Best defensive prospects 2024 nfl draft

NFL Draft: Top 20 Defensive Backs Post-Combine Rankings · 1. Nate Wiggins - Clemson · Calen Bullock - USC · Jaden Hicks - Washington. Defensively, the best crops are at defensive tackle and cornerback. While there is talent to be found at off-ball linebacker and safety. The Browns brought back key players of their defensive line during free agency, re-signing DE Za'Darius Smith, DT Shelby Harris and DT Maurice. Position Best defensive prospects 2024 nfl draft. 1. Overall Rank. Byron Murphy II. Texas. JR. Height: 6'1". Weight: ; Position Rank. 2. Overall Rank. Jer'Zhan Newton. Illinois. RJR.

2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Eddie Brown’s Top 100 Prospects

Who are the best defensive players in the NFL Draft? NFL Draft 2024 - 10 defensive players to look out for

• QUINYON MITCHELL – CB - TOLEDO. ...
• TERRION ARNOLD – CB - ALABAMA. ...
• DALLAS TURNER – EDGE - ALABAMA. ...
• JARED VERSE – EDGE – FLORIDA STATE.
• BYRON MURPHY II – DT - TEXAS. ...
• CHOP ROBINSON – EDGE – PENN STATE. ...
• COOPER DEJEAN – CB – IOWA. ...
• LAIATU LATU – EDGE – UCLA.

2024 NFL Draft: Top 32 prospects overall based on their college football careers

His footwork is impressive for a man his size. Latham has a bully mentality and his premium physical traits and talent sets his ceiling at Pro-Bowl-caliber right tackle or guard. Based on upside, he could be the top cornerback on most draft boards. Arnold is scheme-versatile, and produced a SEC-best 17 passes defensed and five interceptions in He was the only FBS player with at least five interceptions and plus pass breakups.

He produced 44 pass breakups, six interceptions and two pick-sixes the past two seasons. Some teams might hold his lack of experience in press coverage against him, or the lower-level competition in the MAC, but he was clearly the best cornerback in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

Amarius Mims, T, Georgia, Jr. He is still very raw, and he dealt with multiple ankle injuries last season, but he towers over most of the competition and he moves easily considering his size. Mims only had eight career starts — the first two came in the College Football Playoff where he was very good and helped the Bulldogs repeat as national champions.

His athletic potential and his tape will be hard to ignore despite the inexperience. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn St. The former four-star recruit began his collegiate career at Maryland before transferring to Happy Valley as a sophomore. Michael Penix Jr. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is a big-armed, productive talent who can work the middle of the field, but prefers to attack outside the numbers.

Penix is the first FBS player to surpass 4, passing yards in back-to-back seasons since Patrick Mahomes A prime example of this was the CFP title game vs. He might get nitpicked for his unorthodox throwing style and being a lefty by some scouts, but he was elected team captain at both programs and his injury history has only strengthened his resolve.

Penix will turn 24 in May. McKinstry also provides value as a punt-returner. He produced punt-return yards the last two seasons — fifth-most in the FBS over that span — averaging He compiled a record as a starter in high school and college, winning a state title in Illinois and leading the Wolverines to their first national title this century.

His decision-making took a step forward last season, but it will need to continue improving in the pros. Coleman is also a dominant blocker in the run game and will completely erase a cornerback from the play. Best defensive prospects 2024 nfl draft He was a four-time state wrestling champion in West Virginia, while only losing twice both times as a freshman.

Frazier was the first true freshman to start on the offensive line in Morgantown since He finished as a four-year starter and three-time All-American for the Mountaineers. He started 37 straight games at center before suffering a broken leg in the regular-season finale against Baylor last season. Frazier is stout, a quick processor and scheme-versatile.

Frazier was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy Academic Heisman. He was only the second player in school history with three seasons of plus receptions. Worthy is an elite vertical threat who can struggle against physical press coverage, but his presence is a present. Defensive coordinators in the NFL are afraid of one thing: someone getting behind the defense.

Similar to DeSean Jackson, his quick-strike potential adds an element of danger over the top and will provide his teammates more space to work with. His arm length is less than prototypical for the tackle position, but 34 of his 39 career starts were at left tackle for the Blue Devils the rest were at center , and he was chosen second-team All-American his final season in Durham despite missing three games, battling through multiple injuries, including a concussion and left knee sprain.

