Who to Pair with Zach Sieler? 2025 NFL Draft Interior Defensive Line Outlook

The Miami Dolphins are in desperate need of defensive tackles. After letting Christian Wilkins walk in free agency over a year ago, the Dolphins turned to Calais Campbell who was not only a great player on the field but an excellent resource of the field. The former Walter Payton Man of the year showed why he earned the prestigious award through his leadership on and off the field, and his impact in the community.

As the offseason went on and Campbell mentioned he would like to return to Miami, Chris Grier didn’t pull the trigger, and Calais Campbell went back to Arizona where it all started. Campbell has earned the right to do that and its well-deserved, but this move backed the Dolphins into a corner.

Thankfully for Miami there will be players that can make an impact available at their first three selections, 13, 48.and 98. In this article I will outline the best options based on talent, their availability at Miami’s picks and their fit next to Zach Sieler.

Miami also needs a corner. If you would like to see my corner back rankings you can read that here: Dolphins’ Cornerback Search: Ranking 2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Pair with Jalen Ramsey

*That article was written before the Ramsey news, so the need for corner may trump that of defensive line*

Top-Tier Prospects (Ranked 1-3)

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

• Scouting Report: Graham is widely regarded as the top defensive tackle in the 2025 class, blending explosive athleticism, technical refinement, and versatility. At 6’3″, 320 pounds, he excels both as a pass-rusher and run-stopper, with quick feet, upper-body strength, and a relentless motor. His ability to play multiple techniques (0-tech to 5-tech) makes him scheme-versatile. Graham’s pass-rush win rate (14%) and pressure rate (10.3%) are elite, drawing comparisons to Jalen Carter. While his shorter-than-ideal arm length may pose some concerns, his football IQ and consistent disruption overshadow this. He’s noted for dominating one-on-one blocks and anchoring defensive fronts.

• Strengths: Explosive first step, elite hand usage, high motor, scheme versatility, exceptional run defense.

• Weaknesses: Pass rush needs more work, highly reliant on bull rush.

• *Likely won’t be available for Miami*

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

• Scouting Report: A former five-star recruit, Nolen (6’3″, 305 pounds) is a twitchy, disruptive force with superlative burst and power. His versatility allows him to play 3-technique, 4i-tech, or defensive end in even fronts, reminiscent of Ed Oliver. Nolen’s 2023 stats (4 sacks, 8.5 TFLs) reflect raw talent, but he’s still developing consistency in technique and ball awareness. He excels in penetrating defenses using a violent hump move and hip flexibility to jolt blockers. However, he can get washed out in run defense due to inconsistent pad level and vision. His transfer to Ole Miss boosted his stock with improved production.

• Strengths: Elite explosiveness, versatile alignment, high-energy pass rush, raw potential.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent technique, occasional lapses in run defense.

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

• Scouting Report: A freakish athlete at 6’3″, 339 pounds, Grant is the premier nose tackle in the 2025 class, capable of dominating the interior with raw power and surprising agility. Reportedly running a sub-5.0 40-yard dash, he overwhelms blockers with strength and anchors against double-teams. His pass-rush win rate (9.1%) and pressure rate (8.8%) are solid but lag behind Graham and Nolen, as his game is more run-stopping focused. Grant struggles with consistency in pass-rush moves and can be slow to disengage. His fit is best in a 0- or 1-tech role in a 3-4 defense.

• Strengths: Elite size and strength, dominant run-stopper, anchors double-teams, surprising quickness.

• Weaknesses: Limited pass-rush repertoire, slower to shed blocks, scheme-specific fit.

• Would be a great compliment to Zach Sieler and Miami’s elite pass rush.

Second-Tier Prospects (Ranked 4-6)

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

• Scouting Report: Harmon (6’5″, 310 pounds) emerged as a riser after a standout 2024 season at Oregon, showcasing high football IQ, quickness, and competitiveness. His pass-rush win rate (12.3%) and pressure rate (11%) rival top-tier DTs, with quick hands and a club/rip move that disrupts pockets. He excels at shooting gaps and redirecting runners but lacks elite physical traits, limiting his ceiling. Harmon’s single year of notable production raises questions about consistency, but his instincts and awareness make him a safe bet for an even-front 3-technique role.

• Strengths: Quick hands, high IQ, gap-shooting ability, effective pass-rusher.

