2020 NFL Draft – Defensive Tackle Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – DT:

You are currently viewing the best defensive tackles in the 2020 NFL Draft. Our top defensive tackle prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best interior defensive linemen in college football. Even though only about 20-25 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft sleepers, draft stars, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2020 defensive tackle prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 16, 2020)

2020:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Derrick Brown plays stronger than any measurable or stat can measure, and is a nightmare of a 1-on-1 block for any interior lineman. After being a projected 1st-rounder last year, Brown surprisingly returned to school and put up moderately better numbers. While he didn’t wow at the combine, the tape shows a player who will be a quality starter from day one. He has an extremely powerful upper and lower body, has a very high football IQ, and a drive to win. His pass rushing technique is very advanced for a 320 pounder, and he has a very fast first step after the snap. He is a sure fire tackler, and demands that teams avoid running up the middle when he’s in the game.

2019 Stats

12 games: 54 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 4 passes defended, 2 fumbles forced

Despite not having eye-popping numbers, Javon Kinlaw has incredible physical traits that can’t be taught. At 6’5" 324 pounds, he has a 7 foot wingspan, a lightning fast first step, and is an excellent bull rushing presence. His numbers were subpar thanks to constant double teams and a lack of pass rushing moves, but moves can easily be developed thanks to his combination of strength and quickness. While he plays nasty almost every snap, and is well conditioned from playing a large number of snaps for an interior defender. All the traits are there, he just needs to work on his form and technical skills, which are all coachable.

2019 Stats

12 games: 35 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 2 passes defended

Justin Madubuike is an athletic slasher from the interior defensive line position. While he isn’t particularly big (6’2 1/2" 293 pounds), he has a strong upper body to punch linemen out of place, and showed incredible speed at the combine with a 4.83 40 and 7.37 cone drill. He has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher from the inside because of his speed and quick hands, while his leaner build can help him slash into gaps. While he hasn’t been consistent stopping the run, he’s made some big tackles for loss against RBs and is able to chase them down on outside runs. He’ll likely start out as a successful rotational pass rusher as teams see if he can develop a complete game.

2019 Stats

12 games: 45 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 fumble forced

Marlon Davidson was a defensive end in college who had some additional weight to move into a defensive tackle role or act as a 3-4 end. Davidson has good athletic traits and production, and could be a menace rushing into gaps as a three-technique. While he is a bit of a tweener, I see that as a positive given he has experience being used in a number of schemes. He offers plus leadership ability and a drive to win, and NFL scouts sang his praises at the combine as a great addition to a winning team. A lack of elite traits may limit his ceiling, but he’ll likely be a solid starter for many years if a team can settle him into one position.

2019 Stats

12 games, 48 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble forced

I’m torn on Neville Gallimore. Scouts and teams are licking their chops after the 304 pounds nose tackle ran a blazing 4.75 40, the same speed as Charlotte RB Benny LeMay. As much as I love players with elite athleticism, I have just as much dislike for players who end up on the turf a lot… and I can’t remember a game where he wasn’t on the ground at least a few times. Getting knocked down at DT shows an obvious lack of contact balance, poor anchor, and/or a very upright style. While Gallimore has a good motor and obvious physical tools, he’s a very raw prospect who will need some time before he can contribute too much.

2019 Stats

13 games: 29 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 1 pass defended, 2 fumbles forced

Complete draft rankings for 2020 – Defensive Tackle

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2020: | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Derrick Brown leads a class of extremely athletic defensive tackles, many of whom have the potential to turn into stars at the next level thanks to their rare speed. The trend towards faster defensive players if very apparent with this group, and there is a lot more depth than initially thought. While there’s still a wide gap between Brown and the 2nd best interior defensive lineman, the gap narrowed a bit at the combine. There are a lot of prospects who have great potential as 2nd-5th round talent, and deep depth is fairly average. Outside of the eye popping numbers put up at the combine, other guys like Javon Kinlaw will shine at their pro day with similar measurements. The defensive tackle class was almost as athletic as the defensive ends for the first time ever, and we’ll almost certainly have a couple players who turn out to be stars in this group. Outside of the obvious stars at the top, Madubuike, Gallimore, Blacklock, and Khalil Davis have the athleticism to be a matchup nightmare if used properly. This type of athleticism doesn’t come around often, so expect these guys to be in high demand.