Brian Thomas Jr. First there was Odell Beckham Jr. He led the FBS in TD receptions 17 , but will need to develop his route tree in the pros, and possibly his play strength against stronger, more physical NFL corners. He was No. Suamataia has double-digit starts at both tackle positions and was voted captain as a sophomore.

Suamataia is cousins with the Sewell brothers Penei and Noah. Patrick Paul, T, Houston, Jr. The two-time team captain earned first-team All-Conference honors the last three seasons in two conferences American Athletic and Big He suffered a sprained ankle and torn ligament in his foot as a freshman, requiring season-ending surgery.

His instincts as a pass defender and fearlessness against the run will endear him to most coaches. The two-time team captain was one of just five FBS players with at least six interceptions last season, including three returns of plus yards and two pick-sixes. The experience shows in his vision and contact balance once he gets the ball in his hands.

He forced 55 missed tackles over the last two seasons. Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma, Jr. Guyton only has 15 career starts and missed five games because of injuries his two seasons in Norman. McConkey dealt with back and ankle injuries, missing five games last season. Both enjoyed careers lasting at least a decade. His premium athleticism No. He was second-team All-SEC last season with no interceptions, which is indicative of how good his coverage skills are.

Some teams may be turned off by him running a below-average 4. Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington, Jr. The Huskies listed him as 6-foot-4 and pounds; in Indianapolis, he measured an inch shorter and 25 pounds lighter. Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona, Sr. He features the size, technique and quickness to stick there in the NFL depending on the scheme, but his arm length is lacking, which might necessitate a move inside.

Morgan has battled ankle injuries and suffered a torn ACL towards the end of his junior season, which is why he returned to school for a fifth season. Colson played in all 43 games starting 36 for the Wolverines after enrolling, helping them win their first national championship since Some teams may see him only as a slot receiver because of his size. He was only targeted 67 times.

Wilson is an ascending player who can win on all three levels and beat NFL man coverage. He and Malik Nabers were the only two SEC receivers to average more than yards receiving per game last season. He led all Power 5 receivers with five receptions of plus yards last season. Legette is two inches shorter, but he reminds me of Terrell Owens after the catch, especially at this stage of his career.

In , he transferred to Austin to be closer to his daughter. The first-team All-American is the only prospect in this class who led his team in all four categories. Cooper features elite speed, decent coverage skills, and plenty of special teams experience 11 career tackles on both kick and punt coverages. Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama, Sr.

Braswell was stuck behind Will Anderson Jr. He has an impressive first step, converts speed to power effortlessly and has the athleticism to turn and run with tight ends and running backs in coverage when playing an outside linebacker role. Braswell was No. He was originally planning on playing defensive end, but settled on tight end after Steve Sarkisian took over at Texas.

Sanders features an above-the-rim skill set, soft hands and ability after the catch. 1953 nfl draft The two-time first-team All-Big 12 honoree was highly productive for the Longhorns the last two seasons, making 99 receptions for 1, yards and seven TD receptions on targets. He has come a long ways from his underwhelming days at Auburn. The Heisman finalist and William V.

Campbell Trophy Academic Heisman winner improved his game almost across the board, showcasing better decision-making and accuracy, while maintaining his play-making ability off-platform. Prior to the injury, I had Brooks as my top running back prospect in this draft class, but expected him to return to school after he hurt his knee. He still looks like the best option in a weaker running back class because of his dynamic, all-purpose skill-set.

Plus, his tires are full of tread, given he has just collegiate carries, averaging north of 6. The unanimous All-American and Butkus Award winner produced tackles However, there are ruby red flags when it comes to durability. He has an injury history that dates back to high school, including multiple surgeries on both shoulders and multiple knee injuries.

Corum makes up for his smaller frame with excellent footwork, and his low center of gravity makes him hard to target directly. Tyler Nubin , S, Minnesota, Sr. Nubin interprets the play, knows it inside out and keeps his teammates on time. The second-team All-American is a versatile, rangy defender who uses his size, athleticism and elite processing to disrupt a run game or pass attack.

