In the next segment of our series looking over the best draft prospects by position, we identify the leading defensive options ahead of next week's count.

Among the leading options among defenders this year we could see a handful of backmen taken in the first round, while a litter of either rearguard selections will scatter across the final few rounds on the second night of the draft.

SEE ALSO: TOP FIVE FORWARDS AHEAD OF THE 2022 AFL DRAFT

Here we rank the five best defenders ahead of next Monday's National Draft.

3. Lachie Cowan

Position: Medium Defender
State: Tasmania
State League Club: Tasmania Devils
Community Club: Devonport
Date of Birth: 01/12/04
Height: 187cm
Weight: 81kg

Headlining Tasmania's crop of talent this year is Devonport product Lachie Cowan, who imposed himself on the NAB League and National Championship this year with Tasmania.

The medium-sized backman is an athletic, intercepting and versatile defensive threat who is just as damaging behind the ball as he is with the Sherrin in hand.

Able to slingshot his side out of the last line and quickly into attack with his long kicking ability, Cowan was recognised as the NAB League's best player for 2022, claiming the Morrish Medal alongside Dandenong's Taj Campbell-Farrel.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Lachlan Cowan of the Tasmanian Boys kicks the ball during the match between Tasmania and Calder at Twin Oval on July 31, 2022 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/AFL Photos)

Cowan recorded 22.3 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.3 tackles and 5.5 rebounds 50s per game when representing the Apple Isle at state level this year, number that have placed him in the conversation as a potential first-round pick.