2025 NFL DRAFT PREVIEW – DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Draft Grade Index:
90+: All-Pro Projection
85-89: Pro Bowl Projection
81-84: 1st Round – Year 1 starter
77-80: 2nd/3rd Round – Year 1 contributor, year 2-3 starter
74-76: Early Day 3: Cores special teamer and rotational player
71-74: Mid Day 3: Core special teamer and backup
68-70: Late Day 3: Developmental and special teamer
1) Mason Graham – Michigan – 6’3/296
Grade: 85
Junior entry. Two-year starter, Anaheim, CA. Two-time first team All-Big Ten and first team All-American. Graham, a former wrestler, arrived to Michigan looking up the depth chart to multiple future pros in front of him. He had to wait his turn initially but there was no denying from the start he was a special talent. He rotated in and flashed an upside that had some saying he was the team’s top defender as an 18-year old on a star-studded unit. Graham’s playing time increased each season, as did his production and number of dominant stretches. He has the ability to simply take over games from the interior. Graham’s superpower is his lateral movement and initial hand strike. That duo gives him immediate control of the engagement with the blocker and puts them on their heels. He has cat-like quickness with a thick and powerful frame and it opens the door to him being a lethal weapon as a run defender. He is both stout and rangy. The pass rush production never quite caught up but the potential to be an equal force there is easy to see. Graham must improve his secondary rush moves and prove he can get upfield more effectively on a consistent basis. He should fit into any scheme with the option of playing multiple spots, filling multiple roles. Graham is a winning football player that can be the best player on a quality defense with a floor that will keep him at the above average level for a long time.
*For most of the season I thought Graham would end with a higher grade. But the objective components to the process did not get him over the edge. Graham has below average length and weighed in a little lighter than I thought he would (296 at combine, 306 at pro day). He never had more than 3.5 sacks and he ranked 5th, 7th, and 4th on the team in the department in his three seasons. His pressures and pressure rate were both very good, however, but he never proved to be a finisher. Graham is a disruptor (against the run and pass) but I’m not sure I see the dominant-type. It may sound like I don’t like him but that would be far from the truth. Graham would be ideal here in NY but he won’t fit the value at #3. If they find themselves in a trade down situation, his name will become more and more popular. But I don’t see a top 5 talent. He reminds me of Kyle Williams (retired BUF DT that was an All-Pro in 2010 and had one double digit sack season).
2) Derrick Harmon – Oregon – 6’4/313
Grade: 84
Two-year starter, Detroit, MI. All-Big Ten in 2024 in addition to earning All-American honors. Spent three seasons (including his redshirt season) at Michigan State prior to transferring to Oregon in 2024. The shift in programs was largely a result of his desire to play for a national champion contender in addition to the star-studded Ducks coaching staff. Harmon was a diamond in the rough that soared to new heights after the transfer. His 55 pressures led the nation among interior defensive linemen by a mile. Harmon wins with size and speed that is simply too much for one blocker to absorb. His movement traits are enough to miss the punch of blockers and his length prevents them from locking on if they do initially win. What really sets him apart and creates production is the energy he brings to each snap. Harmon is a nasty, physical, and aggressive hustler that out-efforts his opponent. After watching him thrive under better coaching, one can easily believe the 2024 version of Harmon is just scratching the surface of what he can be at the next level. The lack of pad level will create ugly losses here and there, but there is simply too much positive to his arsenal to be overshadowed.
*I was talking about Kenneth Grant as a Dexter Lawrence-type situation months ago. After the scouting process was complete, it really was Harmon that reminded me stylistically. Lawrence was about 20 pounds heavier with more upper body strength, but they’re both 6’4”+ with 34.5” arms and 10+” hands. They are every down threats and like Lawrence, Harmon has an upside as a dominant power-based pass rusher that can be a real impact at the next level. If anything Harmon is light years ahead of Lawrence as a pass rusher when comparing the two out of college. This would be one of the ideal picks at 34 if he falls but I am pretty sure he won’t be. This would be quite the identity if NYG went Carter at 3 and Harmon at 34. One can dream.
