2013 NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings: Star Lotulelei and Johnathan Hankins could go top 10

Aug 28, 2012, 1:30 PM UTC

SOUTH BEND IN - NOVEMBER 13: Sealver Siliga #98 and Star Lotulelei #92 of the Utah Utes stop Jonas Gray #25 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on November 13 2010 in South Bend Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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The defensive class has been strong in recent years. In this year’s NFL Draft, seven players classified as defensive tackles were taken in the first two rounds. That number was eight in 2011 and 10 in 2010. The trend should continue in the 2013 NFL Draft due to both the constant need at the position and the depth of talent.

By this point, most have it down to Utah senior Star Lotulelei or Ohio State junior Johnbathan Hankins as the top tackle prospect. How good are they? Both could become top 10 picks next April, which hasn't happened since 2010.

The defensive tackle class contains not only star power, but variety. There are massive tackles like John Jenkins of Georgia and Sylvester Williams or gap-shooting tackles like Kawann Short of Purdue or Bennie Logan of LSU. Find the full rankings after the jump and let me know what you think.

SENIORS

1. Star Lotulelei | 6'4, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | Utah

2. John Jenkins | 6'3, 351 pounds | Defensive tackle | Georgia

3. Kawann Short | 6'3, 310 pounds | Defensive tackle | Purdue

4. Sylvester Williams | 6'3, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | NorthCarolina

5. Jesse Williams | 6'4, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | Alabama

6. Sheldon Richardson | 6'4, 295 pounds | Defensive tackle | Missouri

7. Everett Dawkins | 6'3, 304 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida State

8. Jordan Hill | 6'1, 292 pounds | Defensive tackle | Penn State

9. Baker Steinkuhler | 6'6, 290 pounds | Defensive tackle | Nebraska

10. Aaron Tipoti | 6'2, 280 pounds | Defensive tackle | California

JUNIORS