2027 NFL Draft
Defensive Tackle Prospects & Rankings

Last Updated: August 2026
Big Board Scouting staff

The 2027 defensive tackle class is headlined by high-octane interior disruptors who combine explosive first-step quickness with the frame density required to anchor against complex NFL run schemes. Unlike recent cycles that leaned heavily on pure, space-eating nose tackles, this group offers an abundance of versatile 3-technique weapons capable of generating immediate pressure up the A and B-gaps.

1. David Stone (Oklahoma)

Traits & Film Summary: Interior offensive linemen have a miserable time trying to block Stone. He dominates the 3-technique spot with a blistering first step and an incredibly advanced plan for chasing quarterbacks, using violent hands and a swift swim-and-rip move to penetrate the backfield before guards can even set their anchor. He can get a bit too aggressive and lose his lane discipline against outside runs, but his sky-high ceiling as an interior pass rusher makes him the undisputed prize of this tackle class.

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2. Ahmad Moten Sr. (Miami)

Traits & Film Summary: Wrecking the structural design of run plays is where Moten thrives best. He is a remarkably fluid, agile gap-shooter who features excellent flexibility for an interior defender, allowing him to dip under blocks and turn tight corners without losing his balance. The next step in his development is simply getting bigger and stronger; he needs to add some functional bulk so he does not get eaten up by double-team blocks on standard running downs.

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3. A'Mauri Washington (Oregon)

Traits & Film Summary: Built like a wall, Washington is a wide-bodied, powerful defender who excels at holding his ground and anchoring the middle of the line. He eats up space effortlessly, using great core strength to prevent interior linemen from pushing past him to block the linebackers. He is a tough anchor to shift, but to climb draft boards, he needs to develop a reliable counter move for when his initial bull rush gets stopped.

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4. Will Echoles (Ole Miss)

Traits & Film Summary: Few interior defenders play with the kind of high-octane motor that Echoles brings to every snap. He plays with natural leverage, getting right under the pads of offensive linemen to collapse the pocket straight into the quarterback's face. He still needs to learn how to time his hand combat a bit better, but his relentless, non-stop pursuit gives him an incredibly high floor.

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5. Justin Scott (Miami)

Traits & Film Summary: It is rare to see a guy with such a massive, elite frame move with the kind of sudden agility that Scott possesses. He handles combination blocks very well, showing a quick understanding of how to shift his weight and adjust his leverage on the fly. If he can stay low out of his stance and keep from playing with a high pad level, he has the tools to be a dominant force on a defensive front.

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6. Jayden Jackson (Oklahoma)

Traits & Film Summary: Jackson is a disciplined, assignment-sound run stopper who rarely gets fooled by backfield eye candy or play fakes. He plays with good, low pad level and anchors his gaps efficiently. While he does not possess the explosive, twitchy athletic traits of some of the guys ahead of him, his reliable run-stopping ability will make him a welcome addition to traditional NFL defense rooms.

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7. A.J. Holmes Jr. (Texas Tech)

Traits & Film Summary: Holmes uses heavy hands and a relentless bull rush to physically overwhelm interior blockers. He uses his long reach to control the engagement, keeping linemen at a distance so he can peek into the backfield, shed the block, and make a play on the ball carrier. The main critique from our team is his lateral movement; Holmes can look a bit stiff when he has to chase plays out toward the sideline.

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8. Bear Alexander (Oregon)

Traits & Film Summary: An experienced interior rusher, Alexander reads blocking schemes quickly and uses a highly active mix of counter moves to keep linemen guessing. He times his gap jumps perfectly and has the agility to pursue ball carriers along the line of scrimmage. To unlock his full potential, he needs to build more lower-body strength to avoid getting pushed back when lined up directly over the center.

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9. Stephiylan Green (LSU)

Traits & Film Summary: Schemes that rely on a one-gap system where linemen can just attack are the perfect fit for a lighter, highly athletic tackle like Green. He is incredibly effective on stunts and twists, using his leaner frame to slide through tight spaces and disrupt the backfield. Because he is on the lighter side, he can get washed out by heavy double-teams, projecting best as a situational pass-rush specialist early in his career.

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10. Markis Deal (TCU)

Traits & Film Summary: Versatility is the biggest selling point for Deal, a smart, disciplined lineman who can log effective snaps at multiple alignments up front. He plays with heavy hands and locks his arms out well, keeping blockers from getting into his chest. If Deal can work on getting off the ball with a bit more explosive burst, his pass-rush numbers should take a significant jump.

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2027 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Prospects & Rankings