Chiefs Draft: 8 defensive linemen to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine

In the 2025 NFL Draft, no positions are deeper in available talent than those on the defensive line. Both the defensive tackle and defensive end classes are good at the top — and are deep through the top 100 picks.

With the NFL Scouting Combine going on this week, here are eight defensive linemen — four defensive ends and four defensive tackles — for Kansas City Chiefs’ fans to watch during Thursday’s workouts.

DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

If you told me I could only watch one workout, I would pick Stewart. If you remember watching Travon Walker blow up the Combine with his 2022 workout, Stewart might prove to be an even more athletic version of such a player.

Listed at 6 feet 6 and 291 pounds, Stewart is massive. He has tree trunks for arms. It’ll be interesting to see where his measurements come in, but he’s one of the strongest, most compact athletes you’ll ever see in the NFL.

But it’s not just his size. Stewart is a genuine all-time athlete. His first step, speed and agility are all rarely seen at his size; he legitimately moves like he’s only 260 pounds. I expect him to come close to records for the broad and vertical jumps — especially relative to his size.

There are a lot of questions about Stewart’s projection — but after his Combine, I expect there will be top-5 buzz about him.

DE Jordan Burch, Oregon

While Burch has been underrated due to the depth of the class, I like his skill set. A tweener defensive lineman, he moves rather well for a guy who is 6 feet 6 and 290 pounds. He might not be super slippery, but he’s long and explosive — and can win from multiple spots. I think people will be surprised with how he performs at the Combine.

DE Landon Jackson, Arkansas

Jackson interests me because I’m a lot lower on him than most analysts. While I’ve seen some project him for late in the first round, I just don’t see that. A long-armed rusher with good motor and power, Jackson’s stiffness will be a major issue at the next level.

Since he’s not already an overly productive pass rusher, he needs a strong performance to be a first-round pick. I’m willing to be proven wrong, but his athletic testing will have much to do with whether he goes in the top 30 — or later on Day 2.

DE Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss

NFL defensive ends now need to be faster than ever so they can keep up with an increasing number of scrambling quarterbacks who make plays out of structure. The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive end Nolan Smith is a great example. While his smaller body type limits some of his pass-rushing ability, as a cog in a unit, his 4.3 speed helps the Eagles negate fast quarterbacks.

That’s the kind of player Umanmielen could be. He should test very well in the speed and jump tests. Like Smith, Umanmielen is a smaller pass rusher — but he has incredible quickness and the agility to slip blocks. Ole Miss often had him drop into coverage, where he was great while chasing from behind. I can’t wait to see how he tests.

DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon

After transferring from Michigan State, Harmon excelled with Oregon in 2024. A three-technique player who relies on his quickness to shoot gaps and get upfield, he has an electric first step and can make serious splash plays in the backfield. Based on how fast he played at Oregon, I’m excited to see how Harmon tests. He should have a strong Combine.

DT Deone Walker, Kentucky

At 6 feet 7 and close to 350 pounds, Walker is a hulking figure who towers over other players. His workout might have the greatest impact on draft boards.

But what makes Walker unique is that he moves like a dancer. His light feet allow him to slip blocks and get in the backfield. He can use his size to hold gaps against the run, but also has the speed to get tackles for loss.

There are plenty of plays where Walker’s pad level is poor — and he doesn’t always get off the ball with consistency. There are also questions about his motor, where the film shows some issues. Also unknown: is he a great athlete? How will he test? Walker’s interviews will also be important. Teams will have to do their homework on him, but if a team feels comfortable with these parts of their evaluation, it could get a game-changing talent. He’s only 20 years old.

DT Darius Alexander, Toledo

I haven’t yet watched much film on Alexander — but based on what I’ve seen, he profiles as a three-technique pass rusher. I’ve recently seen some first-round buzz about him, too. For Alexander to land in that range, he’ll have to show he’s a great athlete. His Combine testing will be important.

NT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Every year, I see a nose tackle with high-end athletic talent (and pass-rushing skill) that I love. In 2025, Grant is exactly that player. An elite run defender who can hold up multiple gaps, he also showed pass-rushing moves (and juice) in college.

As an athlete, he is slippery — and has the first step to beat blocks. He can get off the ball faster than most of his smaller counterparts on the defensive line. Based on what I have seen on film, he should crush the Combine — which will be a joy to me.