Who Are the Tallest Defensive Linemen in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a College Strength and Conditioning Coach for two decades and I’ve always found value in showing the Defensive Linemen I coached the heights and weights of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes a harsh reality check.
This season, I did the same thing I do every year. I poured through the 53-man active rosters from the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together a guide focused on the NFL’s tallest Defensive Linemen. Get ready to learn some random, yet insightful, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
Tallest NFL Defensive Linemen
In the NFL, the role of defensive linemen is crucial, with height playing a significant part in their effectiveness on the field. The league features seven Defensive Linemen who rise above their peers, each standing at an impressive height of 6’7″ or taller. This is well above the average height for defensive linemen, who generally stand just under 6’4″.
In addition to these top seven players, the NFL also boasts around 20 more Defensive Linemen who are just an inch shorter, at 6’6″. This group highlights the trend towards taller players in the defensive line, underscoring how height can be a key asset in engaging with offensive players, disrupting plays, and blocking passes.
I’ve included all the players I’ve just mentioned in the two lists below, starting first with the tallest D-Lineman in the league – 6’8″ Calais Campbell.
Calais Campbell
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 300 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Miami (FL)
- Draft: 2008, 2nd round (50th overall)
- Years in NFL: 16
DeForest Buckner
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 295 lbs
- Position: Defensive Tackle (DT)
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- College: Oregon
- Draft: 2016, 1st round (7th overall)
- Years in NFL: 7
Raekwon Davis
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 330 lbs
- Position: Defensive Tackle (DT)
- Team: Miami Dolphins
- College: Alabama
- Draft: 2020, 2nd round (56th overall)
- Years in NFL: 3
Aidan Hutchinson
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 268 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: Detroit Lions
- College: Michigan
- Draft: 2022, 1st round (2nd overall)
- Years in NFL: 2
Tanoh Kpassagnon
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 289 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: New Orleans Saints
- College: Villanova
- Draft: 2017, 2nd round (59th overall)
- Years in NFL: 6
Arik Armstead
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 290 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
- College: Oregon
- Draft: 2015, 1st round (17th overall)
- Years in NFL: 8
Isaiahh Loudermilk
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 293 lbs
- Position: Defensive End
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: Wisconsin
- Draft: 2021, 5th round (156th overall)
- Years in NFL: 2
6’6″ Defensive Linemen
Here is the next tier of Defensive Linemen, all listed at 6’6″.
| Player Name | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| William Gholston | DT | Buccaneers |
| Jerry Tillery | DT | Raiders |
| Gervon Dexter Sr. | DT | Bears |
| Jordan Davis | DT | Eagles |
| Jordan Phillips | DT | Bills |
| BJ Thompson | DE | Chiefs |
| Amare Barno | DE | Panthers |
| A.J. Epenesa | DE | Bills |
| Montez Sweat | DE | Commanders |
| Efe Obada | DE | Commanders |
| Greg Rousseau | DE | Bills |
| Payton Turner | DE | Saints |
| Tyree Wilson | DE | Raiders |
| Deatrich Wise | DE | Patriots |
| Logan Hall | DE | Buccaneers |
| Dayo Odeyingbo | DE | Colts |
| Mike Morris | DE | Seahawks |
| Dean Lowry | DE | Vikings |
| Zach Sieler | DE | Dolphins |
Final Thoughts
The towering heights of these Defensive Linemen in the NFL, standing at 6’7″ or taller, is a significant physical advantage in their position. However, it’s important to recognize that their success on the field is not solely attributed to their size. These athletes also demonstrate exceptional skill, agility, strength, and a strong understanding of the game.
Ultimately, while height is a beneficial attribute, it is their comprehensive skill set, honed through years of dedication and experience in the NFL, that truly sets these players apart.
