Cole’s Corner: 2024 Defensive Tackle Prospect Rankings

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26. Cole Godbout – Wyoming                                                               

Godbout was a light nose tackle in college at about 290 pounds. Despite the lack of mass, he was built Wisconsin tough and battles well every play. He is patient in gap control, gets his hands up to bat the ball down and has a strong upper body. Godbout keeps his eyes in the backfield, gets nice leverage and when the ball carrier gets close, manages to make the tackle. He has average athleticism and won’t necessarily wreck a game due to his lack of suddenness. He has a limited arsenal as a pass rusher as well. Godbout is a little too underrated coming into this draft process.

Player Comparison: John Ridgeway / Jamie Meder

Projection: UDFA

Best Fits: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles (Wild Card – Denver)

25. Jaden Crumendy – Mississippi State                                       

Crumendy is a versatile 4-3 defensive tackle that could bump out to defensive end in heavy sets. He may even be a good fit at 3-4 defensive end as well. Crumendy is quick off the snap, possesses long arms and displays solid size and athleticism. He has the ability to disengage and pursue coupled with a decent motor as well. He could immediately be a rotational piece utilized specifically on third down. He needs to be more physical against the run and drive through tackles rather than just using his arms. Crumendy isn’t the best at moving laterally and has some inconsistencies that make him a project.

Player Comparison: DeMarvin Leal / Tyler Lacy

Projection: 5^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Minnesota, Kansas City, Miami (Wild Card – Indianapolis)

24. Elijah Simmons – Tennessee 

Simmons is a massive prospect who provides toughness against the run due to his strong anchor and stout build. He is a true nose tackle who should see the field on first and second down strictly. He is built pretty low to the ground which makes moving him like moving a boulder. Simmons has some explosiveness as a hitter and can wrap and drive through the ball carrier. He is stiff and does not offer any pass rush value. His technique could use some work in order to compensate for having shorter arms.

Player Comparison: Michael Pierce

Projection: 7^th Round – UDFA

Best Fits: Baltimore, Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta (Wild Card – Tennessee)

23. JerMayne Lole – Louisville                                                             

Lole is a true 4-3 DT with a bowling ball type of build. He displays some quick burst and has some good feet and agility. Lole’s ability to slip through gaps, flash a burst and keep the motor going is a key asset. He has fairly quick reactions and plays at a good pad level. Lole is inconsistent as a pass rusher and is sometimes slow to locate the ball against the run. He needs to work on his 1v1 pass rush moves this offseason.

Player Comparison: P.J. Mustipher

Projection: 7^th Round – UDFA

Best Fits: Houston, Buffalo, San Francisco (Wild Card – Denver)

22. Myles Murphy – North Carolina                                                   

Murphy can be a DT in 4-3 or 3-4 base defense due to his excellent size and length. He is tough against the run, wraps up ball carriers and doesn’t miss many tackles. Murphy does well at keeping the legs moving, driving back blockers and collapsing the pocket. In open space he moves well for a big guy. Murphy doesn’t have many pass rush moves, more-so relying on his bull rush. He lacks elite agility and lateral quickness. Murphy needs to get faster off the line of scrimmage in order to make an impact in the league.

Player Comparison: Keith Randolph Jr.

Projection: 4^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Cincinnati, Miami, Detroit (Wild Card – New Orleans)

21. Zion Logue – Georgia                                                                        

Logue is another defensive tackle who can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense without any issues. He has ideal length and size necessary to compete in the NFL and happens to be an occasional threat as a pass rusher. Logue gets decent leverage and displays precise hands. He recently lost a lot of bad weight which helped his play last season. Logue gets his hands up and bats down passes when he can’t get home. His pass rush moves are on the slow side and he doesn’t have the best breakdown which results in missed tackles. He plays stiff with a lack of bend as well.

