B/R NFL 1000: Ranking the Top 20 Nose Tackles from 2015
At the end of the 2015 NFL season, who was the best nose tackle in the game? We're not talking about who made the Pro Bowl or even who got the All-Pro votes. Who was really, truly the best? Forget reputation and how much money each player makes. We want cold, hard analysis that comes from watching the games and grading the players.
That's what the B/R NFL 1000 is for, and it's back for another year.
The B/R 1000 metric is based heavily on scouting each player and grading the key criteria for each position. The criteria are weighted according to importance for a possible best score of 100.
Potential and career accomplishments are not taken into consideration.
Nose tackles are judged on pass rush (35 points), run defense (55) and the overall value of the position relative to the other spots on the field (eight points). The maximum score for this position is 98.
In the case of ties, our team asked, "Which player would I rather have on my team?" and set the rankings accordingly.
Subjective? Yes, but ties are no fun.
A team of experienced evaluators (Dan Bazal, Luke Easterling, Cian Fahey, Adam Heisler, Duke Manyweather, Matt Miller and Marshal Miller) scouted each player with these key criteria in mind. The following scouting reports and grades are the work of months of film study from our team.
All statistics from Pro Football Focus. Players' heights, weights and seasons played from NFL.com.
20. David Parry, Indianapolis Colts
1 of 20
Pass Rush
A rookie fifth-rounder out of Stanford, David Parry saw plenty of action in 2015, getting on the field for more than 57 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps. He showed a few flashes of pass-rushing ability, logging 10 quarterback hurries and a sack, but he showed the inconsistency expected of a first-year player who was thrown into the fire.
Run Defense
Parry certainly took his lumps as a rookie, and his somewhat lighter frame at 6'2", 310 pounds certainly didn’t give him the ability to consistently anchor in the middle against the run. Still, for a Day 3 pick in his first NFL season, Parry earned plenty of playing time that should serve him well in 2016, especially if he adds some quality bulk in the offseason.
Position Value
Overall
19. Beau Allen, Philadelphia Eagles
2 of 20
Pass Rush
A seventh-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2014, Beau Allen saw his role increase slightly in his second NFL season, but he still played less than 30 percent of the Eagles’ snaps behind starter Bennie Logan. In his limited action, Allen generated little in terms of collapsing the pocket from the middle, registering just six quarterback hurries and no sacks while appearing in all 16 games.
Run Defense
At 6’2”, 333 pounds, Allen may have nearly 20 pounds of bulk that Logan doesn’t, but that didn’t translate to his being a more effective run defender in 2015. He did take advantage of an increased role over the final two weeks of the season, however, posting eight of his 18 solo tackles over that span.
Position Value
Overall
18. Al Woods, Tennessee Titans
3 of 20
Pass Rush
Despite being on the lighter side at 6’4”, 307 pounds, Al Woods’ slim frame for the nose tackle spot didn’t translate into much pass-rushing success in 2015. In 14 appearances for the Titans this season, the 2010 fourth-round pick out of LSU managed just three quarterback hurries and failed to record any of Tennessee’s 39 sacks.
Run Defense
Another somewhat undersized nose tackle who surprisingly played the run more effectively than he rushed the passer, Woods helped anchor a Titans’ front four that held opponents to just 3.9 yards per carry, which was the seventh-best mark in the NFL in 2015. His lighter frame allows opponents to push him around at times, but he held his own for the most part, logging 17 tackles on 362 snaps.
Position Value
Overall
17. Sylvester Williams, Denver Broncos
4 of 20
Pass Rush
A first-round pick in 2013 out of North Carolina, Sylvester Williams had flashes of quality pass-rushing ability, but they were simply too infrequent. Though he was credited with 14 quarterback hurries (seven in the postseason) and three sacks, Williams was unable to create consistent pressure up the middle, which could have made an already-formidable Denver pass rush that much more difficult to defend.
