Editor’s note: The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 24-26). Here are his top 10 defensive tackles, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

— 1. Mason Graham (Jr., Michigan, 6-foot-3, 306 pounds)

A former four-star recruit, Graham doesn’t check all of the athletic “freak” boxes some general managers desire. I’m sure some of them experienced heart palpitations when the two-time All-American weighed in at 296 pounds at the combine, 24 pounds lighter than what he was listed with the Wolverines. He didn’t produce a lot of sacks in college (nine in three years), but he’s relentless, and a disruptor against the pass and run. Graham erupts at the snap of the ball and has a feel for leverage thanks to his championship-level wrestling background. He’s an easy mover with harmonious hands and feet. The sacks could come in the pros as he further develops his pass-rush repertoire. Outside of football and wrestling, the other organized sports he has had success in include baseball, basketball, rugby, soccer and track (discus and shot put). Projected: Top-10

— 2. Walter Nolen (Jr., Ole Miss, 6-4, 300)

Nolen was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit by ESPN and USA Today in the 2022 recruiting class. He spent two years at Texas A&M before joining the Rebels last season, and he’s shown improvement every single year. Nolen produced 6 1/2 sacks and led Ole Miss with 14 tackles for loss while also batting down three passes and recovering two fumbles, earning consensus All-American recognition. He’s strong enough to beat up blockers one-on-one, and athletic enough to handle double teams. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 3. Kenneth Grant (Jr., Michigan, 6-3, 330)

No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” in 2024, Grant is a grizzly bear who can plug up run lanes and also pressure the passer as a nose tackle, but he’s capable of playing multiple spots in odd or even fronts. He still needs polish, but his mere presence forces an offense to account for him. His 12 career pass breakups is a program record for a defensive tackle, and indicative of his game-wrecking ability. Former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh once called Grant and Graham “a gift from the football gods” before either had played a down in college. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 4. Alfred Collins (Sr., Texas, 6-5, 332)

Imagine an ox who looks at other oxen and asks, “Do you even lift, bro?” That’s how strong Collins is. The former four-star recruit was considered an “underachiever” before leveling up his senior season, earning first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American honors for the CFP semifinalist Longhorns. How much he’ll contribute as a pass rusher in the pros remains up in the air, but his size, raw power and athleticism will make him the focus of offensive line meetings most weeks. He’s already proven adept at batting down his share of passes, and he blocked a field goal last year. Collins turns 24 in October. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 5. Darius Alexander (Sr., Toledo, 6-4, 305)

Alexander is already an elite run defender, and only scratching the surface as a pass rusher, although his bull rush consistently pushes the pocket. His size, length, physicality and elite athleticism (9.17 RAS) will play well in odd or even fronts. Alexander was named the top defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl in a vote by the offensive linemen participating in the practices. He turns 25 in August. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 6. Derrick Harmon (Jr., Oregon, 6-4, 313)

Harmon made the most of his one year with the Ducks, making 45 tackles, including 10 1/2 tackles for loss and five sacks while forcing two fumbles after transferring from Michigan State. Playing 30 pounds lighter than his time with the Spartans enabled the Detroit native to lead all interior defensive lineman in pressures with 55 — 12 more than the next-highest player. Conditioning will be key in the pros. Projected: Round 1

— 7. Tyleik Williams (Sr., Ohio St., 6-3, 334)

A former four-star recruit, Williams earned All-Big Ten recognition all four years despite only being a two-year starter for the Buckeyes. He’s a disruptive force against the run, soaking up blockers, while trapping any runner in his vicinity like a black hole. Williams needs further development as a pass rusher, or he may not see the field consistently on third down, but that would just be a cherry on top of this massive run-stuffing sundae. Projected: Round 2

— 8. Shemar Turner (Sr., Texas A&M, 6-3, 290)

Turner tends to “overheat” and draw attention from officials, but that relentless aggression is usually a strength, especially against the run. The former five-star recruit plays with a bully mentality, features a quick first step and active hands during his rush. Turner added 30 pounds in 2024, but didn’t sacrifice any of his quickness. He features Ironman-level toughness, playing through a stress fracture in his foot, a torn labrum and a shin injury that required offseason surgery, while only missing two games. Projected: Round 2

