2021 NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings: Jaylen Twyman is underrated
By John Blair
13. Carlo Kemp, Michigan
6-foot-3, 286 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
An athletic defensive tackle who should be available at the tail end of the 2021 NFL Draft is Michigan’s Carlo Kemp. Kemp is explosive off the ball and also has the agility to threaten offensive guards. Overall, he is better vs. the pass than the run at this point in his career. The biggest reason he has trouble vs. the run is he lacks the bulk and overall strength to hold up against bigger offensive guards. He is also not helped by the fact he plays with a high pad level at times.
14. Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
6-foot-4, 278 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
Louisiana Tech’s Milton Williams has been one of the most productive players in the C-USA over the past two seasons, having registered 10 sacks. He has also put up some strong testing numbers including a 4.63 40-yard dash and 32 reps on the bench press. Unfortunately, he does look somewhat sloppy on the field and will likely settle in as a backup defensive tackle in the NFL.
15. Khyiris Tonga, BYU
6-foot-3, 321 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
A player who was helped last season by playing a weak schedule is BYU defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. While he looked good on film last season when going up against teams like Troy when matchup against NFL-caliber players he doesn’t have the same impact. Overall, Tonga is a strong player with good strength but lacks much explosiveness and flexibility.
16. Josiah Bronson, Washington
6-foot-3, 300 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
A developmental defensive lineman a team may take a chance on towards the end of the draft is Josiah Bronson of Washington. While Bronson never put up much production at Washington finishing his college career with only 42 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss he does have some traits that make you think he could develop into a player who makes an NFL roster. These traits include good size, the ability to deliver a nice pop with his hands and above-average athletic ability for someone his size.
Players with free agent grades
17. Jordon Scott, Oregon
18. Mustafa Johnson, Colorado
19. Ta’Quon Graham, Texas
20. Quinton Bohanna, Kentucky
21. Tedarrell Slaton, Florida
22. Naquan Jones, Michigan State