Introduction
Javon Hargrave has built a reputation as one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Known for his quick burst and strong pass-rush ability from the defensive tackle position, Hargrave has played for several teams during his career, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Hargrave has consistently produced sacks and quarterback pressures despite playing on the interior defensive line. This article covers his PFF performance, career ranking among defensive tackles, college career, injury history, age, and full stats.
Javon Hargrave Age and Early Life
Javon DeAndre Hargrave was born on February 7, 1993, in Salisbury, North Carolina. As of 2026, he is 33 years old.
He attended North Rowan High School, where he first gained recognition as a dominant defensive lineman. His athleticism and power eventually earned him a scholarship to South Carolina State Bulldogs football, where he developed into an NFL-level prospect.
Key profile details:
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Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
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Weight: 307 lbs (139 kg)
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Position: Defensive Tackle
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NFL Draft: 2016, Round 3, Pick 89 by the Steelers
Javon Hargrave College Career
Hargrave played college football at South Carolina State (2012–2015) and became one of the most dominant defensive players in the MEAC conference.
During his college career he:
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Recorded over 200 tackles and 29 sacks
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Earned First-Team All-MEAC honors twice
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Became a standout pass-rushing defensive tackle
His dominant performances against both conference and non-conference opponents boosted his draft stock and led to his selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Javon Hargrave NFL Career and Teams
Hargrave has played for multiple teams during his professional career:
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Pittsburgh Steelers (2016–2019)
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Philadelphia Eagles (2020–2022)
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San Francisco 49ers (2023–2024)
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Minnesota Vikings (2025–present)
His breakout years came with the Eagles and 49ers, where he became one of the league’s top interior pass rushers and earned Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2023.
Javon Hargrave PFF Grade and Ranking
Advanced analytics platforms like Pro Football Focus (PFF) have consistently rated Hargrave as a high-impact interior defender, especially for his pass-rush ability.
Between 2021 and 2023, Hargrave generated:
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52 quarterback pressures (2021)
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57 pressures (2022)
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61 pressures (2023)
These totals placed him among the most productive defensive tackles in the NFL during that span.
PFF rankings often highlight Hargrave as:
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One of the best interior pass rushers
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A player capable of collapsing the pocket quickly
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A disruptive force even when he doesn’t record sacks
Is Javon Hargrave Good?
Yes — Hargrave is widely considered a very good NFL defensive tackle, particularly as a pass-rushing interior lineman.
Strengths
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Elite first step and quickness for a defensive tackle
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High pressure and sack production
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Consistent impact on passing downs
Weaknesses
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Run defense can sometimes be inconsistent
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Injuries and age have slightly impacted recent production
Still, when healthy, Hargrave remains one of the most dangerous pass-rush threats from the defensive tackle position.
Javon Hargrave Injury History
Like many NFL defensive linemen, Hargrave has dealt with injuries during his career.
One of the most notable setbacks was a triceps injury that limited his playing time during a season with the 49ers, reducing his overall production.
Despite injuries, he has generally been durable and has appeared in over 130 career games.
Javon Hargrave Career Stats
As of the 2025 NFL season, Hargrave’s career defensive numbers include:
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Total Tackles: 432
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Sacks: 49
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Forced Fumbles: 5
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Fumble Recoveries: 5
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Pass Deflections: 8
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Defensive Touchdowns: 1
These statistics highlight his productivity as an interior defender capable of generating pressure and turnovers.
Legacy and Impact
Hargrave’s combination of speed, strength, and pass-rush ability has made him one of the most productive defensive tackles of his generation. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks from the inside is especially valuable in modern pass-heavy NFL defenses.
Even in his early 30s, he continues to be a valuable veteran presence and interior pass-rush specialist for any defensive line.
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