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2009 NFL Draft
Defensive Tackle Rankings

The top 2009 defensive tackle prospects available for the 2009 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * - denotes 2010 prospect.

This page was last updated Nov. 23, 2008.

2009 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2010 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Terrence Cody*, Alabama
Height: 6-5. Weight: 365.
Projected 40 Time: 5.50.
Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
11/23/08: Terrence Cody said he's not declaring early, but once he discovers that he has a great shot at being drafted in the top 15, he could reconsider. Cody is a monstrous run-stuffer and should be a Kris Jenkins-like difference-maker at the next level.
Sen'Derrick Marks*, Auburn
Height: 6-1. Weight: 291.
Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
Projected Round (2009): Top 25 Pick.
11/23/08: Sen'Derrick Marks' transition from end to tackle has been flawless; he's a near first-round lock if he comes out early.

5/9/08: Sen'Derrick Marks played some defensive end and special teams last year. He even blocked two field goals. Marks had 43 tackles and two sacks.

2007: As a freshman, Sen'Derrick Marks had 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Was a member of the Sporting News Freshman All-America Third Team.
Peria Jerry, Ole Miss
Height: 6-2. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round: 1-2.
11/23/08: Peria Jerry has dominated the line of scrimmage this year. He has 39 tackles, 10.5 TFL and three sacks.

5/9/08: A 305-pound defensive tackle who runs a mid-4.9? Stop the presses!
DeMarcus Granger*, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3. Weight: 303.
Projected 40 Time: 4.98.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
11/23/08: Owner of 16 tackles and 2.5 TFL through eight games, DeMarcus Granger's stock is still hurt by his alleged shoplifting.

5/9/08: DeMarcus Granger is still suspended for allegedly shoplifting. Granger has first-round talent, but he may fall out of the top 32 picks in the wake of his foolish incident.

2007: DeMarcus Granger, a red-shirt sophomore, doesn't have to declare himself until 2010. However, the Sooner defensive tackle had an outstanding freshman campaign and was a far cry from the guy who came into Oklahoma weighing more than 350 pounds.
Geno Atkins*, Georgia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
11/23/08: It looks like Geno Atkins will be back for another year. Atkins has no sacks this year and just 6.5 TFL.

8/1/08: A terror for opposing quarterbacks, Geno Atkins notched 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss as a sophomore. His 40 will have GMs and scouts salivating at the combine.
B.J. Raji, Boston College
Height: 6-1. Weight: 325.
Projected 40 Time: 5.12.
Projected Round (2009): 2.
11/23/08: It's good to see B.J. Raji rebound off last year's academic struggles. Raji may not know that there are ties in NFL games, but what he can do is stuff the run and get to the quarterback (four sacks in nine games).

5/9/08: Hopefully B.J. Raji will actually be academically eligible in 2008 after getting suspended last year (apparently, Raji was shocked to learn that one plus one doesn't equal four). Interestingly enough, Raji dropped 15 pounds since getting dismissed. I guess math is great for the mind and body.

2007: B.J. Raji was declared academically ineligible. He will either red shirt or enter the draft after taking a season off.

Raji, a monstrous nose tackle, is one of the premier run-stuffers in this class.
Fili Moala, USC
Height: 6-4. Weight: 296.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Projected Round (2009): 2.
11/23/08: In 10 games, Fili Moala has 7.5 TFL and three sacks. His stock is limited, however, because he's primarily a 3-4 end.

5/9/08: In his first full year as a starter, Fili Moala had 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks for USC's defense. Unfortunately, he was arrested in early March for essentially the same thing Carl Nicks got into trouble for. It's worth noting that Moala wasn't charged with anything.
Vince Oghobaase*, Duke
Height: 6-6. Weight: 315.
Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
Projected Round (2009): 2.
11/23/08: Vince Oghobaase has 37 tackles, 6.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks through 10 games this year.

5/9/08: Vince Oghobaase is more than just 310 pounds of fat sitting in the middle of the defensive line. His body fat percentage low and thus he's more than a simple huge run-stuffer.
Evander Hood, Missouri
Height: 6-3. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round: 2-3.
11/23/08: "Ziggy" Hood has 47 tackles, six TFL and four sacks through 11 games this season. Not bad for a defensive tackle.

5/9/08: Earned an All-Big XII honorable mention with 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and five pass break-ups in 14 starts.
Ricky Jean-Francois*, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
11/23/08: Ricky Jean-Francois has 15 tackles, two TFL and one sack in eight games. He also has a blocked kick.

