Will Echoles — 2027 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Echoles exploded onto the scene for Ole Miss a year ago, generating 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in a breakout sophomore campaign. If he can match that production in 2026, he could join former teammate Walter Nolen as a first-round selection. Like Nolen, Echoles is a classic 3-technique defensive tackle whose quickness and power make him a tough assignment for would-be blockers.

With 11.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore, Echols has the kind of wrecking ball production teams in a win-now place can rely on for an immediate boost. He's a steady contributor against the run and as a pass rusher.

Echoles is a disruptive interior bulldozer who plays with a low center of gravity and also has surprising twitch that often finds him in the backfield making plays on the ball.

Echoles took a major leap last season, going from a half-sack in 2024 to five sacks in 2025 and nine tackles as a freshman to 68 as a sophomore. His pass-rush disruption comes and goes in spurts, but he creates trouble for blockers because of his combination of quickness and strength. Echoles needs to work on his ability to take on double teams but could be attractive for the Chargers, as Dalvin Tomlinson is 32 years old and on an expiring contract.

A smooth-moving big man at 6-3, 315, Echoles frequently made trips to the backfield last season. He is just scratching the surface of his ability.

The Seahawks have several expiring contracts on the defensive line to address. Echoles led all Power Four interior defensive linemen in pressures and defensive stops last season, despite being initially recruited as an offensive lineman.