NFL Draft Bible: Defensive Tackles

Lots of risk/reward propositions that NFL teams must weigh.

Ric Serritella

Apr 22, 2025

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PLAYER PROFILE KEY (How to read the prospect header):

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TIER 1 PROSPECTS -- FRANCHISE TALENT

Combine: 6034 | 306 | 0918 | 3200 | 7848 | n/a | 24 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: The Michigan menace has served as a disruptive playmaker with his ability to line up and down the defensive line, while applying constant pressure on the quarterback.

Evaluation: A key cog on the Wolverines defense, 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, excellent placement and sheds blocks well. In addition, he owns an explosive get-off and plays with a high level of aggression that rubs off on teammates. When constructing a championship-caliber team, the foundation must be built with cornerstone players. That being said, Graham possesses All-pro caliber burst, bend, agility and strength, making him a real blue-chip prospect.

Quotable: “I just feel like, you know, physicality, you know, doing your job every play. You know, us as D-linemen, we're told to do the same thing playing throughout, you know, maybe like 70 snaps a game. So, I mean, doing the same thing over and over again is probably the hardest part and I feel like, you know, D-linemen, I pride myself on doing that.” -- Mason Graham on what he brings to the NFL

Background: A two-time All-American (unanimous first team, 2024; second team, 2023) for the Wolverines (39 games/27 starts). Enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, majoring in General Studies. A four-star recruit (L.A. Times 2021 High School Football Player of the Year) and wrestling standout. Son of Allen and Kimberly Graham.

TIER 2 PROSPECTS -- PRO BOWL TALENT

Combine: 6036 | 296 | 0948 | 3248 | 7858 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: An impact defensive tackle with the ability to line up anywhere along the defensive line.

Evaluation: What stands out most about Nolen is that he is constantly applying pressure in the backfield from the interior of the defensive line. He can win with speed, or power, has the ability to get skinny through the cracks and refuses to be cut off. Nolen explodes out of his shoes, has great core strength and displays an array of counter moves. In addition, he shows good pad level, can get off blocks and make the tackle. We got a glimpse of the fleet-footed Walter Nolen at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where the Ole Miss product showcased how quick off the ball snap he was, along with excellent agility. One area where he can improve upon is doing a better job locating the ball. Overall, his athleticism, knock back and relentlessness makes him a first round factor.

Quotable: “My get-off. Being violent in the game. I’m just a naturally good football player. Now it’s time to clean up the small things.” -- Walter Nolen on what he worked on trying to improve upon this past year

Background: Began career at Texas A&M (started 14-of-22 games) for two years prior to Mississippi. Earned starting role in lone season for Rebels. Became 14th player in program history to be Consensus All-American in 2024. A five-star recruit from Powell High. NFL Combine and Senior Bowl invite.

TIER 3 PROSPECTS -- SOLID STARTER

Combine: 6046 | 322 | 1038 | 3438 | 8400 | 4.95 (1.74) | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A disruptive interior presence with length, quickness and power to impact both run and pass.

Evaluation: An imposing force on the front lines of battle, Harmon has shown the flexibility to line up at any of the interior gaps. He owns dominating power with the ability to generate great knockback, along with the agility to split double teams. In addition, Harmon utilizes his arm length and hand placement, demonstrating a sound push-pull move, rip move, two-handed swipe, swim move, club-swim, long-arm move, long-arm-rip, plus nice leg drive on his bull rush. In addition, he shows impressive closing burst and plays low to the ground against the run. As a pass-rusher, Harmon’s motor runs hot but he fails to finish big plays in the backfield at times. Due to a high-cut frame, it limits the bend in his hips and he’ll tend to play a bit upright at times. Harmon isn’t necessarily a twitchy athlete but is still quick off the line with some flashes of impressive suddenness. The Detroit native possesses the skill-set to develop into a three-down lineman with Pro Bowl upside, making him a high quality in-demand prospect this April.

Quotable: “I’m not a guy that’s going to do all that rah-rah with you, or go in front of the team and talk. I just show what I can do on the field. My time at Oregon, that’s what I did. They wanted me to come in, be that big Alpha, do all the rah-rah. I’d rather just go on the field and show what I can do and be a leader that way.” -- Derrick Harmon on his leadership style

Background: Transferred to Eugene, after spending three seasons at Michigan State. Has played in 42 career games (29 starts). A three-star recruit and all-state selection in high school. NFL Combine invite.

