Defensive Tackle Rankings
 

Just worked on some rankings for the senior defensive tackles in this year's draft. Projecting which underclassmen will declare is difficult so I didn't add them to the list yet, but if you have someone specific you'd like to know about, ask me and I'll give you some information on them as long as I've seen them play enough to comment.

Defensive Tackle Rankings

1. Alameda Ta'amu, Washington (6'3", 337, 5.20)

Massive nose-tackle prospect who has no problems taking on double teams. Much better motor and athleticism than most nose tackles; range is impressive. Excellent hit and wrap tackling technique.

2. Brandon Thompson, Clemson (6'2", 310, 4.95)

Doesn't have amazing pass-rush ability but can take on double teams and is stout against the run; has a very well-rounded game. Can fit in some 3-4 defenses. Reminiscent of 2010 first-round pick Corey Liuget.

3. Devon Still, Penn St. (6'5", 305, 5.10)

Almost as quick off the snap as Michigan State underclassman Jerel Worthy. Size makes him a strong bet to be drafted as a 3-4 defensive end. Faced concerns about motor and production prior to this season.

4. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut (6'4", 295, 5.00)

Has been used at defensive tackle, defensive end, nose tackle, and outside linebacker. Best fit is as a 3-4 defensive end. Can take on and shed double teams. Sometimes has trouble locating the ballcarrier.

5. Billy Winn, Boise St. (6'4", 295, 4.90)

Shows the ability to knife into the backfield. Has been used at defensive end, defensive tackle, and even standing up but did not live up to expectations this year. Best fit is at defensive end in a 3-4.

6. Josh Chapman, Alabama (6'1", 310, 5.02)

Projects as a nose tackle in the NFL but may not have the bulk for a two-gap system. Impressive ability to anchor against the run. Effective swim move and bull rush. Impressive range in pursuit.

7. DaJohn Harris, Southern California (6'4", 310, 5.20)

Size makes him scheme-versatile between 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. Athletic and has a strong initial punch. Plays with good leverage. Not as constantly disruptive as former teammate and 2010 draft pick Jurrell Casey.

8. Kheeston Randall, Texas (6'5", 295, 5.10)

Has the size and length to be an effective 3-4 defensive end but disappears for long stretches. Can control blockers with strength. Motor is not always running; not extremely active in pursuit.

9. Mike Martin, Michigan (6'2", 304, 5.00)

Aggressive pass-rusher with active hands. Swim move has been very successful. Lacks the bulk to anchor when run at and projects as a situational pass rusher. Needs to develop more pass rush moves.

10. Kaleb Ramsey, Boston College (6'3", 302, 5.05)

Has more impressive closing quickness and change-of-direction skills than expected from someone his size. Does a nice job of getting his hands up against the pass. Needs to develop more pass rush moves.

11. Tydreke Powell, North Carolina (6'3", 310, 5.30)

Has a stout build and does a nice job of holding the point of attack. Uses a few different pass rush moves with success. Not as athletic as former Tar Heel Marvin Austin. Projects as a nose tackle in a 4-3 defense.

12. Jaye Howard, Florida (6'3", 303, 5.05)

Plays a lot of defensive end for the Gators. Has an athletic build and moves around well. Can get into the backfield and disrupt plays. Needs to improve his ability to anchor when being run at; can be moved.

Not Ranked

Mike Daniels, Iowa (6'1", 280, 4.84)

Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati (6'5", 300, 5.20)

One word....

Juicy.

I really like Billy Winn and think he can be very good in a 4-3 defense.

A little generous with my guy Ta'amu. He is a space eater for sure and is a pretty good athlete but plays in spurts and doesnt hold the point of attack like you'd want. I think he becomes intriguing come round 2.

I know that Still has consistency and injury concerns from earlier in his career, but to me he is clearly the #1 DT in this class. By far the most dominant interior DL in the country this season from what I've seen. Very consistent performance this year.

I like what I've seen from Wolfe, and wouldn't be surprised to see him start to rise as the draft process continues. Very good size and pass rushing ability. Best fit might be as a 3-4 DE or 4-3 UT

This is ridiculous.

Devon Still is a far better prospect than both Thompson and Taamu.

Taamu has had maybe 1-2 dominant games this year. Still has flashed dominating ability in every game he played in except maybe vs. Wisconsin.

Thompson is solid but runs himself out of plays and lacks the body control and strength of Still.

Yeah, Thompson has been a total flop this year. He is a 3 technique at the next level and not a good pass rusher for a 1st round 3 tech. If you try to put him in a 3-4 it is not a great fit though I think he can play there and be solid, but that is definitely not what he does best. 5 techs are always preferred to be longer, Thompson is about 6'2" and more stout than long for a DT. Liuget >>>>Thompson as a prospect. Corey Liuget was a dominant DT at Illinois last year and a great pass rusher and penetrator, he would've went #14 to St.Louis if Robert Quinn wasn't there unexpectedly. Thompson I think will go probably in round 2. Andre Branch is clearly the best defensive player for Clemson this year.

Might have to change this after last nights game. Jerel Worthy easily had his best game of the season against arguably the best offensive line in the country.

He lived in the backfield, gained great penetration and was very active. If he keeps that up during the bowl game. He could come back into the conversation if he decides to come out and could be the top defensive tackle taken like most thought he would be before the season.

Again though, easily the best I have seen him play all season, and it is a shame Michigan State lost that game.

Yeah, not a big fan o Taamu. Not as stout as a guy his size should be.

This. Poe is the only player that will push Still for top DT imo. Not sure there's really much of a dropoff from Ta'amu to Chapman honestly. Both are day 2 players in my book.

I agree, I mean this kid has been just as big (and nearly as strong) as he is now and he's been starting for at least 2-3 years inside and they've typically been a horrible run defense. #1 prospect seems strong unless he has improved like no other.

Here's my Top 5 seniors

1. Billy Wynn : Boise State
2. Devon Still : Penn State
3. Derek Wolfe : Cincinnati
4. Kendall Reyes : UCONN
5. Alameda Ta'amu : Washington

not a very deep class, nor does it have top tier talent

Penn State run defense has been great this year, outside of the Wisconsin game.

Sorry man... I meant to quote somebody who had concerns about Ta'amu

edited :)