While the 2021 NFL season is still a few months away, it’s never too early to look ahead. Fan bases will argue day and night about who has the better team. Instead of debating the entire roster, why not debate positions? In the sixth part of a 12-part series, I will rank each team’s defensive tackle position. These rankings are a culmination of what the player has done over the entirety of their career, how they performed last season and projecting how they will play this upcoming season.
Be sure to check out all of Moran’s NFL Positional Rankings.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The interior of the Rams defensive line is the best in football. Aaron Donald is one of the best players in the National Football League. In 2021, expect Donald to continue his utter dominance. He will lead this Rams defense. Sebastian Joseph has turned into a very good player. Joseph should continue to improve. This season, having a healthy A’Shawn Robinson will help this defensive line. It will be interesting to see what rookie Bobby Brown can contribute. Greg Gaines provides solid depth for this group.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ top three interior defensive linemen arguably make for the best trio in football. Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and Tyson Alualu are as good as it gets. Alualu will help stop the run. Heyward and Tuitt are stout together when they are the two interior players. In 2021, Heyward and Tuitt should continue their dominant level of play. They will anchor this unit and be a key reason why the Steelers defense remains one of the best.
3. Washington Football Team
Washington heads into 2021 with a great group of defensive tackles. In 2017 and 2018, the team invested first-round picks on two Alabama defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Allen and Payne have developed into great players. In 2021, they will be integral to this defense. This season, Washington will be getting a healthy Matt Ioannidis back. He will make a difference for this unit and help keep it toward the top of the league. Tim Settle is a solid defensive lineman.
4. New York Jets
The Jets have a great, young group of interior defensive linemen heading into 2021. Quinnen Williams enters 2021 as the Jets’ best player. Last season, Williams played great football. Expect him to continue to get better. Folorunso Fatukasi is a great run stopper. Fatukasi will remain a key part of this defensive line. John Franklin-Myers is an underrated pass rusher. Franklin-Myers should have another very good year. In free agency, Sheldon Rankins was a solid addition. He will add depth. It will be great to see Kyle Phillips back healthy. In his rookie season, he showed some very promising things.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Last offseason, the Colts made one of the best acquisitions, trading for star defensive tackle, DeForest Buckner. Buckner is a difference-maker. Last season, he helped this defense improve greatly. Grover Stewart has developed into a very good player for this defensive line. Heading into his fourth season, Tyquan Lewis has a chance to put it all together. These three have the potential to make for one of the best defensive fronts.
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6. New York Giants
The Giants have a defensive line that showed some great things last season. This offseason, they kept the leader of the group, Leonard Williams. Williams is a talented player who should continue to make a big impact. Dexter Lawrence has had a very good start to his career. B.J. Hill has an opportunity to prove his potential this season for this defensive unit. Danny Shelton and Austin Johnson provide solid depth.
7. Minnesota Vikings
This aspect of the Vikings team should be much improved compared to what it was a year ago. In the offseason, signing Dalvin Tomlinson was a great move. Tomlinson showed last year how great he can be. The Vikings will be getting Michael Pierce back. He will improve this defensive front. Just recently, the team signed Sheldon Richardson. Richardson was with the Vikings a few years ago. These three should help the Vikings play much better defense this year.
8. Detroit Lions
The Lions have a very well-rounded interior defensive line group. This offseason, they added Michael Brockers, Levi Onwuzurike, and Alim McNeill. These three players will bring toughness to this front. Expect them to make a difference. The Lions have very good depth here as well. Da’Shawn Hand, Nick Williams, and John Penisini can all have sizable roles to help the Lions’ defense. This season, the interior defensive line should be a top strength for the Lions.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. This season, Jones will anchor the Chiefs pass rush. In free agency, the team made a solid addition signing Jarran Reed. Jones and Reed can be an impactful interior tandem. Two third-round draft picks, Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders provide depth to the Chiefs’ defensive line. This season, it will be interesting to see if they make strides.
10. Baltimore Ravens
Calais Campbell is still capable of helping the Ravens this season. Derek Wolfe is a solid player who the team re-signed this offseason. Brandon Williams has been with the Ravens for a very long time now. This year, he will be crucial for the Ravens’ defense against the run. Entering his second season, Justin Madubuike is talented enough to take a big step as a player. These four make for a good group.