Combine: 6035 | 331 | 1018 | 3348 | 8258 | 5.11 (1.72) | 27 | 31” | 8-9 | 4.76 | 7.69

One-Liner: A rare freakazoid who possesses an incredible blend of size, athleticism, agility that makes him a developmental prospect with an extremely high ceiling.

Evaluation: An explosive player due to elite athletic traits for his size, Grant owns brute strength, along with a relentless motor and is able to move bodies in the trenches. He possesses a top-heavy frame, with strong hands, keen awareness and flashes an occasional spin move, which is highly effective. Grant can chase down running backs, disrupt the backfield and collapse the pocket, or take on double teams and allow others to eat. The problem is that Grant doesn't perform at a high level very consistently at this stage of his career. His film is a little bit of a roller coaster ride. For as many impressive showings he has produced, there are a number of games where he makes little impact. The key to stopping Grant would seem to attack his legs, that is his kryptonite. That being said, his best performance against Ohio State this past season, which included five pressures. There is much excitement surrounding Grant as a potential first round pick. However, there could be some patience required as he transitions to the pros.

Quotable: "It was a friendly competition. We’d talk smack . . . we always talked smack and challenged each other. We have different games, so I tried to learn from him, he tried to learn from me." -- Kenneth Grant on his relationship with Mason Graham

Background: A three-year starter at Michigan (41 games/37 starts); dubbed a “gift from the football Gods,” by then head coach Jim Harbaugh. A four-star recruit; also lettered in track; a state meet qualifier and top-10 shot put thrower in Merrillville history. Son of Kenneth Grant Sr. and Ewana Chatman.

Combine: 6050 | 267 | 0958 | 3418 | 8468 | 4.59 (1.58) | 21.89 | n/a | 40” | 10-11 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A versatile, strong, lean, high-motor defender who brings juice when clicking on all cylinders.

Evaluation: Upon first glance, you would be hard pressed to guess that Stewart weighs near-300 pounds. His lean frame and quick get-off allows him to play the edge for the Aggies. Most impressive is his ability to line up at any spot along the defensive line. His strength and quick get-off are two of his greatest attributes. In addition, Stewart has long arms and knows how to use them. The Miami native laid down some excellent reps on the outside during one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his bend and power. He also had a fair share of reps where he winded up on the ground as well. Stewart can cover a lot of ground and his skill-set could translate to any scheme in an array of roles. When assessing the length, athleticism and frame to grow, he would seem to be a better fit on the inside, where he can better take advantage of his skill-set. It will be vital for NFL teams to make sure the front office and coaching staff are on the same page in terms of how to employ Stewart before pulling the trigger on the selection. Regardless, his skill-set and traits translate to first round potential.

Quotable: "Shemar Stewart is a tremendous kid. [When] you first meet him, you're like, 'Oh, my God. This guy looks like a million dollars. I told one of the NFL guys, iIf you gave me and you two hours in a lab to build a defensive end, they would come out looking like Shemar Stewart.'" – Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman on Shemar Stewart

Background: Had been in and out of the starting lineup before becoming a full-time starter for first time in 2024. A five-star recruit out of high school; also played basketball. Senior Bowl and combine invite.

Combine: 6032 | 305 | 1028 | 3500 | 8338 | 5.11 (1.77) | 19.56 | 26 | 29” | 9-4 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A strong, quick penetrator with great knock back and a proven track record of blowing up the backfield.

Evaluation: The versatile Farmer has been a consistent, steady presence in the middle of the Seminoles defense due to his superb strength and explosive first step. His ability to convert speed-to-power enables him to generate great push. Farmer makes excellent use of his hands and can create havoc behind the line of scrimmage against the run or pass. He was in high-demand for player interview requests during the week in Mobile and for very good reason. What makes Farmer such an asset is that he can play multiple roles in a hybrid defensive scheme. His conditioning continues to be a work in progress, as his weight has fluctuated. For those reasons, Farmer will likely slide to Day 2 but he possesses starter-level talent.

Quotable: “Lamar Jackson. He’s a Florida guy, he’s fast, and people say he’s hard to sack, so I definitely want to sack him.” – Joshua Farmer on which quarterback he’s looking forward to sacking the most

Background: Dropped 13 pounds prior to the combine. He had ballooned over 50 pounds since first arriving in Tallahassee. A weight room warrior able to squat 600 pounds, clean 400 pounds and bench 400 pounds, he has also been clocked at 19.6 mph in-game speed. It was also reported that his Nordbord score (hamstring test) is of gold standard at 2.3. A two-year starter for Florida State and four-star recruit from Gadsen County High School.

