Average Weight of NFL Defensive Tackles (2024)
In the National Football League, the defensive tackle is often the unsung hero, a bulwark against the offensive onslaught. As we begin the season, a fascinating question arises: What is the average weight of these gridiron goliaths this year?
This seemingly simple statistic offers a window into the evolving nature of the sport, reflecting changes in training, nutrition, and tactical approaches.
For this deep dive, I examined the heights and weights of over 120 defensive tackles on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. So, strap on your helmet, and let’s dive into the numbers that shape the titans of the turf!
NFL DE Avg Weight
The average weight of an NFL defensive tackle in 2023 is 310 pounds.
While the overall average provides a useful baseline, it doesn’t fully capture the diversity in the weights of NFL defensive tackles, who range significantly from the lightest at 280 pounds to the heftiest at 358 pounds.
To offer a more detailed perspective, we’ve segmented the players into 10-pound weight brackets and quantified the number of defensive tackles within each range.
This approach allows us to present a clearer and more nuanced understanding of the weight distribution across the position, highlighting the varied physical profiles these athletes bring to the field.
Defensive Tackles Weight Scale
| Weight Range | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 280 – 289 | 11 |
| 290 – 299 | 20 |
| 300 – 309 | 32 |
| 310 – 319 | 33 |
| 320 – 329 | 10 |
| 330 – 339 | 12 |
| 340 – 349 | 4 |
| 350 – 359 | 2 |
By breaking the numbers down like this we can see that the overall average of 310 is actually a pretty good representation of the position.
While there is a large range of weights for defensive tackles, a little over half (52%) fall into a much tighter 20-pound window ranging from 300 to 319.
Which NFL Defensive Tackles Weigh the Most?
Curious to know who the guys are toward the bottom of the table above?
Thought you might.
The 9 heaviest guys playing defensive tackle in the league all weigh over 335 pounds.
| Name | Weight | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Siaki Ika | 358 | Cleveland Browns |
| Michael Pierce | 355 | Baltimore Ravens |
| Vita Vea | 347 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Dexter Lawrence | 342 | New York Giants |
| Jordan Phillips | 341 | Buffalo Bills |
| Josh Tupou | 340 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Khyiris Tonga | 338 | Minnesota Vikings |
| Travis Jones | 338 | Baltimore Ravens |
| Jordan Davis | 336 | Philadelphia Eagles |
Which NFL Defensive Tackles Weigh the Least?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys weigh the most is which guys weigh the least.
The 11 lightest defensive tackles in the NFL all weigh under 290 pounds.
| Name | Weight | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Calijah Kancey | 280 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Aaron Donald | 280 | Los Angeles Rams |
| Dre’Mont Jones | 281 | Seattle Seahawks |
| William Gholston | 281 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Adetomiwa Adebawore | 282 | Indianapolis Colts |
| Kevin Givens | 285 | San Francisco 49ers |
| Denico Autry | 285 | Tennessee Titans |
| Dante Stills | 286 | Arizona Cardinals |
| Ed Oliver | 287 | Buffalo Bills |
| Grady Jarrett | 288 | Atlanta Falcons |
| Kobie Turner | 288 | Los Angeles Rams |
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration into the average weight of NFL defensive tackles in 2023, it’s clear that these athletes are more than just numbers on a scale. They embody a remarkable blend of size, strength, and agility, essential for their pivotal role on the defense line.
The importance of these players in shaping the dynamics of a game cannot be overstated. As the NFL continues to evolve, so too will the physical and strategic requirements of the defensive tackle position. Whether these trends lead to heavier, lighter, or more versatile players in the future remains an intriguing aspect for fans and analysts alike.
For now, we celebrate these towering titans of the gridiron, not just for their impressive physical stats, but for their strategic impact in every game. As the season progresses, keep an eye on these players – their performance is as critical as any quarterback’s pass or receiver’s catch.
Other Positions
Average Weight of Tight Ends in the NFL
