2018 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Rankings

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: December 1, 2017.

1. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson Projected Round 1st Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap At 6-4 300 lbs Christian Wilkins is an excellent 4-3 defensive tackle. He played with Carlos Watkins in 2016 and played with Dex Lawrence in 2017. Commands double teams and triple teams. Did very well against Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller on tape in 2017 despite only having 7 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and 4 quarterback hurries in 2017.
   
   
   Christian Wilkins SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Displays phenomenal rip and swim moves. His block shedding is off the charts as well. Has the strength and speed you want in a defensive tackle. Can sack the quarterback or stop the run effectively. Drops back into coverage well. Won triple teams against Virginia Tech's entire interior offensive line. Has three down ability. Bats the ball natural at swatting the football.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger and show more of a motor. These are two things that Wilkins needs to correct. Despite having these weaknesses, he's the closest thing to a blue chip defensive tackle in the 2018 NFL Draft. Inconsistent bend technique.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. A 4-3 team will get more out of him, but he can play in the 4-3 or the 3-4.
   
   
   
   Threats: Christian Wilkins has no threats as a prospect. Wilkins dominates in both the 3-technique and 5-technique. That makes him versatile enough to play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end. I feel like Wilkins is a special player that you can plug and play anywhere on the defensive line whether it is at 4-3 defensive tackle or putting him anywhere on a 3-4 defensive line.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 95/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Christian Wilkins helped Clemson get to the 2016 College Football Playoff as a true freshman. He did the same as a sophomore with 13 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks.
   
   
   
   Wilkins can play in the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, 5-technique, 6-technique, 7-technique, 8-technique, or 9-technique in the 4-3. The last defensive linemen with the versatility to play any of the 0-9 techniques on the defensive line was Robert Nkemdiche. Wilkins is cleaner than Nkemdiche so he should be a top 20 pick.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama Projected Round 1st Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-2 309 lb Da'Ron Payne can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 nose tackle. He has elite strength and three down ability. Has great burst and first step quickness. Has 8 quarterback hurries despite having only 1 tackle for a loss and 1 sack in 2017.
   
   
   Da'Ron Payne SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Da'Ron Payne has the speed and strength you want a defensive lineman to have. He's durable and can have his moments on tape. Dominated versus Clemson in the 2017 Championship Game. Wins battles with rip and swim moves. Displays three down ability. Expected to be a workout warrior during the NFL Combine.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Needs to execute more tackles for a loss and sacks. Struggled versus Braden Smith who Christian Wilkns manhandled on tape.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. A 4-3 team will get more out of him, but he can play in the 4-3 or the 3-4.
   
   
   
   Threats: Da'Ron Payne is a safer prospect than Christian Wilkins. I don't think he has the upside that Wilkins has. It's very close at the moment and if Payne remains consistent throughout the draft process and Wilkins has a slip up then Payne can become the best defensive tackle in this draft. Some scouts have Payne ahead of Wilkins too.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 94/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Da'Ron Payne can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 nose tackle. Can play 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, and 5-technique in the NFL.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan Projected Round 1st Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-2 280 lb Maurice Hurst has 13.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks in 2017. Hurst can play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, or 3-4 left end. His versatility to play 4-3 defensive tackle and 3-4 defensive end is one of his biggest assets. Hurst will play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.
   
   
   Maurice Hurst SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Maurice Hurst dominated on tape against Wisconsin right guard Beau Benzschwael and Ohio State center Billy Price in 2017. He had some success against Michigan State center Brian Allen as well. Hurst is a natural at shedding blocks and using rip and swim moves.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Hurst needs to add more muscle and get stronger. This is the only thing I'd like to see Hurst improve in.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. A 4-3 team will get more out of him, but he can play in the 4-3 or the 3-4.
   
   
   
   Threats: There really aren't any threats with Maurice Hurst. Has extremely impressive tape and some believe he's the top defensive tackle in the 2018 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 93/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Maurice Hurst had 11.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks in 2016. He will get drafted in the first round if he improves on that in 2017.
   
   
   
   Hurst can play 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, or 5-technique. He can play in a variety of different roles and have quite the impact.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Vita Vea, DT, Washington Projected Round 2nd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap At 6-5 340 lbs Vita Vea is an great 4-3 defensive tackle. He has the body to play nose tackle as well.
   
   
   
   Vita Vea has 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2017. He commands a lot of double teams and triple teams on tape. He shows three down ability as well.
   
   
   Vita Vea SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Vita Vea has amazing swim and spin moves. He also has the ability to command triple teams. Drops back into coverage. Possesses three down ability.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Needs to lose some weight. Has to improve rip moves. Fatigues at times with his weight.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos are some places Vita Vea could end up. I have a second round grade on Vita Vea.
   
   
   
   Threats: Vita Vea has no threats as a prospect. He fatigues quite a bit. I believe this is coachable and something the team that drafts him can fix.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 89/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Vita Vea had 6.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks in 2017. Vea could get picked in the first round if he builds on that in 2017.
   