Player Comparison: Sheldon Day (play style) / Javon Kinlaw (build)

Projection: 6^th Round – UDFA

Best Fits: Detroit, New York Giants, New York Jets (Wild Card – Atlanta)

20. Keith Randolph Jr. – Illinois                                                         

Randolph Jr. is a long defensive lineman that plays best with his hand in the dirt. He optimally fits best in a 3-4 base defense at DT or DE. Randolph has decent lateral agility, surprising closing burst and consistently makes tackles. He has plenty of lower body power which allows him to hold up against the run. Randolph can make plays as a pass rusher even with a limited amount of pass rush moves at his disposal. He is not great at pursuing on the backside of the play and was never dominant in college.

Player Comparison: Armon Watts

Projection: 4^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Pittsburgh, Arizona, Seattle (Wild Card – Baltimore)

19. Fabien Lovett – Florida State                                                               

Lovett can play defensive tackle in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense. He is a technician with a good motor, finishing burst as a tackler and strength to twist inside to stuff the run or rush the passer. Lovett has heavy hands and opens up holes for blitzing linebacker, yet also has the ability to disengage and counter. He displays pretty good balance but is on the slower side and lacks get off at the time of the snap. This limits his pass rush value. Lovett does need to clean up his tackling ability this offseason.

Player Comparison: Otito Ogbonnia

Projection: 4^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Miami, New Orleans, New York Jets (Wild Card – Indianapolis)

18. Justin Rogers – Auburn                                                                   

Rogers is a large body with nose tackle value. He would be best suited in a 3-4 base but could play in a 4-3 on early downs. Rogers has a wide base and low center of gravity which allows him to anchor against the run well. He is instinctive and fills gaps effectively. Rogers has some quickness for his size and locates the ball quickly. In open space he lacks closing speed, does not offer pass rush value and he never has been a consistent game wrecker.

Player Comparison: Travis Jones

Projection: 5^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona (Wild Card – Los Angeles Chargers)

17. Jordan Jefferson – LSU                                                                   

Jefferson has the size to either be a nose tackle or defensive tackle. He has a quick spin move and a respectable motor. Jefferson has a good feel for the game, especially against the run and displays his strength consistently. There are some flashes of quickness in Jefferson’s game but he is predicated on holding up against double teams due to his thick lower half. This keeps his linebackers clean and able to make plays. Sometimes Jefferson plays a bit too tall which hurts his explosiveness and will make scouts question whether he has much bend. Jefferson will be an asset against the run but lacks pass rush value.

Player Comparison: D.J. Dale / Bobby Brown III

Projection: 4^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Seattle, Atlanta, New York Jets (Wild Card – Minnesota)

16. Justin Eboigbe – Alabama                                                             

Eboigbe is actually fairly athletic for his size which provides a bit of versatility in the NFL. He will be better suited as a 3-4 DE but in a 4-3 scheme he could serve as a designated pass rush DT. Eboigbe is long yet has light feet, smooth movements and some quickness. He is instinctive as a pass rusher, countering when initially stopped and his hustle then takes over. He does not have exceptional closing speed and plays a bit stiff. Sometimes Eboigbe tends to overcommit rather than seal his lane.

Player Comparison: Sam Roberts

Projection: 4^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Minnesota, Baltimore, Pittsburgh (Wild Card – Denver)

15. Tyler Davis – Clemson                                                                      

Davis is a true 4-3 DT with a “bowling ball” like approach. Off the snap he stays low and almost rolls forward with a quick initial burst. This approach allows him to effectively penetrate gaps and add some secondary interior pass rush value. Davis possesses adequate power and finishes tackles with conviction. He happens to lack hand violence and could improve on his hand placement as well. Davis only has average athletic traits and against double teams he tends to roll away which abandons his space.

