Thanks for providing more context. NC State’s recent success in developing defensive tackles for the NFL is quite impressive, especially given the competition among top college football programs. Their ability to produce quality players at key positions like quarterback, linebacker, punter, and now defensive tackle shows the strength and depth of their football program.
Having seven defensive tackles in the NFL places NC State among the top programs in the country, alongside Auburn, Clemson, Iowa, LSU, and Texas. Surpassing traditional powerhouses like Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas A&M is a significant achievement and a testament to the Wolfpack’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent.
Would you like more information on specific NC State players who have made it to the NFL, or details about the program’s training and coaching strategies?
Pack Pro defensive tackles not only boast a strong presence in terms of numbers but also in quality, with three of the seven holding starting positions. B.J. Hill was the standout among them, leading all Pack Pro DTs with 51 total tackles in 2023, as a pivotal player on the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense. His performance included 4.5 sacks and his first two NFL interceptions, both of which were remarkably acrobatic and came in consecutive weeks. Alim McNeill also had a noteworthy 2023 season, achieving a career-high 5.5 sacks during his breakout third year with the Detroit Lions. McNeill’s contributions were critical to the Lions’ successful season, where he excelled at stopping the run and bolstered the pass rush alongside Aidan Hutchinson and others.
Justin Jones had a standout year, achieving a career-high 4.5 sacks and hitting the quarterback at least 17 times for the Chicago Bears. Before that, Jones spent four seasons with the Chargers in a more limited role. However, he found his groove in Chicago, where he accumulated 101 of his 218 career tackles and 22 of his 34 career tackles for loss over the past two seasons. This strong performance earned him a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals in March, where he aims to continue building on his recent success.
Kentavius Street showed a remarkable resurgence in 2023. After a modest role in the Eagles’ extensive defensive line rotation, he quickly made his mark with the Falcons after being traded mid-season. With just four tackles in eight games for Philadelphia, Street’s numbers soared in Atlanta, where he recorded 14 tackles in just five games. He aims to continue that success in the NFC South, building on his career-best stats in tackles, sacks, and run stuffs during his 2022 season with the Saints.
The Rams seem to appreciate talent from NC State, as they have both Larrell Murchison and Cory Durden contributing on their interior defensive line. Murchison hit his stride with the Rams last season, achieving career-best numbers in tackles and run stuffs. Durden, a rookie, spent much of his first year on the practice squad but managed to play in four games during the 2023 season.
Then there’s T.Y. McGill, a seasoned NFL player with a decade of experience, who has spent the past two years with the 49ers. Despite going undrafted in 2015, McGill made a name for himself with the Colts over his first two seasons before bouncing around as a journeyman. Though he played only two games for San Francisco last year, he made his presence felt with his second career forced fumble. Across 57 career regular season games, McGill has accumulated 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 11.5 run stuffs.
