Updated defensive tackle rankings for the Seahawks after NFL Combine workouts

How Seattle's big board for DTs should look.
Michael Hickey/GettyImages
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The 2024 NFL Combine got underway on Thursday with defensive linemen and linebackers participating in drills. For the Seattle Seahawks, this was a good day as the team has extreme needs at both positions. For instance, Seattle currently has no veteran linebackers signed for the 2024 season.

But Seattle must find young talent along the defensive line. Jarran Reed was solid as a pass rusher in 2023 but is 31 years old. Leonard Williams might be a must re-sign for Seattle but he will be 30 years old during the 2024 season. The team needs to draft a high-end defensive tackle (or two).

One DT that might have fallen for Seattle is Miami's Leonard Taylor. He did not shine quite as brightly in drills as many expected. But one of the players below outperformed expectations. Here is how the Seahawks should have the defensive tackles they could potentially take in the 2024 NFL draft ranked after their combine workouts.

These should be the top four defensive tackles on the Seattle Seahawks board

. 467. DT 4. . . . . . T'Vondre Sweat. 4

Sweat in a massive human being at 6'3" and 346 pounds and he likely is already strong enough to play in Week 1 of 2024. He also has surprising quickness. And even though he weighs almost 350 pounds, he ran a 5.27 40 and was great in the four bag agility drill. The 22-year-old might be the long-term nose guard that the Seahawks need.

. DT 3. Braden Fiske. . 3. . . . . 435

Fiske was a standout in drills on Thursday. The 6'4" and 292-pound DT ran a very good 4.78 40 and he had a 33.5" vertical jump. He is a perfect fit for a 4-3 front and that is what new head coach Mike Macdonald will bring to Seattle. His only drawback is that he is already 24 years old.

. 2. . 467. DT 2. . . Byron Murphy II. .

Murphy might be the closest player to Aaron Donald in the 2024 draft. The 21-year-old is not tall - he is 6'1" - but he is super strong and 310 pounds. He is ready to play immediately and should develop into a very good pass rusher. He ran a 4.88 40 and had a 9'3" broad jump. He should go in the first round and Seattle would be wise to choose him at pick 16 if the Longhorn prospect is still available.

. . . . . 481. . Jer'Zhan Newton. DT 1. 1

Newton talked to the media but did not work out in the drills. Still, his tape is good enough there Seattle should know that the 21-year-old 6'1" and 304-pound DT would be a great player to add. Plus, he was a teammate with Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon at Illinois and that connection is worth transitioning to Seattle.

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