Dalvin Tomlinson
DT, Alabama · 2017 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #55 (NYG)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 142 of ~149 possible regular-season games from 2017 through 2025 (~95%). Plus 4 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #75 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#55). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Alabama: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.19 40-yard dash at 310 lbs: faster than 9% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 146 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 9 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 50 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.8 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 50.8 |
| Defense | 181 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2017 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2017 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 310 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.19 s |
| Vertical | 27" |
| Broad jump | 110" |
| 3-cone | 7.68 s |
| Shuttle | 4.59 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #75 overall (#6 DT) |
Picked around him 2017 redraft
| 52 | DeShone Kizer | redraft #150 |
| 53 | Teez Tabor | redraft #157 |
| 54 | Raekwon McMillan | redraft #110 |
| 56 | Obi Melifonwu | redraft #199 |
| 57 | Zach Cunningham | redraft #44 |
| 58 | Ethan Pocic | redraft #52 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.