2026 Free Agency and Draft: DL

[Knucklehead]

McDonald is my guy:

Nick Guarisco
@FantasyLawGuy
Jeremiah on Move the Sticks Pod: “I think DT Kayden McDonald has a chance. But he’s the only DT I think has a chance to go in the first round.”

Bucky Brooks argues all the DTs are mainly run stoppers, and that’s why we’re seeing reports on teams viewing Mesidor and Bain as 3-techs on pass downs.

IDLs who are strictly run stoppers can be found on Day 3 of any draft. There's no need to draft one in the first round.

[StickierBuns]

IDLs who are strictly run stoppers can be found on Day 3 of any draft. There's no need to draft one in the first round.

I think the point is some draft analysts think he's got more upside than that, I do as well. Played on a really talented Ohio State team. We'll see!

[purplefaithful]

I'm going to steal a line from someone here, not sure who but it resonated with me:

None of these IDL are cause to pop the champagne at 18...

I'd rather grab one at 49 if need be and draft that AJ Sr replacement after that

[StickierBuns]

I'm going to steal a line from someone here, not sure who but it resonated with me:

None of these IDL are cause to pop the champagne at 18...

I'd rather grab one at 49 if need be and draft that AJ Sr replacement after that

For me, not looking to take McDonald in round 1....but I think he's going to turn out to be a really good DT. I mentioned a few pages earlier in this thread that he might have some upside outside of run stopper and I think he's going to be a riser as we get to Draft day. Like early/mid round 2. 

Honestly, not sure we're popping champagne for anyone at #18: very solid/very good is probably the best we're going to get, which is fine with me. I'd love that.

[JustInTime]

[MaroonBells]

I think Cam was mostly in a 4-3, but I like the comparison. Can't remember who, but someone else made that comp a few weeks ago.

[JustInTime]

[MaroonBells]

There are roughly 30 IDLs who will be drafted next week. I can't find one I'd feel good about burning a top 18 pick on. Nor is there a single one who will be better than the guy we got for nothing from the Arlington Renegades.

[MaroonBells]

As we get closer, I'm getting more and more intrigued by Keldric Faulk. Again, he's most often listed as an edge so not a lot of Viking fans are talking about this kid. He also didn't have a lot of sacks at Auburn because they used him all over the line. I think that kind of versatility will appeal to Brian Flores. He's 6-6, his weight at the combine was 276, but he's played around 290. What is the Flores size profile for his 5t/3t/4i? A good clue would be the guy we drafted on day three last year, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. They are the exact same size. Faulk is only 20 years old. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/x0EgO9eVQI8?s...ZIYNJZ-R8f

[JustInTime]

As we get closer, I'm getting more and more intrigued by Keldric Faulk. Again, he's most often listed as an edge so not a lot of Viking fans are talking about this kid. He also didn't have a lot of sacks at Auburn because they used him all over the line. I think that kind of versatility will appeal to Brian Flores. He's 6-6, his weight at the combine was 276, but he's played around 290. What is the Flores size profile for his 5t/3t/4i? A good clue would be the guy we drafted on day three last year, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. They are the exact same size. Faulk is only 20 years old. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/x0EgO9eVQI8?s...ZIYNJZ-R8f

Dane just mocked him to the Dolphins at 11. I don’t see a consistent double digit sack guy, but a good run defender who can get the QB off his spot. Is that worth the 18?