3) Tyleik Williams – Ohio State – 6’3/334
Grade: 82
Two-year starter, Manassas, VA. Four-time All-Big Ten. Williams is a highly experienced interior defender that has a phD in run defense. He is both stout and powerful with a pair of explosive hands and easy bendability. Williams is the classic run stuffer that has both natural ability and a developed skill set when it comes to clogging the interior. He can get and maintain a low pad level with violent, heavy hands attached to a constant lockout when engaged with the blocker. Rarely does he get displaced by a blocker. There are more than enough athletic flashes that display his ability to be more than an anchor. He does have the abrupt short area quickness of a rhino that you do not appreciate or even know about until it’s too late. Williams is effective with techniques as well and shows a good feel for what the blocker wants to do. He is a safe pick from the perspective of knowing he will, at the very least, beef up a run defense. He can be more, however. While it would be unfair to expect a ton of pass rush impact, he has a couple tricks up his sleeve to defeat blockers left alone on an island.
*I came around on Williams. I did not think he was a first rounder after the 2023 season but the more I watched, the more I appreciated his consistency. Williams is not the kind of guy who will take over a game. He needs his snaps limited (sweet spot would be 35 snaps a game (roughly 50-60%) because there are moments where he simply looks too tired to play powerful. And power is his game. Another risk with taking Williams early is the fact he truly never developed into an efficient pass rusher. His pressure rate has never reached 10% (not even close) and that part of his game is completely projection based. I am optimistic he can be a high floor run defender with a high ceiling as a pass rusher. He is on the list of guys to look hard at when they’re on the clock at #34.
4) Walter Nolen – Mississippi – 6’4/296
Grade: 81
Junior entry, two-year starter. Powell, TN. Spent two seasons at Texas A&M before transferring to Mississippi in 2024. He left the Aggies because of coaching changes and to be closer to home. He shined in his lone season as a Rebel, setting a career high with 14 tackles for loss. He led the SEC with 35 pressures and while that pass rush prowess is the most attractive trait in his game, he can be an every down force. Nolen is quick and explosive, but he is also firm against the run. He plays low to the ground with twitchy, powerful hands and easy agility. He is such a sudden mover and blockers have a hard time locking on. Nolen still needs to refine his techniques and there are some issues with his effort. The lack of attention to detail is evident on tape and it feeds into the information about a poor work ethic. Nolen is a wildcard prospect that has the tools to be a big-time disruptor at the next level, but he needs to prove he will work at his craft and stay away from simply hoping his talent is enough.
*Nolen went to four different high schools and two different colleges. There are not any significant character questions that alter the grade on my end but there are whispers he will need to answer some questions about off-field concerns. On the field, Nolen has the kind of first step that can win over and over. He is not a small guy either. He plays around 300 pounds and he knows how to use his hands. There are inconsistencies with his effort and overall impact. A guy that disappears for stretches and doesn’t win as often as he should. High upside interior weapon that profiles similar to Byron Murphy from last year.
5) Kenneth Grant – Michigan – 6’4/331
Grade: 80
Junior entry, one-year starter. Merrillville, IL. Two-time All-Big Ten and a 2024 All-American. Grant is in rare territory when it comes to the physical traits. He is tall, thick, strong, and fast in a mishmash that rarely comes around. Throw in the flashes on tape over three years on a star-studded defense and it is nearly impossible not to fantasize about the upside. The 21-year-old (until October) has some runway left to physically develop even further. The traits give him a high floor of being, at the very least, a solid runs stuffer. He is hard to move, and he has shown the ability to stack and shed. While Grant is more than just a freak athlete (that is putting it lightly), there are long stretches of merely average performance on tape. He gets lethargic and tall out of his stance. Perhaps he is not meant to be an every down stamina player but even then, his impact as a pass rusher was limited. There is not enough variety there to call him a true threat. This is a developmental prospect that can shine if he develops more consistent bend and pass rush moves, but there is some “buyer beware” here. There is just as much, if not more, bad tape as there is good tape.
*Grant was a guy I was all about as we entered the season. A top 20 guy (17th overall) prior to the start of it. The size, power, and speed are obvious. I put the Dexter Lawrence label on him while Graham was the Christian Wilkins. With that said, every time I watched him play I just never got to the point where he met the expectation. Sure, I saw the flashes (especially earlier in the year) but I never saw the consistency. I kept seeing Jordan Davis (PHI first rounder from 2022 – I graded at 82) but with a little less explosion. Grant just seems to have a lack of twitch that is fine if you draft him properly. This grade is quality starter caliber, but I’m not sold if he can get to a level he is anything close to what Lawrence evolved into.
