Dale's Take
If you subscribe to the planet theory, which says that there are only so many big, athletic people walking the planet, you understand why defensive tackles are so sought after in the NFL.
If you're big and extremely athletic, you can play defensive tackle in any scheme. If you're big and not quite as athletic, you're probably getting moved to the offensive line.
That's just how it does.
The 2025 NFL Draft, while lacking in offensive linemen, is loaded with the big, super-athletic guys. This might be a generational-type defensive tackle draft, if not at the top of the draft, then for its overall depth.
"There's no shortage of defensive tackles that are intriguing in this draft," said NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
Given the rigours involved with playing the position, that's a good thing.
None of the players available this year might become the second coming of Aaron Donald, but there should be starters or future starters available into the later rounds of the draft.
Dale's Rankings
1. Walter Nolen, Mississippi, 6-4, 296 lbs. - The former No. 1-overall recruit in the nation initially chose to go to Texas A&M. And like many of the Texas A&M players, he didn't have production there. But a transfer to Mississippi in 2024 saw him take off. Nolen had 48 tackles, including 14 for a loss, 6.5 sacks and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Big, strong and fast, Nolen's best football is still ahead of him.
2. Kenneth Grant, Michigan, 6-4, 331 lbs. - Grant is a nose tackle who has enough pass rush juice to also play in nickel and dime packages, a rarity in today's game. At times, he looks unblockable. Other times, he looked a little less so. But he played as heavy as 360 pounds at Michigan. Playing closer to 330 pounds will make him more effective. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 6.5 sacks and, perhaps as importantly, had 11 pass defenses. He understands how to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage.
3. Mason Graham, Michigan, 6-3 ½, 296 lbs. - Graham gets some consideration as the top player at the position for many. And he's been perhaps more disruptive than some of the other players on this list. But that was largely because of his motor, which is excellent. Athletically, he's not as gifted as Nolen or Grant, which could limit his upside. But he's a good player. He might just not ever be great.
4. Derrick Harmon, Oregon, 6-5, 310 lbs. - Harmon has prototypical 3-4 defensive end size and length with his 34-inch-plus arms. A transfer from Michigan State, Harmon blossomed at Oregon last season, recording 45 tackles and 5 sacks along with 5 pass breakups. Harmon knows how to get skinny to penetrate at the snap, but can play a little too high at times. But he's a good, solid prospect.
5. Darius Alexander, Toledo, 6-3 ⅞, 305 lbs. - A small-school prospect who stood out at the Senior Bowl, Alexander is nimble enough to play end or stout enough to play the interior, even at the nose. He's got heavy hands that jolt offensive linemen. Has pass rush juice (7 ½ sacks over the past two years) and added seven pass breakups, including an interception against Pitt in the Motor City Bowl, in which he was dominant. The only drawback is that he's already 24 years old.
Sleeper: Ty Robinson, Nebraska, 6-5 ½, 288 lbs. - There were so many guys to choose from for this spot, but Robinson might be the one who is being slept on the most by draft prognosticators. He's big, strong and fast and he just wrecks things. He also ran a 4.83-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Robinson is like the Energizer Bunny and if offensive linemen don't match his intensity, they're in for a long day. I don't understand why there isn't more buzz about a guy with his size, athleticism and production.