Zane Durant

NFL Draft Profile: Zane Durant

Position: Defensive Line (3-Tech/DI) | School: Penn State | Class: Senior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 287 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher

College Career Summary

Zane Durant has been a cornerstone of the Penn State interior defensive line since his true freshman season in 2022. Known for his elite "twitch" and wrestling-style leverage, Durant

transitioned from a high-profile recruit out of Florida into a preseason First-Team All-American by 2025. After a productive 2024 where he led all FBS interior linemen in tackles for loss/no gain (14), he elected to return for his senior season. His 2025 campaign was defined by high-volume disruption and leadership, eventually opting out of the Pinstripe Bowl to focus on his NFL future as a top-200 prospect.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 42

• Total Tackles: 89 (25 in 2025)

• Tackles for Loss (TFL): 28.5 (11.0 in 2024; 4.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 10.0 (4.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 1 (2025 vs. Nevada)

• Pass Breakups: 3

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Nevada	1 Tackle, 1 INT	A-	Showed rare ball skills for a DT with an interception.
Villanova	1 Tackle	B	Solid in limited snaps during a blowout win.
No. 5 Oregon	4 Tackles	B+	High-energy performance against a top-tier O-Line.
@ UCLA	4 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	A-	Explosive backfield penetration; sack came at a crucial moment.
Northwestern	8 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	A+	Career-high tackles; completely dominated the interior gaps.
@ Iowa	0 Tackles	C+	Neutralized by Iowa’s heavy double-team run scheme.
@ No. 3 Ohio St.	2 Tackles	B-	Fought hard but struggled to disengage from elite guards.
No. 1 Indiana	3 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	B+	Critical sack in a tight loss; captain's effort on display.
@ Michigan St.	0 Tackles	C	Quiet statistical night; effectively blocked out of the play.
Nebraska	2 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	A-	Back to form with a sack; dictated the line of scrimmage.
@ Rutgers	0 Tackles	C+	Active in pursuit but unable to finish plays on the stat sheet.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite First Step: Durant possesses arguably the best "get-off" in the 2026 interior class. His Acceleration allows him to penetrate gaps before guards can establish a base.

• Leverage & Power: Standing at 6'1", he is naturally the "low man." He leverages his reported 425 lb bench press into a powerful bull-rush that surprises larger blockers.

• Pursuit & Motor: Scores exceptionally high on High Motor. He frequently chases down plays 10–15 yards downfield, displaying rare speed for a defensive tackle.

• Versatility: While best at 3-tech, his wrestling background and core strength allow him to hold his own at 1-tech when necessary.

Weaknesses

• Physical Tools (Size): He is "undersized" by NFL standards at 287 lbs. There are concerns about whether he can withstand the "Durability" tax of a full NFL season against 330 lb guards.

• Length: Short arms can make it difficult for him to "stack and shed" if an offensive lineman gets into his chest first.

• Pass Rush Repertoire: While explosive, his "tool bag" is still growing. He relies heavily on burst and power; he needs to refine his hand-fighting to win when the initial move is stalled.

Scheme Fit: Ideal as a 3-Technique in a 4-3 "One-Gap" system (e.g., Indianapolis Colts or San Francisco 49ers style).

NFL Comparison: Ed Oliver (Bills) / Calijah Kancey (Buccaneers)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 14/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 20/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 87/100

Zane Durant is a specialized weapon. If you draft him to be a two-gap nose tackle, he will struggle. If you draft him to "see ball, get ball," he has All-Pro potential. His athleticism is in the top 1% of the position, and his leadership as a Penn State captain adds significant value. While his weight is a concern for some, the NFL's shift toward smaller, faster interior rushers works in his favor.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (High Ceiling)