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5 DL prospects fans should watch at the 2026 NFL combine
For NFL Draft fans, there is nothing quite like the NFL combine. The testing is not much in terms of action, but regardless, it gets you on the edge of your seat for the first time since the Super Bowl. On Thursday, we get to see two position groups on the field with actual testing in the defensive line and linebackers. Both are positions that the Bucs could use some help at this draft cycle, so we wanted to give you some players to watch today when testing begins at 3:00 p.m. EST on NFL Network. In this piece, we will focus specifically on defensive linemen. It may not be the biggest need for the Bucs, but they have acknowledged they have depth issues across the board. The defensive line lost Calijah Kancey in 2025, and the group's production fell on Vita Vea. While he can be a monster for the defense, he needs some help, and the draft can provide that. With that in mind, here are five players we are looking forward to seeing test at the NFL combine. Vincent Anthony, DukeThe Duke edge rusher got my attention early on in the college football season in 2025. He demonstrated quick hands, fluid movement skills, and explosive off-the-ball, and all of that has me interested to see how well he tests today. He projects as a day-three pick, but he could see himself jump to the front of the line on that day, or perhaps a team falls in love with the traits and testing, and he sneaks into the backend of day two. Caleb Banks, FloridaAfter missing most of the season in 2025, his draft stock was hard to gauge. He reminded everyone what he was capable of when he dominated during practices at the Senior Bowl. From there, his draft stock has been filled with rocket fuel, and with a dominant performance today, he could cement himself in the first half of the first round. Banks is a fluid defensive lineman who uses a unique blend of strength and speed to win reps, and that is the perfect formula to make himself become a star at the combine. David Gusta, KentuckyDavid Gusta had a quiet year at Kentucky after transferring from Washington State last season. That being said, he remains an interesting defensive lineman option for a team. Gusta won't likely blow anyone's socks off with his numbers, but he has some athleticism in his game that may surprise folks. He is my ultimate buy-low player in this group who could give you massive returns in the right setting. Gracen Halton, OklahomaScouting ReportBucs Wire writer Mason Riney writes in Halton's report that, "Halton plays with noticeable aggression inside. At 6-2 and 292 pounds, he carries a compact build that allows him to maintain leverage against taller offensive linemen. He consistently works to stay square in run defense and does not concede ground easily when engaged one-on-one."With that bit in mind, Halton has a chance to be a fun player to watch test at the combine today. Lee Hunter, Texas TechScouting ReportBucs Wire writer Mason Riney writes in Hunter's report that, "At 330 pounds, he combines size with surprising movement ability and has been a consistent, high-snap contributor throughout his career."Hunter has become a household name this week among draft analysts and teams alike. He can come out of this as a first-round projected pick and someone that teams could get a big value in as a result. Testing will be big for him, but as Riney writes, he has the playstyle to make you believe he can do it. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL combine: 5 DL prospects fans should watch
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