Combine: 6062 | 328 | 0948 | 3418 | 8178 | 5.17 (1.81) | 19.14 | n/a | 24.5” | 7-9 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: An improved interior defender who can play zero, or three-technique; his combination of size, power and high motor wears down opponents over the course of a game.

Evaluation: What Jackson does on the field doesn’t always show up in the boxscore. He’s a space eater who is able to collapse the pocket and free up lanes for his fellow linebackers to make tackles. He does a nice job staying low and holding his ground. Jackson possesses excellent length and is able to forklift defenders due to his brute strength. In addition, he demonstrates strong footwork and has shown noticeably improved burst off the ball. It's rare to see a massive body mass such as Jackson be able to be so quick on his feet. The entire Senior Bowl week proved beneficial for Jackson, who impressed with the way he is able to move bodies in the trenches and knock back opposing offensive lineman with such ease--it would be the equivalent of halting a full-speed Mack truck.

Quotable: “Just changing my diet, eating right, coming in here, getting extra film when I can. Getting extra work in the weight room, just things that I can do to help the team and also help my game improve.” – Cam Jackson on how he dropped 30 pounds entering his final season

Background: Started the past two seasons for Florida, previously spent three years in Memphis (one-year starting). A three-star recruit. NFL Combine and Senior Bowl invite.

8. JONES, SAI’VON | LSU | DE | #35 | Sr | Vacherie, LA | Solid Starter | Round 3

Combine: 6054 | 283 | 1000 | 3400 | 8238 | 4.74 | 19 | 33” | 9-11 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: Would seem to make an ideal 3-4 base defensive end due to his frame, strength and agility.

Evaluation: Used primarily on the edge in Baton Rouge, Jones produced mixed results. While he flashes ability to get after the quarterback, he lacks next level explosiveness required to be an effective pass-rusher. This doesn’t preclude Jones from being a valuable contributor, as he owns a unique frame with room to grow, along with a quick first step, exceptional athleticism and pure muscle. He’s a handful to block, as he keeps coming with great effort. A kick inside where he can utilize his skill-set more to his advantage might make sense in the long run. He’s an agitator who brings value as a rotational cog but his new team must identify how they want to use him.

Background: Appeared in 51 games at LSU, including 27 consecutive starts. A four star recruit and fifth best player in Louisiana coming out of St. James High School; led his school to first state title since 1979. Earned all-district honors in basketball and football. Also competed in track and field in shot put, javelin, and high jump.

Combine: 6024 | 309 | 0938 | 3248 | 7928 | 5.15 (1.82) | 19.36 | n/a | 27.5” | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: An intriguing two-way player who began his career at tight end, finished as defensive tackle and played nearly everything else in between along the way.

Evaluation: Appropriately nicknamed ‘The Mayor,’ this might just be the most interesting man in the 2025 NFL Draft. What excites scouts most about Pegues is his run-stuffing ability, true nose for the football and versatility to play on both sides of the ball. He first arrived at Auburn as a tight end, before making the switch to defensive line as a sophomore. Along his journey, Pegues landed at Ole Miss, where he would score seven touchdowns running the Wildcat formation. In addition, he lined up at fullback, running back and his original position of tight end for the Rebels. Don’t get it twisted, Pegues is a defense-first player and was the beneficiary of playing on a loaded defensive line, mopping up much of the mess left behind. While his testing numbers are nothing to write home about, he’s a true football player. It certainly wouldn’t be surprising to see him wind up in a Scott Matlock, or Patrick Richard type of role in the NFL.

Background: Started 38 games (23 starts) at Ole Miss. Finished career with 158 combined all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns, all scored as a Rebel. Awarded No. 38 jersey as the Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner. Decided to wear the No. 38 jersey at home to honor Mullins and keep his usual No. 89 on the road. Played in 24 games with two starts over two seasons at Auburn. Considered a top-ten recruit at tight end coming out of high school; also played basketball. NFL Combine and East-West Shrine Bowl invite.

Combine: 6037 | 305 | 1000 | 3400 | 8278 | 4.95 (1.72) | 20.12 | 28 | 31.5” | 9-3 | 4.79 | 7.60

One-Liner: A late bloomer who can line up at nose tackle and straight bull-rush, stuff the run, or utilize his athleticism as a pass-rusher from the three-tech spot.

