Who Are the Tallest Defensive Tackles in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it impactful to show the Defensive Tackles I coached the sizes of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes served as a harsh reality check.
I did the same research this season that I do every year. I poured through the 53-man active rosters for 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 this guide focusing on the NFL’s tallest Defensive Tackles. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
Tallest NFL Defensive Tackles
In the NFL, the DT position is full of tall players. The top seven Defensive Tackles in the league stand at an impressive height of 6’6″ or taller. That’s almost three inches taller the average for Defensive Tackles, who generally measure just over 6’3 1/4″.
There is another group of approximately 15 Defensive Tackles who closely follow this elite group, each standing at 6’5″. This group highlights the trend of prioritizing height in the DT position, contributing to their capabilities in engaging blockers, disrupting rushing lanes, and batting down passes.
I’ve included both sets of players here.
Raekwon Davis
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 330 lbs
- Team: Miami Dolphins
- College: Alabama
- Draft: 2020, 2nd round (56th overall)
- Years in NFL: 3
DeForest Buckner
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 295 lbs
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- College: Oregon
- Draft: 2016, 1st round (7th overall)
- Years in NFL: 7
Jordan Phillips
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 341 lbs
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- College: Oklahoma
- Draft: 2015, 2nd round (52nd overall)
- Years in NFL: 8
Jordan Davis
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 336 lbs
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
- College: Georgia
- Draft: 2022, 1st round (13th overall)
- Years in NFL: 2
Gervon Dexter Sr.
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 312 lbs
- Team: Chicago Bears
- College: Florida
- Draft: 2023, 2nd round (53rd overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Jerry Tillery
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 295 lbs
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
- College: Notre Dame
- Draft: 2019, 1st round (28th overall)
- Years in NFL: 4
William Gholston
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 281 lbs
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- College: Michigan State
- Draft: 2013, 4th round (126th overall)
- Years in NFL: 10
6’5″ Defensive Tackles
Here is that second group of D-Tackles, all listed at 6’5″.
| Player Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Denico Autry | Tennessee Titans |
| Jonathan Harris | Denver Broncos |
| Cameron Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Adam Butler | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Sam Roberts | New England Patriots |
| Bryan Bresee | New Orleans Saints |
| Armon Watts | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Al Woods | New York Jets |
| Jordon Riley | New York Giants |
| Christian Barmore | New England Patriots |
| Javon Kinlaw | San Francisco 49ers |
| Derrick Brown | Carolina Panthers |
| DJ Davidson | New York Giants |
| John Ridgeway | Washington Commanders |
| Brodric Martin | Detroit Lions |
| Leki Fotu | Arizona Cardinals |
Final Thoughts
The size of the tallest Defensive Tackles in the NFL, all standing at 6’6″ and above, certainly grants them an advantage in terms of reach and physical presence on the line. However, it’s essential to understand that height alone does not dictate their success.
The effectiveness of these athletes is equally rooted in their work ethic, technical skill, strategic understanding, and physical conditioning. Ultimately, while height is a beneficial attribute, it’s their dedication to refining skills, enhancing strength, and developing tactical acumen that truly elevates their performance on the field.