   
   
   Vea can play in the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, and 3-technique in the NFL. He doesn't have the ability to play 4-technique or 5-technique like Danny Shelton which is why his upside is lower than Shelton's. At the same time he brings a lot of strong qualities on tape.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State Projected Round 2nd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-1 312 lb P.J. Hall has 16 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks in 2017. Hall is still putting together a strong year as a run stuffer despite having a career low in tackles for a loss and sacks.
   
   
   P.J. Hall SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: P.J. Hall has lined up everywhere. Hall has lined up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 defensive tackle, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, 3-4 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker. Has consistent run stuffing and sack artist ability. Knows how to drop back into coverage. Probably the most versatile defensive tackle in the entire 2018 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Has played FCS competition most of his career. I want to see how he projects as a 4-3 defensive tackle in Mobile against NFL competition.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos are some places P.J. Hall could end up. I have a second round grade on P.J. Hall at the moment.
   
   
   
   Threats: There are no threats with P.J. Hall. He's got to show strong tape versus superior competition.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 89/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   P.J. Hall had 44 solo tackles, 49 assisted tackles, 93 total tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, and 12 sacks as a true freshman in 2014. Hall had 50 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, and 11 sacks as a true sophomore in 2015. Hall had 35 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 56 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for a loss, and 13 sacks.
   
   
   
   Hall can play in the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, 5-technique, 6-technique, 7-technique, 8-technique, or 9-technique in the 4-3. He does all of this despite being an FCS prospect. That's why he has a great shot of being a day 2 pick if he puts everything together once again in 2017.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Justin Jones, DT, North Carolina State Projected Round 2nd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-2 312 lb Justin Jones enters his junior season at North Carolina State. He had 8.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries. Jones run stuffing earned him an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl which he accepted.
   
   
   Justin Jones SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Dominant run stuffer. Has rip and swim moves to win battles on tape.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Needs to improve as a pass rusher. Fatigues at times.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: I'm not sure where Justin Jones ends up. I currently have a second round grade on Jones.
   
   
   
   Threats: There are no threats with Justin Jones. He's a safe prospect with a limited ceiling.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 88/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Justin Jones had 6.5 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks as a junior in 2016. Can improve his stock if he builds on that in 2017. Can play in the 3-technique in the NFL.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State Projected Round 3rd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-1 310 lb Derrick Nnadi is a pure 4-3 defensive tackle. He has 9 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2017.
   
   
   Derrick Nnadi SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Derrick Nnadi did well on tape versus Bradley Bozeman in pass rushing situations with his rip and swim moves. Nnadi also has excellent reaction time anticipating when to attack the quarterback off the snap. Displays the rip and swim moves. Knows how to play like an elite run stuffer.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Struggled on running plays versus Bradley Bozeman. Nnadi also needs to improve his block shedding.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: I'm not sure where Derrick Nnadi ends up. I currently have a third round grade on Nnadi.
   
   
   
   Threats: Derrick Nnadi has no threats. He's a pretty safe prospect when watching him on tape.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 87/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Derrick Nnadi 10.5 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks in 2016. He can go in the first round if he builds on that. As long as he doesn't regress too much he should still be a day 2 pick.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida Projected Round 3rd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-4 291 lb Taven Bryan has the speed and first step quickness you want a defensive linemen to have. Even displays great burst on the inside. There is a lot more to being a 4-3 defensive tackle rather than having those traits.
   
   
   Taven Bryan SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Taven Bryan can play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, and 3-4 left end with his versatility. Has great speed and an explosive first step burst. Has three down ability at defensive tackle.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: He's not a consistent sack artist. Lacks the rip and swim moves to stand out on tape. That's his one huge knock.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: I'm not sure where Taven Bryan ends up. I currently have a third round grade on Bryan.
   
   
   
   Threats: Taven Bryan needs to get stronger. He has great pass rushing, but he doesn't feel like someone that will step up. The Texas A&M game was Bryan's only good game on tape. He was ineffective versus Will Clapp.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 82/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Taven Bryan had limited playing time in 2016. He will try to build on that in 2017 now that he takes over as a full time starter in 2017.
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State Projected Round 3rd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-3 295 lb Dre'Mont Jones is strong. Jones can play 4-3 defenive tackle, 3-4 right end, or 3-4 left end.
   
   
   Dre'Mont Jones SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Dre'Mont Jones has great rip and swim moves. His foot speed for a defensive tackle is good too. Three down ability.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Needs to improve with block shedding. You could argue he's raw to a degree.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: I'm not sure where Dre'Mont Jones ends up. I currently have a third round grade on Jones.
   