Run Defense
Williams was much more effective in this area in 2015, as he helped anchor a rushing defense that allowed just 3.3 yards per carry—the lowest mark in the NFL. While he lacks the massive bulk to be a true space-eater at nose tackle (6’2”, 313 lbs), Williams was able to use quickness and proper angles to get the job done against the run more often than not.
Position Value
Overall
16. B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers
5 of 20
Pass Rush
As one of the more recognizable names at the position, some fans might be surprised to find B.J. Raji so far down on this list. As a pass-rusher, it was a Jekyll-and-Hyde season for the former first-rounder out of Boston College, as Raji tallied 13 quarterback hurries through Week 11 but could only muster one over the final six games of the 2015 season.
Run Defense
Though he showed some improvement as a run defender over his 2014 effort, Raji is still not nearly as effective in this area as you’d expect from a former first-round pick with a 6’2”, 337-pound frame. Green Bay’s inside linebackers certainly aren’t the strength of its defense, but Raji didn’t do them many favors when it came to eating up interior blockers and allowing them to flow cleanly downhill.
Position Value
Overall
15. Danny Shelton, Cleveland Browns
6 of 20
Pass Rush
Even as the 12th overall pick in the 2015 draft, people didn't expect Danny Shelton to be much of a sack master in the NFL, and his rookie season backed that up. Despite appearing in all 16 games with 15 starts for the Browns and playing nearly half the team’s defensive snaps, Shelton provided little push up the middle. He ended his first pro season without a single sack, though his eight quarterback hurries show some promise in this area.
Run Defense
When you spend a top-15 pick on a nose tackle, you’re looking for a massive space-eater who can clog the middle and force teams to run the ball outside. Shelton certainly looked the part in that area as a rookie, using his huge frame to occupy multiple blockers and keep Cleveland’s linebackers free to clean up opposing runners in the hole.
Position Value
Overall
14. Steve McLendon, Pittsburgh Steelers
7 of 20
Pass Rush
Sometimes, the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story. In Steve McLendon’s case, it actually does, for the most part. The sixth-year pro out of Troy was never much of a threat to get after the passer in 2015, managing just a single sack and five quarterback hurries, despite appearing in all 16 games for the Steelers.
Run Defense
Despite being somewhat undersized for the position at just 6’3”, 310 pounds, McLendon was much more effective against the run than he was at rushing the passer. He had 13 solo tackles while playing just 32.8 percent of Pittsburgh’s snaps on defense and used his smaller frame to his advantage by beating slower linemen to their spots and affecting ball-carriers' running lanes before they got started.
Position Value
Overall
13. Eddie Goldman, Chicago Bears
8 of 20
Pass Rush
One of the biggest knocks on Eddie Goldman coming out of Florida State was his inability to provide consistent pressure on the quarterback, but he was actually more effective in this area than he was against the run. Though he had his ups and downs as a rookie, Goldman came away with an impressive 4.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hurries.
Run Defense
With the Bears transitioning to a 3-4 defense, Goldman bulked up a bit from his college weight of 320 pounds to 332, and this allowed him to take up more space as a true nose tackle. But the rookie was inconsistent when it came to putting that added bulk to use as a run-stopper. Another full offseason to hone his technique and understanding of his assignments should help him improve in this area in 2016.
Position Value
Overall
12. Mike Purcell, San Francisco 49ers
9 of 20
Pass Rush
Only active for eight games down the stretch in 2015, Mike Purcell took advantage of injuries ahead of him and got in on nearly half of the 49ers’ defensive snaps over that time. Though he did manage to log a sack, Purcell was certainly not in the lineup due to his pass-rushing prowess, as he generated just two quarterback hurries.
Run Defense
This is where Purcell really shined over the second half of the 2015 season. He showed great explosiveness off the ball, with solid quickness and hand usage to get in the backfield on multiple occasions. He notched 14 solo tackles over the final seven games of the year.
