2025 NFL Draft: DT Rankings (Preseason Edition)
Has the defensive tackle position become as valuable as the edge rusher spot? All Access Football examines the latest draft trends with a look ahead at the Class of 2025.
Volume XXIV Edition IX | 2025 NFL Draft DT Preview
In this edition of the All Access Football Newsletter:
Top 30 DT Prospects For 2025 NFL Draft
Latest Draft Trends Old & New
Aaron Donald Passes The Torch
Strength Up Top: Plentiful DT Class
2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C
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INSIDE THE NUMBERS: DT FIRST ROUND PICKS
A noticeable evolution of the defensive tackle position during the past decade is the immense athleticism and agility that the modern day player possesses. These mammoth 300-pound specimen can wreak havoc in the middle of a defense. No longer are defensive tackles asked to eat space and fill the gap. Many schemes now rely upon their middle men to be able to get after the quarterback, a characteristic that can enhance any defense.
While defensive tackles don’t necessarily hear their name called early, recent NFL Draft trends show us they do come off the board often. Since 2020, there has been an average of two defensive tackles chosen in the first round on average. The previous decade (2010 - 2019) averaged three and a half defensive tackles selected in round one. However, the volume shows up; more on that below.
Few players ever in the history of the NFL have had a more dominant ten year span than Aaron Donald. A first round pick (13th overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft, Donald went on to win Defensive Player of the Year three times, was named All Pro First Team eight times (earned Pro Bowl every year), finished with 111 sacks from the interior and was a member of the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI championship team. Next stop …. Canton.
With the retirement of Donald, who was considered the gold standard at the position due to his total domination, the next wave of superstars will seek to collect such precious hardware for their mantle. Players such as Chris Jones (Round 2, No.37) of the Kansas City Chiefs, Dexter Lawrence (Round 1, No.17) of the New York Giants and Justin Madubuike (Round 3, No.71) of the Baltimore Ravens would be amongst the cream of the crop. Now, let’s take a look ahead at the next generation of pro prospects.
2025 NFL DRAFT PRESEASON BIG BOARD: DT
An increased value has certainly been placed on interior defensive linemen who can rush the quarterback. We have seen 11 defensive tackles chosen within the top 100 overall selections in each of the past two drafts. In total, an average of 33 defensive tackles have been selected on average during the past three NFL Drafts. Expect the top 100 to be littered with prospects that will have NFL scouts salivating.
A key cog on the Wolverines National Championship defense, Mason Graham is a high-motor run stuffer, who also possesses interior pass-rush ability and is relentless in pursuit. Most noticeable are his active hands. A two-time state champion wrestler in high school, Graham showcases top-notch hand combat and excellent placement. Through his first two seasons with the Maize and Blue, Graham has totaled 63 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, along with five and a half sacks. He seems primed for his biggest season to date.
Named a permanent team captain, Kentucky plugger Deone Walker is a massive 348-pound wrecking ball who requires multiple bodies to account for his presence. Despite his size, Walker is a three down player due to his ability to impact the quarterback. He constantly faced double teams, yet still managed to lead the Wildcats in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (8) in 2023.
Keep an eye on former All-Ivy League performer Thor Griffith who arrives in Louisville as a Harvard graduate transfer. Known to be a disruptor, Griffith owns adequate size and quickness, plus a high football IQ. In 30 career games for the Crimson, he amassed 132 tackles, including 33.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.
RK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
Mason Graham, Michigan, Jr, 6024, 320, 4.95
Howard Cross III, Notre Dame, rSr, 6011, 255, 5.10
Deone Walker, Kentucky, Jr, 6045, 348, 5.10 | (photo: Kentucky)
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State, rJr, 6024, 325, 4.90
Shemar Turner, Texas A&M, Sr, 6030, 289, 4.75
DeMonte Capehart, Clemson, Sr, 6043, 320, 5.10
Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia, rSr, 6030, 325, 5.00
Bear Alexander, Georgia, Jr, 6030, 300, 5.15
Alfred Collins, Texas, rSr, 6050, 313, 4.95
Tim Smith, Alabama, rSr, 6040, 303, 5.20
Ty Hamilton, Ohio State, rSr, 6024, 295, 5.15
Kenneth Grant, Michigan, Jr, 6032, 340, 5.03
Walter Nolen, Mississippi, Jr, 6036, 290, 4.92
Jay Toia, UCLA, Sr, 6021, 338, 5.15
Joshua Farmer, Florida State, rJr, 6030, 310, 5.05
Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL), rSr, 6020, 281, 4.90
Thor Griffith, Louisville, rSr, 6022, 315, 5.00
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati, rJr, 6016, 320, 5.15
Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina, Sr, 6025, 288, 4.90
Yahya Black, Iowa, Sr, 6050, 324, 5.30
Eric Gregory, Arkansas, rSr, 6031, 299, 4.95
Rylie Mills, Notre Dame, Sr, 6054, 306, 5.15
Vernon Boughton, Texas, Sr, 6050, 306, 4.95
Jermayne Lole, Texas, rSr, 6020, 307, 4.95
JJ Pegues, Mississippi, rSr, 6022, 320, 5.00
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech, rSr, 6004, 290, 5.05
Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon, rSr, 6010, 325, 5.15
Davin Vann, North Carolina State, rSr, 6014, 277, 4.90
Lee Hunter, UCF, rJr, 6036, 323, 5.15
Jared Ilamson-Ilunte, SMU, rSr, 6033, 254, 5.05
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ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL ARCHIVES
07.14.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: C Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.13.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: OG Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.12.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: OT Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.11.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: TE Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.10.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: WR Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.09.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: RB Rankings (Preseason Edition)