2021 NFL Draft – Defensive Tackle Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – DT:

You are currently viewing the best defensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft. Our top defensive tackle prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most interior defensive linemen in college football. Even though only about 20 to 25 will get selected in the draft, a lot 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 stars, DT sleepers, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 NFL draft defensive tackle prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 29, 2021)

2021:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Barmore was a tail of two tapes throughout the season. Late in the season and during the College Football Playoff, he shined on the big stage and made his presence felt. A gifted athlete at 6’5" 310 pounds, Barmore is the rare type of player with pass rush production at his size. He takes up a lot of space against the run, but didn’t show a next-level motor in getting outside to finish plays. His early play was as inconsistent as you may expect from a sophomore, but consistency can come with time and coaching. At the end of the day, he’s a big tackle with good athleticism and loves to hit the quarterback. That’s an impressive mix.

2020 Stats

11 games: 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks

Alim McNeill is a true 0 technique with great athleticism for his size and a load to try and move in the run game. Despite only accounting for 1.5 sacks in 2020, he is blossoming in the pass rush, witch is a novelty for his alignment. He can work on refining pass rushing moves, but the fast first step and short area quickness are already there. If he can get into a 3-4 system with other effective pass rushers around him, he could provide a real headache for opposing offensive lines. In the meantime, he’s already a great run stopper. He’s also an advanced metrics darling who seems to do everything right.

2020 Stats

11 games: 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks

Daviyon Nixon showed a lot of potential as a freshman, and things really came together in his redshirt sophomore season this past year. Nixon racked up 13.5 tackles for loss and 45 total tackles in just 8 games, which is absurd production from the interior of the d-line. Nixon has a high motor, a powerful 6’3" 310 pound frame, and develop some legitimate pass rushing moves. He bends well and and moves keeps a powerful base, and can excel on twists and breaking double teams in the future with his athletic profile. Like Barmore, it’s important to remember that he’s just a sophomore and has a lot of room to improve before reaching his final form.

2020 Stats

8 games: 45 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks

Onwuzurike was a preseason All-American before opting out of the 2020 season, and has all the athleticism you could want from an interior defensive lineman. He’s a natural athlete and effective pass rusher who has gotten consistently better against the run. At 6’3" 290 pounds, he’s still a bit lean and might get pushed around a bit early in his career if he doesn’t get good position. Onwuzurike also possesses good length with a strong upper body, and could deflect a lot of passes. He’s still a little raw but has plenty of potential.

2019 Stats

12 games: 45 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks

Did not play in 2020. 

Milton Williams is a big time late riser after showing off insane numbers at his pro day. At 6’4" 280 pounds he ran a sub-4.7, which is speed that clearly translates on film. Despite being a bit light for the position, he looks and plays a lot bigger than that. He has a strong upper body with enough power to push guards around. Most impressive is his first step and bend, which allows him to consistently get in the backfield and disrupt plays. Reportedly he’s also very coachable, and has a solid football IQ. His frame and athleticism give him the versatility to play all across the defensive line.

2020 Stats

10 games: 45 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks

Complete 2021 DT draft rankings

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2021: | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

It’s no secret that this group of defensive tackles in pretty weak. Not only is there no transcendent talent, but you could argue there are no first round caliber prospects which is quite rare for the position. The two players I see at the top of the group are Nixon and Barmore, but they are both only redshirt sophomores and still have a lot of room for growth before they’re ready to reach their full potential. While the top of the draft is pretty weak, the depth is solid, and there are a lot of potential sleepers in the middle rounds. Two players in particular that I love are Jaylen Twyman and Bobby Brown, but there are many more names I could list off who have Pro Bowl potential in the right system. Despite the weaknesses, this is one of the most interesting groups in the draft.