The 2025 defensive tackle class looks set to have some really high-end options, but how many will we see in the first round?
One of the toughest positions to gauge the value of, let’s examine the potential landing spots to see where each of the top defensive tackle prospects may get selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Where Could we see Defensive Tackles Drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Note: All selections below are from our most recent 7-round NFL Mock Draft. The draft order for the mock was derived from my record and playoff predictions for the 2024 NFL regular season.
1.02) Denver Broncos (NYG): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Projected trade: Giants receive No. 1 overall pick, 2026 seventh-round pick; Broncos receive No. 2 overall pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2026 third-round pick
Bo Nix gives the Broncos the flexibility to trade down if they land at the top of the board. Here, they move down and are still able to add a potential blue-chip talent on defense.
At 6’3″, 318 pounds, Mason Graham appears as a dominant force on the interior. He’s explosive, agile, heavy-handed, and ruthless, and his impact spans across all three downs.
1.18) Seattle Seahawks: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
This is more of an upside pick than anything because before Deone Walker has the functionality Mike Macdonald wants, he must drastically improve his pad level.
That said, there aren’t many raw talents that match Walker. He’s a supercharged athlete at 6’6″, 348 pounds, who can play from 1-tech to 7-tech. He has game-breaking potential.
1.22) Philadelphia Eagles: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Eagles could go a number of different directions in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. But depending on who’s still available, defensive tackle could be an underrated avenue.
Philadelphia still has Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, but a Milton Williams departure could create a void. Tyleik Williams can function as a pass-rush disruptor and a slab in run defense.
1.29) Los Angeles Rams: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
In my last 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I made this same pick for the Los Angeles Rams — only 10 spots higher. If Kenneth Grant is there for them, I’m not passing him up.
The Rams need a nose tackle to pair with Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, and Grant is one of the better functional nose tackles to hit the circuit in recent years with his strength and agility.
2.56) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Iowa State
The Ravens pride themselves on their alignment versatility up front, and Tyler Onyedim plays right into that.
While Travis Jones mans 0- and 1-tech and Justin Madubuike disrupts at 3-tech and 4i, Tyler Onyedim can be a force against guards and tackles.
3.74) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon
Listed as big as 6’6″, 290 pounds, Jordan Burch has logic-defying utility as a stand-up rusher. Ultimately, he can help Jesse Minter with his dynamic usage versatility.
3.78) Tennessee Titans (via NYJ): Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Projected Trade: Jets receive No. 6 overall pick; Titans receive No. 14 overall pick, No. 78 overall pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2026 third-round pick
At 6’1″, 325 pounds, Jamaree Caldwell has the mass and leverage of a nose but the athleticism of a 3-tech. Next to Jeffery Simmons, he’d have scary upside.
3.81) Cleveland Browns: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
Aeneas Peebles fits the Browns’ preferred mold at DT as a sawed-off disruptor who can also hold up at the point and stall rushing looks.
3.96) Atlanta Falcons (via HOU): Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Projected Trade: Falcons receive No. 96 overall pick, 2026 seventh-round pick; Texans receive No. 116 overall pick, 2026 fourth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
Dontay Corleone is the perfect anchor for a defensive line that now has Grady Jarrett, Mykel Williams, Matt Judon, and Ruke Orhorhoro.
Rounds 4-7
4.102) Carolina Panthers
Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
4.106) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
4.107) Los Angeles Chargers
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
4.119) Detroit Lions
Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
5.141) Pittsburgh Steelers
Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
5.147) New York Giants
Thor Griffith, DT, Louisville
5.156) Cincinnati Bengals
Jay Toia, DT, UCLA
5.159) Kansas City Chiefs
DeAndre Jules, DT, South Carolina
6.175) New York Jets
Patrick Jenkins, DT, Tulane
6.181) Jacksonville Jaguars
Joseph Evans, DT, UTSA
6.184) Buffalo Bills
Davin Vann, DT, NC State
7.199) New England Patriots
Elijah Roberts, DL, SMU
7.222) Atlanta Falcons
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
7.225) Houston Texans
Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
