Bobby Brown III has the backup defensive tackle position on lock for the rest of the 2024 season, but with his free agency looming and the Rams’ emphasis on resupplying the defensive line, the team could spend its first-round pick on a premier interior defender, especially since they do not have a second-rounder. The team could also trade back and acquire several top-50 picks.
A defensive tackle may not be a critical need for the Rams, especially with the emergence of Tyler Davis. However, the position is heavily injury-prone, and with a 3-4 base defense, there are never enough defensive tackles that a team should have.
Here are five plug-and-play defensive tackles the Rams could take in the first round of the 2025 draft.
Mason Graham, the consensus No. 1 interior defensive lineman on the board, has all the tools to be a difference-maker. Take the pass-rushing prowess of Braden Fiske and combine it with the run-stopping ability of Greg Gaines and you get Graham.
He’s reminiscent of another Graham from Michigan as he flashes similarities to the Eagles’ Brandon Graham. Effective and versatile, he’s a matchup nightmare no matter what assignment you give him.
Where Graham has power, Grant is a bulldozer. Just like Kobie Turner, Grant can handle double teams, push linemen into the quarterback and is unmovable in the run game. While Grant would be a luxury pick, not many teams are gaining yards against a front of Turner, Tyler Davis and 340 pound Grant.
While not a prolific pass rusher, his ability to bullrush offensive linemen makes him a priority in pass protection. Pairing him and Kobie Turner together would give the Rams a lot of force being driven towards the quarterback’s lap.
A physically imposing force, Walker was the focal point of the Kentucky Wildcat defense. As the tip of the spear, Walker went up and dominated in one on one matchups, displaying a variety of effective pass rush moves.
The problem is that Walker was the only NFL graded player on Kentucky’s defensive line so he was subjected to a ton of double teams. Taking such punishment has led to questions about his consistency and effectiveness late in games. At the NFL level, Walker wouldn’t be subjected to such assignments as often and will most likely have the juice to finish plays.
Walter Nolen most likely has the highest ceiling in the 2025 defensive tackle class. Nolen’s athleticism is rarely seen by men of his size, and the ones that have it typically dominate the interior of the NFL for a decade. However, Nolen at times relies a bit too much on his athleticism, leading to poor fundamentals and a high pad levels. There’s also been limited concerns regarding his stamina in the past.
Nolen feels like a combination of DeForest Buckner and Chris Jones. Nolen will need coaching to improve his hand-fighting. He oftentimes fails to win hand fights and sticks with predictable pass rush moves. The good part is that Nolen loves football and wants to improve. He will be playing in Ole Miss’ bowl game simply because he “wanted to enjoy one last ride with my guys.”
T.J. Sanders is a bit of a wildcard but he fits the mold of what the Rams need out of a rookie defensive tackle in 2025. He’s a versatile player, rotating along the defensive line from end to nose tackle at various points for the Gamecocks. He has a good frame with long arms and can be deployed in certain pass rushing packages that call for speed.
He’s a true 3-4 defensive end through and through. A perfect fit to plug the middle of the field.
