PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Let’s be frank for a minute. Watching defensive tackles perform their duties is akin to watching paint dry in the middle of summer. However, what these big bodied, formidable forces lack in entertainment value they more than makeup for with off the charts physicality and strength to both stifle opposing rushers and collapse the pocket protecting happy go, lucky quarterbacks. Although most fans would struggle to name five elite defensive tackles in the NFL, the importance of having a hefty anchor that can set the tone on the defensive line cannot be overlooked. Similar to offensive lineman, defensive tackles will most likely never get much credit for doing the dirty work that allows their respective offenses to get on the field to do what they do best.
10. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
Relentless when making plays at the point of attack, Derrick Nnadi possesses an impressive combination of strength and quickness. Although his diminutive size for the position could limit his abilities to bully some offensive linemen at the next level, Nnadi is aggressive and fast enough to find the football and contribute as a consistent gang tackler.
9. Andrew Brown, Virginia
With 10.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks, Andrew Brown is an immensely talented tackler that flashes elite athleticism to pester and take down opposing quarterbacks. Although he lacks the motor of a true first-round talent, Brown could alleviate many of his inconsistency concerns with an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl.
8. Tim Settle, Virginia Tech
Although Tim Settle’s draft stock will most likely be downgraded because he shows the skill set of the less coveted position of a nose tackle, he has the massive frame and physical assets needed to be a wreaking ball against the run. With 12.5 tackles for a loss, Settle will tirelessly pursue any ball handler that gets near him, which should allow him to become a respected starter sooner rather than later.
7. R.J. McIntosh, Miami
While R.J. McIntosh does everything you would expect an athletic defensive linemen to do in terms of tackling, he is also very adept at being disruptive when it comes to blocking passes (seven passes broken up). On top of that, McIntosh has the versatility to play a tackle in a 4-3 and serve as an effective defensive end in a 3-4.
6. Rasheem Green, USC
Great instincts with the cerebral abilities to recognize plays, Rasheem Green is a deadly force against both the pass and rushing games despite being underweight for the position. Even if Green is forced to ultimately become a defensive end in the NFL, he as a nose for both batting down passes while consistently rushing and taking down quarterbacks (10 sacks).
5. Taven Bryan, Florida
Drawing comparisons to Denver Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe, Taven Bryan has the ferocity to be a scary great tackle that is able to terrify and dominate opposing offensive lineman. However, Bryan needs to be dominant more consistently if he hopes to be a starter in the NFL. With that said, Bryan has the explosiveness and hands to shed blocks and relentlessly pursue the quarterback, attributes that are highly coveted in elite defensive tackles.
4. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
With exceptional first step quickness, Maurice Hurst has the impressive reflexes and vision to find his gaps and make big plays in the backfield consistently. Although his size is somewhat concerning, his off the charts athleticism and speed suggest that Hurst has all the makings of incredible steal come draft day.
3. Vita Vea, Washington
Although Vita Vea is physically built more like a nose tackle than a defensive tackle, his wide-ranging and versatile skill set cannot be denied. Vea’s intimidating strength combined with his unexpected quickness will allow him to be an unmovable force against the run while his size will allow him to occasionally collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Based on his physical measurables, Vea has the potential to be a physical tank akin to what Brandon Williams is for the Baltimore Ravens.
2. Da’Ron Payne, Alabama
Freakishly fast and athletic, Da’Ron Payne is a fantastic run defender that rarely fails to defend his gaps. When rushing the passer, Payne demonstrated the impressive abilities of both collapsing the pocket and pressuring the quarterback. Arguably the most physical defensive tackle in the draft, Payne will be a defensive line coaches ideal prodigy as he has a relentless motor and the dynamic abilities to be dominant at the next level.
1. Christian Wilkins, Clemson
A tackling machine with the size and athleticism to constantly disrupt plays at the points of attack, Christian Wilkins lived up to the lofty expectations draft experts had about him going into the 2017 season. As a fast interior pass rusher, Wilkins possesses the coveted skill set of a smart and physical defensive tackle that will constantly prevent quarterbacks from being comfortable in the pocket.