Player Comparison: Khalen Saunders / Teair Tart

Projection: 3^rd – 5^th Round

Best Fits: New Orleans, Cincinnati, Indianapolis (Wild Card – Detroit)

14. Braden Fiske – Florida State                                                         

Fiske is a higher riser on many draft boards after an impressive combine performance in Indianapolis. He is an extremely athletic defensive tackle with the ability to play in a 4-3 or 3-4. He is fast off the snap, aggressive and works inside on counters with tenacity. Fiske seems to know where the play is going in advance and his quick footwork plus strength ultimately get him to that spot. His motor is relentless and Fiske has moments of excellence. He had too many missed tackles in college due to being overaggressive and not breaking down. The main reason I am not as high on Fiske is because he plays too high and struggles holding ground against double teams and dominant interior linemen. He will be an excellent rotational asset with a capped ceiling as a starter.

Player Comparison: Zach Sieler

Projection: 2^nd – 3^rd Round

Best Fits: Cleveland, Miami, Kansas City (Wild Card – Arizona)

13. DeWayne Carter – Duke                                                                   

Carter could play at DT in a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense. He has solid power, coupled with excellent leverage which allows him to hold up in the run game and against double teams. Not only can Carter anchor well but he has a strong punch, sheds blocks effectively and moves linemen to either side before getting in the backfield. Carter displays excellent instincts and enough speed in pursuit to regularly wreak havoc. Teams will also value him as an immediate leader in the locker room. Carter has no bend on the edge and is only an okay lateral mover. He has room to improve on his hand usage in addition to his read and react skills.

Player Comparison: Austin Johnson / Shelby Harris

Projection: 3^rd – 5^th Round

Best Fits: Cleveland, Atlanta, Minnesota (Wild Card – Houston)

12. McKinnley Jackson – Texas A&M                                                 

Jackson is a true NT ideally in a 3-4 scheme. He is built like a bowling ball with innate ability to work off blockers and plug gaps. Not only is Jackson tough against the run, but he also flashes some burst and sniffs out screens quickly. Jackson does well at setting the edge and as you can imagine, he keeps his linebackers clean on plays regularly. He lacks lateral agility and has inconsistent hand usage. These two things both allow blockers to get to his chest and steer. Jackson will not offer bend around the edge or pass rush value.

Player Comparison: Mazi Smith

Projection: 3^rd – 5^th Round

Best Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Denver, Detroit (Wild Card – Seattle)

11. Gabe Hall – Baylor                                                                             

Hall is an intriguing defensive lineman because he is long, possesses good straight-line speed and on tape displays some elite pass rusher traits. He is nimble with light feet, savvy and has plenty of flexibility/bend. Hall has an incredible amount of excellent traits that make him a freaky big man with an excellent motor. He is pretty instinctive which means he disengages quickly and his lateral movements get him to the right spot. Hall lacks the bulk of other players in this class and is raw at the moment. He gets too far up field at the moment but that can easily be fixed. Hall could be a late round steal in this draft with 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE versatility.

Player Comparison: Chris Jones / Zach Carter

Projection: 4^th – 6^th Round

Best Fits: Kansas City, Indianapolis, Baltimore (Wild Card – Cleveland)

10. Michael Hall Jr. – Ohio State                                                         

Hall is another athletic defensive lineman with versatility as a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE. He has a low center of gravity which helps him with holding ground against larger single blockers. Hall sheds blocks quickly and is a premier pass rush specialist in this class. He plays physical and has fairly refined hand usage which assists with playing on all three downs. Hall quickly locates the ball and then pursues with tenacity and a top tier motor. Despite getting good leverage regularly, Hall’s short arms may give him some trouble unless he gets stronger. He will have inevitable struggles against double teams. Hall was quiet in 2023 after an impressive 2022 which is a slight concern.

Player Comparison: Calijah Kancey

Projection: 2^nd – 4^th Round

Best Fits: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Kansas City (Wild Card – New York Giants)

9. Mekhi Wingo – LSU                                                                             

Wingo is a 4-3 pass rushing defensive tackle with a motor that always runs hot and disruptive penetration ability. He displays a rather tight spin move, good hand usage and solid balance. He is pretty compact which allows him to hold up against the run despite not being able to consistently shed blocks. Wingo’s relentless pursuit is one of his best traits. He has limited pass rush moves and short arms which allows blockers to get to his chest. Wingo may not see a lot of the field on first and second down yet will be extremely valuable on third down. Even in a shortened season due to injury, he increased his sack production. Wingo is trending in the right direction at the moment.

