Scout Series Pt (4): Trench Warfare – What Scouts Look for in Elite Defensive Tackles?

Defensive tackles are the backbone of a defensive front. While edge rushers and linebackers tend to get more recognition for their sacks and tackles, the defensive tackle’s impact is often more subtle but equally important. A dominant defensive tackle can control the line of scrimmage, collapse the pocket, and disrupt both the run and pass game at its core. Their ability to engage and defeat offensive linemen creates opportunities for other defenders, sets the tone for the defense, and directly impacts the success of both the front seven and the secondary. Despite their critical role, defensive tackles don’t always receive the same level of recognition or financial compensation as edge rushers or linebackers. This undervaluation stems from the fact that their contributions often don’t show up directly in box scores. However, NFL scouts and defensive coordinators understand that an elite defensive tackle can make the difference between an average and a dominant defense.

Playing defensive tackle requires a rare combination of size, strength, quickness, and football intelligence. At the heart of defensive tackle play is the ability to win the battle for the line of scrimmage. The best defensive tackles have explosive strength and leverage to defeat offensive linemen at the point of attack, establishing a new line of scrimmage in the backfield. This requires a quick first step, strong hand placement, and the ability to generate power from the ground up. A defensive tackle who can consistently win these battles forces the offense to adjust its blocking scheme, creates opportunities for linebackers to make plays, and disrupts the timing of the quarterback’s reads.

Defensive tackles must first stop the run before they can earn the right to rush the passer. The ability to stack and shed blockers is one of the defining traits of a high-level defensive tackle. When playing in a gap control scheme, defensive tackles are responsible for maintaining leverage, filling gaps, and preventing running backs from finding cutback lanes. This requires strength at the point of attack, proper hand use, and the ability to play with a low pad level. The best defensive tackles anticipate blocking schemes, react quickly, and maintain balance and body control while engaging offensive linemen. When doubled, elite defensive tackles have the strength and balance to hold their ground without being displaced. The ability to withstand double teams not only prevents the offense from gaining yards but also frees up linebackers to fill gaps and make plays downhill.

In the pass game, defensive tackles are expected to generate pressure from the interior. While edge rushers often accumulate the highest sack totals, interior pressure is equally valuable because it forces quarterbacks off their spot and prevents them from stepping up in the pocket. An elite defensive tackle combines speed and power in his pass-rush repertoire. Scouts look for quick first-step explosion, hand usage, and the ability to convert speed to power when driving an offensive lineman backward. A defensive tackle with a strong bull rush creates immediate disruption and often requires a double team. The ability to disengage quickly, counter with moves like the swim, rip, and spin, and close on the quarterback separates high-level pass-rushing defensive tackles from run-stuffing specialists.

Body control and agility are also key traits for a successful defensive tackle. While defensive tackles typically play in confined spaces, the ability to change direction quickly and adjust to blockers’ movements allows them to finish plays. Pad level and balance are critical when working through traffic. A defensive tackle who can maintain his center of gravity and work through multiple blockers without losing balance creates consistent disruption. Tackling ability is another key trait. A defensive tackle who can strike with power, wrap up efficiently, and finish plays minimizes yards after contact and limits explosive plays.

Football intelligence (FBI) is a critical factor for defensive tackles. The ability to diagnose plays before they happen, anticipate blocking schemes, and recognize offensive tendencies allows a defensive tackle to play faster and more effectively. High-level defensive tackles can identify screenplays, draw plays, and misdirection early, adjusting their approach and positioning accordingly. Discipline is equally important. Defensive tackles must stay within their gap assignments and maintain leverage, even when tempted to freelance and pursue the ball. A defensive tackle who abandons his gap to chase the ball creates cutback lanes and exposes the defense to big plays.

Motor and toughness are defining traits for elite defensive tackles. The position requires constant physical engagement with offensive linemen, and the ability to play with high effort and intensity on every snap sets elite defensive tackles apart. A high-motor player consistently fights through blocks, pursues the ball, and finishes plays. Toughness is both physical and mental. Defensive tackles play in the most physically demanding part of the field, where collisions are constant and violent. The ability to maintain physical dominance while absorbing contact and handling double teams reflects elite toughness.

Versatility increases a defensive tackle’s value. Some defensive tackles can reduce down to a 5-technique (defensive end) in passing situations or line up as a nose tackle in short-yardage scenarios. The ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line gives defensive coordinators more flexibility in designing schemes and matchups. A defensive tackle who can generate pressure from both interior and edge alignments becomes a valuable chess piece in both base and sub-packages.

Nose tackles, while similar to defensive tackles, have a more specialized role. A nose tackle is typically responsible for anchoring the middle of the defense and controlling both A-gaps. Nose tackles play a key role in two-gap schemes, where they are expected to engage the center and guard, control both gaps and prevent the offensive line from getting movement at the point of attack. The ability to withstand double teams without giving ground is the defining trait of an elite nose tackle. While nose tackles are not often asked to generate pass rush, the ability to collapse the pocket and force the quarterback off his spot increases their value on third down.

High-level nose tackle play requires short-area quickness and strength. A nose tackle must have a quick first step to engage the center before the offensive line can create leverage. Hand placement and strength are critical for controlling the center and preventing cutback lanes. Stamina is also a key factor. Nose tackles who can maintain effort and intensity over extended drives provide a consistent anchor for the defense. The ability to play with discipline and maintain gap integrity, even when engaged with double teams, separates elite nose tackles from rotational players.

Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams is the gold standard for defensive tackle play. Donald combines elite quickness, strength, and hand usage to dominate both as a run defender and pass rusher. His ability to generate pressure from the interior while maintaining discipline in the run game makes him one of the most disruptive defenders in NFL history. Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs is another example of a versatile defensive tackle who excels in both run defense and pass rush. Jones’s ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line, collapse the pocket, and finish plays reflects elite physical and mental traits. Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represents the modern nose tackle. Vea’s combination of size, strength, and quickness allows him to control the interior, absorb double teams, and generate pressure from the nose position. His ability to anchor the run defense while contributing as a pass rusher makes him one of the most complete nose tackles in the league.

Defensive tackles and nose tackles are often overlooked when discussing the most valuable positions in football, but their impact on the game is undeniable. A dominant defensive tackle controls the line of scrimmage, limits the run game, and creates opportunities for edge rushers and linebackers. An elite nose tackle anchors the defense, preventing cutback lanes and collapsing the pocket. While their contributions may not always show up on the stat sheet, NFL teams that build around dominant interior defenders consistently rank among the league’s best in run defense and total defense.