One of the top defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL draft says he's met with the Lions and only the Lions, why he could be the steal of the draft for Detroit
Sep 6, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Dontay Corleone (2) stands on the field against the Bowling Green Falcons in the first half at Nippert Stadium. © Aaron Doster-Imagn Images The Lions have met with Cincinnati nose tackle Dontay Corleone, and he gives them a real chance at a big steal in the 2026 NFL Draft Well, here is an interesting one that you don’t always see. As everyone should know by now, the Detroit Lions are on the lookout for more interior defensive line help.
Pretty much every top-30 we know about is an interior guy. That doesn’t mean that’s all the Lions are looking for on their line, but it’s clear they want to get better all over the line. They also seem to be looking for a value deal there.
That’s likely why they talked to Florida’s Caleb Banks. Because he could fall out of the first round. Then there’s this guy: Cincinnati’s Dontay Corleone has met with the Lions, and apparently, only the Lions Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo spoke with Corleone on Thursday, and the giant nose tackle said that he’s met with just the Lions.
“I met with the Detroit Lions. I had a formal interview with the Lions at the NFL Combine. I've pretty much shut it down [physically].
I haven't done any private workouts or anything like that. I'm getting healthy. I think teams know and understand that.