Position Value
Overall
11. Zach Kerr, Indianapolis Colts
10 of 20
Pass Rush
A quick look at the stat sheet might tell you Zach Kerr regressed as a pass-rusher in his second NFL season (three sacks in 2014, none in 2015), but he was actually much-improved and more consistent in this area. He tallied 12 quarterback hurries and showed a better understanding of proper technique and improved awareness over last year’s film.
Run Defense
At 6’2”, 334 pounds, Kerr has a great frame for eating up space in the middle to plug up the run, but he’s yet to figure out how to use his size to its full potential. Still, in his second season after being an undrafted free agent out of Delaware, Kerr has already carved out a solid role for himself in Indy, and his arrow is pointing up. Don’t be surprised if he sees a significant jump in performance in 2016.
Position Value
Overall
10. Rodney Gunter, Arizona Cardinals
11 of 20
Pass Rush
With a leaner frame than most nose tackles at 6’5”, 305 pounds, Rodney Gunter was fairly effective at putting pressure on the quarterback up the middle in 2015. Despite playing less than 40 percent of the Cardinals’ snaps on defense, Gunter registered at least one quarterback hurry in 10 of his 16 games, with three hits and one sack.
Run Defense
Gunter’s height works against him as a run defender, as he can struggle to get under the pads of opposing blockers and drive them off the line of scrimmage. Still, for a raw rookie whom Arizona drafted in the fourth round out of Delaware State, Gunter holds plenty of promise moving forward, especially if he can improve his technique and add some quality bulk.
Position Value
Overall
9. Terrance Knighton, Washington Redskins
12 of 20
Pass Rush
After six seasons spent between Jacksonville and Denver, Terrance Knighton bulked up to 354 pounds to play nose tackle for Washington in 2015. Though he managed just six quarterback hurries over 15 starts, Knighton had 1.5 sacks, despite being on the field for less than 38 percent of Washington’s defensive snaps. The added weight made Knighton less explosive as a pass-rusher, but he took advantage of his few opportunities to bring the quarterback down.
Run Defense
Where Knighton’s bigger frame did help was in run support. Though he was inconsistent and only managed 15 solo tackles in 2015, it’s impossible not to notice how difficult it was at times for opposing interior linemen to move Knighton where they wanted him. If he can be more consistent with his pad level and getting leverage, he could be even better in this area.
Position Value
Overall
8. Sammie Lee Hill, Tennessee Titans
13 of 20
Pass Rush
Sammie Lee Hill played sparingly in 2015, appearing in 10 games with just five starts and playing less than half of the Titans’ defensive snaps in every game. He was virtually nonexistent as a pass-rusher, as he failed to register a single quarterback hurry all year long, let alone any hits or sacks.
Run Defense
Though he only managed nine solo tackles on the year, Lee was effective at holding his ground at the point of attack and keeping interior blockers from getting to the second level. Originally a fourth-round pick in 2009 by the Detroit Lions out of Stillman College (which no longer has a football program), Lee has carved out a solid role for himself as a two-down run-stopper for the Titans.
Position Value
Overall
7. Vince Wilfork, Houston Texans
14 of 20
Pass Rush
In the twilight of his career, Vince Wilfork hasn’t been much of a factor when it comes to getting after the quarterback. 2015 was the second time in the last three seasons he went an entire year without a sack, and he only managed to put one hit on an opposing passer all year long. Wilfork is still a valuable veteran presence, but don’t expect much from him on passing downs.
Run Defense
He rarely reaps the spoils in the stat sheet (just 16 solo tackles in 2015), but Wilfork proved again this season he’s most useful as a space-eater in the middle against the run. At 6’2”, 325 pounds, he excels at occupying multiple blockers and allowing his teammates at the second level to flow cleanly downhill to stop ball-carriers.
Position Value
Overall
6. Dontari Poe, Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 20
Pass Rush
Dontari Poe is somewhat frustrating as a pass-rusher. He looks dominant at times by putting his rare combination of power and athleticism to good use, leading to his 24 quarterback hurries. But he seemed to have just as many snaps where he was largely ineffective at pushing the pocket. The flashes are nice, but he’s capable of being one of the best in the league in this area if he can become more consistent.
