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Introduction: The 2020 NFL draft will have it’s share of talented Defensive Tackles throughout the draft and it is unclear if GM Dave Gettleman would consider using a pick to select one. It appears the Giants are happy with last year’s 1st round Dexter Lawrence and  3rd year starter Dalvin Tomlinson, also R.J McIntosh and last year’s 7th round pick Chris Slayton could also be in the plans for 2020. Here are my top 10 Defensive Tackles for the 2020 NFL draft.

  1. Derrick Brown (Auburn)6’5/322: Brown will more than likely be utilized along the defensive line at the NFL level. Playing inside and outside to utilize his talents; which is an excellent run stopper and pass rusher. Brown will solidified any interior along the defensive line and would give any NFL team a productive player.
  2. Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)6’6/302: Kinlaw has good length, strength and speed to be a dominant interior pass rusher at the next level. Kinlaw can excel in either defensive scheme 4-3 or a 3-4. Kinlaw has excellent footwork for his size and is purely a bull rusher at this point in his career.
  3. Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M) 6’3/304: Madubuike moves extremely well for his size and is a disruptive force in the passing game. Madubuike possesses a quick first step and can play anywhere along the defensive line and will more than likely be utilized that way.
  4. Raekwon Davis (Alabama) 6’7/306: Davis would fit ideally in a 3-4 scheme to utilize his strengths better. Davis can line up inside or outside and is equally effective against the run as the pass. Should add more weight to his frame without hurting his mobility.
  5. Davon Hamilton (Ohio State)6’4/310: Hamilton is pure power and when you combine that with a quick first step in his arsenal, you have a very disruptive defensive linemen in Hamilton. Hamilton can play anywhere along the defensive line and be very effective in the process.
  6. Rashard Lawrence (LSU)6’3/317:  Lawrence has a solid frame and get handle double teams well and still make plays. Lawrence has extreme power and uses it well to penetrate into the backfield to make plays.
  7. Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma) 6’2/310: Gallimore is a disruptive player who can fill space and make life difficult for opposing running backs. Gallimore is not a stats finisher, but rather someone who makes everyone around him better. His quickness, power and solid technique as a defender makes him a solid NFL prospect.
  8. Jordan Elliott (Missouri) 6’4/315: Elliott was solid as a run stopper for Missouri once he anchored himself at the point of attack. Elliott needs to get stronger in his lower body at the next level. Elliott has great hand technique to shield himself from opposing offensive linemen and plays better in the trenches and not in space.
  9. Raequan Williams (Michigan State) 6’4/298: Williams has a good combination of power and strength as he eats up double teams well. Williams is extremely effective against the run, but needs to improve his pass rushing at the next level.
  10. Leki Fotu (Utah) 6’5/330: Fotu first step is surprisingly quick for a man his size and his raw power usually manhandles his opponents. Once Fotu locks onto a defender, it’s usually over as Fotu rarely misses. Fotu is ideal for a 3-4 scheme as he can handle double teams well to allow his teammates to make most of the plays. Fotu is not a flashy defender, but he does get the job done.

Final Thoughts: The Giants are not listed as a team that could look for the services of a Defensive Tackle in the draft. There already have BJ Hill, Dalvin Tominson and Dexter Lawrence up front as starters and are high on RJ McIntoch and Chris Slayton. However; GM Dave Gettleman could pull the trigger on a DT if one should fall on Day 3 that could be too hard to pass.