All articles tagged with #defensive tackles
The New York Jets acquired defensive tackles Harrison Phillips from the Vikings and Jowon Briggs from the Browns to strengthen their defensive line, especially after injuries and to support star Quinnen Williams, with trades involving multiple draft picks and salary arrangements.
ESPN surveyed league insiders to rank the top 10 NFL defensive tackles for 2025, highlighting a clear top tier led by Dexter Lawrence II, Chris Jones, and Jalen Carter, with detailed analysis of their performances, strengths, and potential for the upcoming season.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell provides a comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming NFL free agent market for defensive linemen, categorizing players into tiers based on their skill level and potential impact. The article covers edge rushers and interior linemen, highlighting notable free agents and potential cap casualties, while also projecting average annual salary ranges for each tier. Key players like Josh Allen, Brian Burns, and Danielle Hunter are discussed, along with insights into their potential market value and impact on teams.
The 2024 NFL Combine showcased winners and losers, with the Las Vegas Raiders having plenty of options in the trenches for the NFL Draft, particularly in the defensive tackle and offensive tackle positions. The team's hopes for a top 3 quarterback seem to be dwindling, while the chances of Aidan O’Connell starting as the team’s Week 1 quarterback have improved. Additionally, Quinyon Mitchell's impressive performance at the combine has solidified his position as a potential pick for the Raiders.
The NFL Scouting Combine is underway, and the Dallas Cowboys have been conducting formal and informal interviews with defensive tackle and linebacker prospects. Some of the prospects they've met with include Ruke Orhorhoro, Kris Jenkins, Maason Smith, and Edgerrin Cooper, who showcased their skills at the combine. Additionally, Braden Fiske, a standout performer at the combine, may have caught the Cowboys' attention despite not having a formal meeting with them.
Day 3 of the NFL Combine featured defensive backs at the podium and defensive linemen and linebackers on the field for workouts. Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold impressed with his football intelligence and met with the Las Vegas Raiders. Iowa's Cooper DeJean clarified his broken fibula injury and plans to work out for NFL teams before the draft. Defensive tackle measurements and workout standouts, including Florida State's Braden Fiske and Texas' Byron Murphy II, showcased athleticism and potential draft impact.
Florida State's Braden Fiske ran the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive tackles at the NFL Scouting Combine with a time of 4.78 seconds, followed by LSU's Mekhi Wingo and Texas' Bryon Murphy II. Fiske also excelled in the vertical jump and broad jump, becoming the first player since 2004 to top the defensive tackles in the 40, vertical jump, and broad jump. Iowa's Logan Lee led the three-cone drill, while Fiske and Lee tied for the fastest time in the shuttle run.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons hopes the team will acquire impact players for the 2024 season, particularly focusing on the defensive side of the ball and emphasizing the need for a big, pass-rushing defensive tackle. Parsons discussed his vision with owner Jerry Jones, highlighting the impact of key defensive players on successful teams and expressing the need for a formidable interior presence. However, the team's financial constraints may pose challenges in pursuing high-priced free agents, making it crucial to find impactful players within a more modest budget.
The Senior Bowl, a key scouting event for NFL teams, will feature top defensive tackle prospects including T’Vondre Sweat from Texas, Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson, DeWayne Carter from Duke, Tyler Davis from Clemson, and McKinnley Jackson from Texas A&M. These players showcase a mix of size, strength, and pass-rushing ability, with potential to make an impact in the NFL. The event will provide an opportunity for these prospects to elevate their draft stock and attract attention from teams like the Atlanta Falcons, who are seeking depth and developmental starters at the defensive tackle position.
The San Francisco 49ers are facing injury concerns with their starting defensive tackles, Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead, ahead of their game against the Arizona Cardinals. Hargrave sustained a hamstring injury and his availability for the game is uncertain, while Armstead is expected to be unavailable due to foot and knee issues. Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens are potential replacements, and T.Y. McGill could be elevated from the practice squad if needed. The team also has concerns at linebacker, with Dre Greenlaw and Oren Burks dealing with injuries. However, there is optimism that several players, including right guard Spencer Burford, running back Elijah Mitchell, and cornerback Darrell Luter, could return to action this week.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed concern that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave may have suffered a pulled hamstring during the team's recent game. The 49ers already have several key players dealing with injuries, including cornerback Charvarius Ward and defensive tackle Arik Armstead. The severity of Hargrave's injury is still unknown, but it could potentially impact the team's defense in upcoming games.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox missed a game for the first time in over four seasons due to injury, watching his team's victory over the Rams from home. Despite not being on the field, Cox's teammates made sure to keep him involved and informed. Cox, a leader and mentor to the young defensive tackles on the team, is known for his durability and commitment to taking care of his body. He is expected to return to the field soon after recovering from a back injury.
The Philadelphia Eagles made some intriguing decisions with their 53-man roster, opting to keep seven defensive tackles and seven cornerbacks while going without a punter and punt returner. The team prioritized depth at cornerback and defensive tackle, positions that played a significant role in their Super Bowl run last season. They also acquired tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in a trade, adding depth to the position. The Eagles are still looking to upgrade at punter and punt returner, and injuries at wide receiver, offensive tackle, and off-ball linebacker could pose challenges. Overall, the roster is considered stronger than the previous season's team.
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed defensive tackles Matt Dickerson and Chris Williams, along with cornerback Lamar Jackson, to their offseason 90-man roster. The team released defensive back Martez Manuel and defensive lineman Byron Cowart to make room. Dickerson spent a few weeks with the Chiefs last August and has played for several other teams since signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Williams was waived by the Indianapolis Colts just a week ago, while Jackson played for the New York Jets before spending last year split between the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears.
The Chicago Bears addressed their need for defensive tackles by selecting Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens in the 2023 NFL Draft. Both players have impressive athletic profiles, but advanced analytics show they are raw and works in progress. They may start the regular season on the bench, but their physical traits and upside make them long-term plays for the Bears.