11. Chicago Bears
Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman are two very good defensive tackles. Having Goldman back will likely help this Bears defense. Despite his age, Hicks is still capable of being an impactful player along the front. Bilal Nichols has turned into a solid player for the Bears. Nichols should continue to get even better. Mario Edwards is an underrated player for this defensive line.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vita Vea will be healthy and be a force for the Buccaneers’ defensive line. Vea has developed into a great player. This offseason, the defending Super Bowl champions re-signed Ndamukong Suh, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, and Steve McLendon. Suh has been a very good addition to the Buccaneers. Last year, Nunez-Roches showed some good things when Vea missed time. McLendon is a great veteran presence. He is still a capable player. William Gholston should also contribute to this defensive line.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox has had a great career. Cox is still one of the better defensive tackles in football. In 2021, he will be a key part of this Eagles front. Last offseason, Javon Hargrave was signed by the Eagles. Hargrave is a talented player who has done some great things. This year, he should make a difference. In the third round of the draft this year, the Eagles selected Milton Williams. He should have a role and will provide depth.
14. San Francisco 49ers
Arik Armstead is a very good and versatile defensive lineman for the 49ers. In 2021, expect Armstead to make a big impact on this defense. Heading into his second year, Javon Kinlaw should make strides. The former first-round pick can be a great player. This offseason, the 49ers re-signed D.J. Jones. Jones is a player who flies under the radar. He will help the 49ers front.
15. Denver Broncos
This offseason, the Broncos made a great move re-signing Shelby Harris. Harris has a special ability to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage. Entering year three, anticipate Dre’Mont Jones taking the next step. Jones has talent and now time with the scheme. McTelvin Agim should have a bigger role in his second season. Mike Purcell and Shamar Stephen are two defensive tackles who both have the potential to contribute as well.
16. Los Angeles Chargers
Linval Joseph has had a great NFL career. Joseph still can make an impact in the middle. Recent first-round selection, Jerry Tillery has the talent to progress as a player. Last season, he had a bigger role. This upcoming season, it should continue to expand for Tillery. Justin Jones is a solid player for the Chargers front. Jones should be a key contributor against the run. Christian Covington provides very solid depth. He has carved out a good career.
17. Buffalo Bills
The interior of the Bills’ defensive line should be improved this season. In his third season, it will be important for Ed Oliver to make more of an impact. He has the talent. The Bills will be getting Star Lotulelei back. He will help take on blocks. Keep an eye on Efe Obada. Obada is an underrated player with the ability to be productive as an interior pass rusher. Vernon Butler will be back with the Bills for his second season. He will have a role. Harrison Phillips being healthy should help this front. Justin Zimmer provides good depth.
18. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have some good talent at defensive tackle. Former first-round draft pick, Christian Wilkins is the leader for this position group. Wilkins should continue to progress. Raekwon Davis had a good rookie year. He will have an important role on this front. Zach Sieler is an underrated player. Adam Butler was a solid free agent sign. This year, these four should all be contributors to the Dolphins.
19. Tennessee Titans
Going into the 2021 season, the Titans have two interior defensive linemen who could be a very successful duo. Denico Autry was a great sign for the Titans in free agency. Autry will help improve this Titans defense. Former first-round pick, Jeffery Simmons is entering his third season. With Autry, Simmons should be more dominant. These two will be counted on greatly to make this Titans defense better.
20. New England Patriots
This offseason, the Patriots addressed a major need in free agency and the draft at defensive tackle. Last season, the Patriots had some awful performances stopping the run. The team made a solid acquisition in Davon Godchaux through free agency. He should help this weakness from a year ago. In the second round of the draft, the Patriots traded up to select Christian Barmore. Barmore is an exciting defensive tackle prospect. Lawrence Guy is entering his fifth season with the Patriots.
