All articles tagged with #nose tackle
The Steelers, after a busy offseason, still have five underrated draft needs: a return specialist to replace lost kick/punt returns, a traditional fullback to fit McCarthy’s run-heavy approach, a young punter to stabilize special teams, added depth at outside corner/gunner, and a true nose tackle to anchor the 3-4 and bolster run defense.
Las Vegas, armed with 10 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, plans to add a versatile interior defensive lineman who can play multiple techniques and thrive in Rob Leonard’s attack-heavy, nickel-forward scheme. The team isn’t likely to deploy a traditional 0-tech NT often; instead they’ll favor athletic 1-techs and 0-/2-tech hybrids to fuel upfield pressure, stunts, and gap control. Among the prospects, Christen Miller (Georgia) is highlighted as the top target if available at pick 36, with a long list of mid-to-late round options (Orange, Corleone, Halton, Benny, McClellan, Banks, and more) offering varying blends of run defense and pass rush. The goal is to boost interior disruption and add a robust rotation to fit Leonard’s adaptable front.
Green Bay signed veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23 million deal to shore up the nose tackle spot, paying about $13 million this year with a likely 2027 team option for the remaining amount. Hargrave, 33, played for Minnesota in 2025 (52 tackles, 3.5 sacks in 15 starts) and has Pro Bowl seasons in 2021 and 2023. The contract preserves compensatory pick calculations since he’s a street free agent, and it adds a proven interior pressure presence aligned with Jonathan Gannon’s defensive scheme in Green Bay.
After trading Colby Wooden for Zaire Franklin to start at middle linebacker, the Packers’ three biggest needs are nose tackle, center, and cornerback, with cap gymnastics likely driving the strategy for free agency and the draft (potential targets include Javon Hargrave, Dalvin Tomlinson, Khyiris Tonga, and Roy Lopez).
Sports Info Solutions’ first 2026 draft big board highlights which defensive tackles could fit nose-tackle roles, noting Green Bay’s need to replace Kenny Clark and potentially switch to a 3-4. The piece names credible nose-tackle prospects (Kayden McDonald, Lee Hunter, Darrell Jackson Jr., Domonique Orange, Dontay Corleone, Tim Keenan III, DeMonte Capehart), all projected over 310 pounds, with Hunter often viewed as more of a 3-technique; top targets may not be around by pick 52.
The Detroit Lions have signed D.J. Reader, a highly regarded nose tackle known for his strength, to bolster their defense. Reader, who has started 96 games in his eight-year career, brings a significant physical presence to the team, although injuries have been a concern in recent seasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton at 49 in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin confirmed that Benton will start his career as a nose tackle but has the versatility to play defensive end. Benton played both positions at Wisconsin and has the size, length, and quickness to beat centers off the ball while using his length well to extend, stack, and shed in the run game.