2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Skyler Gill-Howard, DL, Texas Tech
· Yahoo Sports
It is never too early to evaluate interior defensive line depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently valued trench versatility, and Todd Bowles’ defense thrives when interior defenders can generate pressure without sacrificing run integrity. Identifying rotational disruptors who can impact sub-package situations remains a critical part of defensive roster construction.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Texas Tech interior defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard.
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Information
- School: Texas Tech
- Conference: Big 12
- Position: Interior Defensive Line
- Height Weight: 6-1, 290 pounds
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Background
Gill-Howard took a unique path to national recognition. He began his collegiate career at Division II Upper Iowa before transferring to Northern Illinois, where he developed into one of the most productive interior defenders in the MAC. After a breakout junior season in 2024, he transferred to Texas Tech and immediately made an impact.
In 2024 at Northern Illinois, he recorded 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks while earning All-MAC honors and grading among the top interior defensive linemen nationally. He served as a team captain and was recognized as the Huskies’ Burlsworth Trophy nominee, awarded to the nation’s top player who began his career as a walk-on.
In 2025, Gill-Howard started six games for Texas Tech before suffering an ankle injury against Kansas that required surgery. He was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, though postseason availability remained possible depending on team advancement. Prior to the injury, he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown.
Notable Stats
- 165 total snaps
- 12 total pressures
- 2.5 tackles for loss
- 0.5 sacks
- 88.6 overall defensive grade
Gill-Howard’s 2024 season stands out as his most complete evaluation year, combining strong run defense with interior pass rush production.
Skills
- High-motor interior presence
- Explosive first step for his size
- Scheme-specific interior penetrator
- Splits gaps with quickness
- Wrestling background aids in leverage
- Strong short-area pursuit
- Sub-package pass rush upside
At 6-1 and 290 pounds, Gill-Howard is undersized compared to traditional nose tackles but compensates with leverage and effort. His wrestling background shows in his balance and ability to play low, allowing him to win against taller interior linemen.
He profiles best as a penetrating 3-technique or interior sub-package rusher rather than a true two-gap anchor. His 29 pressures in 2024 reflect his ability to create interior disruption, particularly when attacking single gaps rather than absorbing double teams.
Gill-Howard’s motor consistently shows up on extended plays. He pursues laterally and remains active in collapsing the pocket, traits that translate well to rotational roles at the next level.
Player Summary
Skyler Gill-Howard projects as a Round 4 to Round 5 selection with clear value as a high-motor rotational 3-technique. His 2024 production demonstrates legitimate interior disruption ability, but his size and recent ankle injury will factor into team evaluations.
In Tampa Bay, Gill-Howard would profile as a scheme-specific interior penetrator in Todd Bowles’ front. He could carve out a role as a sub-package disruptor while developing into a dependable rotational piece capable of generating pressure from the interior.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs 2026 Draft Scouting Report: Skyler Gill-Howard, DL, Texas Tech