— 9. Joshua Farmer (Jr., Florida St., 6-3, 305)

A former three-star recruit, Farmer became a two-year starter for the Seminoles. He earned All-ACC honorable mention last season after leading the team in sacks (four) while finishing second in pressures (26). Farmer was one of the few bright spots on a very disappointing team. He’s quick, has impressive length (35-inch arms) and his hands are jarring, often creating enough separation in a single blow to puncture the pocket, freeing him to make a play. Projected: Round 3

— 10. T.J. Sanders (Jr., South Carolina, 6-4, 305)

A former three-star recruit, Sanders became a two-year starter on a talented Gamecocks defensive line. He’s tall, versatile, athletic (9.38 RAS) and surprisingly stout at the point of attack. Sanders puts up a fight against double teams, and shines in backside pursuit. There’s enough promising pass rush tools here to buy his upside in the pros. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 11. Deone Walker (Jr., Kentucky, 6-7, 328)

A former four-star recruit, Walker was a full-time starter all three seasons for the Wildcats, earning All-SEC recognition every year. He was voted team captain as a true sophomore, leading the team in sacks (7 1/2) and tackles for loss (12 1/2), before repeating the honor last season. Walker looked like a first-round prospect in 2023, but play dipped last year. He suffered a stress fracture in his back, and played through the pain. Walker possesses rare physical traits, and special movement abilities honed while playing basketball, his “first love.” He’s capable of overwhelming opponents, but he lacks consistency and polish. Watch out if NFL coaching can provide both. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 12. Ty Robinson (Sr., Nebraska, 6-5, 288)

A former four-star recruit, Robinson started 47 of 60 career games for the Cornhuskers. He led the team in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (12 1/2) last season, earning third-team All-Big Ten recognition. Robinson was also used as a short-yardage lead blocker on offense. He’s a big ‘ol dude who wins with brute force regardless of his usage. Robinson was a standout during Senior Bowl week and at the combine (9.89 RAS). He turns 24 in May. Projected: Rounds 3-5

— 13. Cam Jackson (Sr., Florida, 6-6, 328)

A former three-star recruit, Jackson spent three years at Memphis before joining the Gators in 2023. He has an enormous frame with a wide tackle radius that is impossible for a ball-carrier to escape if he gets caught in Jackson’s gravitational pull. Odds are he becomes a dominant run defender in the pros (he eats double teams to carb load), but he’s not getting to the quarterback. Jackson does have the ability to threaten the pocket’s integrity though. Projected: Rounds 3-5

— 14. CJ West (Sr., Indiana, 6-1, 316)

A former three-star recruit, West spent four years at Kent State, earning All-MAC recognition as a three-year starter before joining the Hoosiers last season. He was one of the main reasons Indiana led the FBS in run defense, and he was a standout at the combine (9.16 RAS). West ran a 4.95 40-yard dash with a 1.73 10-yard split (fastest among players weighing 315 pounds or more). He’s a ferocious pass rusher whose natural leverage and balance allow him to deal with multiple blockers effectively. West’s measurables won’t fit every scheme. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— 15. Aeneas Peebles (Sr., Virginia Tech, 6-0, 282)

A former three-star recruit, Peebles spent four years at Duke before joining the Hokies last season. He earned All-ACC honors at both schools, and ranked third in pressures (37) among FBS interior defensive linemen in 2024. Peebles is undersized, but he’s an elusive pass rusher with outstanding quickness off the ball, and an array of go-to moves to keep pass protectors guessing. Peebles turns 24 in September. His grandfather, Doug Wilkerson, played guard and was drafted in the first round (No. 14 overall) by the Houston Oilers in the 1970 NFL draft. He spent 14 of his 15 seasons in the league with the San Diego Chargers, earning All-Pro recognition three times. Projected: Rounds 3-5

— 16. Omarr Norman-Lott (Sr., Tennessee, 6-2, 291)

