Ric Serritella DL Big Board Rankings (DT & 3-4 DE)
*Before we get started, it is important to note that the NFLDB on AllAccessFootball.com breaks down the defensive line into two categories: defensive tackle and 3-4 defensive end.
There are many in the scouting community who believe that Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is a higher rated prospect than his former teammate Travon Walker, who was the number one overall pick from that aforementioned 2022 NFL Draft. Blessed with few weaknesses, Carter blends, size, strength, athleticism and savvy. Clearly, he is a bona fide candidate to be chosen number one overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Could more history be on the way? Only once in draft history has the back-to-back top overall pick hailed from the same school. Oklahoma quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (2018) and Kyler Murray (2019) recently became the first ever to do so.
One player who could rise up during the draft process is Calijah Kancey of Pittsburgh. The ultimate technician, Kancey owns a unique skill-set with his ability to provide an interior pass-rush. However, his size could make some NFL decision-makers a bit queasy (see; Donald, Aaron). Few players elevated their draft profile during the all-star game circuit more than Boise State brawler Scott Matlock. After dominating throughout the week at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Pasadena, the All-Mountain West selection made his way out to Las Vegas for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Once again, he won over talent evaluators in attendance with a stout anchor, along with impressive stack and shed ability. His stock is on the rise! Taking a look at the five technique prospects, these players typically have either length concerns, which prevent them from living on the edge, or height/size concerns that make them vulnerable on the interior.
Other times, in a case such as Mike Morris of Michigan, he just projects best at that position in the NFL. Of course, that is of an opinion. There will be some NFL teams who view him as a defensive end in the 4-3 scheme and there may even be others who want to play him at outside linebacker, like the Wolverines did at times this past season. He possesses rare quickness and get off for a man of his size, in addition to being strong as an ox.
Some teams value athletic traits, others really try to get to know the individual, while every organization loves speed. On the flipside, there are a handful of franchises who have gone light on the interrior. That's the beauty of scouting, there's a wide variety of opinions and unlimited ways on how to evaluate. What history has shown is that Day Three players become Day Two selections, Day Two projections can morph into players that can suddenly provide dazzling performances on the biggest of stages in the trenches.
Below, you will find our latest big board rankings for the Defensive tackle position. We will continue to post updates, so keep it locked for exclusive coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City.
2023 NFL DRAFT BIBLE BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE TACKLES
- Jalen Carter, Georgia, Jr, 6030, 314, 4.80e, 1028, 3348, NIC, Rd1
- Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh, rJr, 6010, 281, 4.67 (1.64), 0928, 3058, 7300, 33”, 9-04, NIC, Rd1
- Bryan Bresee, Clemson, rSo, 6054, 298, 4.86 (1.71), 1028, 3248, 22, 29”, 4.38, 7.41, NIC, Rd1
- Mazi Smith, Michigan, rJr, 6030, 323, 4.95e, 0968, 3368, 34, 29.5”, 8-11, NIC, Rd2
- Siaki Ika, Baylor, rJr, 6027, 335, 5.39 (1.88), 1028, 3238, 7578, 4.99, 7.80, NIC, Rd2
- Zacch Pickens, South Carolina, Sr, 6040, 291, 4.89 (1.74), 1038, 3438, 8178, 22, 30.5” , 9-8, 4.62, NIC, Rd3
- Keeanu, Benton, Wisconsin, Sr, 6036, 309, 5.09 (1.79), 0968, 3378, 8168, 25, 29.5”, 9-3, 4.65, 7.34, SRB, NIC, R3
- Cameron Young, Mississippi State, rSr, 6030, 304, 5.10 (1.80), 1000, 3448, 8238, SRB, NIC, Rd3
- Gervon Dexter, Florida, Jr, 6055, 310, 4.88 (1.81), 0948, 3228, 22, 31”, 9-2, 4.70, 7.50, NIC, Rd4
- Byron Young, Alabama, Sr, 6030, 294, 5.03e, 1100, 3438, 8158, 24, 26”, 9-0, 7.68, Rd3, NIC, SRB, Rd4
