How important is DT to the success of a defense??

I have a very different opinion on DT's. You can make a case for any position being important, but I believe DT's are role players. If you got a big run stuffer at MLB you can have some rushing DT's like LaRoi Glover and John Randle...or if you have a smaller MLB you need to have the space eaters like Hollis Thomas, Grady Jackson, Norman Hand...etc. There are very few DT's in the league that can do both, Tommy Harris, Albert Haynesworth, Warren Sapp (in his prime) Sean Rodgers (when he wants to play)

So that being said the true dual threat DT is about as rare as a true shutdown corner. Dorsey and Ellis have potential to be those guys, but reality and odds show they will probably be one or the other.

If i'm building a defense and I have can have the best guy at any position GUARANTEED...i'm going to build in this order:

CB
DE
MLB
DT
S