Lott experienced some slippage on the playing surface of Lucas Oil Stadium, but he displayed impressive agility during the pass rush drills that required quick changes of direction.
Deone Walker, Kentucky: B
Standing at 6-foot-7, Walker faces challenges with leverage but performed commendably in drills involving clubbing, spinning, and flattening out to approach the quarterback. He exhibited swift feet during the four-bag drill.
Darius Alexander, Toledo: B+
Alexander is following a path similar to that of Karl Brooks from Bowling Green a few years back. Brooks initially played at the edge for the Falcons but transitioned to a more interior role at the next level. Alexander has continued to impress throughout the pre-draft evaluations.
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State: A-
Williams did not engage in athletic testing but excelled during the on-field activities on Thursday. He has consistently been recognized as a strong performer, particularly in run defense.
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech: B
Peebles demonstrated effective footwork and a low center of gravity, which he leveraged well during the drills, showcasing agility and coordination as he maneuvered around the training equipment.
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Other Notable Performers
- Ranking: No. 76 overall (No. 15)
Joshua Farmer‘s film shows a player with excellent waist bend and explosive movements. These attributes were evident on the field as he maintained proper pad level and executed smooth hip transitions during drills.
JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
- Ranking: No. 90 overall (No. 18)
Pegues is a distinctive prospect having transitioned from tight end to defensive line in 2021 at Auburn. During the drills, he also showcased his versatility by working out as a fullback. Pegues has a low center of gravity, maintaining a tight alignment while executing the hoop drill.
Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
- Ranking: No. 293 overall (No. 40)
Although Ty Hamilton’s teammate, Tyleik Williams, garners significant attention in CBSSports.com rankings, Hamilton deserves recognition for his own strengths. He displayed impressive flexibility and quickness during nearly every drill.
Additional Notable Participants
- Ranking: No. 288 overall (No. 38)
Biggers faces challenges due to his naturally high waist, making it difficult to execute bend and dip drills. He appeared somewhat rigid during transitions.
Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
- Ranking: No. 179 (No. 25)
Although Hemingway executed drills smoothly, he faced difficulties with his footing throughout the afternoon. The change in turf at Lucas Oil Stadium affected several participants’ performance.
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Stay tuned to CBSSports.com for comprehensive draft coverage, including weekly updates on mock drafts and insights on eligible prospects.
For live updates from the events, check out Thursday’s live blog.
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