Are big, stud defensive tackles a dying breed in the NFL?
Fifth in a series
Over the last five seasons defensive tackles have become significantly less valued in the NFL draft.
The outlier was 2019 when Quinnen Williams (No. 3 overall), Ed Oliver (9), Christian Wilkins (13), Dexter Lawrence (17), Jeffery Simmons (19) and Jerry Tillery (28) all went in the first round.
There were two first-rounders and just four defensive tackles taken in the first 55 picks last year.
Thursday's draft is likely to be more of the same. It wouldn't be stunning if no more than four defensive tackles go in the first three rounds.
Day 1 prospects
1. Christian Barmore, Alabama (6-4, 310, Sophomore)
Barmore showed signs of being a game wrecker in 2020 with 9½ tackles for loss and a team leading eight sacks. He was the Defensive MVP of the national championship game. He plays with great explosion and initial quickness and his hands and punch are to be feared. Barmore is easily the cream of this year's crop.
Day 2 targets
2. Levi Onwuzurike, Washington (6-3, 290, Senior)
He's an excellent player and could sneak into the back of the first round, but he'll need to add at least 15 pounds in the weight room to hold his own at the next level. Onwuzurike opted out of the 2020 season but showed tremendous initial explosion and upper body power when on the field. A high Day 2 developmental project with a very high ceiling.
3. Tyler Shelvin, LSU (6-2, 350, Junior)
Another 2020 opt out, he is absolutely massive and controlling his weight can be a problem, but he is a hard worker, plays with tremendous power and he could develop into a two-gap stud. Even if weight and conditioning remain an issue, he could make a living at the next level just playing in goal line and short-yardage situations.
4. Bobby Brown, Texas A&M (6-4, 321, Junior)
Brown has the size and athleticism to play either tackle spot in 30 or 40 fronts, although he would be limited as a three technique. And technique is where he'll need the most work, but you can't coach 6-4, 320. He can be a two-gapper but as of yet hasn't been overly impressive pushing the pocket.
5. Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech (6-3, 284, Junior)
He plays with excellent strength and power, but his lack of bulk and mass make him hard to project for Sundays. He'll battle you all day long but without adding some bulk he will get swallowed up by top offensive linemen.
6. Alim McNeill, North Carolina St. (6-2, 317, Junior)
McNeill is actually a good athlete for a big man, but he lacks any truly special traits and occasionally struggles to keep blockers off him. He looks like he could become a very good third or fourth tackle in a 4-3 base scheme.
Late Day 2/Day 3 targets
7. Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh (6-2, 301, Junior)
Smaller than you'd like inside. He impressed at Pitt collapsing the pocket more than stuffing the run. Twyman plays with strength and power, but he needs to add weight to envision him making an impact in the NFL.
8. Daviyon Nixon, Iowa (6-3, 313, Junior)
Nixon looks like he can rely on his base with a great anchor and lower body power, but he needs some time in the weight room to get stronger on top. As a penetrator and disrupter - ideally a three technique at the next level - he has some traits you really like, but he needs to become a more consistent finisher.
9. Jay Tufele, USC (6-2, 305, Junior)
Another slightly undersized 4-3 three technique, his motor is nonstop, but he may not be as instinctive as you'd like.
10. Marvin Wilson, Florida St. (6-4, 303, Senior)
He was better as a junior than a senior, but if he adds 10 to 15 pounds and becomes more of a pass rusher than just a pocket collapser, he could be a late-round steal.
11. Marlon Tuipulotu, USC (6-2, 307, Junior)
He's a little smaller than you'd like, but he's a three-year starter for the Trojans who could make a living as a third or fourth tackle.
12. Khyiris Tonga, BYU (6-2, 325, Senior)
Natural two-gappers that can anchor themselves on the nose have a place in the NFL.
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