While we might have to toss in some outside linebackers with our defensive ends in the edge rusher rankings, the big boys in the middle leave no question about where they should line up. Regardless of whether a team runs a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, they need at least two of these guys starting and a couple more in the rotation. It’s what makes defensive tackles so valuable in the NFL, especially when it comes to the draft.
Here are the men who almost made the cut.
10. Tim Settle (Virginia Tech), 9. Da’Ron Payne (Alabama), 8. Poona Ford (Texas)…
TOP SEVEN DEFENSIVE TACKLES
7. B.J. Hill, N.C. State
2017: 55 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, two sacks, three passes defended, one forced fumble (6-4, 315 pounds)
Hill, lining up on the same line with Bradley Chubb is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, he was never going to be the guy the offense focused on blocking or double-teaming. On the other, his own defensive coordinator would rather him eat up blocks and close down space than pick up stats. What I like about Hill is his headiness, his ability to stay in the play even when he’s seemingly blocked out of it.
Ideal situation: New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings
6. R.J. McIntosh, Miami
2017: 52 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, seven passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery (6-4, 286 pounds)
McIntosh is a classic Miami DT and, as you well know, that usually means he’s in for a long NFL or WWE career. He’s lean for a defensive tackle, but that gives him speed. If he can beat the blocker at the point of attack, he lives in the backfield. His problem is disengaging against a stronger guy, which happens a lot in the NFL.
Ideal situation: Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford
2017: 98 tackles, 17 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (6-4, 307 pounds)
I see draft projections with Phillips going in Round Two and they’re probably right, only because so many quarterbacks will be grabbed in the first round. In any other year, a player like Phillips easily lands first round money and don’t be surprised if he gets snatched up on Day One regardless. This is a prototype NFL DT. He was a wrestling champion in high school and uses those skills to manhandle guards and centers. Plus, he’s a Stanford kid and that means he’s got something good going on between his ears. If he lasts to Day Two, he won’t be sitting long.
Ideal situation: San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
4. Vita Vea, Washington
2017: 43 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended (6-5, 340 pounds)
While there’s a question if Phillips will make it Round Two, there’s none when it comes to Vea. He’s a monster that moves like he’s 50 pounds lighter than the scale shows. He’s a factor on every play, can toss around offensive linemen with his strength alone and delivers a blow when he’s got a step to deliver it.
Ideal situation: Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys
3. Taven Bryan, Florida
2017: 37 tackles, six for a loss, four sacks (6-5, 293 pounds)
The kid is continually compared to J.J. Watt, which you’re sick of hearing if you watched a down of Florida football this year. Just eyeballing him, it’s an easy comparison to make. He doesn’t take plays off, overpowers offensive linemen and can hit full speed at the second step.
Ideal situation: Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders
2. Rasheem Green, USC
2017: 41 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, 10 sacks, four passes defended, one forced fumble (6-5, 275 pounds)
Green might make it Day Two of the draft, but I doubt it. I can’t see NFL Scouts missing out on a guy that can play any position on the line, runs a linebacker 40 and is coming off a double-digit sack season. He has all the measurables that the exercise enthusiasts love and if you want to throw around the word “ceiling” as we often do in draft prognostication, Green has the highest of any guy on the list.
Ideal situation: Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans
https://youtu.be/n1v5XgjM6eY
1. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
2017: 59 tackles, 13 for a loss, 5.5 sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble (6-2, 282 pounds)
The last time I saw a defensive tackle’s film that looked as good as Hurst’s, it belonged to Aaron Donald. Is Hurst going to be as good as Donald? I’m not going to say that, but if he’s anywhere within 90 percent of what Donald was as a rookie, he’s easily worth a Top 10 pick.
Ideal situation: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts
