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Focus on DTs increasing

Once seen as a grunt-level position, the defensive tackle spot has grown in stature and seen an influx of talent.

Updated: April 26, 2006, 1:30 PM ET
By Len Pasquarelli | ESPN.com

In the parlance of the game, there are one-gap tackles and two-gap tackles, the former term typically used to describe interior defenders charged with getting upfield and creating penetration, the latter applying to linemen responsible for the holes on both sides of the blocker in front of them.

But in recent years, it seems that NFL talent evaluators have discerned almost no gap at tackle, at least when compared to defensive ends and in terms of overall importance to a front-four unit. Once ...

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2006 draft: Defensive line

Williams
 
Between now and the NFL draft (April 29-30, ESPN), ESPN.com will higlight eight key positions. The defensive line is up today.

• Smith: Williams No. 1
• Pasquarelli: Tackles in demand
• Pasquarelli: Big impact for Ngata
• Crosshairs: Top DL
• McShay's tiebreakers: DLESPN Motion
• Scouts: Who needs DL help?
• Podcast: McShay on DTs
• Motion: Williams on being No. 1 ESPN Motion
• Chat wrap: Mario Williams
• Complete 2006 draft coverage

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