• Weaknesses: Limited elite traits, one-year production, not a dominant anchor.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

• Scouting Report: Williams (6’3″, 327 pounds) is a powerful, stout defender with a good blend of size and athleticism. His 2023 production (10 TFLs, 5 sacks) highlights his ability to disrupt both run and pass plays. He’s effective as a 3-technique with a strong bull rush and solid hand usage, but his pad level can be inconsistent, leading to leverage issues against double-teams. Williams’ athletic testing was not as elite as expected, which dropped him slightly on some boards. He’s a versatile fit for 4-3 or 3-4 schemes but needs to refine his technique to maximize impact.

• Strengths: Power-based rush, solid production, versatile scheme fit, strong run defense.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent pad level, average athletic testing, needs technical polish.

T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

• Scouting Report: Sanders (6’4″, 290 pounds) is a toolsy defender with good length and athleticism, making him a disruptive 3-technique prospect. His quick first step and ability to penetrate gaps create negative plays, but he lacks elite strength, which can see him washed out against stronger linemen. Sanders’ pass-rush production is solid but not spectacular, and he’s still developing a consistent counter-move set. His upside lies in his frame and motor, but he needs coaching to unlock his full potential.

• Strengths: Quickness off the snap, good length, high upside, solid motor.

• Weaknesses: Lacks elite strength, underdeveloped pass-rush moves, inconsistent run defense.

Third-Tier Prospects (Ranked 7-10)

Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

• Scouting Report: Collins (6’5″, 320 pounds) is a long, athletic lineman with versatility to play DE or DT in various fronts. His 2024 season showed improvement in run defense and pass-rush disruption, but he’s inconsistent, often relying on raw athleticism over technique. His length helps bat passes and clog lanes, but he struggles to anchor against double-teams and lacks a refined pass-rush plan. Collins’ upside is high, but his inconsistent production keeps him out of the top tier.

• Strengths: Elite length, athletic upside, versatile alignment, pass disruption.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent production, raw technique, struggles vs. double-teams.

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

• Scouting Report: Alexander (6’4″, 310 pounds) is a late riser after a strong Senior Bowl and NFL Combine (4.95 40-yard dash, 9.72 RAS, 28 bench reps). His athleticism and length make him a disruptive 3-technique, with a quick first step and active hands. However, his age (25 as a rookie) and lack of elite competition at Toledo temper expectations. Alexander’s production was solid but not dominant, and he needs to improve consistency against NFL-caliber linemen. His combine performance boosted his stock significantly.

• Strengths: Elite athletic testing, good length, quick first step, combine riser.

• Weaknesses: Older prospect, limited high-level competition, inconsistent production.

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

• Scouting Report: Norman-Lott (6’3″, 315 pounds) is an undersized but athletically gifted 3-technique with untapped potential. His grades and win rates outshine his raw stats, suggesting NFL upside with better coaching. He’s quick off the ball and flashes disruptive ability, but his hand usage and pass-rush plan need significant refinement. Norman-Lott struggles against stronger linemen and can be moved in run defense. His athleticism makes him a developmental prospect for a penetrating defense.

• Strengths: Athletic upside, quick first step, high potential in pass rush.

• Weaknesses: Raw hand technique, struggles vs. power run game.

Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

• Scouting Report: Walker (6’6″, 348 pounds) is a massive nose tackle with rare raw talent, drawing Dexter Lawrence comparisons. His 2023 stats (7.5 sacks, 12.5 TFLs) are edge-rusher-like, showcasing his ability to dominate at 0- or 1-tech. His size and explosiveness allow him to obliterate blocks, but inconsistent pad level and leverage issues limit his effectiveness. Walker’s versatility to play 3-tech or 5-tech adds value, but he’s a raw prospect needing technical polish.

• Strengths: Elite size, explosive power, high sack production, versatile alignment.

• Weaknesses: Poor pad level, raw technique, run-stopping needs refinement. Poor 2024 season.

This draft class is extremely deep, and my rankings don’t even include Joshua Farmer, CJ West, Jordan Phillips, and many others. This is a huge position of need for Miami and with recent events may not be covered in round 1. That being said the depth of this class plays to Miami’s needs and they will be able to find a day one starter at 48 and have a possibility of finding one at 98. I still would like to see Miami add another pick within the top 100 but that’s a topic for another article. Chris Grier has the opportunity to fill his holes in this roster, will he capitalize?