Nubin was also a regular on special-teams coverages all five seasons in Minneapolis, producing 14 career tackles. He was a consensus first-team All-American, a William V. In 48 collegiate starts, the two-time team captain was primarily a left guard, but he also started at both tackle spots.

His aggressive nature occasionally draws a flag and he needs to be a more consistent tackler 12 missed tackles in , but those are both coachable offenses. Melton blocked four punts in his career, including an FBS-best three blocked kicks in There are limitations against bigger, stronger cornerbacks, especially in contested-catch scenarios.

Pearsall will turn 24 in September. Abrams-Draine produced 40 passes defensed and seven interceptions the last three seasons. He could begin his NFL career as a return specialist while he continues to learn the nuances and develop the anticipation required to play the position.

Although, his big-play ability is omnipresent. He scored three touchdowns of plus yards in three different ways for the Seminoles. Benson had just two seasons of collegiate wear and tear, and he only hit the carry mark in one game. Rakestraw wins with physicality. So is his injury history. He suffered a torn ACL in and struggled with a groin injury and a core muscle injury last season.

Michael Hall Jr. Best defensive prospects 2024 nfl draft The Buckeyes utilized him at every position on the D-line. He gambles a bit, but his ball skills and long arms usually bail him out. The second-team All-American excels in space and features the athleticism to impact the second level.

Haynes is an exceptional puller and zone blocker. He showcased his entire skillset during Senior Bowl week and performed well at the combine. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami, Jr. Kinchens was the first Cane to reach double-digit career interceptions 11 since Sean Taylor. Ed Reed is the only other Miami player to do it this century.

Fiske is explosive off the ball considering his size and is developing a solid pass-rush repertoire. He was the only Power 5 player to average double-digit tackles per game in both and He was a multiyear team captain in both high school and college. Gray needs to bulk up a bit, and his aggressive nature can be used against him at times, but his premium athleticism, production and football IQ is indicative of an impact player in the pros.

He features a rare size-speed-agility combination and projects to be a major open-field, big-play threat. He produced eight receptions of plus yards last season. Franklin led the Pac in TD receptions each of the last two seasons, and his 25 career touchdowns are a school-record.

Only Marvin Harrison Jr. Franklin will need to get stronger or NFL press corners will bully him and focus drops are part of the package. He did it again as a full-time starter his junior season, gaining more yards 1, despite fewer carries, leading all FBS running backs in yards per carry 7. Wright is an explosive back with good size and breakaway speed, a quarter of his runs went for plus yards tops in the FBS.

Mastering pass-protection and securing the football will determine whether he reaches his full potential in the pros. Cole Bishop, S, Utah, Jr. He excelled at basketball before switching to football in his junior year of high school. Orhorhoro possesses the power to move the pocket and can shed blockers consistently to get to the ball carrier as a run defender.

The right defensive line coach will be crucial in helping Orhorhoro reach his immense potential. He features enough shake-and-bake to torment open-field tacklers and is a creative playmaker with the ball in his hands. Lloyd was one of only five FBS running backs to average more than 7. There are also ball-security issues and durability concerns. Lloyd tore his ACL in and also missed time during his sophomore and junior seasons.

Surprisingly, he received only one FCS offer out of high school, so he decided to walk on for the Wildcats, where he earned two first-team All-Big 12 selections. He may not be a fit for every scheme, but he offers the combination of size, big-play ability and athleticism others in a thin class for the position do not.

He produced four receptions of plus yards last season. Sinnott led all tight ends in the three-cone 6. Polk is big and tough enough with strong hands to work over the middle, but features great body control and enough speed to win deep as well. Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah, Jr.

Assuming he gets the reps in expect a breakout year from him. Def Ends Only. DEF Tackles Only. EDGE Only. Laiatu Latu. Jared Verse. Jer'Zhan Newton. Byron Murphy II. Chop Robinson. Darius Robinson. Braden Fiske. Kris Jenkins. Adisa Isaac. Ruke Orhorhoro. T'Vondre Sweat.

Austin Booker. We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. The exceptional athletic freaks determined by the combination of speed vs weight will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience with more players please view on a larger screen.