POSITION PREVIEW DEFENSIVE LINE

A look at some of the top prospects in this year’s draft:

Will Anderson Jr., Alabama. Projected round: 1.

Anderson’s tape is so loaded with jaw-dropping plays, it’s darned near impossible to find a weakness in his game. The 6-3, 253-pounder was a jack-of-all-trades stud for Nick Saban, and he would line up everywhere. It wasn’t always easy to spot him at the snap, but when the whistle blew, he’d usually be found on top of the ball carrier . . . Projects as an edge rusher in the NFL . . . Ridiculously quick first step whether he is pass rushing or run stuffing . . . Possesses elite instincts . . . Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time unanimous All-American . . . Fun fact: One of just seven players to be elected a two-time captain for Saban.

Lukas Van Ness, Iowa. Projected round: 1.

One of the highest-revving engines of any player, regardless of position, in this class. The 6-5, 272-pounder has elite edge-rusher traits — quick first step, heavy arms — but his ability to get skinny and shoot gaps could allow him to dip inside and be disruptive as well . . . Had 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss in 27 games for Kirk Ferentz . . . His aggressive nature will lead to some missed tackles, but pro coaches will instill greater discipline in this area . . . Fun fact: Hockey was his first love, and he earned three varsity letters as a defenseman at Barrington (Ill.) High, where he described himself as a “big hitter.”

Jalen Carter, Georgia. Projected round: 1.

A versatile lineman who projects as a destructive interior force at the NFL level, Carter has a tantalizing combination of size (6-3, 314), strength, and speed . . . Consistently stacks and sheds his initial block and finds the ball . . . Was slowed by several injuries in college but was never slowed by an opponent ... Was arrested for reckless driving for his role in a fatal crash involving teammate Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy, both of whom were in a different car. He pleaded no contest and was placed on probation. He will need to prove he has learned from the incident . . . Fun fact: He had one catch for one touchdown during his Bulldog career.

Bryan Bresee, Clemson. Projected round: 1.

Bresee played at a torrid pace in the middle of the Tiger defense, with 15 tackles for loss and 9 sacks in 26 games . . . Has enviable size (6-5, 298) and likely will gain more . . . Suffered multiple knee injuries, including a torn ACL, that cut into his playing time . . . He moves well across the front and is a violent hitter ... Fun fact: He was the top recruit of the 2020 high school class, just ahead of Alabama QB Bryce Young. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech. Projected round: 1.

Another talented edge rusher, the 6-5, 271-pound Wilson possesses a nifty initial burst, Popeye arms, and dragon’s wingspan . . . Had 7 sacks and 14 TFLs in 2022, despite missing the final three games with a foot ailment that also kept him out of the Senior Bowl and Combine . . . Fun fact: Was born in that football hotbed of Alaska before moving to Texas as a youth.

Best of the rest: Nolan Smith, Georgia; Myles Murphy, Clemson; Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame; Calijah Kancey, Pitt; Siaki Ika, Baylor.