CLEVELAND, Ohio — The most successful football teams, teams that win championships at any level, are dominant in the trenches. Teams that dominate the line of scrimmage are typically able to control the tempo of the game, which is a huge advantage.
Quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers, no matter how talented, need a good offensive line for any type of success. And on the other side of the ball, defenses that can win the line of scrimmage disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm by pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, and forcing mistakes.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson was the anchor for Jim Schwartz’s dominant defense the last two seasons. Guys like the 320-plus Tomlinson are important way beyond the statistics they produce on the stat sheet. They occupy space, force offenses to double-team them and, most importantly, keep the linebackers clean and free to make tackles.
Tomlinson signed with the Cardinals in free agency this offseason. The signing of Maliek Collins was huge for the continued success of the Browns defense. The veteran has 30.5 sacks along with 51 tackles for a loss during his nine-year career. Collins is an outstanding pass rusher but is not as stout as Tomlinson against the run. As the Browns fill out their roster, finding big guys that occupy space will be crucial.
Let’s take a look at three massive defensive tackles — not named Mason Graham — that not only will add beef to stop the run but also have explosive, quick feet to rush the passer. Graham, from Michigan, is a game-wrecker whom I discussed in an earlier post and is the number one defensive tackle in the draft.
The players are broken down by which draft day they’d be available.
Michigan vs. Michigan State football 2024
Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78).(Jake May | MLive.com)
Day 1: Kenneth Grant, Michigan
6-foot-4
331 pounds
The massive Grant played next to Graham and was often overlooked by the greatness of his fellow Wolverine defensive tackle. Though Graham is the number one guy, and rightfully so, Grant is on that same level, with the same NFL potential.
The idea that a guy who may play in the 350-pound range can potentially run a sub-5.0 40-yard dash is absolutely scary for NFL offensive coordinators. Grant, a three-down defensive lineman, is dominant in one-on-one situations and demands a double team.
Areas of concern
On film, Grant is occasionally reached on run schemes by an offensive lineman that is located to his inside. Though extremely fast in a straight line, Grant will need to work on his lateral quickness and explosion. Once Grant has a better understanding of the offensive blocking schemes, his side-to-side movement skills will also improve.
The biggest area of concern for Grant will be weight management as he matures. To be a complete three-down defensive tackle, Grant must stay in the 325-335-pound range to maintain his speed and explosiveness.
Fit with the Browns
After Shelby Harris and Collins, the Cleveland defensive line becomes very young and inexperienced. Mike Hall Jr. has shown the ability to rush the passer, but must continue to learn to play play stouter against the run. Grant would give Schwartz depth and a big body defender with high a ceiling that would force doubles teams and protect the linebackers.
Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) stops Minnesota running back Jordan Nubin
Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91).David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Day 2: Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
6-foot-3
334 pounds
Williams, like Grant, is a massive human with elite movement skills for a guy over 300 pounds. The former Buckeye played over 1,500 snaps in college and started 48 games. Williams has elite first-step quickness, with an eye-popping 1.62 10-yard split that consistently shows up on film. Williams not only moves well straight ahead, but also possesses outstanding lateral explosion and change of direction.
Areas of concern
Williams, a four-star recruit from Virginia, got to Ohio State at 360-plus pounds. He did an amazing job of transforming his body and becoming a dominant college defensive tackle. Weight management and conditioning is always a concern for larger players and Williams fits that mold. The former Buckeye must also work on his pass rush plan past his bull rush.
Fit with the Browns
Though not a complete product, Williams just may just have the highest upside of any defensive tackle in draft. As he continues to learn and build a toolbox of offensive pass rush moves, Williams can be a rotational player and a two-down run stopper for Schwartz and the defense.
Toledo defensive lineman Darius Alexander runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Toledo defensive lineman Darius Alexander.AP
Day 3: Darius Alexander, Toledo
6-foot-4
305 pounds
Players who are drafted on Day 3 often have physical traits and measurements that translate well to NFL success. Alexander, who is 6-4 and 305 pounds, fits into this category, possessing elite skills with a very high ceiling. The former Rocket finished in the top 10 of every measurement and test at the NFL Combine, along with being the MVP of the defensive line at the Senior Bowl.
On film, Alexander has an incredible base with extreme lower body power and strength. That strength and power combined with an explosive first step allows Alexander to consistently walk offensive lineman into the lap of the quarterback.
Areas of concern
The fact that Alexander turns 25 in August will be a red flag for many organizations. At 25, general managers and NFL decision makers worry about how many years a guy may play and, more importantly, if a player has already reached his full potential or if there is room for growth.
Fit with the Browns
If Alexander is available on Day 3 he is a perfect low risk, high reward pick that NFL teams love. Alexander can come to the Browns with position flexibility and immediately compete with Jowon Briggs for the fourth defensive tackle spot. Alexander and Briggs are high energy guys that fit perfectly into the penetrating style of the Schwartz scheme.
What we learned
The Browns will need to add youth and size to a defensive line where starters Shelby Harris and Maliek Collins will both be at least 30 years old at the start of the season.
Grant, Williams, and Alexander are just three guys that are aggressive, one-gap penetrators who fit the Schwartz scheme perfectly.
Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant for his father, Chuck, and four as head coach, from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the OHSAA Division II regional semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season along with beating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff win in school history.
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