The fantasy season might be over, but in dynasty fantasy football, there is no off-season. This is a fun time of year for your IDP dynasty leagues, as we get to learn about the new incoming rookie class as they make their way through the pre-draft process. In this article, we'll take a look at the incoming defensive tackle group, ranking and discussing their profiles. It's early in the process, so these rankings will be fluid, with a bit of IDP and draft projection baked into them. At the very least, it will familiarize you with some of the players as we make our way to the NFL combine. Alight, let's dive in.
*Denotes a player measurement taken from the Senior Bowl
1. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois (6-foot-2, 295 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 52 tackles (26 solos), 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Jer'Zhan Newton is an athletic defensive tackle who brings production, pass-rush upside, and alignment versatility to the table. Newton moves well laterally for an interior defensive lineman and has active, busy hands to aid him in getting the upper hand on opposing offensive linemen. To pair with his hand counters, Newton flashes bend and can dip and rip as a pass-rushing big man. Over the past two seasons, Newton has notched 13 sacks and logged 102 pressures, per Pro Football Focus, as he's proven to be a nuisance as an interior pass rusher. Newton is also a solid run defender, as he can hold his own at the point of attack and use his athleticism to work down the line.
There are some questions surrounding Newton's length for the position. This is something that will likely come up and be addressed through the pre-draft process. Newton's snap get-off can also be underwhelming or average occasionally. Newton can struggle to hold his ground and anchor down when taking on double teams, as his pad level can be a bit high.
Related: Pre-Combine Top 10 Rookie IDP Linebackers
Related: Pre-Combine Top 10 Rookie IDP Edge Rushers
Related: Pre-Combine Top 10 Rookie IDP Defensive Backs
2. Byron Murphy II, Texas (6-foot-1, 308 pounds)
2023 Stats (14 games): 29 tackles (13 solos), 8.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks
Byron Murphy features an impressive first step, showing legitimate explosiveness when shooting out of his stance. Murphy's athleticism also shows up in his ability to work down the line laterally, pairing well with his high motor. As a pass rusher, Murphy utilizes swim and arm-over moves, along with an effective rip move to create havoc. Murphy is a gap-penetrating defensive tackle who is a problem in one-on-one situations and can effectively play both the run and pass.
While Murphy features a stout build, he's a little on the smaller side for the position. Although Murphy's pad level isn't an issue, he can struggle to hold his ground against double teams and get driven out at times. Murphy finding a scheme where he is paired with a big block-eating counterpart on the inside so he can be isolated for more singled-up looks would be ideal.
3. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (*6-foot-3, 272 pounds)
2023 Stats (14 games): 25 tackles (14 solos), 6.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 9 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery
Brandon Dorlus is a big man with length, agility, and a solid first step. Dorlus brings legitimate versatility to a defense, as he can effectively be deployed all along the defensive front. As a pass rusher, Dorlus shows an effective bull rush and the ability to utilize swim and rip moves to get pressure. Dorlus' pairing of size and athleticism make him a candidate to be a handful in one-on-one situations on the interior.
Dorlus is a versatile defensive lineman but doesn't exactly fit the mold of a true edge rusher or interior defensive lineman. The right scheme will be important for his development, as he might not be the best fit to just play out wide, and his long fame and pad level can hinder his ability at times on the inside. As a run defender, Dorlus' awareness and block shedding could also use a little refinement.
4. Kris Jenkins, Michigan (6-foot-3, 305 pounds)
2023 Stats (15 games): 37 tackles (17 solos), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery
Kris Jenkins is a big, strong, athletic dude. Jenkins is a stout run defender with solid tackle production, compiling 91 tackles (46 solos) over the past two seasons. With adequate length and powerful hands, Jenkins can make first contact and gain leverage on opposing offensive linemen at the point of attack. Jenkins moved along Michigan's defensive front and should also bring that versatility to the next level.
While Jenkins has been solid in the tackle department, he hasn't had that same success in the splash play department. Over his collegiate career, Jenkins has logged just eight and a half tackles for loss and four and a half sacks. He shows plenty of ability as a pass rusher, even flashing an effective spin move, but to up his game, there will be something to work on. Jenkins can also struggle with double teams, as he sometimes gets stood up and stalled.
5. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State (*6-foot-2, 280 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 24 tackles (9 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks
It doesn't take long to notice Michael Hall Jr.'s athleticism on tape, as he features a quick first step and noticeable twitch and change of direction. To go along with his athleticism, Hall has active hands, utilizing swipes, arm over, and swim moves effectively. Hall profiles as a gap penetrator with intriguing pass rush upside from the interior that teams can get creative with on inside games.
