2016 NFL draft: Top 10 defensive tackles

1. Sheldon Rankins, Louisville. Height: 6-1⅛. Weight: 299. Class: Senior. Stats: 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.03. Projection: Top 20.

In a league that craves pass-rushing defensive linemen, his ability to shoot gaps has compensated for a lack of ideal size.

2. A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama. Height: 6-3⅝. Weight: 307. Class: Junior. Stats: 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.18. Projection: Round 1.

Could develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive lineman, and his age (turned 21 last month) certainly will be an added plus.

Related: Complete Packers draft coverage

3. Jarran Reed, Alabama. Height: 6-2⅞. Weight: 307. Class: Senior. Stats: 57 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack. 40-yard dash: 5.21. Projection: Round 1.

Limited pass-rush ability, but might be the best interior run defender in his class.

4. Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech. Height: 6-3⅝. Weight: 323. Class: Senior. Stats: 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.33. Projection: Round 1-2.

More potential than ability, but nobody in this vaunted defensive tackle class has more upside.

5. Andrew Billings, Baylor. Height: 6-0⅝. Weight: 311. Class: Junior. Stats: 39 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.05. Projection: Round 1-2.

His strength is his strength: 31 bench press reps of 225 pounds means he’ll be a bull in the middle of a defensive line.

6. Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss. Height: 6-3½. Weight: 294. Class: Junior. Stats: 26 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.87. Projection: Round 1-2.

Freak athlete with unlimited potential could become best defensive lineman in his class, but questionable character issues could cause him to be a bust.

7. Kenny Clark, UCLA. Height: 6-2⅝. Weight: 314. Class: Junior. Stats: 73 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.06. Projection: Round 1-2.

A true nose, must develop pass-rushing moves but is already very active against the run … and doesn’t turn 21 until October.

8. Chris Jones, Mississippi State. Height: 6-5¾. Weight: 310. Class: Junior. Stats: 36 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.03. Projection: Round 1-2.

Tremendous size and athleticism, his play on the field never matched his workout numbers off it.

9. Jonathan Bullard, Florida. Height: 6-3. Weight: 285. Class: Senior. Stats: 63 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.95. Projection: Round 2.

Ideally suited to play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or defensive end in a 3-4; didn't blow anyone away in workouts but should develop into solid Day 2 starter.

10. Austin Johnson, Penn State. Height: 6-4⅜. Weight: 314. Class: Junior. Stats: 78 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 5.32. Projection: Round 2.

Limited pass rusher, but was second-highest tackler among all defensive tackles in college football last season.