2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Cincinnati’s Dontay Corleone

Defensive Interior Lineman Dontay Corleone was expected by many to enter the 2025 NFL draft but decided to stay in Cincinnati for his final season. As a 2026 prospect, Corleone projects as one of the best interior defensive linemen available. His non-stop motor, size, and power all contribute to his rising draft stock. The 2026 NCAA season will eventually determine if Corleone stays as a second-day pick or vaults him into first-day status. 

After redshirting in his freshman year for Cincinnati, Corleone emerged as a force in 2022, when he was named a consensus Freshman All-American and received First-Team All-AAC honors. In 2023, the numbers and expectations grew for “the Godfather”, and he earned All-Big 12 recognition in both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. 

Strengths 

Corleone is a bully on the field. He combines his physical strength and athleticism to dominate interior line play. He can be set at the nose position or play up and down the defensive line. Expectations are that he plays defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense at the next level, but with his strength, he can also play nose guard in a 3-4 set. 

Corleone squats over 600 lbs. and combines power with rare “quicks” for a man his size. He will impress in next year’s NFL Combine in the shuttle drills and with his movement in open space. But don’t discount his football IQ. He possesses advanced hand technique, ready for the pro-level, and with his strength and leverage, will be a true disruptor on run plays. Opposing teams will struggle to keep him from filling gaps and eating up several blockers.  

Weaknesses

Some scouts question Corleone’s ability to be effective in passing situations. For some, the criticism comes by questioning his stamina. But in truth, this might be incorrect. Corleone plays most downs for Cincinnati, and with that kind of workload, it’s easy to see why he may not demonstrate ca consistent chase-down ability. Others question some of his techniques (a high pad level on some plays, for example), but these skills can be taught, especially to a guy with the diligence and IQ of Corleone. 

Conclusion

Currently, most scouts have Corleone pegged as a second-day prospect with upside. But with a big final season in Cincinnati, Corleone may creep into the later stages of round one next April. He’s one of the NCAA’s top run defenders, can play in multiple styles of defense, and is insanely athletic for a player of his size. He’s got upside that many teams look for, so don’t be surprised to see the Godfather make his way into day-one activities. He may just make some team an offer they can’t refuse.