There are some dudes in this group. Guys who are the size of these men should not be able to move like these guys do. Mason Graham is the cream of the crop but you don’t have to mortgage your future to move up to get him to get a good DT. There are different types too. Need a disruptive force who can get into the backfield? No problem, Walter Nolan and Derrick Harmon got you covered. How about a space eater in the middle? Kenneth Grant, Tyliek Williams and Deone Walker are waiting for you.
Defensive Tackle
1. Mason Graham (Michigan): Graham is 6’3 313 lbs. of sheer terror on the interior. He’s quick and immovable at the same time. He’s barrel-chested and it makes him hard to handle. He’s equally adept at stopping the run and getting penetration and he’s been known to slide outside a bit and rush the passer just in case you thought he was a one-trick pony. He’s relentless too. He’s a top five talent in the draft.
2. Walter Nolan (Ole Miss): Nolan is a 6’3 300 lbs. twitched up athlete with an quick first step. He has some holes in his game but there aren’t a lot of guys who are his size who move like he does. He gets on the offensive linemen fast and wins quickly. He’s disruptive and he’ll be a starter early. He’s one of the most disruptive defensive players in this draft.
3. Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Surprisingly Graham isn’t the “big” DT from Michigan, that would be Grant. He’s 6’3 339 lbs. and seems as tall as he is wide. He’s the anchor in the middle of any defense and while he’s not flashy, he’s an important piece to a defense. Graham was an awesome player at Michigan but his job was a lot easier because he played next to Grant. If a team needs a space eater in the middle, Grant is your guy.
4. Derrick Harmon (Oregon): Harmon is 6’5 310 lbs. and moves really well on the interior. He’s on the taller side for a DT so he has to remember to keep his pad level low, otherwise, he’s an easy target. He’s a major disruptive force when he stays low and uses his athleticism. He can be a problem.
5. Tyliek Williams (Ohio St.): He’s the next giant anchor in the middle of the defensive line. At 6’3 327 lbs. he’s hard to move and allows others around him to flourish. He’s not flashy, he’s just solid as a rock. He made it much easier for his linemates JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer to be playmakers on the edge. He will do that for his NFL linemates too.
*Other player to note: Deone Walker (Kentucky): Walker is the biggest of the big men. He’s 6’6 345 lbs. and he will ruin your day. When he’s on, he’s awesome. He needs more consistency but someone is going to bet on a guy that size.
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