The Steal
Who was the steal of the 2021 DT class?
Daviyon Nixon was ranked DT3 on the consensus board (#59 overall) but lasted until pick 158, where the Carolina Panthers took him in Round 5. A 99-spot fall, the largest gap between consensus and draft day of any DT in the class. Behind him, Khyiris Tonga (+82) and Marlon Tuipulotu (+81) also outlasted their rankings.
The Conviction Pick
Which DT did teams value above the consensus board?
The Atlanta Falcons took Ta'Quon Graham at pick 148, 81 spots ahead of his #229 consensus rank. That's the league's strongest disagreement with the public board at the position. Teams showed similar conviction on Tedarrell Slaton (46 spots) and Osa Odighizuwa (38 spots).
The Cliff
Where did the DT talent drop off in 2021?
After Levi Onwuzurike went at pick 41, the next DT didn't come off the board for 31 picks. That's the sharpest drop in the class.
The Spend
How much did teams invest in DT in the 2021 draft?
Teams spent 20 picks on DT, 2 of them in the first two rounds. That's below the position's average of 23.3 since 2018.
The Bet
Which team bet biggest on DT in 2021?
The Detroit Lions spent more draft capital on DT than any other club: picks 41 and 72, 33% of their total draft investment.
The One Who Slipped
Who was the highest-ranked DT to go undrafted in 2021?
Marvin Wilson, ranked #107 on the consensus board, went undrafted through all 259 picks.