How Important Is Nose Tackle at NFL? Miami Dolphins' Draft Preview

Enlai Pensado by
Enlai Pensado
Enlai Pensado

Enlai Pensado

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Contributor Written on April 11, 2009

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DENVER - AUGUST 16: Nose tackle Tank Johnson #66 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to facing the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on August 16, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Cowboys 23-13. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
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, where they use bigger DE which normally shortens the protection pocket and allows pass rush from both sides. But the key for such scheme is that center battle can be well managed for a rotating crew of DT, variating the pass rush schemes each play. So NT doesn't play on center each time.

Tennessee Titans used a variation of 4-3 defense but will have to think twice as they won't have Albert Haynesworth anymore, after he moved to Washington, placing Redskins defensive line into top of the league.

Masters of the 3-4 defense like Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys and Ravens got NFL's best Nose Tackles. Names like Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton, Jay Ratliff and Haloti Ngata prove NT is the key piece of 3-4 defense as much as QB is to offense.

A talented nose guard may allow the rest of the defense on helping him, focusing on pass rush and easing backfield coverage. So Miami defense is in trouble if Jason Ferguson gets injured because Paul Soliai has the size to become the next NT superstar but needs a lot of work and he hasn't shown any commitment.

So with a 2009 class including Boston College mega monsters: B.J. Rají and Ron Brace as best choices at NT, but several teams needing to address the spot (Oakland, Green Bay, Denver, Kansas City, Tennessee), and other willing to upgrade/refresh the position (Chicago, Minnesota, San Diego, New England, Miami, NY Giants

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Who is the best NT at NFL?

  • Vince Wilfork (NE)
  • Albert Haynesworth (WAS)
  • Casey Hampton (PIT)
  • Jay Ratliff (DAL)
  • Alan Branch (ARI)
  • Barry Cofield (NYG)
  • Haloti Ngata (BAL)
  • Jason Ferguson (MIA)
  • Other
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Who is the best NT at NFL?

  • Vince Wilfork (NE)

    19.2%

  • Albert Haynesworth (WAS)

    28.1%

  • Casey Hampton (PIT)

    14.4%

  • Jay Ratliff (DAL)

    1.4%

  • Alan Branch (ARI)

    0.7%

  • Barry Cofield (NYG)

    0.0%

  • Haloti Ngata (BAL)

    15.1%

  • Jason Ferguson (MIA)

    15.1%

  • Other

    6.2%
  • Total votes: 146
(0)
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MIAMI - DECEMBER 06: Quarterback Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins throws out of his own end-zone while taking on the New England Patriots at Land Shark Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 22-21. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

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written on April 11, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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