Hall is a bit undersized for the position but does look to have sufficient length. Double teams can be an issue for Hall, as he can get driven out of the play if his pad level isn't right. Hall's production during his time at Ohio State is also a bit underwhelming. However, there's no denying his upside for projecting more.
6. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (6-foot-4, 295 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 25 tackles (13 solos), 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 pass defended
Ruke Orhorhoro brings an excellent pairing of size and athleticism to the defensive tackle position. Orhorhoro has an effective first step and the ability to get up the field in a hurry. When taking on blockers, Orhorhoro showcases the ability to utilize his length and strength to stack and shed. Orhorhoro's strength and length also show up in his bull rush, as he can be a handful to deal with. Orhohoro is also plenty versatile to align at different spots along a defense's front.
Taking on double teams can be an issue for Orhorhoro. Sometimes, he gets stood up and driven back out of the play. Orhorhoro could also up his pass-rush arsenal to go along with his effective bull rush. His pass-rush game has a noticeable upside, so refining it will only add to his effectiveness.
7. T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-foot-4, 362 pounds)
2023 Stats (14 games): 45 tackles (18 solos), 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 passes defended
At 6-foot-4 and 362 pounds, T'Vondre Sweat is a large man who is hard to miss on the field. Sweat is thickly built and contains loads of power. Sweat overpowers opposing linemen when one-on-one, and has no issues holding his ground against double teams. Sweat also uses his power and extension to push the pocket with his bull rush. Sweat is a dominant force that can anchor a team's front from the nose tackle position.
Sweat will likely be higher than this ranking for NFL terms, and rightfully so. The issue for IDP production is Sweat is best geared as a block-eating nose tackle on the interior, which can hinder statistical output based on responsibility. Sweat moves well for a big man, but he's not overly explosive, and his snap volume is a bit of a question.
8. Braden Fiske, Florida State (*6-foot-3, 295 pounds)
2023 Stats (13 games): 43 tackles (17 solos), 9 tackles for loss, 6 sacks
The first thing that stands out about Braden Fiske is the relentless effort he puts into his games. Fiske plays with the pedal down while also playing the game with noticeable aggression. Fiske shows a good first step off the snap and is disruptive as a gap penetrator. Fiske started his career at Western Michigan and showed he could hold up with stiffer competition in his final season at Florida State, compiling nine tackles for loss and six sacks.
One of the issues Fiske could work on is his pad level. His high pad level can hinder his ability to hold his ground at the point of attack, causing him to get stood up. Fiske is a feisty, aggressive player. While that's a good thing, his aggression can lead him to over-pursue his fit at times.
9. Leonard Taylor III, Miami (6-foot-3, 305 pounds)
2023 Stats (10 games): 19 tackles (7 solos), 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Leonard Taylor III shows a good first step and the ability to work upfield quickly when he goes. Taylor moves well for a man his size, as he can effectively work down the line laterally. To go with his athleticism, Taylor has solid length and uses it well to gain leverage on opposing blockers. Taylor is an intriguing player who can effectively play the run and flashes of pass-rush upside.
One of Taylor's biggest issues is his inconsistent pad level. Too often, Taylor plays with a high pad level, and it causes him to get stood up and/or knocked off balance. Taylor's splash play production also tailed off a bit in his final season at Miami.
10. Maason Smith, LSU (6-foot-6, 315 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 28 tackles (9 solos), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended
At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Maason Smith has an imposing size and frame. Smith is not just big but moves well for his size, showing a solid first step off the snap. Smith utilizes a strong bull rush, as he effectively uses his quick first step and extension to get opposing linemen on their heels. As a pass rusher, Smith also flashes a solid arm-over move to win as well.
Injuries have limited Smith's availability during his time at LSU. Smith suffered an ACL injury that cost him almost all of the 2022 season. Pad level can also be an issue for Smith. Sometimes, Smith's pad level is too high, causing him to struggle to anchor down against double teams.
Other Names To Know
- DeWayne Carter, Duke
- McKinley Jackson, Texas A&M
- Mekhi Wingo, LSU
- Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois
- Tyler Davis, Clemson
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading and hopefully, you enjoyed an early look at this intriguing incoming group of rookie defensive tackles. Be on the lookout for articles covering the other position groups, as my buddy Joesph Haggan and I look to bring more insight on this IDP rookie class leading up to the draft.
