Defensive tackles aren’t what they used to be. Sure, some teams still look for interior linemen to take on blocks and win against the run, but those skills aren’t nearly as valued as they once were.
Instead, NFL teams want to see players who can impact the pass rush from inside. That’s reflected in our list here. A defensive tackle becomes far more valuable if he’s shown the ability — or potential — to consistently collapse pockets — or just flat out beat the blocker in front of him and record sacks.
This year’s class has a clear standout who fits that description. But this is also one of the deeper positions in the draft; teams could wait until Day 3 and still procure a prospect with the tools needed to thrive in the NFL.
1. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
I just don’t see how Kinlaw fails as an NFL player. He’s massive, he’s athletic and he has multiple productive seasons in the toughest conference in the country. Kinlaw will have to develop more pass-rushing moves if he’s going to reach his ceiling, but his explosion and strength should be enough to get him by during the early part of his career. He is easily the most impressive interior pass rusher in the class.
Grade: Early 1st Round
2. Jordan Elliott, Missouri
Elliott is an analytics darling. He doesn’t have an overly impressive athletic profile, but he consistently beat the blocker in front of him during his time in college. He led the nation in pass-rush win rate, per Pro Football Focus. While athleticism is a bit of a concern, Elliott did put on a solid showing at the combine and put up an eye-opening 40 time and 10-second split. Don’t be surprised if we look back at this draft and wonder how he dropped out of the first round.
Grade: Late 1st Round
3. Derrick Brown, Auburn
Value is a big question with Brown. The dude can obviously play football at a high level, but he’s never going to be a 10-sack guy, and that’s what teams are looking for in the first round these days. There’s no doubt that Brown will be a dominant player against the run and could collapse some pockets, but his athletic limitations limit his ceiling. A decade ago, Brown may have been a sure-fire top-10 pick, but not in 2020.
Grade: Late 1st Round
4. Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
Turn on the Alabama tape, and your eyes will instantly be drawn to Madubuike. I’ve seen some concerns about him, but he was throwing around Crimson Tide linemen in that game. He was a good run defender throughout his career and improved as a pass rusher every season. After checking all the boxes (and then some) at the Combine, there should be no more concerns about his strength and athleticism. Madubuike can play.
Grade: Early 2nd Round
5. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
Gallimore is one of the more fascinating players in the class. After shedding weight last offseason, he became more of a pass rusher from the nose tackle position. And he was still a force against the run. Gallimore still has a lot of room to grow as a pass rusher and he’s already 23, so he’s far from a sure thing. That doesn’t mean he’s not worth taking a bet on. At the very least, the team that drafts him will be getting a good run defender.
Grade: Early 2nd Round
Five more prospects to keep an eye on…
6. Ross Blacklock, TCU
7. Marlon Davidson, Auburn
8. Raekwon Davis, Alabama
9. Davon Hamilton, Ohio State
10. Rashard Lawrence, LSU