Defensive Tackle, one of the most unfair positions in football. We ask these guys to eat up blocks and to plug holes on a consistent basis. They are apart of strategies that get no real recognition. That is truly going above and beyond for the squad. We The Champz have rounded up a top 10 list of the big guys on the defensive side of the ball.

While not the ten best, this is talented group that add value and deserved to be mentioned for their work.

Honorable Mention

Kenny Clark, Vita Vea, Grady Jarrett, Ed Oliver, Calais Campbell, DJ Reader, Javon Hargrave, Christian Barmore.

10. Daron Payne Commanders

At 6 foot 3 and 320 pounds Payne is a massive power mover. Payne posted career numbers in his contract season. Payne had 11.5 sacks 32 solo tackles with a total of 64 tackles. Learning how to finish was a big part of his growth. Washington rewarded him with the franchise tag to keep him around.

9. Deforest Bunker Colts

A true monster on the inside. Buckner is an artist at collapsing the middle for sacks and run stuffs. Buckner uses all those gifts well including his athletic ability to manhandle opponents as evident by finishing 5th with 56 pressures and 2nd in stops 47. He had 74 tackles with 8 sacks. A true anchor on defense for this Colts team.

8. Johnathan Allen Commanders 

The best player on the best position group for this team. Washington’s defensive line is an incredible group. Allen is a massive disruptor and a pressure machine. He accumulated 64 total tackles and added 7.5 sacks for the season. Since 2019 Allen has the 2nd highest pressure rate in the league at 12.3 percent.

7. Christian Wilkins Dolphins

The game’s best run defender, Wilkins led all defensive tackles in tackles with 98. He led in run stops with 50 and was second in tackles for loss behind only leaders Daron Payne and Chris Jones. Wilkins was a big reason for Miami finishing just outside the top 5 in run defense. Add on 3.5 sacks for the big fella.

6. Jefferey Simmons Titans

Simmons is a rare talent with massive power in his hands. The 2nd team All Pro is looking to build on a solid 2022 campaign with top notch run defending and underrated pass rushing with 7.5 sacks. The class of 2019 delivered some great defensive tackles. Simmons is right in that bunch and also the first to get a massive contract extension. Sorry Quinnen Williams and  Dexter Lawrence.

5.Cameron Hayward Steelers

My mom always told me the goal in life is to age like a fine wine. Well now I’m taking notes from Pittsburgh Steelers legend Cameron Hayward. A 34 year old defensive tackle coming off one of his best seasons starting all 17 games. Finishing with 10.5 sacks and over 73 combined tackles those excellent numbers earned him his 6th pro bowl. Nothing lasts forever, but at 34 Hayward looks to continue his elite play with a sleeper Pittsburgh team heading into next season.

4. Dexter Lawrence Giants

Lawrence is a physical strong defensive tackle with elite power and motor. Lawrence plugs up lanes and stuffs the run as good as any defensive tackle. He showed massive improvements as a pass rusher posting career highs in sacks 7.5 and qb hits 28. The focal piece of this New York defense responsible for a massive turnaround.

3. Chris Jones Chiefs

When we discuss elite pass rushers we tend to gravitate towards the Nick Bosa, T.J Watt and Micah Parsons. Getting to the quarterback is much harder from the interior than it is on the outside. Sadly you all are forgetting the best pass rushing defensive tackle in football. Last season Jones led all defensive tackles with 77 pressure and 15.5 sacks. If you want to say how dominant Jones is, replay the AFC championship game to witness greatness. The leading talent of Chris Jones and Patrick Mahomes keeps Kansas City in contention.

2. Quinnen Williams Jets

Williams is a durable violent defensive tackle with strong hands and an alpha presence. The young player accumulated 12 sacks 4 pass breakups and a league leading 2 forced fumbles. Him being a strong player in the trenches was a massive reason for this Jets defensive turnaround. They gave up the 4th fewest points in the league.

1. Aaron Donald Rams

Turn on any Rams game and the first guy you look for is number 99. Despite missing 1/3 of the season due to an ankle injury Donald finished with 49 total tackles and 5 sacks. This man is double and triple teamed on every play. There’s a lot left in the tank here. Donald still has a chance to be the first ever player to win 4 defensive player of the year awards.