The 2025 NFL Draft defensive tackle class is one of the best in recent memory. The position group is incredibly deep, with the number drafted in the first two days of the draft expected to easily hit double figures.
The Group features several prospects carrying first-round grades. Meanwhile, multiple prospects can be found throughout the draft who will make rotational impacts at the next level.
2025 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings
10) CJ West, Indiana
CJ West is a stocky defensive tackle who consistently wins at the point of attack. The Indiana Hoosier projects as a nose tackle in the NFL where his wide frame and natural speed can plug gaps.
West has refined hand usage to shed blocks and close running lanes while also having natural burst to disrupt the pocket. The 6’1”, 316-pound defensive tackle has a naturally low stance, allowing him to pop under offensive linemen’s pads and create leverage on first contact.
9) Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
Jamaree Caldwell is a beefy, two-gapping defensive tackle whose large frame provides natural upper-body power. The Oregon transfer uses his mass to get low in his stance and burst upwards to bull rush interior offensive linemen.
The 6’2”, 332-pound defensive tackle is also much more athletic than his frame suggests. Caldwell keeps his feet underneath him at all times and has active, fluid footwork to have excellent lateral range.
8) Alfred Collins, Texas
Alfred Collins is a well-rounded defensive tackle who can cause pocket disruption as a pass rusher and use his frame to block running lanes. The Texas Longhorns defensive tackle has operative athleticism, allowing him to one-step interior offensive lineman or attack their chests.
At 6’6” and 332 pounds, Collins uses his long 34 ⅝-inch arm length to keep opponents at bay while also using his 10” hands to stack and shed blockers. However, his ability as a pass rusher can be further exposed in the NFL, as his overwhelming swim move is his sole move.
7) Darius Alexander, Toledo
Darius Alexander is a mature, experienced defensive tackle who has refined his play in 2024 to solidify himself as a Day 2 prospect. While the Toledo Rockets’ defensive tackle will be a 24-year-old rookie, the late-bloomer is a high-floor prospect who is an above-average athlete and stout run defender.
At 6’4” and 305 pounds, Alexander has a deadly bag of pass-rush tricks and has the frame and length to push back offensive linemen. His initial burst allows him to win laterally and exploits opponents with sudden movement. However, as an older prospect, there are question marks over how high his ceiling is at the next level.
6) T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
T.J Sanders is a pure disruptor. He wreaks havoc on offensive linemen whom he consistently out-athletes. The South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle wins with his explosive burst and hot motor.
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At 6’4” and 297 pounds, Sanders is undersized. But his frame allows him to be an exceptional pass rusher. The Gamecocks’ interior presence has the flexibility and bend to squeeze through games while his speed-to-power conversion constantly knocks opponents back.
5) Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
Tyleik Williams is a high-floor prospect who is an elite run defender. While he may not be the flashiest prospect, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ product does everything to a high standard and brings a developed and polished technique on every play.
At 6’3” and 334 pounds, Williams has the strength to get off blocks and the movement to control the line of scrimmage. His punishing core strength allows him to attack opponents’ chests, while his length and power provide good counter ability. Meanwhile, Williams has a developing pass-rush resume where he flashes dominance while also being inconsistent.
4) Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Derrick Harmon took massive strides forward in his development in 2024 after transferring from Michigan State. The Oregon Duck defensive tackle was consistently disruptive and overpowered offensive linemen with his explosive speed, twitchy first step, and penetrative power.
At 6’5” and 313 pounds, Harmon has a deep bag of pass-rush moves, leading to 11 TFLs and five sacks in 2024, and even left some production on the field. He can still do a better job at finishing plays with a mauling mentality. However, his hand technique and ability to be technically sound against the pass and the run project him as a three-down player in the NFL.
3) Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Walter Nolen is physically gifted. The former Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle flashed promise in College Station but proved why he was a coveted five-star recruit with the Ole Miss Rebels. In Oxford, he showed elite athleticism and hulking strength to overpower offensive linemen on a consistent basis.
At 6’4” and 296 pounds, Nolen is stout at the point of attack and uses his natural, twitchy athleticism to his advantage. With 14 TFLs and 6.5 sacks in 2024, the Rebels defensive lineman possesses immense agility and sharp movement to make opponents miss. Meanwhile, his low pad level and dominant strength profile allow him to play through contact.
2) Kenneth Grant, Michigan
At 6’4” and 331 pounds, Kenneth Grant is a massive defensive tackle who offers elite athleticism. Players his size shouldn’t have the movement skills or range that the Michigan Wolverines’ defensive tackle does. His freakish physical profile and hyper-mobility are mesmerizing and worthy of a high selection.
Grant is able to unlock all his traits in on-field play. The Wolverine is consistently around the football and makes plays in the most significant moments. His mass is difficult to get around as he anchors his frame, while his rare lateral range allows him to operate along the line of scrimmage.
1) Mason Graham, Michigan
Mason Graham is one of the top overall prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and has the skill set to land him a top-10 selection in April. The other Wolverines’ defensive tackle has incredible stamina and a rounded skill set to stay on the field for all three downs while consistently terrorizing offensive linemen.
While Graham measured in at 6’3” and 296 pounds at the 2025 NFL Combine, it is expected he played closer to 315 pounds in 2024. The former three-star prospect plays with elite hand usage where his heavy, violent application allows him to get off blocks or create leverage.
KEEP READING: Most NFL Draft Picks by School
Graham possesses upper-tier awareness, football IQ, and anticipation to impact every down by utilizing his refined pass-rush plan and natural strength.
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