Ranking the 5 best defensive tackles in the 2022 NFL Draft
Defensive tackle isn’t the most glamorous position in the NFL Draft, but it is vitally important to build a defense that can challenge for the Super Bowl.
The 2022 NFL Draft has several prospects at the defensive tackle position, although there may not be an explosion of must-draft talent in the first round.
It’s far more likely that teams will look for value on the second day and beyond regarding a defensive tackle, and there are several options.
Who are the five best defensive tackle prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft?
#5 - Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
Phidarian Mathis is heading into the 2022 NFL Draft with the advantage of having been a critical player for Alabama, with Nick Saban championing his performances at defensive tackle.
Mathis will follow in the footsteps of Quinnen Williams and Jonathan Allen in being drafted out of Alabama, but just what does the latest player from the Crimson Tide production line have to offer?
Mathis is tall and can use that to his advantage when bursting out of the line of scrimmage, meaning that the team can use him as an effective pass-rusher.
By no means elite in terms of speed, Mathis’ hands are violent and compelling. He engages well with offensive linemen and has a great motor, which he can use for extended drives.
#NFLDraft prospect and @AlabamaFTBL DT Phidarian Mathis (@PhidarianMathis) breaks down his game and why he’s stepped up his production throughout his career. https://t.co/NZw83rWXJ4
To label Mathis as a bully would be unfair, but he struggles when faced with significant physical resistance. He can be knocked back and see his talents stifled by a physically dominant offensive lineman.
This will probably be a problem for him in the NFL, with professional players all being incredibly strong.
A day two selection in the draft will be a fair reflection of his talent, and there is a significant upside, even if he isn’t a premier defensive talent in this class.
#4 - Travis Jones, Connecticut
Jones has impressed many throughout his collegiate career and in the draft process. He doesn’t come from a renowned school for NFL players, but he can be a real problem on the defensive line.
Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing 326lbs, Jones is a beast physically, and there is nothing more to say on the matter. This is his crowning attribute and will be what sees him drafted inside the first three rounds.
You can utilize Jones in a run-stopper position due to his size, and his intelligence allows him to combine all his strength into actionable plays on game tape.
A 4.5-sack season in 2021 was promising but also an anomaly. He isn’t a prodigious pass rush talent, which will hurt his stock.
There aren’t many NFL defenses that can use a player at the defensive tackle position who doesn't challenge the quarterback.
This lack of pass defense could see Jones fall to the back end of the third round in the draft, and it’s likely his rookie season will see him used primarily as a third-down defensive tackle, tasked with stopping guaranteed run plays.