Defensive tackles play a largely unheralded position.
Their impact does not always show up on the stat sheet, and they are usually overshadowed by pass rushers with big sack numbers.
Though they may not get all of the glory, teams understand just how crucial it is to have a stout interior defensive line.
Most defensive tackles have to excel in the run game, but the elite players can also generate pressure up the middle.
Leonard Williams was the top option, but the New York Giants ensured he stayed with the team by placing the franchise tag on him.
The #Giants are expected to franchise tag standout DL Leonard Williams, source said. It’s viewed as a placeholder for a long-term deal, which the two sides will continue to work towards. On the heels of a career year with 11.5 sacks, Leo is back with NYG.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2021
So while the free agent pool at the position is shallow, there are quality players available.
Here are three tackles teams should pursue to revamp their defensive line.
Dalvin Tomlinson
At 6’3″ and 317 pounds, Dalvin Tomlinson is a mammoth of a man who clogs up running lanes.
He is just 27 years old and the best combination of talent and youth on the open market.
Dalvin Tomlinson wears that "C" for a reason. He's not just the Giants best run stopper & a workhorse but he's also a leader of men. Hope the Giants figure out their capspace $ workout a long term deal w/ their Cap. It's nice to add shiny new toys but dont forget about your Andys pic.twitter.com/7w6Kbfdqfh
— LPG – NYG (@LicensePlateGuy) March 12, 2021
Tomlinson is also durable, never once missing a game in his four-year career with the Giants.
He has averaged almost 620 defensive snaps per year and has never fallen below 580 snaps in a single season.
Along with Williams, Tomlinson helped form one of the best interior defensive lines in the league.
His ability to singlehandedly disrupt the ground game was crucial to the Giants’ success against running backs.
He lacks the versatility of an elite interior defensive lineman, but he did record a career-best 28 pressures this past year.
The Giants may not be able to retain his services, but any team looking for help against the run should send an offer to Tomlinson.
Shelby Harris
Shelby Harris offers a different type of skill set than a prototypical defensive tackle.
While he is more than adequate against the run, his ability to get after the quarterback is what makes him unique.
Harris finished tied for fifth amongst defensive tackles with at least 400 snaps in pass-rushing grade.
Shelby Harris has been a monster all season
🔸 88.3 grade
🔸 83.5 pass rushing grade (career high)
🔸 6 games with an 85.0 grade or higher pic.twitter.com/M07f5pcxVS
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) December 30, 2020
However, his toolbox is not simply limited to getting after the quarterback.
With a wingspan of over 82 inches, Harris has the uncanny ability to swat passes out of the air.
He has led the league in each of the last two seasons in batted passes with a combined total of 15 deflections.
If there is a knock against his game, it is that he has surpassed 500 snaps in just two of his six seasons.
Harris also missed five games last year from a multitude of various dings and dents.
Regardless, Harris has been a valuable contributor for the Denver Broncos and will bolster the pass rush for the next team that signs him.
Kawann Short
Of the listed players, Kawann Short is the biggest wild card of them of all.
He has been limited to just five games over the past two seasons, dealing with various foot and shoulder ailments.
And at 32 years old, there is no telling how much football he has left in the tank after consecutive season-ending injuries.
Because of this, he will likely sign at a severely discounted price.
Any team that is willing to take that risk, though, might end up with the steal of the offseason.
Before injuries plagued his career, Short was amongst the most dominant forces at defensive tackle.
The Panthers are releasing DT Kawann Short today, per @AdamSchefter
91.6 career PFF Grade (2013-2020)
6th among interior DL pic.twitter.com/QPtj15Brqp
— PFF (@PFF) February 16, 2021
Short was a complete player and a key cog in the Carolina Panthers‘ defense.
Even if he can not recapture his former glory, he can still serve as a rotational piece.
At the right price, he is a low-risk, high-upside player that is worth signing.