6) Alfred Collins – Texas – 6’6/332
Grade: 79
Fifth-year senior, two-year starter. Bastrop, TX. All-Big 12 in 2023 and an All-American in 2024. Collins has played a lot of football and it has been spread among three different positions along the line. He is a massive giant that stands out among peers on the field. He is off the charts in nearly every metric. Height, weight, length, and width are all going to be attractive to defensive line coaches at the next level. In addition to that size, Collins is a strong and powerful defender who will control the point of attack. His hands are heavy and capable of serious damage. To make the most of that size, Collins is a smart player that understands what offenses are trying to do. He broke up nine passes over the past two seasons and proved to be productive against the run in 2024. While his movement traits are a bit heavy and he lacks a plan as a pass rusher, the floor with him is high enough to label him an impactful run defender right away. He is at his best as a rotational interior guy with run game bias but do not sleep on his pass rush upside when considering his length and strength.
*This dude is enormous. He plays big, too. Collins looks the way you want them to look and he finally put some bully into his game this past season. He can bend well enough and when his techniques are on point, he creates tremendous push. I also love his feel for the game. He truly knows what he is seeing and can get a step ahead. I saw a few flashes of Albert Haynesworth but like him, he disappeared for stretches. I think Collins ends up going higher than where I have him but he would be a fun project anywhere day 2. Round 3 I am doing cartwheels if he can be had there.
7) Joshua Farmer – Florida State – 6’3/305
Grade: 79
Two-year starter. Port St. Joe, FL. All-ACC in 2024. Farmer is an athletic and physical tone setter whop has improved every season of his career. There are still spurts of low production and ineffectiveness but when he gains some momentum, he can take over. He has tremendous length and twitch, laying the foundation to be an every down threat capable of being a top dog on a line, Farmer’s hands and pursuit speed can be molded into a formidable weapon but the number one factor that must improve is pad level. Farmer allows blockers to attack his torso too easily because he is so locked in on trying to locate the football. He needs to clean up the fine points of the game but if he gets to just 90% of his potential, he can be a big time force.
*Farmer stood out in spurts at the Senior Bowl. He stood out in spurts on tape. This is who he is and NYG will have to determine if their coaching can make the difference. His tools are among the three best in the class in this loaded DL class. He also has more than enough tape to prove he understands how to and can actually be an impact guy at the next level. This is a bit of a swing for the fence but one that can add something dynamic to the front right away.
8) Shemar Turner – Texas A&M – 6’3/290
Grade: 78
Three-year starter. All-SEC in 2023. Turner has been used all over the line and the Texas A&M staff has jostled his role. He was an oversized defensive end in 2022 and 2023 but was more of an interior guy in 2021 and 2024. That yo-yo approach likely impeded his progress as a three technique, his obvious best-role and future. Turner also fought through multiple injuries to his foot and shoulder that only led to two missed games, but slowed him down quite a bit. When he is right, Turner is an athletic tone setter that adds personality to the entire defense. He has a reputation for losing his temper on the field but both coaches and teammates alike couldn’t speak highly enough of him. Turner needs to be settled into a three-technique role to maximize his tools. He still lacks a feel for angles and secondary rush moves, often running himself into trouble and away from production. Once settled into a consistent role, Turner has the goods to be a starting lineman who can reach double digit sacks.
*Prior to the season I had Turner as a first rounder. Again, preseason projections don’t mean much but just to give context on where I am coming from. His tape in 2024 was not very good, however. He rushed the passer 60 more times than he did in 2023 but wound up with 15 less pressures. The foot injury was significant enough to give him a bit of a handicap. This is another example of the Texas A&M coaching staff really messing with the progression and development of an elite level prospect that everybody wanted. I have a thing for Turner because I believe there is so much untapped upside in him and he is a personality guy. He is a Raven-type. Just a mean, physical dude that wants to win by punching you in the face over and over. The injuries need extra screening, though.
9) Darius Alexander – Toledo – 6’4/305
Grade: 78
Sixth-year senior, two-year starter. Fort Wayne, IN. Two-time All-MAC. Alexander has prototype traits everywhere from his size through his athleticism. He is in rare territory. The length, power, and speed for the 300+ pounder that lines up all over the line (over 300 snaps at defensive end) will give coaches fantasies of what he can be at the next level. The problem is twofold. He will be a 25-year old rookie that may not see many, if any, physical gains. And more importantly he never quite got over the hump when it came to production. Alexander is a projection that is further along the progression curve and that by itself is a risk. With that said, his game translates to the league well. He can stay on the field in all situations and will be able to credibly line up in multiple spots. A defensive scheme that will move turn their front into an amoeba will be the ideal spot for Alexander.
