The 7 Tallest Defensive Linemen in the NFL (2024)
In the NFL, where every inch can be the difference between victory and defeat, the physical attributes of players are a critical factor. From an exhaustive analysis of almost 250 defensive linemen on the 2023 Week 1 rosters, we were able to pull together the 7 tallest defensive linemen in the league.
In this article, we will focus on these towering defenders, examining their careers and how their extraordinary height influences their approach to the game. We’ll explore the unique challenges and benefits their stature brings to the defensive line, and how they leverage it to dominate on the gridiron.
Tallest DL in the NFL
| Name | Height | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| Calais Campbell | 6’8″ | DE |
| Raekwon Davis | 6’7″ | DT |
| Aidan Hutchinson | 6’7″ | DE |
| Tanoh Kpassagnon | 6’7″ | DE |
| Arik Armstead | 6’7″ | DE |
| Isaiahh Loudermilk | 6’7″ | DE |
| DeForest Buckner | 6’7″ | DT |
While the average height for NFL defensive linemen is around 6’3 3/4″, the athletes featured in our table are in a league of their own.
It’s not every day you encounter defensive powerhouses towering at 6’7″ and even 6’8″. These are heights that would make any basketball coach do a double-take!
Beyond their remarkable stature, another intriguing aspect of these defensive linemen is their diverse positional play. While the norm might suggest a certain height range for specific positions, these players break the mold, showing that extraordinary height can be a significant asset across various roles in the defensive line.
Calais Campbell
- Height: 6’8″
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
Calais Campbell, a formidable figure at 6’8″, is a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons. Drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Campbell has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive linemen.
He played college football at the University of Miami, where he was known for his impressive size and athleticism.
Throughout his NFL career, which includes stints with the Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens before joining the Falcons, Campbell has been recognized multiple times as a Pro Bowler and is known for his ability to disrupt both the passing and running games.
His towering presence and reach make him a constant threat to opposing offenses.
Raekwon Davis
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Miami Dolphins
Raekwon Davis, a massive presence at 6’7″, plays as a defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Alabama, Davis has made a significant impact with his size and strength.
In college, he was known for his ability to clog up running lanes and his effectiveness in pass rush, earning First-Team All-SEC honors in 2017.
In the NFL, Davis continues to utilize his towering height and athleticism to dominate the line of scrimmage, proving to be a crucial component of the Dolphins’ defensive front.
Aidan Hutchinson
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson, at 6’7″, is a promising defensive end for the Detroit Lions. Drafted second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Michigan, Hutchinson entered the league with high expectations.
In college, he was a standout player, known for his exceptional technique, strength, and ability to disrupt the backfield. His size and skill set make him a formidable presence on the Lions’ defensive line, and he is expected to be a key contributor to their defensive schemes.
Hutchinson’s potential and performance at Michigan suggest a bright future in the NFL.
Arik Armstead
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
Arik Armstead, towering at 6’7″, is a key defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers. Drafted 17th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft from the University of Oregon, Armstead has developed into a formidable force on the defensive line.
Known for his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, he has been effective in both pass rush and run defense. Throughout his career with the 49ers, Armstead has been a crucial part of their defensive success, using his significant reach and power to disrupt offensive plays and apply pressure to quarterbacks.
Tanoh Kpassagnon
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: New Orleans Saints
Tanoh Kpassagnon, standing at 6’7″, plays as a defensive end for the New Orleans Saints. Selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs out of Villanova University, Kpassagnon is known for his impressive physical attributes.
His height, combined with his athleticism, makes him a challenging matchup for offensive linemen. Throughout his career, first with the Chiefs and now with the Saints, Kpassagnon has been effective in using his size to bat down passes and pressure quarterbacks, showcasing his value as a versatile and impactful defensive player.
DeForest Buckner
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
DeForest Buckner is a standout defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. Drafted seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers out of the University of Oregon, Buckner has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive linemen.
His career accolades include Pro Bowl selections and being named a Second-Team All-Pro. Known for his versatility, Buckner’s size and agility make him effective against both the run and the pass, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
Final Thoughts
The exceptional height of these NFL Defensive Linemen not only sets them apart physically but also enhances their impact on the field. Their towering presence reinforces the evolution of the game, where size and skill combine to create formidable forces in defense.
As the league continues to evolve, these players will undoubtedly remain key figures to watch, using their unique physical advantages to redefine the standards of defensive play. For fans and aspiring athletes alike, they serve as towering inspirations in the truest sense of the word.
