THE APEX TIMES
PFF preseason nod highlights Colorado’s defensive tackle makeover with Christensen and Manuel earning Big 12 recognition
Pro Football Focus’ preseason ranking of returning defensive tackles in the Big 12 placed two of Colorado’s defensive-tackle acquisitions among the league’s top 10.
Colorado’s defensive line plans got a measurable vote of confidence ahead of the season, as Pro Football Focus ranked two defensive tackles from the Buffaloes’ rebuilt front among the top 10 returning DTs in the Big 12.
In PFF’s preseason Big 12 list of returning defensive tackles, Ezra Christensen and Dylan Manuel were both included. The recognition matters because it comes with a leaguewide comparison, not just an internal grade, and it frames how evaluators expect Colorado’s front to compete inside conference play.
The Buffaloes, per the reporting, are attempting to retool their interior and rely on proven talent to stabilize the run defense and create pressure in the pocket. That is the immediate context for why a preseason ranking focused specifically on returning defensive tackles is relevant to Colorado’s rotation and scheme.
PFF’s positioning of Christensen and Manuel also suggests that Colorado is not treating the interior as a blank slate. While Colorado’s overall defensive approach depends on multiple factors, a top-10 returning marker in the DT category points to player-by-player expectations that can affect both early downs and pass-rush matchups.
For Colorado fans, the bigger takeaway is roster identity. Defensive tackle is often a staffing bottleneck for teams that are changing styles or philosophies, because personnel need to fit gap assignments, leverage rules, and snaps where pressure has to be consistent. Having two names singled out in a returning-talent frame gives the coaching staff a clearer foundation for the season.
What to watch next is whether Christensen and Manuel translate preseason projection into repeatable production in games, especially against Big 12 offenses that rely on both downhill runs and quick passing concepts. Preseason lists are only a starting point, and the real test will be how Colorado’s front handles the conference’s physicality and pace once the regular season begins.
Because the available information here is limited to the PFF list claim, any further detail about how Colorado will deploy the pair, how many snaps they will lead, or how the rebuild affects other positions is not confirmed in the reporting behind this update.
Why It Matters
- A top-10 returning DT placement indicates that Colorado’s interior rotation could be more competitive in Big 12 matchups than it might have looked without those additions.
- Defensive tackle is central to run fits and pass-rush leverage, so preseason rankings focused on DTs can shape expectations for Colorado’s overall defensive identity.
- The recognition also sets a reference point for coaching evaluation early in the season, particularly if the Buffaloes are relying on new or reconfigured personnel.
- Against Big 12 opponents, consistency from the middle of the defense typically influences both opponent play-calling and Colorado’s ability to control tempo.
Key Facts
- Pro Football Focus released a preseason list ranking returning defensive tackles across the Big 12.
- Colorado was represented by two defensive tackles on the list: Ezra Christensen and Dylan Manuel.
- Christensen and Manuel were both listed among the top 10 returning defensive tackles in the Big 12.
- The recognition is described as part of Colorado’s defensive-line rebuilding effort.
- The list is presented as a preseason evaluative nod rather than a result from completed on-field competition.