2022 NFL Draft – Defensive Tackle Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – DT:

You are currently viewing the best defensive tackles in the 2022 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 2022 defensive tackle prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 26, 2022)

2022:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | LB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Fans love Jordan Davis, who honestly looks a lot bigger than the 6’6" 340 pounds he’s listed at. Fans and coaches alike love players who excel at something, and that’s certainly the case with Davis in the run game. His insane size and power make him a menace to run against, and he needs to be double teamed to have a hope of running up the middle. Along with his size, he has relatively good athleticism and makes quick reads in run defense. While I have legitimate concerns about conditioning, motor, and ability to be a 3 down player, there’s a point where you just can’t argue with physical traits. With elite size, speed, strength, and even elite bend, there are things Davis can do that no one in the NFL can. Will he be able to build on his potential? Not sure. But the potential is too tantalizing to pass up.

2021 Stats

14 games: 32 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 1 pass defended

Georgia’s run defense was so highly touted for a reason, and Devonte Wyatt was a big part of that. An ideal fit as a 3-technique, Wyatt is fluid and instinctual. He reads plays exceptionally well, and has a fast first step to make first contact into the block. Wyatt has great range in the run game, moving laterally very well for someone his size (6’3" 315). Most impressive in his game is how well his hand usage and counters have been coached up. Wyatt is a defensive coach’s dream because he pays attention to the small details, while giving great effort on every play. His power is nothing too noteworthy compared to his counterparts on the Georgia DL, but he plays with good strength and plenty of speed.

2021 Stats

13 games: 39 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 pass defended

Travis Jones is a rock down low at the one-technique, having transformed his body throughout his time at UConn. While he doesn’t have an extremely quick first step in the pass rush, he’s a massive space eater with good recognition and overall understanding of run defense. Jones has a strong punch and keeps an even pad level, playing with great overall strength. He plays with a tough anchor and makes it difficult for offensive linemen to climb to the second level. His athleticism is really impressive for his size, and he’s a pretty smooth mover who identifies offensive concepts fast enough to make up for any lateral movement issues. Along with his elite strength, Jones was respected as a great team leader with high character and a non-stop motor. He dominated the senior bowl and combine and had scouts buzzing.

2021 Stats

11 games: 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended

DeMarvin Leal is one of the more interesting players in the 2022 draft class. His talent is undeniable and he was exceptionally productive this past season, yet his stock didn’t rise. The big reason for that is position fit – he’s big for an edge at 6’4" 290 pounds, but has struggled when moved to the interior. The question then becomes: Will the right team draft him? In the right system Leal has an incredible blend of quickness and power, using his strong hands to separate off blocks and good bend to get to the QB. Leal has good footwork and pass rushing moves, and usually shows good discipline in the run game. He plays with good effort and is willing to run from sideline to sideline, while the physical traits are as good as any 280+ pounder in the draft class.

2021 Stats

11 games: 58 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 2 passes defended

Winfrey is a 3-technique defensive tackle with an incredible first step and the ability to easily translate speed in to power. He has a very long wingspan (7’1") to play even bigger than his 6’4" 290 pound frame, and he has great bend for an interior pass rusher to get small when needed. Winfrey dominated the senior bowl and put on an athletic display at the combine, but didn’t show consistent effort on film. This is also noticeable in his stats, where despite having an impressive 11 tackles for loss, he only totaled 23 tackles through 12 games. There’s plenty of refinement needed to his game, but his athletic traits and big improvement in 2021 make him an intriguing early prospect.

2021 Stats

14 games: 23 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 fumble forced

Complete 2022 DT draft rankings

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2022:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | LB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

At first I thought this was a bit of an underwhelming defensive tackle class, but the testing numbers at the combine and pro days were just off the charts. Georgia had a number of these top interior d-linemen, and we got to see quite a bit of them en route to their national championship. The 3rd day depth isn’t quite as strong as I’d hope, but it feels like every week I’m getting more and more happy with the class. Other than Jordan Davis and Travis Jones at the top, it doesn’t feel like there’s many good nose tackles in the class, but plenty of options at the 3-tech and 5-tech.