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NFL Draft 2016 Rankings: Top 5 defensive tackles

By Patrick Schmidt

Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ranking the five best defensive tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft, including a pair from the Alabama Crimson Tide who will go early in the first round.

The deepest position for the 2016 NFL Draft is the defensive tackle spot where a handful of players will hear their name called during the first round. But the talent pool is so deep that NFL teams will be able to get starters after the first round and plug-and-play guys who can grow into being a starter on Day 3.

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To the surprise of no one, the Alabama Crimson Tide have two of the best interior defensive linemen in this year’s class with A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed.

Robinson had his best year this season after cutting weight and improving his stamina and improving as a pass rusher. He’s never going to be a player who gets eight-plus sacks from the middle, but he’s a guy who can get a handful of sacks each year. However, his calling card is his run-stopping ability and that’s why I have him as my top-rated defensive tackle in this year’s class.

He played in the shadow of Robinson and others at Alabama but Reed showed at the Senior Bowl that he may be just as good as his former teammate. Helping both players is their versatility to play in different schemes and at different spots along the line.

In addition to Robinson and Reed, here are the top five defensive tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Robert Nkemdiche is the former top overall recruit who never quite lived up to his potential at Ole Miss. Sure, the Rebels had a great team defense last year, but Nkemdiche’s box score production left a lot to be desired. There may not be a better physical specimen at the combine than the 6-4, 300-pounder who has experience at end and tackle.

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His character concerns could see him drop into the middle of the first round, but I think his potential outweighs others at the position. In fact, I think Nkemdiche has the potential to be a top-five pick if he can ease concerns about his off-the-field behavior. After the combine, Nkemdiche could be at the top this list, but for now, there are questions that need answering.

Rankins and Billings are first rounders who can plug the middle of the line and command double teams

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