   
   
   Threats: There are no threats with Dre'Mont Jones. He's a nice rotational 4-3 defensive tackle for depth. Can also play in the 5-technique.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 80/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Dre'Mont Jones showed promise as a freshman redshirt. He may declare for the 2018 NFL Draft with a strong 2017 season.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M Projected Round 4th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-1 320 lb Daylon Mack can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 nose tackle. Mack has to work on getting stronger and losing some weight unless he wants to play just nose tackle.
    
    
    Daylon Mack SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Daylon Mack has the size to be a 3-4 nose tackle. Mack commands triple teams.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Daylon Mack struggled against Bradley Bozeman. Only a two down defensive tackle. Fatigues easily.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: I'm not sure where Daylon Mack ends up. I currently have a fourth round grade on Mack.
    
    
    
    Threats: Daylon Mack lacks the strength you want in a three down defensive tackle. Projects as a career backup.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 74/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Daylon Mack dominated as a true freshman in 2015. Took a step back in 2016. Can play the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, and 3-technique.
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah Projected Round 5th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-2 320 lb Lowell Lotulelei is the younger brother of Star Lotulelei. Lowell can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 nose tackle. Has struggled so far in 2017. Only had two decent outings versus Washington State and Washington.
    
    
    Lowell Lotulelei SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Lowell Lotulelei has good rip and swim moves. He has good burst off the edge.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Unlike his older brother, he is only a two-down player in the NFL. Does not possess elite strength and block shedding to dominate at the next level.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: I'm not sure where Lowell Lotulelei ends up. I currently have a fifth round grade on Lotulelei.
    
    
    
    Threats: There are no threats with Lowell Lotulelei. Lowell is not going to translate into the Pro Bowler his older brother is.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 74/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Lowell Lotulelei had 8.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2016. He can be a day 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft if he builds on that in 2017.
    
    
    
    
    
    
12. Reginald McKenzie Jr., DT, Tennessee Projected Round 6th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-3 320 lb Reginald McKenzie Jr. has the tools to be a 3-4 nose tackle. He does not project into a 4-3 lineup.
    
    
    Reginald McKenzie Jr. SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Has good rip and swim moves. Great burst as well.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Not a sack artist. Also struggles in coverage. Is a two down player.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: I'm not sure where Reginald McKenzie Jr. ends up. I currently have a sixth round grade on Reginald McKenzie Jr.
    
    
    
    Threats: No threats with Reginald McKenzie Jr.. He can be an effective situational run stuffer for depth.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 73/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Reginald McKenzie Jr. is the son of Oakland Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie. He also went by the name Khalil McKenzie at one point.
    
    
    
    
    
    
13. Trent Thompson, DT, Georgia Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-4 295 lb Trent Thompson is Georgia's defensive tackle. He has lined up at 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, and 3-4 left end. Has 3 tackles for a loss and no sacks in 2017 after a dominant 2016 campaign.
    
    
    Trent Thompson SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Has great speed, rip, and swim moves. His long arms and explosive burst make him lethal. Can play anywhere on the defensive line in a 3-4 scheme.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger. He's a two down player. Gets pancaked by offensive linemen.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: I'm not sure where Trent Thompson ends up. I currently have a seventh round grade on Thompson.
    
    
    
    Threats: Trent Thompson lacks the functional strength to start at defensive tackle. I personally believe he's a warm body who won't make an NFL teams final roster.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 68/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Trent Thompson had 9.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks in 2016. Trent Thompson can play in the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, or 5-technique. Trent Thompson can be a day 2 pick if he builds on his 2016 campaign in 2017.
    
    
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14. Da'Shawn Hand, DT, Alabama Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-4 288 lb Da'Shawn Hand is versatile enough to play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, and 3-4 left end. That makes him a great option for a 3-technique, 4-technique, or 5-technique.
    
    
    Da'Shawn Hand SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Great speed off the edge. Versatile enough to play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, or 3-4 left end.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Da'Shawn Hand is a two down player. Needs to develop more rip and swim moves.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: I'm not sure where Da'Shawn Hand ends up. I currently have a seventh round grade on Hand. Most have a third round grade on him despite his two down ability.
    
    
    
    Threats: Da'Shawn Hand feels like a warm body type prospect. I don't see him making an NFL final roster.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 65/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Da'Shawn Hand has been ina depth role his first three years at Alabama. He finally becomes a full-time starter for Alabama in 2017.
    
    
    
    
    
    
15. Steven Richardson, DT, Minnesota Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-0 292 lb Steven Richardson only had 3.5 tackles for a loss in 2017. He struggled this season after entering the year a highly coveted prospect with day 2 potential.
    
    
    Steven Richardson SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Steven Richardson is good at shedding blocks. Has an explosive first step. Quality rip and swim moves.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger. Has two down ability.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: I have a seventh round grade on Steven Richardson. I currently have a seventh round grade on Richardson.
    
    
    
    Threats: Steven Richardson is a warm body. I don't see him making a final NFL roster unless he reverts to his 2016 form.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 60/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Steven Richardson had 11 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks in 2016. If he can improve on that in 2017 he can be a day 2 pick.