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 April 24, 2009.

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B.J. Raji, Boston College
Height: 6-1. Weight: 337.
Projected 40 Time: 5.12.
Combine 40 Time: 5.13.
Benchx225: 33. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): Top 12 Pick.
2/24/09: Though he projected himself to run a 5.06, B.J. Raji ran a more realistic 5.13. That’s still an impressive 40. Raji won’t make it past the Broncos if he somehow falls to them. He’ll likely be off the board at No. 9.

1/21/09: With the exception of Alex Mack, B.J. Raji has dominated everyone at the Senior Bowl.

1/10/09: B.J. Raji debacled the opposition in 2008, notching 14 TFL and 7.5 sacks. He also broke up five passes. He’s improved his stock enough to be a top-25 prospect.

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.
Peria Jerry, Ole Miss
Height: 6-2. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.98.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
1/10/09: Peria Jerry continued to overpower his opposition; he concluded his senior campaign with 18 TFL and seven sacks.

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!
Evander Hood, Missouri
Height: 6-3. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Combine 40 Time: 4.91.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 35. Vertical: 34.5.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
1/10/09: Qualifying for the All-Big XII First Team, Evander Hood had seven TFL, five sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.

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.
Ron Brace, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Combine 40 Time: 5.47.
Benchx225: 32. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2.
1/10/09: The monstrous Ron Brace collected 10 TFL and 2.5 sacks in 2008. He’ll be highly sought after toward the end of Day 1, as quality nose tackles are hard to come by.

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.
Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 288.
Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
Combine 40 Time: 4.87.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.80.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 37.
Projected Round (2009): 2.
2/24/09: Jarron Gilbert ran and jumped well at the 2009 NFL Combine. He’s now in heavy second-round consideration.

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.
Fili Moala, USC
Height: 6-4. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Combine 40 Time: 5.09.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
1/10/09: Fili Moala notched 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks as a senior.

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.
Chris Baker, Hampton
Height: 6-2. Weight: 326.
Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
Combine 40 Time: 5.02.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 35.5.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
2/24/09: How does a 326-pound tackle run a 5.02 and notch a 35.5-inch vertical?

1/10/09: Chris Baker has declared for the NFL Draft a year early. Baker, a transfer from Penn State, had 16.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks as a junior at Hampton. I actually like this choice – this defensive tackle class is weak once you get into the middle rounds.
Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
Height: 6-2. Weight: 306.
Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
Combine 40 Time: 5.01.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 16. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
1/10/09: Sen’Derrick Marks declared a year early. Marks had 10 TFL and two sacks on the year.

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.
Alex Magee, Purdue
Height: 6-3. Weight: 298.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Combine 40 Time: 5.05.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.82.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 29.5.
Projected Round (2009): 3.
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.
Dorell Scott, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 314.
Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
Combine 40 Time: 4.92.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 3.
1/10/09: Dorell Scott finished the season with just one sack, but had six TFL and five quarterback hurries.

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.
Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman
Height: 6-4. Weight: 329.
Projected 40 Time: 5.23.
Combine 40 Time: 5.11.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
2/24/09: Sammie Lee Hill ran very well for his frame. Considering how rare quality nose tackles are, he definitely increased his stock.

2007: Sammie Lee Hill had 14 TFL and 4.5 sacks as a junior.
Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 304.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Combine 40 Time: 5.33.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
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.
Terrance Taylor, Michigan
Height: 6-0. Weight: 306.
Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
Combine 40 Time: 5.24.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.08.
Benchx225: 37. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
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.
Terrance Knighton, Temple
Height: 6-3. Weight: 317.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
Combine 40 Time: 5.18.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.93.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 29.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
3/29/09: It’s appears very likely that Terrance Knighton will be drafted in the middle rounds. He shed four pounds between his Combine and Pro Day, and managed to run a very impressive 4.93.
Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.19.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 27.5.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/10/09: Not really sure why Ricky Jean-Francois declared a year early. The Frenchman had three TFL and two sacks as a junior.

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.
Corvey Irvin, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 302.
Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.99.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 25.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/10/09: Corvey Irvin was given the chance when Jeff Owens went down, and he stepped up. Irvin finished with 8.5 TFL and three sacks, earning himself a Senior Bowl invitation.
Roy Miller, Texas
Height: 6-2. Weight: 312.
Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
Combine 40 Time: 4.97.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.93.
Benchx225: 36. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/10/09: Roy Miller finished the season with 9.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks.