A former four-star recruit, Norman-Lott spent three years at Arizona State before joining the Volunteers in 2023. He was a part-time player for the Vols, but he led FBS interior defensive linemen in pass rush win rate (12.6%) and win percentage (18.9%) last season. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 17. Jared Harrison-Hunte (Sr., SMU, 6-3, 290)

A former three-star recruit, Harrison-Hunte spent five years at Miami before joining the Mustangs last season. He earned first-team All-ACC recognition after producing 6 1/2 sacks and 8 1/2 tackles for loss his only season in Dallas — 5 1/2 of his sacks came in the final six games of SMU’s playoff push. As a pass rusher, he matches the hands of a boxer with the feet of a basketball player. He ran a 4.86 40-yard dash at the combine (9.20 RAS), which was the third-fastest time for participating defensive linemen in Indy. Harrison-Hunte turns 25 in July. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 18. Rylie Mills (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-5, 296)

A former four-star recruit, Mills became a three-year starter for the Fighting Irish, and was voted team captain in 2024. He earned second-team All-American recognition after leading the team in sacks (7 1/2) and tackles for loss (8 1/2) last season. Mills features inside-outside versatility and was a two-time alum of Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” because of his strength and explosive athleticism. He suffered a season-ending right knee injury in the first round of the College Football Playoff against Indiana. Mills turns 24 in August. Projected: Rounds 4-6.

— 19. Ty Hamilton (Sr., Ohio St., 6-3, 299)

A former three-star recruit, Hamilton became a two-year starter for the Buckeyes at nose tackle, a position he’s unlikely to play in the pros. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention there though the past two seasons. Hamilton plays bigger than his measurables. He’s an unrefined pass rusher, probably because he had to do a lot of dirty work in college, freeing up linebackers to make plays. I imagine NFL teams would prefer to place him in a spot where he’s able to utilize his premium athleticism (9.22 RAS). Hamilton’s older brother, DaVon, was drafted in the third-round (No. 73 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL draft. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 20. Jordan Phillips (So., Maryland, 6-1, 313)

A former three-star recruit, Phillips spent one year at Tennessee before joining the Terrapins in 2023. He wins with explosiveness and power, his hands jolt blockers backwards. Phillips stands his ground, beats blockers and battles double teams as a run defender, but he had zero sacks in three seasons. Although, he showed off a powerful bull-rush and nasty spin move in one-on-one drills during East-West Shrine Bowl practices. Phillips was No. 51 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” last season, squatting 665 pounds, power cleaning 365 and handling two reps of 365 on overhead press. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— 21. JJ Pegues (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-2, 309)

Pegues was the sixth-ranked athlete in the 2020 recruiting class. He committed to Auburn as a tight end, switching to D-line ahead of his second year, before joining the Rebels in 2022. The Oxford, Miss., native became a two-year starter who earned third-team All-SEC recognition after producing 3 1/2 sacks and 13 1/2 tackles for loss last season. Lane Kiffin also took advantage of his offensive background, utilizing Pegues as a short-yardage back. He had 21 carries in 2024, producing seven touchdowns and 11 first downs. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 22. Yahya Black (Sr., Iowa, 6-6, 336)

A former three-star recruit, Black became a two-year starter for the Hawkeyes, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention both seasons. His enormity demands attention, freeing up linebackers to make plays. Black welcomes double teams, and while he’s limited as a pass rusher, he uses his length (35-inch arms) and strength to make the pocket a less hospitable place for the QB. He also blocked a field goal against Washington last season. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 23. Jamaree Caldwell (Sr., Oregon, 6-2, 332)

A former no-star recruit, Caldwell temporarily walked away from football during the pandemic before walking on at Independence (Kan.) Community College for a season. He then spent two years at Houston before joining the Ducks in 2024. Caldwell has the body of a classic nose tackle, but he’s nimble for a big fella, and you can’t teach that. He played the entire 2023 season for the Cougars with his left hand in a hard cast, producing 6 1/2 sacks and 8 1/2 tackles for loss while also blocking a field goal. He also earned All-Big Ten honorable mention in his only season at Eugene. Caldwell turns 25 in August. Projected: Round 4

