Complete 2025 NFL Draft DT Rankings:
You are currently viewing our defensive tackle rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2025 DT class looks very solid to start off the year, but how many of the talented underclassmen will declare for the draft?
Our top defensive tackle prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented 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.
We’ll provide you with inside information to help you know who will be a star, who will be a bust, and which sleepers will shock the world.
BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2025 NFL draft defensive tackle prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.
(Last Updated: January 19, 2025)
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
DT | 6’3″ | 320 lbs | 3rd Year
Mason Graham doesn’t necessarily have the stats you’d expect from a top-10 pick, but he’s a consistent disruptor with the uncoachable traits that project him as an elite pass rusher in the future.
Graham has a strong, stout frame and is hard to move in run defense, even against double teams. He excels with the use of his eyes, creating separation from linemen and diagnosing plays in the backfield. Graham shows impressive bend and a fast get off for a defensive tackle, along with a relentless bullrush that consistently blows up the direction of a run play. He changes direction well and does a good job finishing tackles.
Mason Graham 2024 Stats
12 games: 45 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 pass defended
2. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
DT | 6’5″ | 320 lbs | 4th Year
Derrick Harmon is one of the biggest risers in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Michigan State transfer improved in every aspect during his one season in Eugene.
The 6’5″ 320 pound defensive tackle has the size and athleticism combination to line up across the defensive line. He shows the strength to consistently hold his lane in the run game, even against double teams.
Even with the size, Harmon is an outstanding pass rusher. He led the nation in pass rush win rate, consistently works to force fumbles, and bats down passes when he doesn’t get to the QB.
His size, technique, and athletic traits make him a sure fire first round talent.
Derrick Harmon 2024 Stats
14 games: 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 pass defended, 2 fumble forced
3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
DT | 6’3″ | 340 lbs | 3rd Year
Kenneth Grant is not only a massive defensive lineman, he’s also a freakish athlete. A two-time headlining member of Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Grant is one of the faster and quicker interior defenders in the draft despite weighing 20-30 pounds more than the majority of prospects.
Grant flashes that athleticism on film all the time. When he times up the snap count, there’s nothing an offensive lineman can do. He has immense strength to blow up run plays, and has a couple decent pass rush moves that you don’t normally see from a nose tackle, and will allow him to see the field in some passing situations.
He needs improvement with his hand placement and needs better gap discipline, but the traits are undeniable.
Kenneth Grant 2024 Stats
12 games: 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 passes defended
4. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
DT | 6’3″ | 305 lbs | 3rd Year
Walter Nolen was a highly touted recruit who flashed consistently in his two years at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss and taking another step this past season.
Nolen has a ton of athleticism. He has impressive bend, open field speed, and is pretty quick changing directions and chasing laterally. He’s able to take on blocks with a wide base and has a physical style of play that helps him gain leverage and beat one on one blockers.
Nolen is young, but he’ll need to work on adding some more strength to his frame and playing less upright. He doesn’t have the same menacing frame as the rest of the prospects on this list.
Walter Nolen 2024 Stats
13 games: 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 passes defended
5. Deone Walker, Kentucky
NT | 6’6″ | 345 lbs | 3rd Year
Deone Walker is an absolutely massive true nose tackle who was one of the most dominant players in all of college football in 2023. Despite taking a step back in 2024, there are a ton of physical traits to work with.
Walker isn’t afraid to work sideline-to-sideline, and demands constant double teams due to his 6’6″ 345 pound frame. He’s coordinated and keeps his feet moving to continue gaining ground.
Unsurprisingly, conditioning is a bit of an issue for Walker. His burst is inconsistent, and it might limit him to situational snap unless he cuts some weight.
