Zane Durant

The Player

Durant is an undersized, high-energy 3-technique with elite burst and quickness but limited ceiling as a true impact pass rusher. A three-year starter, he was consistently productive (21 TFL, nine sacks) and played primarily as a penetrating interior defender.

His game is built on explosiveness. He fires off the ball with outstanding get-off, pairs it with quick, active hands, and plays with excellent leverage, toughness, and nonstop motor. He’s especially effective on twists and stunts, where his suddenness, redirect ability, and closing burst allow him to create disruption.

As a pass rusher, his effectiveness has a clear cap. His win rates were steady but modest throughout his career, placing him more in the tier of rotational disruptors than true difference makers. He lacks the length and power to consistently win one-on-one against NFL-caliber interior linemen.

Against the run, he shows good initial pop and leverage, often knocking blockers back on contact and working to disengage quickly. But his short arms and lack of mass show up against stronger competition, where he can be controlled or engulfed.

The Draft

Durant’s tape is solid (his 2024 tape was better than 2025’s), but it doesn’t match up with the exceptional traits that were on display at the combine. A team with a very clear vision for his usage and development could take him as early as Round 3. The floor here is Round 4. 

The Projection

Durant projects as a high-motor situational interior penetrator who can provide energy and disruption—particularly in movement-based fronts—but may struggle to consistently win or hold up against top-tier NFL linemen. His lack of length and girth limits his ceiling, but he’s a disruptive 3-technique with legitimate pass rush upside; he could play 25-35 snaps per game early in his career. Milton Williams (Patriots) is 2 inches taller but has similar bulk and shorter arm length without the elite workout numbers. He’s a high-end comp for Durant.