NFL Football Betting: 5 Best Defensive Tackles In 2021 NFL Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft is coming closer, and teams are trying to figure out where to find value and where they need to focus on within various position groups. Defensive tackles are a harder position to solve because while being a run-stuffer in the middle of a defensive line is certainly important, the prestige position on a defensive line – in terms of NFL draft prominence and value – is defensive end, a pass-rushing position. NFL teams emphasize being able to rush the passer more than the ability to stop the running game, but if a team is set at defensive end, it can then go for the big man who can plug up the middle and make it harder for an offense to pound out a tough yard on fourth down. Here are some of the better defensive tackles – more broadly referred to as interior defensive linemen – in the coming NFL draft.

Christian Barmore, Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t have a devastatingly overwhelming or conspicuously imposing defense, but that is because they were not elite in the secondary and were facing quarterback-receiver combinations which could do damage against them. Nick Saban has spoken a lot in recent years about how football has evolved into a scoring game and a passing-based game. Defenses thrive less by being dominant and more by limiting damage. This is why a player such as Barmore has a high place in the draft. Because he played defensive tackle and not defensive end, he doesn’t rack up statistics or gain as much media attention. Yet, when opponents tried to run on Alabama, Barmore was there to stuff them. Bama’s defense gave up 46 points to Florida in the SEC Championship Game, but that was because the Gators were dedicated to the passing game and had a quarterback (Kyle Trask) and a receiver (tight end Kyle Pitts) who could roast the Tide in specific matchups and situations. When Florida tried to run the ball, however, it couldn’t do much. Alabama was able to control the ball slightly more than Florida. In a game filled with big plays, that small degree of significance mattered. Barmore mattered. In the NFL, where there are fewer 52-46 games and the balance between run and pass is more noticeable than in the college game, Barmore’s quality should emerge more visibly and readily.

Levi Onwuzurike, Washington

The Washington Huskies have had a mediocre offense the past few seasons, but their defense has been very strong, and Onwuzurike has been a big part of that. Washington has struggled since its 2018 Pac-12 title, so national analysts might have forgotten about or overlooked Onwuzurike, but draft experts and talent evaluators are paying attention. Onwuzurike gets a great forward push off the ball and regularly puts defenders on their heels. 

Marlon Tuipulotu, USC

The USC defense was not especially strong this past season, but Tuipulotu rose above his teammates and made a noticeable impact for a team which won its first five games of the season. There is a legitimate chance that Tuipulotu will go in the second round, though that is hardly a lock right now.

Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech

The most obscure player in the top five is Williams, who labored away from the national spotlight in a non-Power Five conference at Louisiana Tech. Scouts and evaluators have studied the film and see a lot of upside here. Some draft projections are based on cumulative statistics and achievements. This projection is based on potential. There are certain draft picks evaluators fall in love with, and Williams is the guy among interior defensive linemen.

Jay Tufele, USC

Tufele opted out of the 2020 season, so he will be physically fresh for his NFL rookie season. However, his decision means evaluators don’t have 2020 film on him, which could be a complication on draft night. Tufele not being on the field is what enabled USC’s Marlon Tuipulotu to rise on draft boards.