Three Pack of 2025 NFL Draft Prospects- Defensive Tackles

Three Pack of 2025 NFL Draft Prospects- DT’s

The 2024 college football season is coming to an end, so you know what that means? The 2025 NFL draft is coming soon, as well. Draft Nation is here to guide you through the prospects and how they can help NFL teams.

Here is a three pack of defensive tackles who are looking to get selected in the 2025 NFL draft.

Defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

6-foot-3  303 lbs

2024 stats: 12 games 48 tackles 14 TFL 6.5 sacks

What to like about Walter Nolen

Walter Nolen gets off the snap quickly and uses his strong hands to push aside offensive lineman. He has an extremely powerful upper body and is not blockable one-on-one, forcing teams to double team as he continues to progress. Nolen is versatile and can play anywhere on the defensive line, including as an edge rusher. He is an athletic 300+ pound player with the ability to change direction and chase down ball carriers. He anchors down in his gap well and makes frequent plays in the run game. 

Reason for concern

Nolen plays a strong north and south style game but has problems with his balance once his is forced to move laterally. He tends to get his body ahead of his base causing some stumbling and stability issues. He plays the game with a high motor but plays too upright later in games with stamina issues. He will need to put in the work in the gym for him to become an every down player. He has the athleticism to put pressure on the quarterback, but if he can add some different pass rushing moves to his repertoire, it will make his overall game more complete.

NFL Comparison

Da’Shawn Hand

Walter Nolen reminds Draft Nation of Da'Shawn Hand but with a much higher ceiling. Nolen has the potential to be one of the top defensive tackles in the league, but he needs to want to. Nolen has not lived up to his expectations as of yet but there is no reason why he still can't. 

Hand came to Alabama with high expectations, and after he got drafted in the fourth round by Detroit, many thought he had a chance to be special. Hand has had a solid career as a depth defensive lineman but still not what a former five-star and top recruit of his recruiting class set out for.

Draft Projection

2nd round pick

Defensive Tackle Mason Graham, Michigan

6-foot-3 318 lbs

2024 stats: 12 games 45 tackles 7 TFL  3.5 sacks

What to like about Mason Graham

Mason Graham has strong hands and his wrestling background allows him to shed blockers quickly and effectively. He has an explosive burst off the ball and keeps a strong low base making him a very difficult one-on-one assignment. He is very athletic for a 318 lb player and makes plays up and down the line. He's a high motor players and approaches every down like the game is on the line. He is a fierce competitor who controls one-on-one battles and does an effective job of playing with his head up and a nose for the football.

Reason for concern

Although Graham is 6-foot-3 he does not have the length in his arms as some of the other prospects. Larger offensive lineman will make if difficult for Graham to get that initial punch at their chest. He can be stiff in his hips and struggles to move side to side as fluidly as he does moving north and south. Graham may have problems with his hand placement at the NFL level against the larger interior lineman. His success rides on being able to use his hands to disengage blockers and he may find this harder in the pros.

NFL Comparison

Harrison Phillips

Mason Graham is Harrison Phillips with a higher ceiling. Phillips has has had a solid seven year career for the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. They are both pocket pushers who may not hit double digit sacks every but are always a part of stopping the run. Graham has more pass rushing upside than Phillips and if he keeps on improving at this pace he could be a perennial pro bowler.

Draft Projection

1st round pick

Defensive Tackle Derrick Harmon, Oregon

6-foot-5  320 lbs

2024 stats: 13 games 42 tackles 9 TFL 5 sacks

What to like about Derrick Harmon

Derrick Harmon, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound defensive tackle has the combination of size and strength to be a force in the middle of the defensive line. He has ample length and when he lands his direct hit on an offensive lineman's chest he wins most battles. Harmon plays the game with high energy and through every whistle. Harmon can line up all over the defensive front and his versatility allows him to play in any defensive scheme. Harmon is a physical specimen who can win battles several different ways. At 320-pounds he is able to move fluidly and has exceptional agility for a man his size.

Reason for concern

On the downside, Harmon can play with his pads too high and when he does, he loses his power and struggles to disengage blockers. Heis limited with his pass rush moves and needs to incorporate different spins and stunts to his game. He loves to bullrush the collegiate offensive lineman, but may not have the same success against the professionals. Harmon needs to play with more overall consistency, as he can go a majority of a game without being noticed. When he gets double teamed he needs to do a better job of anchoring down and not being moved. Harmon's power seems to come from his upper body, and will need to get stronger in the lower half.

NFL Comparison

Javon Kinlaw

Draft Nation sees a lot of Javon Kinlaw when watching Derrick Harmon. Kinlaw was a first round pick and the two share a lot of the same traits. Both are 6-foot-5 and physical and play hard throughout the whistle. Kinlaw has not had the start to his career that many thought he would, but is still a steady starter in the NFL. Harmon with his size and physicality should be able to match the numbers Kinlaw has put up.

Draft Projection

3rd round pick