Evaluation: The agile Alexander displays great quickness and smooth change of direction skills, enabling him to be a constant presence in the opposing backfield. He does a nice job holding his ground at the point of attack, is able to split double-teams and can generate push in the run game. He had a 58-yard touchdown for interception this past season, an example of his superb athleticism. After a highly impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, Alexander carried his momentum over to Indy with another outstanding performance at the combine, boosting his draft stock. In a deep and talented defensive tackle class, Alexander could be a mid-round gem. One of the oldest and also most athletic defensive tackles in this year’s draft class, Adams will be a 25-year old rookie but NFL teams don’t seem to mind. Look for him to be able to contribute right away as a valuable backup who can provide a blow up front, especially for teams who like to rotate their linemen. His defensive line coach at Toledo, Frank Okum, was recently hired by the Texans, so that is one possible landing destination to keep an eye on for Alexander come draft day.

Quotable: “Practice. I tell the guys that I believe that practice is everything. The way you train your body, the way you prepare, you’re going to get some version of that on game day. As you prepare in your process and you have a standard of preparation, you practice in a certain way that should lend itself to good results.” – Toledo DL Coach Frank Okam On What Separates Darius Alexander

Background: Started his collegiate career as a left tackle, converted to defensive tackle after his freshman season. Improved production year-over-year at Toledo. Recorded first career interception in 2024. Three year letterwinner on defensive line for Wayne High. Also a two-time all-state selection and Conference Player of the Year. Son of Taya Alexander. Has three siblings Shiara, Darrion and Brooklyn.

TIER 4 PROSPECTS -- AVERAGE STARTER

Combine: 6055 | 332 | 1000 | 3458 | 8500 | n/a | n/a | 26” | 8-0 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: The production hasn’t matched his insane physical tools but the arrow is pointing up.

Evaluation: They don’t mold defensive tackles in any better fashion than the build of Collins, who possesses great burst and explosiveness. The big man has sweet feet, which allows him to dictate leverage and create massive push. He’s no stranger to double teams, as Collins is a bonafide space-eater. Most valuable is his flexibility to slide up and down the line when needed. One area where he will need to improve upon is his ability to rush the passer. Collins would benefit from making better use of his hands and needs to play with lower pad level more consistently. Overall, Collins performs at the level of a Day 3 player but his physical tools and flashes are top 100-caliber. Initially, he projects as a viable rotational player early on but Collins owns the upside to start down the road.

Background: A fifth-year senior (63 games, 26 starts).Missed one game in 2022. A four-star recruit who also played basketball. Mother, Benita Pollard, played basketball at Texas (1990-94). NFL Combine invite.

Combine: 6027 | 329 | 1028 | 3200 | 7858 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: A prolific run-stuffer who owns a true nose for sniffing out the football and making stops.

Evaluation: While Williams lacks ideal length and has limited arm reach, he does possess elite speed, athleticism and explosiveness for his size. The backfield disruptor owns a thick lower body but is silvery for his size and has a good understanding of how to split double teams. He often wins the leverage battle and sheds blocks well. He initially entered Ohio State weighing 360 pounds, as he struggled with conditioning and endurance but has since dropped about 30 pounds and has been a major contributor the past two seasons. A projected early-to-mid round selection, NFL teams will want to be sure to monitor his weight, which could limit his reps but Williams should develop into a starting three-technique if he reaches his full potential.

Background: Initially wanted to attend Alabama but they had already committed to Tim Smith. Played quarterback and running back as a youth and set a new shot put record in high school. Loves the game.

Combine: 6051 | 288 | 1000 | 3228 | 7900 | 4.83 (1.71) | 20.64 | 28 | 33.5” | 9-11 | 4.50 | 7.58

One-Liner: A six-year senior built like a big grizzly bear who is hard to move off his mark.

Evaluation: With vast experience, Robinson doesn’t offer much upside but NFL teams will know what they are getting with the adaptable lineman. The Arizona native is able to camp out and absorb multiple blockers, as he handles double teams like a pro. Robinson possesses great strength and a stout lower body, which enables him to gain leverage in the trenches. An incredible athletic tester, the athleticism doesn’t necessarily translate when you watch Robinson play. He is more of a methodical mover who utilizes his hands effectively. The flexibility that comes with Robinson would seem to make him an attractive draft option on Day 3, as he could serve as a rotational player capable of filling in at multiple spots along the defensive line.