Deone Walker 2024 Stats
11 games: 37 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defended
Complete 2025 DT Draft Rankings
| RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | AGE | HT | WT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mason Graham | Michigan | 3rd | 6'3" | 320 |
| 2 | Derrick Harmon | Oregon | 4th | 6'5" | 320 |
| 3 | Kenneth Grant | Michigan | 3rd | 6'3" | 340 |
| 4 | Walter Nolen | Ole Miss | 3rd | 6'3" | 305 |
| 5 | Deone Walker | Kentucky | 3rd | 6'6" | 345 |
| 6 | Tyleik Williams | Ohio State | 4th | 6'3" | 325 |
| 7 | Alfred Collins | Texas | 5th | 6'5" | 320 |
| 8 | Rylie Mills | Notre Dame | 5th | 6'5" | 305 |
| 9 | Ty Robinson | Nebraska | 6th | 6'6" | 310 |
| 10 | Zane Durant | Penn State | 3rd | 6'1" | 290 |
| 11 | JJ Pegues | Ole Miss | 5th | 6'2" | 325 |
| 12 | Davin Vann | NC State | 5th | 6'2" | 280 |
| 13 | Omarr Norman-Lott | Tennessee | 5th | 6'3" | 315 |
| 14 | TJ Sanders | South Carolina | 4th | 6'5" | 300 |
| 15 | Shemar Turner | Texas A&M | 4th | 6'4" | 290 |
| 16 | Simeon Barrow | Miami (FL) | 5th | 6'3" | 290 |
| 17 | Howard Cross III | Notre Dame | 6th | 6'1" | 280 |
| 18 | Ty Hamilton | Ohio State | 5th | 6'3" | 295 |
| 19 | Joshua Farmer | Florida State | 4th | 6'3" | 320 |
| 20 | Aeneas Peebles | Virginia Tech | 5th | 6'1" | 285 |
| 21 | Yahya Black | Iowa | 5th | 6'5" | 315 |
| 22 | Nazir Stackhouse | Georgia | 5th | 6'3" | 320 |
| 23 | Cameron Jackson | Florida | 5th | 6'6" | 360 |
| 24 | Tim Smith | Alabama | 5th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 25 | Darius Alexander | Toledo | 6th | 6'4" | 310 |
| 26 | CJ West | Indiana | 5th | 6'2" | 315 |
| 27 | Tonka Hemingway | South Carolina | 5th | 6'3" | 290 |
| 28 | Omari Thomas | Tennessee | 5th | 6'4" | 320 |
| 29 | Vernon Broughton | Texas | 5th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 30 | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | Georgia | 4th | 6'3" | 280 |
| 31 | Thor Griffith | Louisville | 5th | 6'2" | 320 |
| 32 | Eric Gregory | Arkansas | 6th | 6'4" | 320 |
| 33 | DeMonte Capehart | Clemson | 5th | 6'5" | 315 |
| 34 | Zeek Biggers | Georgia Tech | 5th | 6'6" | 320 |
| 35 | Nash Hutmacher | Nebraska | 5th | 6'4" | 330 |
| 36 | Cam Horsley | Boston College | 5th | 6'3" | 315 |
| 37 | Rayshaun Benny | Michigan | 4th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 38 | Sebastian Valdez | Washington | 4th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 39 | Sean Martin | West Virginia | 5th | 6'5" | 290 |
| 40 | Jayson Jones | Auburn | 5th | 6'6" | 340 |
| 41 | Dennis Briggs Jr. | Illinois | 7th | 6'4" | 290 |
| 42 | Jay Toia | UCLA | 4th | 6'3" | 325 |
| 43 | Warren Brinson | Georgia | 5th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 44 | Kevin Pointer | Wake Forest | 6th | 6'1" | 285 |
| 45 | Andre Jefferson | Lenoir-Rhyne | 5th | 6'2" | 295 |
| 46 | James Carpenter | Indiana | 6th | 6'2" | 285 |
| 47 | Jermayne Lole | Texas | 7th | 6'3" | 320 |
| 48 | Bryson Eason | Tennessee | 5th | 6'3" | 310 |
| 49 | Payton Page | Clemson | 4th | 6'4" | 315 |
| 50 | Ricky Barber | UCF | 6th | 6'3" | 295 |
| 51 | Junior Tafuna | Utah | 5th | 6'3" | 310 |
| 52 | Tommy Akingbesote | Maryland | 4th | 6'4" | 315 |
| 53 | Kristian Williams | Missouri | 6th | 6'2" | 295 |
| 54 | Jordan Van den berg | Georgia Tech | 5th | 6'3" | 310 |
| 55 | Paris Shand | LSU | 5th | 6'5" | 280 |
| 56 | Jamaree Caldwell | Oregon | 4th | 6'1" | 340 |
| 57 | Jelani Stafford | Connecticut | 6th | 6'1" | 300 |
| 58 | Patrick Jenkins | Tulane | 5th | 6'2" | 305 |
| 59 | Wy'Kevious Thomas | South Alabama | 6th | 6'2" | 310 |
| 60 | Nate Clifton | USC | 6th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 61 | TJ Jackson | West Virginia | 5th | 6'1" | 265 |
| 62 | Kevin Hester Jr. | North Carolina | 6th | 6'4" | 310 |
| 63 | Jared Harrison-Hunte | SMU | 6th | 6'4" | 285 |
| 64 | Adin Huntington | Tulane | 5th | 6'1" | 280 |
| 65 | CJ Clark | Miami (FL) | 6th | 6'3" | 305 |
| 66 | Ricky Correia | California | 5th | 6'4" | 325 |
| 67 | Da'Jon Terry | Oklahoma | 6th | 6'3" | 320 |
| 68 | Alex Huntley | South Carolina | 5th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 69 | Marlon Taylor | Chattanooga | 6th | 6'2" | 315 |