*This was a mid rounder just a few months ago. What I saw in Mobile at the Senior Bowl was encouraging, though. He flat out dominated on multiple occasions with a combination of length, power, and burst. While the tape did not match my outlook on him after that week, I weigh performances against top competition a lot. He has something that few others do. The lack of production is a bit baffling though and I do consider him a risky projection. As for NYG he won’t be my top pick at 34, but he is in the discussion.
10) TJ Sanders – South Carolina – 6’4/297
Grade: 78
Two-year starter. Marion, SC. Sanders was a impressive basketball player growing up that did not play football full time until 11th grade. Despite the later than normal start to the game, Sanders looks refined as a pass rusher. He combines skills with talent in multiple ways. Sanders has the NFL body from every angle but his foot speed and twitchy hands make him a formidable weapon. His ability to lower his pad level while maintaining proper posture and staying square gives him an efficient path to the passer. He is a disruptor with the snap anticipation functional play strength. Sanders struggles to play firm against the run. His lack of gap integrity and tendency to leave his feet will need to be improved. At the very least he is a solid backup or rotational pass rush threat. He just needs more finishes on his resume to get to his ceiling and that can from from better body control and awareness, two traits the 21-year-old should be able to acquire early in his career.
*Sanders was in the scope in 2023. He was a redshirt sophomore who started to break out. His 9.5 TFL and 4 pass break ups complemented his pass rush upside and 4.5 sacks well. While he did not take the jump many were expecting, his baseline talent is easy to see. His size is NFL caliber but it is the end twitchy lower half that creates the sense of upside. He could easily be drafted ahead of four guys in this tier. Some teams will like him a lot and see a frame that can easily handle more weight.
11) Rylie Mills – Notre Dame – 6’5/291
Grade: 77
Two-year starter. Lake Bluff, IL. Mills is a compiler that has played a lot of football at different spots and in different roles. The Notre Dame coaching staff has been back and forth with him and their vision similar to what Dallas has done with Mazi Smith. Across different offseasons, Mills has been asked to both gain and lose 15 pounds based on their intended usage of him. He has been as high as 311 pounds and as low as 291. While I appreciate and respect the ability to morph his body into different shapes while maintaining both athleticism and power, one has to wonder if the jostling impeded his ability to ascend. No matter the case, Mills has elite level weight room strength in addition to impressive testing numbers with jumps and short area explosion. That does transfer to the field, as he is one of the best pure bull rushers in the class with his heavy hands and twitchy lower body. The lack of bend and agility do catch up at times and I question how versatile his pass rush skill set can be. Mills tore his ACL in the playoffs and could end up missing a big chunk of his rookie season. The 24-year-old rookie is likely suited toward a 3-4 defensive end type role with solid, but limited, potential.
*Mills may miss a good chunk of his rookie year and it does impact the grade a bit. I do see a potential starter in him and I like that he can perform at different weights. He is a bit of an older prospect but he could have been a solid lineman last year. He is ready in several ways. This is a name I want NYG to consider if they escape day two without a lineman and he falls into day three. There are a lot of usages he can fulfill.
12) Omarr Norman-Lott – Tennessee – 6’2/291
Grade: 77
Career rotational player. North Highlands, CA. Spent three seasons at Arizona State prior to transferring to Tennessee in 2023. Norman-Lott may be listed as a reserve when looking at the depth chart but Tennessee rotated their linemen as much as any program in the country. He is best suited for that kind of role at the next level. He is a quick disruptor that will bring a physical, high-effort energy to the front. Because he is built low to the ground and he has unusual length for his body type and height, Norman-Lott has a level of uniqueness to his play that is intriguing. His pressure rate was number one in the country among defensive tackles. What he did on a per-snap basis was incredibly rare. The issues with him show up often against the run. He is late and inaccurate with his hands and has a hard time recovering. He does not maintain gap integrity either. This is the kind of guy that can come in for 10-15 snaps per game for passing situations. The lateral burst and leverage wins will create wins by themselves. If he improves his hand techniques and adds a power element to his arsenal, he can turn into a pressure machine but will still be a limited usage-type.