8/1/08: Ricky Jean-Francois played in just two games because he was academically ineligible. However, he made the most out of those two contests, as he was named MVP of the winter practice championship.
Dorell Scott, Clemson
Height: 6-4. Weight: 313.
Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
Projected Round (2009): 3.
5/9/08: A monstrous defensive tackle who can get to the quarterback on occasion. Dorell Scott had 50 tackles and three sacks in 2007.

2007: A starter as a sophomore, Dorell Scott is one of the hardest-working players in this class. He'll put up some good numbers on the bench press come Combine time.
Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 291.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2009): 3.
11/23/08: Vance Walker's sack total is down (3) this year. He also has 8.5 TFL through 10 games. He should be able to play both the 4-3 and 3-4.

5/9/08: Vance Walker made major strides in 2007, registering 8.5 sacks in 13 games. Oh, and he's just as good at stopping the run as he is getting to the quarterback.
Ron Brace, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round: 3-4.
5/9/08: Took over for B.J. Raji as Boston College's mammoth nose tackle. Ron Brace started seven games and recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, earning an All-ACC honorable mention.
Terrance Taylor, Michigan
Height: 6-0. Weight: 317.
Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
11/23/08: Once a possible first-round prospect, Terrance Taylor hasn't done much this year since blocking an extra point early in the season.

5/9/08: Terrance Taylor had 4.5 career sacks, but his bread and butter (and lots of butter at that) is stopping the run, though you probably knew that just by looking at his size.

2007: With Alan Branch and LaMarr Woodley gone, offensive coordinators will focus on stopping Terrance Taylor. If he's dominant this season, he may come out. There aren't too many 310-pound tackles who are close to breaking 5.0 in the 40.
Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
Projected Round: 4.
11/23/08: Jarron Gilbert has terrorized quarterbacks this year. Through 11 games, Gilbert has 47 tackles, 21.5 TFL, nine sacks and three passes broken up.

5/9/08: Jarron Gilbert had 7.5 TFL, four sacks and four passes broken up as a junior.
Alex Magee, Purdue
Height: 6-3. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round: 4.
11/23/08: A candidate for either the 4-3 or 3-4, Alex Magee has six TFL and 3.5 sacks this season.

5/9/08: Started every game in 2007, and recorded 38 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.
George Hypolite, Colorado
Height: 6-1. Weight: 287.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round: 4.
11/23/08: Through 12 games, George Hypolite has 39 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.

5/9/08: Probably best described as the 2009 version of Dre Moore. George Hypolite had six sacks while being a major factor in stopping the run.
Clinton McDonald, Memphis
Height: 6-2. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
Projected Round: 4-5.
11/23/08: Clinton McDonald has been a force for Memphis this season, recording 7.5 TFL and seven sacks through eight games.

5/9/08: Had 55 tackles, 9.5 TFL and four sacks as a junior.
Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
11/23/08: Darryl Richard has four sacks and 10 TFL as a senior. 5/9/08: Unlike a lot of the guys on this list, Darryl Richard is a smart guy. He had 4.5 sacks in 2007, though you better believe Vance Walker had a bit of a say in that.

2007: After starting three games as a freshman, Darryl Richard missed the entire 2005 season with a knee injury. Richard bounced back to record 20 tackles last year.
Roy Miller, Texas
Height: 6-2. Weight: 299.
Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
11/23/08: Roy Miller stepped up when Brian Orakpo was out; two of his 3.5 sacks came during that span. Miller has 36 tackles and 8.5 TFL on the year.

5/9/08: Roy Miller doesn't get to the quarterback much (4.5 career sacks) but he's still a solid force in the middle of the defensive line. A mid-round prospect.

2007: Another promising prospect in the class of 2009. Roy Miller started five games as a sophomore.
John Faletoese, Cal Davis
Height: 6-3. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round (2009): 6.
11/23/08: John Faletoese blocked two kicks in one game earlier in the year against then No. 4 (Div 1-AA) Montana.
Will Johnson, Michigan
Height: 6-5. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
5/9/08: Started 12 games in 2007, accumulating 50 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

2007: Appeared in 13 games as a sophomore but collected only seven tackles. Will Johnson will have a more prominent role with Alan Branch gone.
Jake Visser, Ferris State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 283.
Projected 40 Time: 4.91.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
5/9/08: If you love stats, check these out: Jake Visser had 106 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2007. Level of competition is an issue, but he's worth a late-round look.
Nader Abdallah, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
11/23/08: Nader Abdallah has 28 tackles, two sacks, four TFL and four passes broken up through 11 games as a senior.

5/9/08: Nader Abdallah recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a junior. Abdallah, who started nine games last year, should be able to have a solid combine (4.96 40, 32-inch vertical, 30 bench reps).

