Zak Drapeau's Top 10 D-Tackles 2025 NFL Draft
- Zak Drapeau
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
Not only the best Interior Defensive Lineman Class I've ever scouted, but one of the individually best positional classes over the last decade, comparable to the Wide Receiver class of last year. Unfortunately for the group, D-Tackles have long been undervalued positionally, similar to Safeties and Running Backs but that won't stop at least 8 and up to 12 of them to go in Rounds 1 through 3.
Headed up by my 2nd Blue Chip Prospect I've covered Mason Graham, this class is filled with pass rushing D-Tackles with tremendous athleticism. I have covered the Top-10 in the class but a staggering 17 made my Top-125 Big Board.
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1. Mason Graham
Michigan 6'3" 296 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 4
Archetype: All-Around 4-3 DT
In my opinion Mason Graham is one of the most underrated player in this draft. A consistent Top-4 Ranking in all of my Big Boards, Graham checks off every single box and leads the greatest DT class I've ever scouted. Graham was the best DT last year on Michigan's National Champion team as a sophomore and is equally elite in run stuffing and pass rushing. Graham has the lowest floor of any player in this draft which in my estimation is a 10-year starter with Pro Bowl level production.
Pro Comp: Quinnen Williams
Draft Projection: Top-10 Picks
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2. Walter Nolen
Ole Miss 6'4" 296 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 13
Archetype: Pass Rushing 4-3 DT
If Graham has the highest floor of the class, Nolen has the highest ceiling. A former High School #1 recruit and a member of Bruce Feldman's freak list, Nolen's raw athleticism at only 21-years old will be a scary combo if he also gets the proper NFL coaching. Nolen racked up 13 sacks from the interior over the past two seasons while improving every season at his run defense. Nolen's character concerns have been gaining water due to a "lack of maturity" as an NFL GM put it but haven't pushed him too far down the board. A player with a potential like Nolen will always be a high pick even after character concerns.
Pro Comp: Milton Williams
Draft Projection: Round 1
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3. Derrick Harmon
Oregon 6'5" 313 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 29
Archetype: Christian Barmore
Derrick Harmon exploded on the scene with his first year as starter at Oregon with 5 sacks and over 40 QB hurries. PFF had Harmon at a 17.6% pass rush win rate which is common amongst the top Edge Rushers in the class and one of the best marks for DT's. His skill set is what separates him with a fluid swim move and strong explosive hands, Harmon will instantly be a Top-10 pass rushing, 3-4 DT in the league when he gets there.
Pro Comp: Christian Barmore
Draft Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd
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4. Kenneth Grant
Michigan 6'4" 331 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 32
Archetype: Run Stopping 3-4 Nose Tackle
Grant has been one of the top prospects in this class all year due to untapped potential. Potential that, while still in the air, wasn't tapped into in his first year of starting as many had hoped. At 331 pounds, Grant has a future as a run smothering Nose Tackle with some major pass rush upside. #3 on Bruce Feldman's freak list, Grants speed and agility for his size makes him worth a first round flyer for any team and puts Grant as the 4th and final DI in Tier 1.
Pro Comp: D.J. Reader
Draft Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd
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5. Tyleik Williams
Ohio State 6'3" 334 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 36
Archetype: Run Stopping 3-4 Defensive Tackle
Williams is an uber-athletic run stuffer with 2 years of experience and a National Championship on his resume. One of my particular risers from the NFL Combine, Williams showed his raw athleticism for 330+ pounds in his on-field drills and why he has such a high floor as a run stopper. His pass rush moves are not refined and may never get there but Williams ability to plug holes in the O-line and his ability to play the 1,3 or 5-tech make him someone any team would love to have. Because of his low pass rush upside, Williams won't sniff the first round but you can expect him shortly after.
Pro Comp: Da'Ron Payne
Draft Projection: Round 2
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6. T.J. Sanders
South Carolina 6'4" 297 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 46
Archetype: Pass Rushing 4-3 DT
Sanders is fresh off his second year of good production in starting for South Carolina and had some minor size concerns before weighing in at just under 300 pounds at the Combine. Sanders is a terrific athlete with good pass rush moves and great quickness. He will need to add some strength to be a 3-down D-lineman and live up to his high motor potential but at worst his floor is a dynamic 4-3 DT who can get to the Quarterback.
Pro Comp: Ed Oliver
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
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7. Darius Alexander
Toledo 6'4" 305 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 53
Archetype: All-Around 3-4 DE
Alexander is a well-rounded DT with lots of experience and good athleticism. He was a true standout at the Senior Bowl where he bullied O-linemen from the B and C gaps. Alexander projects best at the C gap in the pros thanks to his size and athleticism but he will need some more consistency to make it. In 5 years in college, Alexander started about half that time and was only great his final season at Toledo.
Pro Comp: David Onyemata
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
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8. Josh Farmer
Florida State 6'3" 305 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 64
Archetype: Athletic 3-4 DT
Farmer is still a project player who struggles against the run but is so strong that he has potential to really grow in the NFL. Showing an athletic profile I hadn't seen until the Combine, Farmer will have the ability to play all 3 D-Tackle positions in the NFL but will need some serious work on mechanics and patience. Too often he relies on his strength to bull rush defenders and before he looks up the play is past him. One of the best athletes in the class, Farmer's upside and floor are both higher than most but he will need to get some good coaching for the latter.
Pro Comp: Shades of Keeanu Benton
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
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9. Omar Norman-Lott
Tennessee 6'2" 291 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 66
Archetype: Pass Rushing 4-3 DT
Pro Comp: Norman-Lott didn't have many snaps in college but his NFL potential based on his pass rush is legit. Deep in a very talented Tennessee D-line rotation, Norman-Lott was most effective as a 3-4 DE but will need to bulk up or take his slot as a 4-3 DT in the pros. ONL's run defense will get better with added weight and he will need it; if ONL wants to get even close to his potential as a pass rusher, he will need to be on the field enough to do so and that will only happen with at least 10 more pounds. Give him a year in the league and he will be a high-caliber starter.
Pro Comp: Mojo Oromo
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
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10. Deone Walker
Kentucky 6'7" 331 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 78
Archetype: Massive Nose Tackle
Walker's size and production give him serious potential in the pros but his lack of pass moves and high pad level are causes for concern. One of the best examples of low floor high potential in the draft, Walker is only 21 years old with 3 years of starting SEC experience. Many scouts and experts have Walker much further down the list but I believe a player as young as Walker with his size will only benefit in the pros with coaching and some patience, perhaps even a year or two on the bench or in rotation.
Pro Comp: Shades of John Henderson
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
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