| 70 | Jahmeer Carter | Virginia | 5th | 6'2" | 315 |
| 71 | Uso Seumalo | Kansas State | 5th | 6'3" | 340 |
| 72 | Ledarrius Cox | UAB | 6th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 73 | Philip Blidi | Auburn | 5th | 6'3" | 295 |
| 74 | Joey Slackman | Florida | 5th | 6'4" | 300 |
| 75 | Demeco Roland | Southern Mississippi | 6th | 6'3" | 340 |
| 76 | Darian Varner | Cincinnati | 5th | 6'2" | 275 |
| 77 | Rashad Cheney Jr. | South Florida | 6th | 6'2" | 285 |
| 78 | Quincy Ledet Jr. | Texas Tech | 5th | 6'2" | 315 |
| 79 | Deandre Jules | South Carolina | 6th | 6'4" | 315 |
| 80 | Charlie Looes | Rice | 6th | 6'3" | 275 |
| 81 | Isaiah Raikes | Auburn | 5th | 6'1" | 325 |
| 82 | Jordan Bertagnole | Wyoming | 6th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 83 | Dontrez Brown | Bowling Green | 5th | 6'3" | 300 |
| 84 | Gary Smith III | UCLA | 5th | 6'2" | 315 |
| 85 | Octavious Oxendine | Kentucky | 5th | 6'1" | 275 |
| 86 | Tre Williams | Clemson | 5th | 6'2" | 305 |
| 87 | Hakeem Beamon | Penn State | 6th | 6'3" | 290 |
| 88 | Anthony Booker Jr. | SMU | 6th | 6'4" | 345 |
| 89 | Chidozie Nwankwo | Colorado | 5th | 5'11" | 295 |
| 90 | Josh Fuga | Virginia Tech | 6th | 6'2" | 310 |
| 91 | Dion Wilson Jr. | Syracuse | 5th | 6'5" | 295 |
| 92 | Nick Gaes | South Dakota | 6th | 6'4" | 275 |
| 93 | Aliki Vimahi | Utah | 5th | 6'4" | 305 |
| 94 | Eli Mostaert | North Dakota State | 6th | 6'3" | 285 |
| 95 | Trill Carter | Auburn | 6th | 6'3" | 300 |
| 96 | Caleb Fox | TCU | 5th | 6'3" | 295 |
| 97 | Joe Evans | UTSA | 6th | 6'2" | 340 |
| 98 | Chubba Maae | Arizona | 5th | 6'2" | 345 |
| 99 | Zykeivous Walker | Auburn | 5th | 6'4" | 295 |
| 100 | Carson Primrose | Rhode Island | 5th | 6'2" | 280 |
| 101 | Zaylin Wood | Vanderbilt | 6th | 6'0" | 280 |
| 102 | Koffi Gbekle | Concordia-St. Paul | 6th | 6'4" | 320 |
| 103 | Gentle Hunt | Illinois | 5th | 5'11" | 290 |
| 104 | CJ Barnes | Murray State | 6th | 6'5" | 280 |
| 105 | Kristian Varner | Georgia Southern | 6th | 6'4" | 290 |
| 106 | Luis Medina | Troy | 5th | 6'1" | 305 |
| X | Ethan Saunders | California | 5th | 6'3" | 285 |
MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS
Traits That Make a DT Prospect Great
Interior defensive linemen don’t always put up glamorous stats, but they play pinnacle roles on every defense. Power, lateral quickness, explosion, and flexibility in the core/lower body are among some of the most important factors of scouting the top defensive line prospects.
Some of the factors we consider when scouting are included below.
Power
Having a powerful frame can’t be overlooked in defensive tackle rankings. A great d-lineman will be able fill their gap defensively without getting pushed off, while also disrupting offensive linemen with power moves. Power can help in pass rush, but is a necessity for plugging up holes against the run.
Lateral Quickness
Not all running plays go right up the middle, and the quarterback doesn’t always stay still in the pocket on pass plays. The ability to move swiftly side-to-side will help lineman fortify the defensive line on outside plays and react to backdoor cuts.
Flexibility
Big defensive linemen needs to still have flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles to change directions and stay in their gap. Being stiff or upright is a recipe for getting beaten consistently, so being smooth and bendy provides a massive advantage for all defensive linemen.
Burst
While stopping the run is usually the primarily goal of a defensive tackle, elite interior pass rushers are as valuable as any defensive role in football. Having a quick, powerful burst off the line of scrimmage will help with that. An explosive get-off allows defensive linemen to initiate contact and shoot through gaps.
Overall Opinion of the 2025 DT Class
The group of defensive tackles is looking very strong early on. There’s a ton of players good enough to go in the first 2-3 rounds, and the depth continues deep into the draft. You can get a 5th round caliber player in the 7th round, and well over 30 players will likely finish with a draftable grade.
There’s a surprisingly large number of nose tackles in the class which stands out opposed to recent years where defensive players have been getting smaller.