Quotable: “I’ve always been fast. That’s been kind of the running joke here is I tell everybody I’m fast. Some people don’t believe me in a way and then I guess I go out there and do that.” – Ty Robinson on his rarefied speed

Background: Tied a school record playing in 60 games (47 Starts) over six seasons with Nebraska. Earned a degree in nutrition and health sciences in May of 2023. A four-star recruit from Higley High School. The son of Tresha Robinson. Senior Bowl invite.

Combine: 6037 | 297 | 1028 | 3318 | 8078 | 4.95 | n/a | 31.5” | 9-4 | 4.67 | 7.70

One-Liner: A squatter who has been camping out in the backfield so much that he has to pay rent.

Evaluation: In the blue-collar Sanders, you may not see any elite traits but you are going to get a hard day’s work every day. He brings the nasty and shows good athleticism, along with the ability to slide in and out of various spots up front. His ability to provide interior pass-rush is what makes his overall game most appealing. Sanders owns a high motor and is very stout at the point of attack, which allows him to generate strong push. The South Carolina is a limited bend in his waist and knees but it’s not a deal-breaker, as he compensates in other areas. He did add some good weight this past season and still has the frame to grow. The combination of size, power, pursuit and experience would seem to make him a strong mid-round candidate.

Background: A four-year senior, appeared in 39 games (16 starts). Majored in criminology and criminal justice; graduated in December of 2024. Played defensive tackle and tight end at Marion High School, where he also participated in basketball (averaged a double-double). Senior Bowl invite.

Combine: 6074 | 328 | 1058 | 3428 | 8478 | 5.35 (1.90) | 22 | 25” | 8-8 | n/a | n/a

One-Liner: The definition of space-eater, who lets others eat due to his ability to gobble up double teams.

Evaluation: A fascinating case study for the upcoming NFL Draft, Walker presents a tale of two perspectives. On one-side, the massive-sized Walker is an imposing figure who is sure to command double team attention and fill multiple gaps on every rep. You just can't teach that type of size and there will always be a need for that. The other takeaway is just how easily Walker can be taken out of play. His poor posture can lead to him getting stood up and his play strength doesn't always match the size. Walker has some pep in his step and is quick for his size. His length and long arms enables him to engulf offensive linemen. The bouncy big man out of Detroit has fans and detractors alike within the scouting community, so his grade has fluctuated from anywhere between Day 1 and Day 3. The reality probably lies somewhere in between.

Background: A three-year starter and two-time team captain at Kentucky. Majored in communication. Was a four-star recruit and center on the basketball team. Three words to describe him are quiet, funny and athletic. After football his dream job is to be in real estate. Son of Nikita and Sanquanetta Walker, has one sister, Nikita. Left-handed. Nicknamed ‘D1.’ Senior Bowl invite.

Combine: 6027 | 299 | 1018 | 3228 | 7858 | 4.95 (1.70) | 35 | 32” | 9-3 | 4.68 | 7.78

One-Liner: A scrappy nose tackle who claws for every inch, serving as a severe run-stuffer with the ability to get after the quarterback.

Evaluation: Upon the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, Hamilton declared his return to Columbus as ‘unfinished business.’ He finished off the deal by helping the Buckeyes capture a National Championship in 2024, serving as a key cog in the middle of the defense. His quick get-off and agility allows him to ride blocks well, as he’s able to disengage from opposing linemen and find the ball-carrier. He can also apply pressure on the quarterback, displaying his ability to generate push, dispute what is considered to be undersized measurables. Hamilton displayed tremendous grit and toughness shutting down the run during the College Football Playoff. While he doesn’t project as a top-flight talent, Hamilton should be a sturdy, reliable contributor at the next level for years to come, as he brings a high floor.

Quotable: “Ty doesn't get talked about as much because he's a quiet giant. But he's holding it down in the middle. It's a front four, it's not a front three. He's there too. He just doesn't get as much publicity as everybody else, but he's definitely a dog.” – Teammate Tyleik Williams on Ty Hamilton

Background: Appeared in 41 games (13 starts) for the Buckeyes. A three-star recruit, who arrived to Columbus as a defensive end recruit but was kicked inside by the Ohio State coaching staff; he bulked up about 20 pounds for the new role. Son of Sabrina and Damian Hamilton; younger brother of DaVon Hamilton (Jaguars).

NFL Draft Bible: Defensive Tackles

Lots of risk/reward propositions that NFL teams must weigh.

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