Player Comparison: Maurice Hurst / Ed Oliver

Projection: 3^rd – 5^th Round

Best Fits: Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Buffalo (Wild Card – San Francisco)

8. Leonard Taylor III – Miami FL                                                       

Taylor is another true 4-3 DT with great burst and an ability to split defenders. He holds up against the run admirably and is instinctive. Taylor gets a strong push when going 1v1 and is a strong tackler in space. He is raw and with that plays too tall. He is developing as a pass rusher and at times struggles finding the football. Despite the obvious flaws in his game currently, something about Taylor screams potential.

Player Comparison: Justin Madubuike

Projection: 3^rd – 5^th Round

Best Fits: Miami, Houston, Kansas City (Wild Card – New Orleans)

7. Kris Jenkins – Michigan                                                                  

Jenkins has some of the most versatility of anyone in this class. He has the athleticism to be a 3-4 DE, the strength to play 3-4 DT and he could play every down at 4-3 DT as well. Jenkins is pretty tough against the run and holds his own against bigger linemen. He has some good reactions and does best when cutting across the line, making offensive lineman scramble to switch. Jenkins has been deemed by many as an athletic freak. He also has some impressive hand strength in addition to smart gap control tendencies. He does need to improve his pass rush abilities and could quicken his reaction time off the snap plus explosiveness. He isn’t a pocket pusher due to his lean build and has some struggles with double teams.

Player Comparison: Moro Ojomo / Colby Wooden

Projection: Late 1^st – 2^nd Round

Best Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Miami, Minnesota (Wild Card – Detroit)

6. Darius Robinson – Missouri                                                           

 Robinson is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class of defensive linemen. Some would consider him an edge rusher and other would consider him a defensive tackle. He will most ideally fit at 3-4 DE in the NFL but could succeed as a 4-3 DT. Robinson has violent hands with long arms. This makes him deadly on bull rushes. His motor is outstanding and his speed turns him into a dangerous pass rusher. He also has some pop as a run defender with the instincts to shoot gaps quickly. Cut blocks cause him some issues and he is not the most consistent against the run. At times he can get too far out of the play but that doesn’t happen consistently.

Player Comparison: Zach Harrison / Rashan Gary

Projection: Late 1^st – 2^nd Round

Best Fits: Baltimore, Seattle, Pittsburgh (Wild Card – Tennessee)

5. Byron Murphy III – Texas                                                                 

Murphy is a true 4-3 DT with solid leverage, a top tier motor and a compact/sturdy build. He is pretty crafty which allows him to make plays in the hole. He lacks speed and is not extremely violent. Murphy has limited range in pursuit but in tight spaces, he excels. He is prototypical to what many teams are looking for when they think traditional defensive tackle.

Player Comparison: Derrick Nnadi / Sheldon Rankins

Projection: 1^st – 2^nd Round

Best Fits: Buffalo, San Francisco, Houston (Wild Card – Kansas City)

4. Maason Smith – LSU                                                                         

Smith is blessed with great size and a towering frame. He could align as a 3-4 NT but he may do best as a 4-3 DT. Even with his size, he has great closing burst and is a finisher as a tackler. He is a gifted, athletic freak with power and the ability to push the pocket on a bull rush. Smith is an agile run stopper with a solid motor and his spin move gives him some pass rush ability. He could improve his range as a tackler and work on balance. At times Smith gets out of control and ends up running himself out of a play. He could clean up his hands the offseason as well.

Player Comparison: Derrick Brown / Jordan Davis

Projection: 3^rd – 5^th Round

Best Fits: Pittsburgh, Detroit, Atlanta (Wild Card – New Orleans)

Watch as Cole unveils the top 3 – highlights included!