2025 IDP Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookies: Top Landing Spots For Defensive Tackles

Mason Graham | © Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jason Abbey Posted On April 8, 2025

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the focus shifts from evaluating college talent to projecting the best team fits. While talent remains a critical component, a player’s landing spot plays a key role in determining whether they will have the chance to contribute early in their NFL career.

This article will identify the ideal landing spots for the top defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Mason Graham, Michigan

Ideal landing spot: Jacksonville Jaguars

Graham’s critics will point to his short arms and disappointing bench press performance at the Combine, but these flaws are quickly forgotten when watching his tape.

While the former wrestler possesses a rare blend of athleticism and power at the position, he is more than just a physical specimen. He is also technically refined, has an excellent first step, and has violent hands.

A monster in the middle.@UMichFootball DT Mason Graham is ranked No. 4 on @MoveTheSticks' Top 50 Prospects for a reason 😤

📺: 2025 #NFLDraft – April 24-26 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/700CZoOJxj

— NFL (@NFL) March 30, 2025

Equally effective against both the run and pass, Graham has the potential to become an impact starter in the NFL and thoroughly deserves his DT1 spot in the DLF Dynasty Rookie IDP Rankings.

In recent years, the Jaguars have enjoyed excellent production from edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but they lack a difference-maker on the interior.

Graham would represent a significant upgrade on DaVon Hamilton and Maason Smith, providing new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile with the talent he needs to take the Jaguars’ defense to the next level.

Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Ideal landing spot: Miami Dolphins

There is a wide range of opinions on Nolen in the DLF Dynasty Rookie IDP Rankings, with one ranker considering him a top ten talent and another who doesn’t view him among the top 25. The disparity isn’t surprising, considering how polarizing Nolen is as a prospect.

On the one hand, Nolen has excellent strength, explosiveness, and a first step, which helps him beat blockers with relative ease. NFL teams will also covet his positional versatility.

Researching how High School production for Interior DL predicts NFL success:

Walter Nolen is firmly in the Elite Zone

As a senior in HS, he amassed 93 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 27 hurries, 17 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, & 3 pass breakups (5A Level)

He was rated the #2… pic.twitter.com/Gu7J09PXC2

— Eagles Eric (@EaglesXsandOs) April 4, 2025

On the other hand, Nolen sometimes relies too heavily on his physical tools and would benefit from further developing his pass-rush repertoire. His pad level is also inconsistent.

Dolphins’ defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver demonstrated he can get the best out of veteran Calais Campbell, lining him up in multiple positions along the defensive line. Campbell’s departure in free agency created a void that Nolen could fill.

Adding Nolen to a defensive line featuring Zach Sieler, Chop Robinson and, assuming he’s healthy, Jalean Phillips would help to elevate the entire Dolphins’ defense. Ultimately, Nolen could be Sieler’s long-term replacement.

Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Ideal landing spot: San Francisco 49ers

Harmon established himself as a dominant run defender in 2023 and took a giant leap as a pass rusher following his transfer to Oregon in 2024.

Oregon allowed Harmon to thrive by allowing him to line up in multiple spots along the defensive line and take advantage of mismatches. Harmon responded well, using his length, quickness and a devastating rip move to shed blockers.

https://twitter.com/justinsiejak/status/1904362530706788510

Robert Saleh is a proponent of moving tackles around the defensive line and has previously spoken of his love for versatile players. Quinnen Williams enjoyed excellent production in Saleh’s scheme for that reason.

Furthermore, the 49ers released Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, leaving them extremely thin at defensive tackle. Drafting Harmon would address a significant need.

Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Ideal landing spot: Los Angeles Chargers or Cincinnati Bengals

At 6’3” and 339 lbs, Grant is a physically imposing space-eater. His size and power allow him to dominate weaker blockers, occupy double teams and disrupt rushing lanes.

#Michigan DT Kenneth Grant

Arm-over/pursuit to the ball — at 6-foot-4, 331 pounds. pic.twitter.com/I2bLVxlbIM

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 31, 2025

Grant had limited production as a pass rusher but has the quickness and athleticism to suggest he could improve in that area.

Losing Poona Ford in free agency leaves the Chargers short-handed at defensive tackle.

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh says that Poona Ford's departure will "leave a bruise". Says he and S Elijah Molden earned their contracts they got this offseason.

"By their talent, by their effort, they capitalized…there's just that level that you're happy for their success."

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) March 31, 2025

The Michigan product would benefit from being reunited with former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and could quickly work into the rotation on early downs. Harbaugh has raved about Grant in the past.

The Chargers lined up 6’2” 304 lb Teair Tart in the A gap often last year. Tart played better than expected but was still mediocre in run defense and missed tackles at a high rate. Grant’s size and ability as a tackler make him a better fit for that role.

The Bengals would also be a good fit for Grant. New defensive coordinator Al Golden would surely relish adding the talented behemoth to a weak group comprising BJ Hill and Kris Jenkins Jr.