Defensive tackles have emerged as the preferred status quo for NFL teams in recent years. Consequently, teams are increasingly targeting these players in the draft and free agency. Eagles Milton Williams is probably the best embodiment of this change. Despite being only a third-round draft pick, he recently signed a huge four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots. Unfortunately for the Steelers, this deal now takes him off the market and makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. It further highlights the trend toward faceless multipliers in this part of the world.
Milton Williams‘s performance last season was impressive, registering five sacks and showcasing his capabilities in a rotational role. While on the field, he still managed to record two sacks, force a fumble and recover a fumble. Remarkably, he did this while only playing 48% of defensive snaps in seven starts. His contract includes $63 million in guaranteed money. This figure places him third among this offseason’s free-agent defensive tackles, right with some big names like Jonathan Allen.
Aaron Donald, as one of the most recognizable stars of the defensive tackle position, is a relevant example to use as a case study. In hindsight, it seems almost impossible that a player with his talent fell out of the top 10 in his draft class. Even this trend still rings true. Williams himself was a third round pick. Analysts sing the praises of other stars such as Chris Jones. The second round draft pick has proven to be elite ever since.
Kiper notes, “There’s a lot of demand, but there’s very little supply.” He further elaborates that the current draft class mirrors previous years where many talented defensive tackles slipped through the cracks. He predicts this year will be the same for any team looking to find difference making players.
Defensive tackles’ value goes way deeper than the typical narrative. The Philadelphia Eagles exemplified this during Super Bowl LIX when they sacked Patrick Mahomes six times, showcasing how dominant defensive tackles can alter the course of a game. As Kiper states, “That’s why you’re seeing some of these guys getting paid and being drafted earlier, because of the impact they can have on all three downs.”
This is a point that coaches stress as a must for any defensive tackle with three-technique versatility. Ryans comments on the shift away from run-stuffing nose tackles: “You’re not seeing more of the bigger run-stuffing nose tackles who just have to hold one gap.” He makes the case that today’s defensive tackles need to be athletic, agile and dynamic playmakers in order to chase down quarterbacks on scrambles or broken plays.
Ryans further explains the advantages of having agile defensive tackles: “When you get a 3-technique who can beat a guard very quickly, you put pressure at the quarterback’s lap as soon as he’s dropping back.” This ability can ruin offensive plays to historic levels, usually affecting QBs way more than edge rushers who need to run around tackles.
Wolf further stresses the importance of elite defensive tackles in allowing them to “wreck a game.” These fellows create chaos that forces quarterbacks to leave their happy place. “These guys that are elite up front push in the middle of the pocket, making the quarterback move, get off the spot,” Wolf states. As other teams come to realize this obvious need, they too are ready to make big investments in their defensive tackle spots.
Perhaps the most interesting thing is the changing landscape surrounding defensive tackles. According to some, teams are beginning to appreciate the value of these critical players. Consequently, the current draft class is considered one of the strongest in recent memory. With multiple prospects projected to be drafted and an increasing demand for athletic versatility among defensive tackles, it is evident that their importance within NFL strategies will continue to rise.
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