Ranked: The top 10 NFL defensive tackles

There is almost nothing more valuable to an NFL defense than interior pressure. Not only are disruptive defensive tackles a rare commodity, they can ruin an offense’s day single-handedly, so let’s take a look at the best defensive tackles in the NFL. All stats provided by Pro Football Reference unless otherwise stated.

Nnamdi (formerly Justin) Madubuike is a force in the middle of the Ravens defense, with 13 sacks in 2023 alongide 2 forced fumbles. This year, he has been less productive as the Ravens have taken some time to adjust following Mike Macdonald’s departure. Still, he’s one of the best players on what will be one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Simmons has been one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL for some time, he has just never been able to consistently find himself amongst the elites. Jeremy Fowler for ESPN recently ranked Simmons as the fourth best at his position, which we feel is a little high, but it isn’t too far-fetched.

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Wilkins had a breakout year in 2023, recording 65 tackles, nine sacks, and a forced fumble in Vic Fangio’s system. The former Dolphin earned himself a four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders and has been impactful this season despite the poor performances of the team.

Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts defensive line for years, racking up 62.5 sacks during his career. This year has been no different, with two sacks in the two games he’s played so far.

At 35, Heyward may not be the unstoppable force he once was, but his play is still a significant reason behind the Steelers having one of, if no the best defense in football in 2024. It’s not out of the question Heyward will have some Hall of Fame buzz when he retires.

Vita Vea stands 6'4", 347lbs and yet can move like a man weighing a 100lbs less. He's a physical freak, whose bigger, stronger, and more powerful than any interior offensive lineman in football. His 6 sacks this year is consistent with his usual production, but his efforts often don't show up on the stat sheet.

Jalen Carter seems to be getting better and better as the season goes on for the Eagles, consistently drawing double-teams from opposing offenses, and managing to have an impact anyway. When he isn't the one making the play, he has opened the door for one of his colleagues to do so. Carter is still an ascending player, and we can't wait to see what he looks like in a year or two!

Williams is a remarkable player, recording 12 sacks in 2022 and another 5.5 in 2023. Even when he’s not putting up numbers, he is in the backfield blowing up run plays or pressurizing the QB. The Jets have an elite defense, and Williams is a huge part of that.

Pro Football Focus has this remarkable statistic about Lawrence, “Lawrence has 81 total pressures over the past two seasons when lined up as a nose tackle. No other player has more than 16.” That’s ridiculous considering most nose tackles are essentially used as space-fillers, Lawrence has made the position his own and is changing the game.

Jones has a pass-rush win rate of 19.6% per ESPN, which puts him way out in front of the chasing pack as a DT. The Chiefs have been the best team in football for some time, and Jones’ play is a huge part of that. He’s a stud and now Aaron Donald has retired, the best defensive tackle in football.

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