The 7 Tallest Defensive Tackles in the NFL (2024)
In the NFL’s trenches, where size is a critical asset, a select group of defensive tackles stand out for their exceptional height.
This article highlights the 7 tallest defensive tackles from over 100 players analyzed on Week 1 rosters of the 2023 season.
These players, with their towering statures, bring a unique combination of physical dominance and skilled play to their teams. We will explore how their height advantages not only disrupt offensive strategies but also redefine the role of a defensive tackle, combining immense size with tactical expertise to command the line of scrimmage.
Tallest DTs in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Raekwon Davis | 6’7″ | Miami Dolphins |
| DeForest Buckner | 6’7″ | Indianapolis Colts |
| Jordan Phillips | 6’6″ | Buffalo Bills |
| Jordan Davis | 6’6″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Gervon Dexter Sr | 6’6″ | Chicago Bears |
| Jerry Tillery | 6’6″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| William Gholston | 6’6″ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
While the average defensive tackle stands just over 6’3″, this group of seven exceptional players, all exceeding 6’6″, presents a stark contrast. Their towering height gives them a distinctive edge in the battle at the line of scrimmage, allowing them to overshadow the typical mold of a defensive tackle.
These players’ increased reach and size make them more formidable in disrupting passing lanes and batting down passes.
Additionally, their height, combined with strength, provides an advantage in imposing their physical presence, making it challenging for opposing offensive lines to establish control.
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.
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.
Jordan Phillips
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Buffalo Bills
Jordan Phillips, at 6’6″, plays for the Buffalo Bills. Initially drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins out of the University of Oklahoma, Phillips has proven to be a formidable force in the interior defensive line.
He had his breakout season in 2019, where he recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks. Phillips’ combination of size and power enables him to effectively pressure quarterbacks and stifle running plays, making him a key player in the Bills’ defensive scheme.
Jordan Davis
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Davis, a towering figure at 6’6″, is a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted 13th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Georgia, Davis quickly garnered attention for his remarkable combination of size and athleticism.
At Georgia, he was a key part of a dominant defense, earning several accolades including being a finalist for the Outland Trophy and winning the Chuck Bednarik Award.
Davis’ presence on the field is notable for his ability to disrupt the run game and command double teams, making him a significant addition to the Eagles’ defensive front.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Chicago Bears
Gervon Dexter Sr. is a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. Dexter, whose details about college career and draft status may not be widely known, brings an imposing physical presence to the Bears’ defensive line.
Players of his stature typically leverage their size and strength to clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks, and Dexter’s height gives him an advantage in batting down passes at the line of scrimmage.
Jerry Tillery
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Jerry Tillery plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. Drafted 28th overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers from the University of Notre Dame, Tillery has demonstrated his ability as an interior pass rusher.
In college, he was known for his quickness off the snap and his ability to disrupt the backfield. In the NFL, Tillery’s height and athleticism allow him to be a versatile player, capable of making an impact in both pass rush and run defense.
William Gholston
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
William Gholston is a defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft from Michigan State University, Gholston has been a consistent presence in the Buccaneers’ defensive line.
Known for his run-stopping ability and versatility to play both inside and on the edge, his size and strength make him an important part of the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme.
Gholston’s career in Tampa Bay is marked by his durability and his ability to contribute effectively in various defensive roles.
Final Thoughts
These seven defensive tackles, each standing at 6’6″ or taller, bring a unique combination of size and skill to their respective teams.
Players like Raekwon Davis, DeForest Buckner, and Jordan Davis utilize their exceptional height and physical prowess to dominate the line of scrimmage, disrupt plays, and challenge traditional offensive strategies.
Their ability to leverage their stature for both run-stopping and pass-rushing exemplifies the impact that such size can have in the NFL.
These towering athletes not only redefine the physical expectations for their position but also underscore the importance of adaptability and technique in achieving success in one of football’s most demanding roles.
