Nose tackles, especially in the 3-4 defenses, are the center of the defense and are both very critical to the team’s success as well as very difficult to find one that can both be consistent and productive. The impact of guys like BJ Raji, Casey Hampton, Pat Williams, Vince Wilfork, and more have lasting effects on the defense’s success, and finding one who can be a key kog for the future of your defense.
This year, there are a few guys who could fit at either nose tackle or at a variety of spots on the defensive lines, but these are the top overall nose tackles in this 2011 NFL Draft.
| Name | College | Height | Weight | Proj. Round | Notes | ||
| 1 | . | Marvin Austin | North Carolina | 6’3 | 310 | 1st-2nd | He’s an elite talent, but he needs to show a better motor |
| 2 | . | Phil Taylor | Baylor | 6’4 | 337 | 1st-2nd | Good off the snap, versatile, does get lost at times |
| 3 | . | Kenrick Ellis | Hampton | 6’5 | 340 | 2nd-3rd | Great talent, nose tackle prospect |
| 4 | . | Drake Nevis | LSU | 6’1 | 293 | 2nd-3rd | Aggressive nose tackle, he can fit in a multitude of systems |
| 5 | . | Sione Fua | Stanford | 6’2 | 305 | 4th-6th | Good size, attacks well, needs to finish better |
| 6 | . | Terrell McClain | South Florida | 6’3 | 310 | 7th-Undrafted | |
| 7 | . | Jerrell Powe | Ole Miss | 6’2 | 330 | 5th-7th | Load upfront, he has the size and moves to be productive |
| 8 | . | Elisha Joseph | Temple | 6’3 | 288 | 6th-Undrafted | Takes up blockers well, takes advantage of one on ones |
| 9 | . | Chris Neild | West Virginia | 6’2 | 298 | 7th-Undrafted | Can be a solid starter at nose tackle with talent around him |
| 10 | . | Thomas Weaver | Villanova | 6’1 | 305 | 7th-Undrafted |
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