— 24. Warren Brinson (Sr., Georgia, 6-5, 315)

A former four-star recruit, Brinson only started eight games for the Bulldogs, but his rush talent pops whenever he’s on the field. He features NFL size and athleticism (9.10 RAS). Brinson lined up wherever Kirby Smart asked him to, which was everywhere, like most Georgia defenders. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 25. Vernon Broughton (Sr., Texas, 6-5, 311)

Broughton was the 14th-ranked defensive tackle in the 2021 recruiting class. He was finally a full-time starter in 2024 for the Longhorns after waiting his turn behind Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat. Broughton features impressive size, and a diversified rush plan. He has a quick first step and solid range as a tackler against the run. Broughton turns 24 in July. Projected: Round 4

— 26. Tonka Hemingway (Sr., South Carolina, 6-3, 284)

A former four-star recruit, Hemingway played in 61 games (28 starts) for the Gamecocks. He’s the classic “tweener” with impressive athleticism (9.46 RAS). Hemingway has upside as a rotational pass rusher, but he lacks the body for interior work. He turns 24 on Halloween. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— 27. Zeek Biggers (Sr., Georgia Tech, 6-5, 321)

A former three-star recruit, Biggers was 17 his freshman season and became a two-year starter for the Yellow Jackets, earning All-ACC honorable mention as a senior. He features NFL size and length (35 3/4-inch arms). Biggers is a sentient block of granite, who has proven adept at closing passing lanes with his branch-like arms and massive hands. He had more blocked field goals (four) in his collegiate career than sacks (two). Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 28. Kyonte Hamilton (Sr., Rutgers, 6-3, 305)

A former three-star recruit in football, Hamilton was one of the top wrestling recruits in the nation after winning a Maryland state title and a national championship as a 220-pounder his senior year. He played in 51 games (31 starts) in four seasons for the Scarlet Knights, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024 after finishing second on the team with 27 pressures. Hamilton is strong, explosive (9.29 RAS) and durable. He impressed during Hula Bowl practices in January, and again at his pro day last month. Projected: PFA

— 29. Jahvaree Ritzie (Sr., North Carolina, 6-4, 288)

A former four-star recruit, Ritzie played in 52 games (20 starts) for the Tar Heels in four seasons, producing 6 1/2

sacks and returning an interception 84 yards for a TD in 2024. He’s uber-athletic (9.49 RAS) — ran relays in high school — and versatile enough to align in odd or even fronts, but he hasn’t figured out how to use all of his gifts just yet. Projected: PFA

— 30. Nash Hutmacher (Sr., Nebraska, 6-3, 312)

A former three-star recruit, Hutmacher won South Dakota state titles in the shot put and discus, while finishing as an undefeated (166-0), four-time state champion wrestler. He played 49 games (27 starts) for the Cornhuskers in five seasons (one shortened by the pandemic), earning All-Big Ten honorable mention the past two years. If he gets leverage on you, you’re done for, but his lack of length levels the playing field. Projected: PFA

— 31. Howard Cross III (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-1, 283)

A former four-star recruit, Cross became a three-year starter for the Fighting Irish, and was voted team captain last season. He earned second-team All-American honors the past two seasons. Some scouts question whether he has an NFL body, but he has a quick first-step and solid snap recognition. Cross also has multiple backups if Plan A doesn’t work when rushing the QB, but if he doesn’t win right away as a run defender, he doesn’t win. Cross’ father, Howard Jr., a tight end, was drafted in the sixth round (No. 158 overall) by the New York Giants in the 1989 NFL draft, and played his entire 13-year career with the G-Men. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 32. Cam Horsley (Sr., Boston College, 6-2, 312)

A former three-star recruit, Horsley became a four-year starter for the Eagles, earning third-team All-ACC recognition last season. He’s strong, athletic (8.54 RAS) and a stout run defender. Projected: Rounds 5-7

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