*The initial look at Norman-Lott is that he is undersized. But in reality, he has arms just under 34” and massive, massive hands. Guys that play low and quick with this kind of upper body set up will always get a bias from me. In a game of leverage and redirect, Norman-Lott’s game is set up perfectly. Tennessee rotated their front as much as any program which is fine. He is the kind of guy I would want in a rotation as well because he is most effective, by far, with a full tank of gas.
13) Jamaree Caldwell – Oregon – 6’2/331
Grade: 76
Two-year starter. Newberry, SC. Played for four different programs over his career including two different junior colleges in 2020 and 2021. Spent two seasons at Houston where he earned All-Big 12 honors in 2023. Transferred to Oregon in 2024 where he earned All-Big Ten honors. Caldwell is a unique prospect. He is an oversized but surprisingly nimble-footed disruptor in the middle of the line who more-than doubled his career pass rush production this past fall alone. He is twitchy and slippery to defenders and just plays like he hates to be blocked. His upper body mass is a lot for a blocker to handle and the natural ability to play with a low pad level makes it difficult to get a firm grasp on him. Caldwell looks like a classic nose tackle with a lot of loose weight above the waist but he has several eye-opening examples of game speed that can make a difference in multiple areas. He is an ideal fit for a rotational role with a bias towards run defense, but do not sleep on his pass rush impact.
*Caldwell was a near-victim of covid in that the lack of recruitment and disruption it brought to the world forced him to walk away from the game for a short time. His college career got off to a really late start and he will turn 25 prior to the season. Even though that is a less than ideal building block, Caldwell can play right away. He is heavy and quick. He gets off blocks and will pursue the action across the field. He made a few plays against Michigan that put him on the radar and I feel comfortable with him being in a rotation right away.
14) Jordan Phillips – Maryland – 6’2/312
Grade: 75
Junior entry, two-year starter. Ocoee, FL. Spent one season at Tennessee before transferring to Maryland in 2023. Phillips, one of the youngest players in the draft, already has all of the man strength he needs to hang with NFL linemen. He exudes violence from his hands with a lower center of gravity and elite lower body strength. Phillips has the body and numbers to compete in powerlifting if he wants. The combination of traits and overall set up can make him a weapon as an interior run defender. He knows how to play under the pads of blockers and shows a good level of twitch and explosion to win initially. The biggest red flag on his resume is the lack of production in the traditional sense. Phillips did not sack the quarterback once and he has just three career tackles for loss. He is a dirty work guy, though, and one that could thrive as the type of blue collar type that makes other players better.
*Not one sack over his career needs to mean something. But for a day three pick, he is worth a shot. He reminds me of the old school Giant Barry Cofield. A strong dude that won’t get pushed around and simply does his job over and over. Phillips even has more upside because of the athleticism. He falls short in several areas but his tape was easy to like.
15) Yahya Black – Iowa – 6’6/336
Grade: 75
Fifth year senior. Two-year starter, Marshall, MN. Two-time All-Big Ten. Black is massive prototype run defender with multiple elite physical traits. He is both heavy and long which, when timed correctly, creates tremendous push at the point of attack. This is a former 230-pound defensive end recruit that has put on over 100 pounds of quality weight. His calling card at the next level will be run defense but the door to him being more is cracked open. Black has unusual speed and overall comfort in space. He has shown flashes of being an effective bull rusher because of that heavy hands attached to his long arms and ability to move his feet. He never quite developed as a pass rusher when it comes to looseness, bendability, and rush moves. He did have 12 tackles for loss over the past two seasons and will add to the aggressive physicality to the front he joins. This is a massive, attitude-based defender that will at least be a solid backup run game presence.
*If you are a fan of length and sheer power, Black is your guy. There are some similarities between him and Jordon Riley. If you don’t see Riley getting much better than what he is now, why not start the clock over with a guy like Black? He has the NFL frame right now and will be ankle to hold his own day one in the league. He tested well and that builds off the notion he can do more than just take up space. Fun prospect to try and work with and he has a high enough floor to be a backup role player if he does not get much better from here. I think NYG will like him.
16) Warren Brinson – Georgia – 6’5/315
Grade: 74
One-year starter. Savannah, GA. Brinson was a steady rotational defender for one of the top defenses in the NFL. As much as he lacked standout production and impact, he provided reliable presence no matter the situation. Brinson has the pro body with a snappy, violent start post-snap. He can use his length and big meat hooks he calls hands for control of the blocker with the ability to locate and shed. Brinson, at the very least, will offer a defensive line the ability to spell starters without a big drop off in assignment-savvy roles. He is the kind of guy that will get the job done, but rarely more. There are players with more ceiling, but not many with a safer floor.