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.
Clinton McDonald, Memphis
Height: 6-2. Weight: 283.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.83.
Benchx225: 36. Vertical: 38.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/10/09: Clinton McDonald has been a force for Memphis this season, recording 7.5 TFL and seven sacks.

5/9/08: Had 55 tackles, 9.5 TFL and four sacks as a junior.
Will Johnson, Michigan
Height: 6-5. Weight: 290.
Projected 40 Time: 4.88.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.07.
Benchx225: 47! Vertical: 27.5.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/10/09: Meager numbers again for Will Johnson, who recorded three TFL and two sacks as a senior.

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.
Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 303.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 26.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
1/10/09: Darryl Richard had 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.
Nader Abdallah, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Finished with five TFL, three passes broken up and a sack.

11/23/08: Nader Abdallah has 28 tackles, one sack, four TFL and three 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.
Myron Pryor, Kentucky
Height: 6-0. Weight: 319.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Combine 40 Time: 5.01.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 30.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Thanks to 11 TFL and 4.5 sacks, Myron Pryor was elected to the All-SEC Second Team.

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.
Vaughn Martin, Western Ontario
Height: 6-3. Weight: 331.
Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.00.
Benchx225: 33. Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
Khalif Mitchell, East Carolina
Height: 6-5. Weight: 316.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
Combine 40 Time: 5.09.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.04.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 27.5.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Khalif Mitchell, a transfer from North Carolina, played through injuries in his senior year. He had three TFL and a sack in seven games.
Ra’Shon Harris, Oregon
Height: 6-4. Weight: 298.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.88.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Ra’Shon Harris improved his stock in his senior campaign, notching nine TFL and three sacks for the Ducks.
John Gill, Northwestern
Height: 6-3. Weight: 302.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.90.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 31.
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.
Jake Visser, Ferris State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 283.
Projected 40 Time: 4.91.
Projected Round (2009): 7.
1/10/09: Once again stuffed the stat sheet – Jake Visser totaled 16 TFL, 7.5 sacks and four blocked kicks.

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.
Marlon Favorite, LSU
Height: 6-1. Weight: 314.
Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.09.
Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 18.5.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/10/09: A disappointing senior campaign; Marlon Favorite collected 3.5 TFL and two sacks.

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.
George Hypolite, Colorado
Height: 6-1. Weight: 299.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.04.
Benchx225: 32. Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/10/09: Thanks to 6.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks, George Hypolite was named to the All-Big XII Second Team.

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.
Demonte Bolden, Tennessee
Height: 6-3. Weight: 282.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Combine 40 Time: 5.03.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.95.
Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
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.
John Faletoese, Cal Davis
Height: 6-2. Weight: 286.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.08.
Benchx225: 18. Vertical: 30.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/10/09: Elected to the AP All-America First Team for Division 1-AA, John Faletoese registered 7.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks.

11/23/08: John Faletoese blocked two kicks in one game earlier in the year against then No. 4 (Div 1-AA) Montana.
Jason Chapman, Wisconsin
Height: 6-4. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/10/09: A bit undersized, Jason Chapman had five TFL and two sacks in 2008.

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: 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.
Terrill Byrd, Cincinnati
Height: 6-1. Weight: 280.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/10/09: With the opposition worrying about Connor Barwin, Terrill Byrd has thrived, garnering 10 TFL and 5.5 sacks.

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.
Jervonte Jackson, Florida Atlantic
Height: 6-3. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
Combine 40 Time: 5.07.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 23.5.
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.
Adrian Grady, Louisville
Height: 6-1. Weight: 307.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
Combine 40 Time: 5.18.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.18.
Benchx225: 31. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
Rashaad Jackson, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 298.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.22.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): FA.
Matt Kroul, Iowa
Height: 6-3. Weight: 279.
Projected 40 Time: 4.95.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
1/10/09: Matt Kroul had six TFL and a sack in 2008.

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 (2009): FA.
1/10/09: A year removed from a nasty knee injury, Brigham Harwell notched six TFL and a sack as a senior.

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.
Louis Ellis, Shaw –
Height: 6-2. Weight: 310. Projected 40 Time: 5.05. Projected Round (2009): FA.
Cody Moore, TCU –
Height: 6-1. Weight: 292. Projected 40 Time: 5.04. Projected Round (2009): FA.