This is the fourth post in a series that will delve in to each NFL position, ranking the top 12 for all. After each has been dissected, I will give my final top 12 players in the NFL. For the previous post in the series, click here.
They snuff out the run game whilst also trying to push the opposing line back in to the QB, collapsing everything around him, creating a panicky and claustrophobic atmosphere for the thrower. Imposing forces of strength and muscle that make sure nothing gets past them
Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the tackle. D-Tackles don't normally rack up the sacks and it's quite an impressive feat when they are able to do so, making them more invaluable to their respective teams. But they are still very important to a defensive line, clogging the middle, making sure the "fen(s)ce" in defense is impenetrable.
Normally bigger in size - and the bigger is almost always the better -each player has his own skill set, unique shape and trademark moves, helping each to stand apart from the rest.
Some defensive schemes have the normal right DT and left DT while some carry only one: the "nose tackle". The NT anchors the center of the line by himself, putting more pressure and responsibility on the player (although in a 3-4 scheme there is one more linebacker).
Unlike the previous two posts, I will be writing less about the player so as to quickly get through the list, posting stats of the player along with achievements. I've stated before I will do so again: stats tell only a *tiny* part of the picture. So take them lightly and know that the list I've created is based almost completely away from their stats.
In case you wonder why a player is on the list or why he is so high, some of these players are where they are based on how I think they will do in 2017 whilst also including past achievements and experience. So if you see someone that surprises you, it could be that I think they are set to explode this upcoming season.
*Stat Key:
- Sck = Sack
- Tckl = Tackle
- TFL = Tackle for Loss
- FF = Forced Fumble
- INT = Interception
- PDef = Pass Defended
The Top 12 Defensive Tackles of 2017
12. Kawaan Short - Carolina Panthers (2013-Present)
2016: 6 Sck; 55 Tckl; 12 TFL; 1 FF; 3 PDef
Short had down year from his stellar 2015 campaign, but he's still one of the top dogs at the position. Not to much to say about this all around solid player for Carolina who can say he's one of the "elite".
Proj 2017: 8 Sck; 50+ Tckl; 10+ TFL; 1 FF; 5+ PDef
11. Javon Hargrave - Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-present)
2016: 2 Sck; 27 Tckl; 5 TFL
Hargrave's rookie year showed promise and I really like what I saw from this youngster. Thrust into the starting Nose Tackle position, Hargrave has some areas of weakness he needs to clean up but the upside is there, and I expect a very big leap in development in year two.
Proj. 2017: 5 Sck; 40+ Tckl; 10+ TFL; 2 FF; 2 PDef
10. Linval Joseph - Minnesota Vikings (2010-Present)
2016: 4 Sck; 77 Tckl; 5 TFL; 3 FF
Linval Joseph upped his sack total from 2015 in 2016 from 0.5 to 4. I've said how Minnesota has put together my favorite defense in the league. His tackles (77) were a career high with 59 standing as his personal best up until last season. He's become a household name among Viking fans but yet was snubbed of a spot on the Top 100 Players of 2017 list. He made the list in 2016 when Minnesota made the playoffs yet he when he played better later that fall he missed out on this years list. Minnesota missed the playoffs in 2016-17. Coincidence? I think not.
Proj. 2017: 5.5 Sck; 65+ Tckl; 5+ TFL; 4 FF; 2 PDef
9. Jurrell Casey - Tennessee Titans (2011-Present)
2016: 8 Sck; 44 Tckl; 8 TFL; 5 PDef
Jurrell Casey is a premiere tackle in this league. Just look at those numbers, pretty great for a tackle in this day and age. But more than the stats, Casey hustles, making plays, and leading the Titans D 24/7.
Proj. 2017: 11 Sck; 35+ Tckl; 6 TFL; 2 FF; 3 PDef
8. Damon "Snacks" Harrison - NY Giants (2012-present)
2016: 2.5 Sck; 86 Tckl; 6 TFL; 1 FF; 1 PDef;
The Jets decided to stupidly let this stud walk across the hall to their rivals. Nicknamed "Snacks" due to his size and a hungering for devouring all players on the offensive side of the ball (especially QB's), Harrison is a run stuffer first, pass rusher second. That tackle number jumps out at me. 86 tackles. That's a lot for a linemen. He finished 36th in the league which may sound low, but get this: He finished 1st among all defensive ends, defensive tackles, and nose tackles. Harrison stats alone show he's a playmaker against the run. Add in his tremendous presence on the field and you've an elite nose tackle that will be in business for a good while.
Proj. 2017: 4 Sck; 75+ Tckl; 8 TFL; 3 FF; 1 PDef
7. Mike Daniels - Green Bay Packers (2012-Present)
2016: 4 Sck; 33 Tckl; 8 TFL; 1 PDef
While his number don't jump off the page, Daniels has quietly become one of the best overall defenders in football. His knack to push his way through to the backfield on pretty much every down is impressive. He's a boisterous player, making sure everyone around him knows he's better then them, pumping up his defense in the meanwhile. In coordinator Dom Caper's defense, Daniels isn't asked to pass rush and didn't play much on third down in 2016, but he will be given a larger role due to key players leaving the team in 2017. Expect his numbers to finally match his outstanding play next season.
