Class of 2026 Spotlight: AJ Westfield
Patrick Harkness • August 3, 2026
DL
AJ Westfield
6-2/281
Cleveland, TN
A.J. Westfield is a versatile defensive lineman from the Class of 2026, playing for Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tennessee.
As a two-way player with experience on both sides of the line, Westfield has shown promise as a disruptive interior defender capable of lining up in multiple spots along the defensive front.
His multi-sport background, including basketball as a 6-2 power forward, enhances his athletic profile and contributes to his fluidity in space.
Westfield committed to Tulane early in his recruitment process and signed during the early period, positioning him as a key addition to the Green Wave’s defensive line class. He is described by evaluators as an “absolute monster” with high upside, particularly in generating backfield pressure.
Scouting report:
- Build:
- Strong, sturdy frame with good overall size for an interior lineman. Broad shoulders and a powerful lower body that supports explosive movements.
- Speed/Explosion:
- Demonstrates impressive quickness off the snap, with excellent footwork and burst.
- Versatility:
- Can line up anywhere on the defensive front, interior tackle, edge rusher, or 3-tech. His ability to “attack any of the five offensive linemen” (per Prep Redzone scout Shayne Pickering) makes him a scheme-flexible asset, ideal for modern defenses that rotate personnel.
- Quickness and Footwork:
- Exceptional first-step explosion allows him to burst off the edge or interior and penetrate gaps quickly. Excellent footwork enables him to adjust mid-play, shed blocks, and pursue quarterbacks or ball carriers effectively. Described as having “incredible quickness” that leads to consistent backfield pressure (SI).
- Athleticism and Motor:
- Basketball background translates to fluid movement in space, balance, and lateral agility. High motor, relentless in pursuit, generates pressure “at all times” (Prep Redzone). Strong hands and leverage help him win at the point of attack.
- Run Defense:
- Powerful lower body and technique make him stout against the run. His 40 TFL in a single season demonstrate gap integrity and the ability to stack and shed blockers.
- Pass Rush:
- Effective interior rusher with a developing arsenal of moves. Uses quickness to collapse pockets and has shown the ability to convert speed to power. Potential to be a consistent sack producer at the college level.
- Development Potential:
- On a “promising development arc” (Prep Redzone), with the frame to add weight and strength.
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Team Stats (Hawks at Pelicans) Final Score: 99-121 Rebounds: 36-49 Assists: 20-27 Blocks: 4-4 Steals: 11-15 Turnovers: 19-23 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: CJ McCollum, 14; Saddiq Bey, 25 Rebound Leaders: Onyeka Okongwu, 10; Karlo Matkovic, 10 Assist Leaders: Kingston Flemings, 6; Jeremiah Fears, 7 My Player of the Game: Saddiq Bey Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The Hawks average 142 points per game, but because of the Pelicans stifling defense, the Hawks didn't score even 100. * Saddiq Bey finished the game with 25 points, six rebounds, and four steals -- all around huge night for him . * Dejounte Murray did not play as he is recovering from the birth of his child, and Jordan Poole and Yves Missi are still on the injured list . * Jeremiah Fears needs to be the only starting PG going forward. * The Pelicans will play the Memphis Grizzles on Monday, and that team is 6-0 on the season. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
We’re nearing the mid way point of the season and with the Saints sitting at 2-5 an eye on the future is probably a good thing. So I took a crack at a 2027 NFL mock draft for the Saints to see what I could do to put the Saints in a better position for next season. Round 1 - Pick #10 Dylan Stewart - Edge - South Carolina Now I will admit this was a lucky pick based on how the simulator went but I also would not rule out the player for the Saints based on how they have played so far this season. Dylan Stewart is a prototypical edge prospect who has shown flashes of dominance at South Carolina ever since his freshman season. Stewart is considered by many as one of the elite blue chip talents in this upcoming draft class and the Saints would be ecstatic to draft a player of his caliber to take the defense back to a contending level. With all of his talent though Stewart will need an important background check after some on field concerns he had this season between punching a player and arguing with coaches. Round 2 - Pick #41 Kingston Lopa - Safety - Cal Kingston Lopa is a physical outlier for his position. Listed at 6 '5 and 210 pounds Lopa is a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses as he can line up in various spots and fill multiple roles as a defensive back. Lopa’s size allows him to mirror opposing tight ends and bigger slots in man coverage but also has the awareness to be a ball hawk when playing in zone. As evidenced by his five interceptions so far this season. Round 3 - Pick #72 A.J. Holmes Jr. - Defensive Tackle - Texas Tech AJ Holmes is a defensive tackle who knows how to get after the quarterback. Holmes is someone I expect to shoot up draft boards the longer we go through the pre draft process as his combination of size and disruptiveness is coveted by every team. His addition to the Saints defense would bring quality another interior rusher to the room and give the Saints the ability to keep players more fresh throughout the game. Round 4 - Pick #108 Isaac Brown - Running Back - Louisville Isaac Brown is one of if not the most explosive running backs in the country and upcoming draft class. Brown’s speed jumps off the screen and would be a welcome addition to a run game that has been anything but explosive for a long time now here in New Orleans. He is another player where once we get deeper into the pre draft process I am not fully expecting to be here at this point in the draft. Round 5 - Pick #142 Jyaire Hill - Cornerback - Michigan Jyaire Hill is a talented prototypical corner prospect who has not been able to put all his talents together quite yet. But with his 6 '2 frame and athleticism at this point in the draft you love the upside Hill could bring should he develop with more coaching at the next level. Round 6 - Pick #181 Nyck Harbor - Wide Receiver - South Carolina Nyck Harbor has been one of the most athletic freaks in all of college football for a while now and his size and athleticism alone should get him drafted. Standing at 6’5 and 240 pounds Harbor can flat out run as evidenced by his track background. There will be conversations about Harbor converting to tight end which could be on the table but I think it is more likely he continues his development as a wide receiver who can take the top off a defense. This simulation was a fun one as I was able to really address the defense which needs quite the infusion of talent to reach a contending level. The later rounds in the draft were high upside swings with clear visions for their development. If the Saints were able to have a successful upcoming draft addressing multiple needs it would go a long way in helping end their postseason drought. I am looking forward to doing more of these mocks as we lead up to the draft as with more information plenty will change between then and now.