Run Defense
Poe is an absolute mountain of a man at 6’3”, 346 pounds, and he’s at his best as a gap-plugging run defender. He notched just 34 solo tackles in 2015, but his ability to eat up space and blockers in the middle made life much easier for the Chiefs linebackers, who were able to get to the ball-carrier cleanly on a regular basis.
Position Value
Overall
5. Ian Williams, San Francisco 49ers
16 of 20
Pass Rush
Another undersized player for the position, Ian Williams measures in at just 6’1”, 305 pounds, but he started all 16 games for the first time in his NFL career in 2015. That said, while he did tally 17 quarterback hurries, his lack of ideal size kept him from maintaining consistency when trying to force passers to leave the pocket with a strong interior rush.
Run Defense
Surprisingly enough, Williams was far more adept against the run, despite his smaller frame. One of the advantages to his size is the ability to get a naturally lower pad level, which allowed him to gain consistent leverage against his opponents. An undrafted free agent in 2011 out of Notre Dame, Williams had 52 solo tackles in 2015.
Position Value
Overall
4. Bennie Logan, Philadelphia Eagles
17 of 20
Pass Rush
At 6’2”, 315 pounds, Bennie Logan is slightly undersized for a true nose tackle role. But he’s quick and explosive, which can present problems for slower interior blockers. That said, it’s tough to win as a pass-rusher in the middle unless you can overpower constant double-teams, but Logan put up an admirable effort in 2015 with 11 quarterback hurries and one sack.
Run Defense
When Logan fires off the ball and beats his blockers to their landmarks with sharp angles, he is an effective run-stopper, especially for his size. His lack of bulk allows opponents to eat him up on his share of snaps, but he overcomes his physical limitations by using his strengths: quickness and explosiveness.
Position Value
Overall
3. Damon Harrison, New York Jets
18 of 20
Pass Rush
The likes of Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson and rookie first-rounder Leonard Williams may have more name recognition, but Damon Harrison was just as valuable to the Jets’ impressive defensive front in 2015. While he’s not known as much for his ability to get after the passer, Harrison still posted 10 quarterback hurries and half a sack while starting all 16 games.
Run Defense
The Jets boasted one of the league’s best run defenses, giving up just four touchdowns on the ground and ranking in the top three in both yards allowed per game and yards per carry. Harrison had plenty to do with that, using his 6’4”, 350-pound frame to plug interior gaps and close down running lanes.
Position Value
Overall
2. Linval Joseph, Minnesota Vikings
19 of 20
Pass Rush
There are flashier playmakers on the Minnesota defense, but Linval Joseph is the engine that drives the entire unit from the middle. He was arguably the league’s best pass-rushing nose tackle in 2015, as he tallied 19 quarterback hurries despite missing four games.
Run Defense
Even at 6’4”, 329 pounds, Joseph is explosive off the ball and makes life difficult for interior linemen to make him go where they want on running plays. He amassed 40 solo tackles over his 12 starts in 2015 and helped the Vikings allow just seven run plays of 20 yards or more—the seventh-fewest in the league.
Position Value
Overall
1. Brandon Williams, Baltimore Ravens
20 of 20
Pass Rush
Getting after the quarterback may not be the prime objective of the nose tackle, but it certainly doesn’t hurt if the big man in the middle can consistently generate push and collapse the pocket. Brandon Williams logged 16 quarterback hurries and a pair of sacks in 2015, giving the Ravens an added weapon up front on passing downs.
Run Defense
A third-round pick in 2013 out of Missouri Southern State, Williams has quickly developed into arguably the NFL’s best run defender among nose tackles. Some might think he's undersized at just 6’1”, but at 335 pounds, he uses his shorter, wider frame to his advantage and wins leverage with great pad level. Opponents rarely drive him backward, and he often forces his way into the backfield to disrupt plays as they’re developing.
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