The top five defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft include a raw prospect who could be a star, a pass rush specialists and a couple nose tackles.

In the NFL Draft, so many factors contribute to the decisions each team makes. It obviously starts with an examination

A similar line can be drawn at defensive tackle, where nose tackles aren't quite as in vogue as they once were. Taking their place are smaller, faster defensive tackles who can push the pocket, make an impact on passing downs, and use their athleticism to be versatile in increasingly complex pass-rush plans.