*I have liked Brinson all year. I am drawn to him every time the Georgia defense winds up on my screen. He plays big and wide with some sneaky athletic ability. He is one of those guys that knows how to play the game, get his job done, and bring the physical brand to the field. Brinson feels safe but don’t expect more than a number three or four guy.
17) JJ Pegues – Mississippi – 6’2/309
Grade: 74
Two-year starter. Oxford, MS. Began career at Auburn where was spent one season at tight end. Transferred to Mississippi in 2022. All-SEC in 2024. Pegues was a weapon on both sides of the ball in high school and even though he made the full time move to the defensive line his sophomore year, he remained a part of the offense by fulfilling the duties of a short yardage wildcat quarterback. His seven rushing touchdowns were second on the team. Pegues is still relatively new to the defensive line but he showed how many different spots he can line up including the edge (128 snaps in 2024 alone). He has excellent power and pop capable of wreaking havoc against the run. His ability to stack and shed with an extra closing burst will give him a place as a run defender while keeping the door open as a progressive pass rusher. He will need to prove he can remain consistent, however. He had 31 pressures in 2024, just 8 in 2023, but then 28 in 2022. Who he really is in that area will determine how valuable he can be in the NFL.
*Pegues is a fun player that proved he can be an asset on both sides of the ball. While that is not why a team would draft him, it is an extra note to put under his name in a league always looking for extra advantages and angles to play. Pegues can be a valuable backup that can give you something in multiple roles. His lack of athleticism in space and in ability to fight through double teams will limit his role as an every down guy. But do not forget, he has been a full time defender for just a few years and his tape in 2024 was so much better than what we saw in 2023. Also a top-notch locker room/team culture guy.
18) CJ West – Indiana – 6’1/316
Grade: 73
Four-year starter. Spent four seasons at Kent State where he earned All-MAC honors in 2023. Transferred to Indiana in 2024 and earned All-Big Ten honors. West is a hyper-active, low-to-the-ground force that wins off the snap often. He is quicker than a cat with a dense frame that is both hard to move and latch on to. West shows a good feel for the game, anticipating the snap and reading blocks consistently. He has an accurate mind. What took his game to the next level were his hand techniques. West knows how to win by preventing the blockers from getting initial hand placement. His margin for error is small because he lacks length and plays tight laterally, but he can bring energy to the line from the depth chart and offer a solid dozen snaps weekly.
*West needs to be properly slotted, but this guy can play today. He made a ton of hustle plays. The first tape I watched was against Michigan. He had 6 pressures and 6 tackles, one for a loss. His leverage and hand strength/tactics make him a tough guy to beat consistently. I like the energy he brings in a backup role. He could be a slightly bigger version of what NYG has in Elijah Chatman. And he will be available mid day three I believe.
19) Ty Robinson – Nebraska – 6’5/288
Grade: 73
Four-year starter. Gilbert, AZ. All-Big Ten in 2024. Robinson will be a 24-year old rookie. He is an explosive straight line athlete with country-strength and an engine that has no off switch. Even though he doesn’t always know what he’s doing or where he needs to go, his impact is felt often. At the very least, he is going to inflict his force on a blocker and he won’t stop until the media is in the locker room after the game is over. Robinson is the stereotypical blue-collar lineman that does the dirty work. An overlooked component to his game is his rare athleticism, Robinson can be explosive and his speed in pursuit makes a difference. He is very comfortable and effective in space. Those movement traits do not always translate to the demands of adjusting and reacting. His poor bend and heavy feet cause a delay in moments where quickness is needed. That can cause problems as a pass rusher. Robinson can create havoc in spurts but his snaps need to be limited and likely will struggle to be an every down defender. His future is best suited for pass rush situations only.
*Robinson is another nice fit for what the Giants need next to Dexter Lawrence on passing downs. He can shoot a gap and add a physical, all-out hustle approach to the line as an extra pass rusher. Robinson tested out as one of the best ever at the position when it comes to speed and burst. It shows up on the field too but there are a lot of concerns I would have for him as an every down guy, especially with him being an older prospect.
