The Kansas City Chiefs need to add depth along their defensive line as several contributors prepare to enter free agency after the 2024 season. Selecting a run-stuffing nose tackle in the 2025 NFL draft would free up Chris Jones to focus on rushing the passer and fill a position of need.
Cincinnati Bearcats lineman Dontay Corleone is one of the shortest nose tackles in the 2025 class, but he’s a ball of muscle and power. According to The Athletics’ Bruce Feldman, Corleone benches 485 lbs., squats 605 lbs., and deadlifts 700 lbs. He projects as a two-down lineman who focuses on anchoring at the point of attack to clog run lanes.
Corleone’s naturally low pad level, thick frame, and wide base make him difficult to displace. Single blockers can’t shake his foundation. Double teams occasionally move Corleone off the line, but he wins his share of those battles.
Corleone dominates when isolated against centers. He drives excellent power through his precise hands to uproot linemen and reset the line of scrimmage. Corleone stuns centers with his powerful punches and arm extensions. Despite lacking ideal arm length, Corleone possesses the strength to discard blockers at will in the run game.
There might not be a more underrated 2025 NFL Draft defensive lineman than Cincinnati star Dontay Corleone (#2)… Sturdily built at 6-1 and 320 pounds, Corleone is a ball of chaos and I love every second of it.
Some team is going to get tremendous value with Corleone. pic.twitter.com/FBadfnEIon
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) October 31, 2024
Corleone moves with surprising burst for his size but looks a little slower in 2024 compared to previous years. This might be due to an issue with blood clots shortening his offseason prep period. His agility and speed will improve if he shaves some bad weight off his frame.
Corleone primarily serves as a run-stopping force on the interior, but he disrupts the passing game by driving centers into the pocket and forcing the quarterback to roll out.
The Bearcats host the TCU Horned Frogs in their final game of the season on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CST.