A highlight reel of Nader Abdallah's 2007 season.
John Gill, Northwestern
Height: 6-3. Weight: 296.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
11/23/08: John Gill missed a game because of a suspension. In his 10 other contests, he has eight TFL and four sacks.

5/9/08: Managed 50 tackles and four sacks in 2007.
Demonte Bolden, Tennessee
Height: 6-6. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
11/23/08: Owner of 30 tackles and six TFL through 10 games.

5/9/08: Was academically ineligible to play in Tennessee's bowl game.

2007: Suffered a neck injury and was carted off the field in the spring game. Not sure how serious that injury is.
Myron Pryor, Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 309.
Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
11/23/08: Leg and ankle injuries have slowed down Myron Pryor. Once a first-round candidate, Pryor may not be drafted.

5/9/08: Myron Pryor had a bit of a disappointing junior campaign, but his combination of size and speed will get him drafted in the first three rounds.

2007: Started 10 games as a sophomore and recorded four sacks and four forced fumbles. Has the potential to be a top-15 selection come 2009.
Jason Chapman, Wisconsin
Height: 6-4. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
5/9/08: Jason Chapman can get to the quarterback. Or maybe the correct wording is "used to." Chapman had a season-ending knee injury late last season.

2007: Built for the cover-2 defense, Jason Chapman has one of the quickest first steps at his position in college football.
Antonio Dixon, Miami
Height: 6-3. Weight: 328.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/23/08: Antonio Dixon has struggled coming off his knee injury, but will get some consideration because of his size.

5/9/08: A monstrous nose tackle who was a third-round prospect on this chart until he suffered a knee injury last season.

2007: Antonio Dixon started two games as a sophomore, recording 14 tackles. One of the largest run-stuffers in this class.
Brandon Nicolas, Colorado
Height: 6-3. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/23/08: Through 11 games, Brandon Nicolas has 33 tackles, five TFL and 2.5 sacks.

2007: Brandon Nicolas, a transfer from Notre Dame, needs to bulk up over the next two years. Currently Colorado's starting nose tackle.
Marlon Favorite, LSU
Height: 6-1. Weight: 302.
Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/23/08: Marlon Favorite hasn't seen as much action as predicted, and has consequently seen his draft stock crumble.

5/9/08: Started about half of LSU's games last year. Like Al Woods, Marlon Favorite will have to pick up the slack with Glenn Dorsey playing on Sundays.

2007: One of the quicker defensive tackles in the 2009 class, Marlon Favorite started four games as a sophomore and recorded two sacks.
Terrill Byrd, Cincinnati
Height: 6-1. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
5/9/08: Terrill Byrd had six sacks and seldom gets injured. That's fine, but he's severely undersized.
Pat Kuntz, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
11/23/08: Pat Kuntz has 30 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks for disappointing Notre Dame this year.

5/9/08: To be honest, I listed this guy a bit higher than he deserved to be ranked, just because of his last name.
Matt Kroul, Iowa
Height: 6-3. Weight: 277.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
5/9/08: Pretty undersized for a defensive tackle. It's going to be tough to find a job at the next level.

2007: Matt Kroul is entering his third year as a starter at Iowa.
Brigham Harwell, UCLA
Height: 6-2. Weight: 288.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Projected Round: FA.
5/9/08: Brigham Harwell suffered a nasty knee injury and missed most of last season.

2007: Another guy who can play end in the 4-3 or 3-4, or tackle in the former scheme, Brigham Harwell has an injury history.
Jervonte Jackson, Florida Atlantic
Height: 6-3. Weight: 286.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
11/23/08: Jervonte Jackson finally missed a game this year. In nine contests, he has 35 tackles, 2.5 TFL and two sacks.

5/9/08: Solid defenders have been known to come out of the Sun Belt (particularly Troy State). Jervonte Jackson had three sacks in 2007, one coming against South Carolna.

2007: Jervonte Jackson hasn't missed a game in two years. He had 46 tackles in 2006, including one sack against South Carolina.
Louis Ellis, Shaw -
Height: 6-2. Weight: 310. Projected 40 Time: 5.09. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Rashaad Jackson, Clemson -
Height: 6-3. Weight: 290. Projected 40 Time: 4.93. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman -
Height: 6-4. Weight: 322. Projected 40 Time: 5.14. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Cody Moore, TCU -
Height: 6-1. Weight: 292. Projected 40 Time: 5.04. Projected Round (2009): FA.

2009 NFL Mock Draft

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2008 Defensive Tackle Rankings

2009 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings

2009 NFL Draft
Defensive Tackle Rankings