I want a heavy fighter (I'm more of a face-tank sort of fighter, I stink at being agile in any way) so trying to decide which Vanguard I'd like. Any input on which variant is better for PVE/NPC toe-to-toe type of fighting? or other options I haven't thought about?
As Blind Owl said, the Harbinger is a solid choice.
Warden is all about absorbing and giving a beatdown.
Sentinel comes stock with Stealth components. I enjoy fighting with it but not a great choice for brawling.
Hoplite is fun with a crowd, we use them in CFT's to move people around.
The Freelancers can come close to this role - a fully upgraded MIS is a object of terror.
Otherwise.. not much. 'Agility tanking' is the survival strategy for most light and medium fighters, until armor is implemented properly and we see what it can do.
In the wise words of Mr. Miyagi, "Best way to block punch, No Be There".