Seattle Seahawks

2017 NFL draft rankings: Defensive tackles

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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If the best prospect in this year’s draft class somehow winds up not being Myles Garrett, look no further than the defensive tackle spot for option No. 2. Alabama’s Jonathan Allen paces this position group, which also includes another likely Round 1 guy (Malik McDowell), plus a deep roster of proven playmakers.

Rank	Player	School	Measurables
1	Jonathan Allen	Alabama	6' 3", 294 lbs.
2	Malik McDowell	Michigan State	6' 6", 276 lbs.
3	Jarron Jones	Notre Dame	6' 5 1/2", 315 lbs.
4	Eddie Vanderdoes	UCLA	6' 4", 305 lbs.
5	Charles Walker	Oklahoma	6' 2", 304 lbs.
6	Chris Wormley	Michigan	6' 6", 302 lbs.
7	Carlos Watkins	Clemson	6' 3", 305 lbs.
8	Larry Ogunjobi	Charlotte	6' 3", 253 lbs.
9	Lowell Lotulelei	Utah	6' 2", 310 lbs.
10	Montravius Adams	Auburn	6' 4", 309 lbs.

I was a big fan of A’Shawn Robinson heading into last year’s draft and liked his Alabama linemate Jarran Reed quite a bit, as well. Allen’s better—at least at this point in the process. He has silly levels of athleticism for an interior D-linemen and would fit a 3–4 or 4–3 defense as a penetrating, pocket-collapsing presence. McDowell hasn’t had a great season with teams focusing extra attention on him, but he’s still a disruptive, highly versatile prospect. Jones (knee/foot) and Vanderdoes (knee) have had to fight through injuries, but they’re both back on the rise. Wormley is listed here despite playing mostly end for Michigan because his size and powerful style fits—he can help set the edge on early downs, then kick inside to pass rush if his next team so chooses. One under-the-radar name: Ogunjobi, who just landed a Senior Bowl invite. He eats up space inside.

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