21. Carolina Panthers
Entering his second year, Derrick Brown will likely make more plays. Brown is a very talented, young player. The Panthers made a savvy free agency signing in Morgan Fox. Fox is a very productive interior pass rusher. To help the run defense, the Panthers added DaQuan Jones. In the fifth round of the draft, the Panthers selected Daviyon Nixon. It was a surprise he was still available. This group should be a solid one.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
Entering the offseason, the Jaguars had a vital need at defensive tackle. Starting in free agency, the team made a very stellar signing in Roy Robertson-Harris. The Jaguars also acquired Malcom Brown in a trade. These two will help this front be more effective. Rookie Jay Tufele should have a chance to contribute. DaVon Hamilton and Taven Bryan were two recent draft picks. It will be interesting to see what type of role they have.
23. Cincinnati Bengals
Last offseason, the Bengals added a great player in D.J. Reader. He will anchor the Bengals front this season. Larry Ogunjobi was added in free agency. Ogunjobi has been productive early in his career. In the fourth round of the draft, Tyler Shelvin was selected by the Bengals. Against the run, these three should be very formidable. In 2021, expect them to set the tone for this defense.
24. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Kenny Clark has had a great career and is in his prime. Clark will have a big year for the Packers. Last season, Kingsley Keke took strides in his development as a player. This year, expect Keke to continue to improve and be an impactful interior pass rusher. Dean Lowry is a solid player for this defense.
25. Houston Texans
The interior of the Texans line does not have a star but they have a lot of capable players. In his second year, Ross Blacklock will have the chance to make an impact. In free agency, the team added a solid player in Maliek Collins. Brandon Dunn and Charles Omenihu have turned into two solid interior defensive linemen. DeMarcus Walker is an intriguing player who could contribute.
26. New Orleans Saints
David Onyemata is a great defensive tackle for the Saints. This season, he will have to keep being a force for this defense to play well. Shy Tuttle is a solid contributor for the Saints front. With more playing time, he could take the next step as a player. In 2021, these two will anchor the inside of this defensive line. After Onyemata and Tuttle, it will be interesting to see who can be counted on to provide depth.
27. Atlanta Falcons
Grady Jarrett has been a great Falcon. He is going into his seventh season with the team. In 2021, expect him to be the best player on the Falcons defense. Along with Jarrett inside, expect second-year player Marlon Davidson to get more reps. Just a year ago, the Falcons selected Davidson in the second round. He has the talent to be a good contributor. After these two, the interior of the defensive line does not have any other potential game-breakers.
28. Cleveland Browns
Going into the 2021 season, the Browns have a Super Bowl team. At most positions, they are great. However, one position with some question marks would be defensive tackle. In free agency, the team acquired Malik Jackson. It will be interesting to see what Jackson can bring. Going into year two, Jordan Elliott should have a bigger role. Elliott has the talent to help. The Browns added two rookies, Tommy Togiai and Marvin Wilson. Both players are talented and will have the chance to make an impact.
29. Arizona Cardinals
In 2021, the Cardinals will need a productive season from Jordan Phillips. With better talent and likely more help outside on the edge, Phillips should be impactful. Zach Allen is entering his third season and will have to be a contributor. Allen is a talented young player who should see more snaps. Second-year player, Leki Fotu should also get more playing time and help the run defense.
30. Las Vegas Raiders
Similar to the offensive line, the Raiders defensive line has a lot of new players. Quinton Jefferson, Solomon Thomas, and Johnathan Hankins were all signed by the team in free agency. Jefferson is an underrated player, he is a great pass rusher. Jefferson will help this defense. Hopefully, Thomas can be a good player for the Raiders front. Hankins will need to be impactful against the run.
31. Seattle Seahawks
Poona Ford will be important for the Seahawks’ run defense. Ford has been a good player who should continue to make a positive impact. Entering his third season, L.J. Collier will have to start putting it together. The former first-round pick making plays will be important for a Seahawk defense that struggled a season ago. Al Woods should have a role on this defensive line.
32. Dallas Cowboys
Going into his third year, Trysten Hill should get his best opportunity to show what he can do. Hill is a talented, young player who hopefully gives this Cowboys defense something. It will be interesting to see how second-year player Neville Gallimore is utilized in this new scheme. The rookie third-round pick, Osa Odighizuwa should get a decent amount of reps early.
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