20) Ty Hamilton – Ohio State – 6’3/299
Grade: 73
Two-year starter. Pickerington, OH. Two-time All Big Ten. Brother of Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton After making a position move from defensive end to tackle, Hamilton started to find his flow as a sophomore in 2021. He rotated in with a bias toward pass rush situations but he proved to be an effective weapon against the run as well. He plays longer than he is with heavy hands and a twitchy lower half. That is a great place to start for the interior. There is a lack of density to his frame which already appears to be maxed out. Hamilton has a hard time remaining square after he makes initial contact with the blockers. He can win initially, but the secondary component of a play gives him trouble. Hamilton has not quite turned his athleticism into quality pass rush production, but he can evolve into an asset with more time. This is a scheme-versatile lineman that can be a rotational piece with a bias toward penetration.
*Hamilton looks the part. I like the background he has. And NFL lineage does mean something to me. It can also overrate a player to some. If properly slotted, Hamilton is a fun risk to take because he still seems raw as an interior pass rusher. At the end of the day, he isn’t very big and his occasional bout with stiffness and narrow feet is a recipe for ineffective play. He has an upside worth pursuing but in this crowded class, he can get lost in the shuffle.
21) Jay Toia – UCLA – 6’2/342: 73
22) Aeneas Peebles – Virginia Tech – 6’0/284: 73
23) Elijah SImmons – Tennessee – 6’1/334: 73
24) Tim Smith – Alabama – 6’4/302: 73
25) Vernon Broughton – Texas – 6’5/311: 73
26) Cam Jackson – Florida – 6’6/328: 72
27) Jahvaree Ritzie – North Carolina – 6’4/288: 72
28) Junior Tafuna – Utah – 6’3/308: 72
29) Deone Walker – Kentucky – 6’7/328: 71
30) Joe Evans – UTSA – 6’2/323: 71
31) Cam Horsley – Boston College – 6’3/312: 71
32) Nazir Stackhouse – Georgia – 6’4/327:71
33) Tommy Akingbesote – Maryland – 6’4/306: 70
34) Simeon Barrow Jr. – Miami – 6’1/283: 69
35) Howard Cross III – Notre Dame – 6’1/283: 69
36) Kyonte Hamilton – Rutgers – 6’3/305: 69
37) Eric Gregory – Arkansas – 6’3/319: 68
38) Tonka Hemingway – South Carolina – 6’3/284: 68
39) Jared Harrison-Hunte – SMU – 6’3/290: 68
40) Chidozie Nwanko – Colorado – 6’0/309: 68
41) Sean Martin – West Virginia – 6’5/294: 68
NYG APPROACH
Similar to EDGE, the defensive tackle group is probably the deepest I have ever had. The difference is they may not have the blue chip star at the top but Graham is a very good prospect. The standout component is how many of these guys credibly project to starters or at least heavy rotational backups. Last year, the 15th defensive tackle had a grade of 70. This year? The 33rd ranked defensive tackle has a grade of 70. Unprecedented and a sign of the times. More and more big time athletes are being trained as defensive lineman in youth/high school football, something I spoke about two years ago. Defensive Tackle may be the new wide receiver.
When it comes to NYG, the interior defensive line has the star power already but the drop off in talent around and under him diminishes both his ceiling and floor. Shining inside is not as simple as it can be on the edge. It is easier to game plan against a guy like Lawrence than a guy like Myles Garrett for example. Less space, more bodies. If NYG wants to get the most out of him, there must be another pass rush threat in the mix. In addition, they could also use a better presence against the run. I’m not sure they have recovered from losing Leonard Williams and even in some ways, A’Shawn Robinson. Both were disruptive against the pass and impactful against the run. Bringing in a draft pick that has the skill set to do both will be difficult (especially when looking for immediate impact), but this is the year to pursue one. While Mason Graham makes sense and it would be exactly what the doctor ordered, he isn’t good enough to pass on Carter or Hunter. So now you are looking at day two and because of that, NYG loses a lot of control based on who is available. Derrick Harmon would be a godsend but I think he is a top 15 player in this class. Kenneth Grant is not the star some make him out to be, but he would be an excellent fit. And Tyleik Williams is a name I believe too many are overlooking. Any one of those guys would be attractive and a likely frontrunner for their slot at #34. If they wait until the 3rd or 4th round, you are looking more at names like Alfred Collins, TJ Sanders, Omarr Norman-Lott, Jamaree Caldwell and a few others that fit in well, but may only end up as average-types which have not been enough. I am OK with waving goodbye to DJ Davidson or Jordon Riley and it makes sense to get some fresh legs in the building as early as possible.
Again. Create identity
