2023 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings
We’re officially in crunch time people! The position rankings on the defensive side of the ball will come in hot and heavy over the next few days. Without further ado, here are the 2023 NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings!
10: Siaki Ika (Baylor)
I sort of went over this during the combine notes but I thought Siaki Ika looked awful there. Just a turd that can’t move. Probably a worse version of Bravvion Roy. I understand wanting a nose tackle but someone will reach here and regret it. I’d be willing to go here in the 7th round and Ika rounds out the top ten.
9: Byron Young (Alabama)
I know, I know. Byron Young started over DJ Dale. I don’t care. I think Dale is the better player and he’s not as frail either. Young is longer but not nearly as heavy. I think Dale has the chance to be one of those late round Isaiah Buggs type of guys. With Young, I wonder if he holds up. Not sure I trust defensive lineman under 300 that don’t move like Aaron Donald. Feels like a rotational guy at the next level either way.
8: Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin)
For me, Benton is the hardest evaluation at the positon. You can see the tools and being a four-year starter matters. I wasn’t blown away at the Senior Bowl or Combine. He’s a young 21 and has room to grow but if he doesn’t develop, he’s not making it.
7: DJ Dale (Alabama)
See the explanation above.
6: Gervon Dexter (Florida)
Another tough eval for me. Feels very boom or bust. I like the gamble in the third or fourth round but not willing to go higher. 6-foot-6, 310 with plus athletic traits. I just can’t figure out why he’s so slow off the ball. His first step is not good which is usually a really bad sign. Wish he was stronger. Florida is such a mess that maybe there is some hidden talent here.
5: Zacch Pickens (South Carolina)
Monster recruit. Big time arm length (over 34 inches). 22 reps on the bench isn’t bad either considering the arm length. Bit undersized at 291 but he’s going to be a guy that wins those third down pass rushing roles in the middle. Thought he was solid at the Senior Bowl too. Feel really good about taking him in the third / fourth round and panning out into a reliable starter.
4: Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh)
This is the lump of clay. The athletic traits are hard to ignore. Same can be said for the sack production. 7.5 sacks in 11 games is damn good. How about the 4.67 – 40 time? The only real knock here is that he’s 281. The Pitt connection makes you feel like maybe a worse version of Aaron Donald exists?
3: Mazi Smith (Michigan)
Has some off the field stuff but I don’t think there is any question this is the most talented nose tackle in the draft. Not sure he’s Vince Wilfork good but I very much can see a Dontari Poe type of impact. Maybe even better. Top 50 recruit once upon a time. 34 reps on the bench press. Dude is a house and just eats in the middle. Moves really well for being 323. Really bendy and athletic too. Gas tank might be an issue but he’s not a three down player and you’re going to have to live with that.
2: Bryan Bresee (Clemson)
Top recruit in the country during the 2020 cycle. Don’t think he’s come close to his ceiling. Had a death in the family and an ACL injury that hampered his draft stock. Missed time with a kidney infection too. I advise you to not let it affect how you feel. Garrett has a profile on Bresee done if you want to check it out. He’s a round one player for me all day and is someone that should come with Pro Bowl potential.
1: Jalen Carter (Georgia)
It’s Jalen Carter and everybody else. Let’s just make that clear. Guys like this don’t grow on trees. Carter is the best overall talent in the draft and a total game wrecker along the interior. One day Carter will be viewed as the best defensive tackle in the league. That’s how I truly feel.
