FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Cincinnati defensive lineman Dontay Corleone.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dontay Corleone
Dontay Corleone (DL – Cincinnati)
6-foot-1 | 335 Pounds
Background
Dontay Corleone is a Cincinnati native who committed to the Bearcats as a three-star recruit, redshirting in 2021 before rotating in heavily the following year (328 snaps) and finishing with an impressive 44-5.5-3.0 line. Has been starting ever since, with 39-6.5-3.0 in 2023, 26-5.0-3.5 in 2024 and 13 tackles this past year.
Positives
Very thickly-built three-year starter and four-year contributor. Typically plays the zero technique on the team’s three-man base fronts, but the team will move Corleone around a bit, including to the end of three-man lines. Offers a lower center of gravity than some of his peers in the class. Fires out low and with stable power, with a decisive style of play; not your typical read-and-react type of player.
Corleone has enjoyed a bit more success as a pass-rusher than usual, at least before this season. Holds the point of attack effectively when run at, including against double-teams; bends his knees well and has a powerful anchor. There’s good power in his hands/upper body to control blockers when two-gapping.
Flows better laterally than you’d think for a player of his size. Above-average first-step suddenness for his size and impressive contact balance allow Corleone to threaten gaps a little bit on passing downs. As a bull-rusher, does a good job of getting his feet churning after contact to walk back blockers and reset the line of scrimmage. Has adequate agility/lateral quickness to run games. Shows adequate closing burst to convert the occasional pressure into a sack.
Negatives
Corleone has been in school for five years, so he’s a bit older than some of his peers. Was a bit limited this past season, playing in just 10 games and taking a hit in production; also played at a higher weight than usual. Would like to see Corleone play with a little bit more patience.
The Cincinnati defensive lineman can be quick to commit, which can cause him to work himself out of some snaps. Not the quickest block-shedder. Doesn’t have a ton of variety to his approach as a pass-rusher; relies heavily on first-step quickness to threaten gaps. If his bull-rush move is unsuccessful, he can often be found idling near the line of scrimmage when he doesn’t win when the ball is snapped.
Summary
A powerful, thickly-built nose tackle prospect who was receiving some first- or second-round consideration a couple of years ago, but who wasn’t quite able to maintain his level of play this past year, as he dealt with injuries and his weight crept up a bit.
However, Corleone’s combination of impressive first-step quickness, powerful hands and the anchor to take on double-teams should make him appealing as an early-down option, most likely in an odd front. Still looks like there’s a chance he ends up coming off the board within the first 100 picks or so.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
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