Proj. 2017: 7.5 Sck; 50+ Tckl; 11 TFL; 1 FF; 4 PDef
6. Geno Atkins - Cincinnati Bengals (2010-Present)
2016: 9 Sck; 32 Tckl; 13 TFL
Geno Atkins has been one of my favorite D Tackles since he entered the league in '10. He's dominant in all aspects of the game, always anchoring the Begnals D which has been ferocious for many years and while some times a little to ferocious, Atkins always plays well and respectfully - unlike a certain Vontaze Burfict who is still getting fines and causing fights with his own teammates - proving dirty playing isn't needed to get the job done. And boy does he do it well. He tied for fifth in the league in TFL's last year. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Proj. 2017: 10.5 Sck; 40+ Tckl; 12 TFL; 1 FF; 2 PDef
5. Calais Campell - Jacksonville Jaguars (2008-Present)
2016: 8 Sck; 53 Tckl; 12 TFL; 2 FF; 1 INT; 6 PDef
As you can see, Campell's stats were padded pretty well in 2016. 8 sacks, over 50 tackles, tied for 6th with 12 TFL's, a great 2 forced fumbles, a 17th ranked (3rd amongst D-linemen) 6 PDef's, and a nice cherry on top: 1 interception. But what's the most impressive part of Calais Campell? His frame. Dude. Look at videos and pics of him next to any other human being. It's no wonder he's got stats for a low end defensive back along with his top notch DT stats. He knows he's long, so he uses that to his full advantage. Being able to keep offensive linemen from getting a good hold on him.
He has a new home in Jacksonville, but I see him doing just as well if not better there.
Proj. 2017: 10 Sck; 60+ Tckl; 10 TFL; 2 FF; 8 PDef
4. Fletcher Cox - Philadelphia Eagles (2012-Present)
2016: 6.5 Sck; 43 Tckl; 9 TFL; 1 FF; 2 PDef
Cox got his $$ deal in summer of 2016 which he deserved. But that didn't slow him down that fall unlike many players who play hard for the money. Making the key plays for Philly, Cox is the fourth of my fab four in this position. He's definitely "elite", dominating the line of scrimmage from the get go.
2016: 8.5 Sck; 50+ Tckl; 8 TFL; 3 FF; 4 PDef
3. Ndamukong Suh - Miami Dolphins (2010-Present)
2016: 5 Sck; 72 Tckl; 11 TFL; 6 PDef
You gotta respect the abilities of a full grown man. And Suh is a Man if I ever saw one. He's also really smart too btw. But that's a random fact. Although it has confused people as to why such a brilliant minded person can be so troubled and play as angry and dirty as he does. I'll never be able to tell ya what makes him tick, but Suh has shown game in and game out why he's one of the best - and he's paid like he is the best. He goes after you like an animal, and while the stats show a slight decline in play since joining Miami in 2015 (maybe it's because he's toned down the dirty playing lol), his *actual* play hasn't. He's as relentless in FL as he was in MI (Michigan) with the Lions. Pairing with the great Cameron Wake, Suh will continue to dominate in 2017 regardless of what the stats say. He's seemingly got a chip on his shoulder at all times, and he'll use that to fuel him till the day he retires... and beyond.
Proj. 2017: 6.5 Sck; 65+ Tckl; 13 TFL; 2 FF; 4 PDef
2. Gerald McCoy - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010-Present)
2016: 7 Sck; 34 Tckl; 5 TFL; 2 FF; 5 PDef
Doesn't this guy just make you happy? Well it doesn't matter, cuz he always is. He's also that nerd with the glassed who then turns into the Hulk on the "battlefield". Fun, playful, and always praising his peers, it's pretty much impossible not to like this DT in Tampa. Looking past the great attitude, McCoy is an absolute beast on the field. He hones in his energy and takes it out on everyone.Jumping the snap perfectly almost every time. As one player said "I feel like he win... 98% of the time." He beats you one on one, he beats a double team and he beats a triple team. Try and stop him but you won't. He loves superheroes, and McCoy might just be one himself. "Batman, Wolverine, and Hulk. They all right here (pointing high)."
One thing is for certain: "Gerald is the real McCoy."
Proj. 2017: 9.5 Sck; 50+ Tckl; 7 TFL; 2 FF; 3 PDef
1. Aaron Donald - LA Rams (2014-Present)
2016: 8 Sck; 47 Tckl; 17 TFL; 2 FF; 5 PDef
Small in stature. Aaron Donald is a quiet competitive tackle who in just a couple seasons since joining the league, has stamped himself as the best tackle in pro football. Unless you pay close attention to football you might not even know Donald due to his quiet nature. he lets his play do the talking and doesn't go for all the glory. His peers know how scary good he is though, being ranked the 14th and 15th best player in football over the last two years, rankings that were both right for once in the inconsistent top 100 players list.
How about those 17 TFL's? Tied for 1st in the league in 2017. He's a nightmare for opposing offense's.
Proj. 2017: 12.5 Sck; 60+ Tckl; 15 TFL; 4 FF; 9 PDef