The defensive line is one of the strongest position groups in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Shrine Bowl has attracted several high-profile prospects to AT&T Stadium for the 2025 all-star game. Here are the top defensive line prospects on the 2025 Shrine Bowl roster.
Top DLs to Watch in the 2025 Shrine Bowl
5) CJ West, Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers defensive tackle CJ West has the opportunity to showcase his strength and speed at the 2025 Shrine Bowl. Projecting best as a nose tackle in the NFL, the 6’2”, 315-pound defender has polished hand accuracy and a natural ability to shed blocks.
A coherent leverage creator on passing down and the natural frame to plug gaps, West can be a rotational defensive lineman in the NFL, where he can thrive in the middle of the field.
4) Jordan Phillips, Maryland
At 6’3” and 320 pounds, Jordan Phillips is an athletically gifted prospect but has never put it together in the college ranks. The nose tackle registered zero sacks with the Maryland Terrapins and only played just over 1,000 snaps. Nevertheless, Phillips was granted special dispensation to declare early for the 2025 NFL Draft.
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That speaks to the exceptional athlete Phillips is. A Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List member, the Terrapins DT has explosive movement, strong hands, and flashed skill moves.
If Phillips can start converting his potential into tangible development, he could be selected much earlier than many expect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
3) Elijah Roberts, SMU
Elijah Roberts will likely be a late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but NFL teams will love his monstrous motor and attitude to the game. The SMU Mustangs DT is an industrious worker who is capable and willing to do the dirty work.
More: Check out our latest 2025 Mock Draft
A physical disruptor, Roberts showcases the right mentality and upside to be selected. However, the Mustangs defender is still extremely raw and doesn’t consistently produce enough to challenge early rounds.
2) Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
Nazir Stackhouse projects as a pure nose tackle in the NFL, where he will be able to display his ability to eat up gaps to stop the run. The Georgia Bulldogs DT thrives against the run, clearing out space for rushers and using his disruptive people-moving ability.
While Stackhouse does have light footwork and refined movement, he lacks an edge as a pass rusher, which may limit his ceiling. However, the Georgia native does the heavy work, which rarely shows up in stats packages, and his intelligence and strength project well to the next level.
1) Kenneth Grant, Michigan
If sudden quickness and formidable strength are what you are after, then Kenneth Grant has them in abundance. The Michigan Wolverine could be a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft due to his untapped potential and ascending development arch.
At 6’3” and 340 pounds, the Michigan DT has a knack for showing up in critical moments and displays an impressive ability to gain leverage with his natural athleticism as a pass rusher and strong anchor to clog gaps in the run game.
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