Preliminary 2027 draft preview: Defensive tackles … At least for now we’re putting this year’s DT draft crop firmly in the ‘to be determined’ category. Certainly, this year’s DTs have the potential to have a more impactful draft than last year’s somewhat disappointing group that had only one player selected in the opening round – Peter Woods of Clemson – and that only with the 29th pick overall by Kansas City. That was down from 5 first rounders the previous year. Potential is the key word, though, as NFL scouts would like to see a little more productivity, especially rushing the passer. Oregon’s A’Mauri Washington and David Stone of Oklahoma, for example, are both being talked about as having top 10-15 prospects for 2027 as both have freakish athletic ability including 4.85 type speed at well over 300 pounds; however, while both are dominant run stuffers, both also had just one sack last fall and will need to show a little impact getting after the QB. On the other hand, Will Echoles of Mississippi did emerge as something of a pass-rushing force last fall when he posted 7 sacks, but lacks elite speed and quickness. Meanwhile, other top DT prospects who have generated at least some top 100 potential include Ahmad Moten of Miami, AJ Holmes of Texsa Tech, Indiana’s Tyrique Tucker and CJ Fite of Arizona State, but again at least for now, it doesn’t look as if DT will be all that deep this coming April. For now, here is a preliminary ranking of this year’s top DT prospects.
