2024 NFL DRAFT: Position Breakdown: DEFENSIVE FRONT

 

2024 EGDE/D-Line/Linebacker PROSPECTS

 

The 2024 class has a nice mix of edge rushers, interior defenders and linebackers. Teams picking in the 6-15 range can get a great value due to the amount of quarterbacks and receivers that will be drafted early. Dallas Turner, Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu could be absolute steals. Here is a breakdown of the top prospects.

 

EDGE DEFENDERS

EDGE defenders are a premier position the NFL. Every team needs guys that can put pressure on the opposing quarterback. The superstars are the highest paid defenders in the NFL. The contenders for the Super Bowl usually have at least one great pass rusher.

Dallas Turner-EDGE-Alabama
6’3”/247/4.46 40 time/40.5 Vertical/83” Wingspan
NFL Comp: Von Miller/Harold Landry 
PFF Grade: 81.6
STATS: 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2023
Turner took over for Will Anderson as the top pass rusher at Alabama. He had a major jump in production in sacks, tackles for loss and total tackles. His size and athletic measurements are nearly identical to Von Miller. Turner has the tools to be a Hall of Fame player like Miller. His floor is a double-digit sack guy like Landry.

Laiatu Latu-EDGE-UCLA
6’5”/259/4.64
NFL Comp: Ryan Kerrigan/Josh Allen
PFF Grade: 96.3
13 sacks and 21.5 TFL
Latu was the most productive edge rusher in all of college football in 2023. He is as polished as pass rusher as one will find at such a young age. He is very quick and explosive for such a tall pass rusher. He has all the tools to become an elite pass rusher like Kerrigan and Allen. 

Jared Verse-EDGE-FSU  
6’4”/254/4.58/79.5”
NFL Comp:  DeMarcus Lawrence/Maxx Crosby
PFF Grade: 84.4
9 sacks and 12 TFL
Verse was a borderline first round prospect last year who improved his stock returning as a fifth-year senior. He has a great combination of speed, power and motor. He projects best as a base end, but has enough athletic ability to play off the ball as well. Like Crosby and Lawrence, Verse has a chance to be an All Pro if he finds the perfect system.

Chop Robinson-EDGE-Penn St   
6’3”/254/4.48/128” broad jump  
NFL Comparison: Vic Beasley/Lorenzo Carter
PFF Grade: 90.8
4 sacks and 7.5 TFL in 2023
5.5 sacks and 10 TFL in 2022
Robinson is the best athlete in this class of pass rushers. Currently, his projection is based more his unique athletic traits more than production. Historically it has been a very mixed bag for players like this. In the late first round, Robinson may be worth the gamble.

Darius Robinson-LDE/EDGE-Missouri
6'5"/286/84.38”
NFL Comp: Williams Gholston/Jason Hatcher
PFF Grade: 83.1
8.5 sacks and 14 TFL
Robinson is freakishly long defensive end that can rush the passer, set the edge and kick inside on third downs. He played outside a lot more in 2023 and it resulted in a jump in production. He went from 4.5 career sacks to 8.5 last season. He should be able to carve out a nice role like Gholson has in Tampa.

Chris Braswell-EDGE-Alabama
6’4”/251/4.6
NFL Comp: Darrell Taylor/Dante Fowler.
PFF Grade: 81.0
8 sacks and 10.5 TFL
Braswell is a very fast pass rusher that played in the shadow of Dallas Turner and Will Anderson. He should be able to carve a role like Taylor and Fowler. He is a hard projection because he has always played with such great players. He has good pass rush moves and can drop into coverage. In the first round he would be a risk, but he is a safe pick in the late second early third range.

Bralen Trice-DE/EDGE-Washington  
6'3"/245/22 reps
NFL Comparison: Uchenna Nwosu/Alex Highsmith
PFF Grade: 88.1
7 sacks and 11.5 TFL
Trice is a hard worker with a great motor. He is was among the best in college football at generating pressure on the passer. Like Highsmith and Nwosu, he is a bit undersized but would make an ideal complement to a star. He could be a steal in the third round.

Jonah Elliss-EDGE-Utah  
6’2”/248             
NFL Comparison: Dee Ford/Shaquil Barrett
PFF Grade: 84.7
12 sacks and 16 TFL
Like many of the other pass rush prospects, Ellis had a huge jump in production last year. He is undersized as an edge rusher but makes up for it with great quickness and technique. Elliss would fit best playing next to an established star pass rusher.

Adisa Isaac-EDGE-Penn St   
6'4"/247/4.74/123” Broad Jump
NFL Comparison: Carl Granderson/Jonathon Cooper
PFF Grade: 81.7
7.5 sacks and 16 TFL
Isaac was more productive than his teammate Chop Robinson at Penn St. He is an excellent athlete that is a very good run stopper. He brings value to a team that needs help stopping the run on the edge.

Marshawn Kneeland-EDGE-Western Michigan  
6'3"/267/21 reps
NFL Comparison: Frank Clark/Dorance Armstrong
PFF Grade: 88.1
4.5 sacks and 7.5 TFL
Kneeland knows how to use his strong frame to overpower linemen. He uses a bull rush to collapse the pocket. He showed his quickness and change of direction skills posting the fastest 3 cone drill at the combine at 7.02 seconds

Austin Booker-EDGE-Kansas   
6'5"/240
NFL Comparison: Arden Key/Leonard Floyd
PFF Grade: 82.2
8 sacks and 12 TFL
Booker is a very tall and lean edge rusher that knows how to use his length and athleticism. He possesses an 83.38” wingspan and knows how to use it to initiate first contact.

INTERIOR DEFENDERS

Interior defenders provide great value in today’s league. The best ones are big, physical and athletic. These guys usually play most snaps on a defense. Larger run stuffing nose tackles play on a rotational basis. Teams running odd fronts also look for long defensive ends with enough power to lineup between the guard and tackle in the 5 technique. This year’s class has two first round locks then several guys that can go on day two.

Byron Murphy II-DL3T-Texas
6’1”/297/4.87/28 reps
NFL Comp: Geno Atkins/Mike Neal
PFF Grade: 91.1
5 sacks and 8.5 TFL
Murphy has a great combination of quickness, leverage and power. Calling him a poor man’s Aaron Donald is not a stretch. As long as he stays conditioned, he should be able to play over 800 snaps in an NFL season. He is disruptive against the run and collapsing the pocket as a pass rusher. He compares well to Donald, Atkins and Neal. This is the modern-day prototype 3 technique that teams are looking for.

Jer’Zhan Newton-DL3T-Illinois
6’2”/304
NFL Comp: Grady Jarrett/Quinnen Williams   
PFF Grade: 84.9
7.5 sacks and 8.5 TFL
The Newton vs Murphy debate really comes down to how much a team value’s Murphy’s elite athletic tools vs Newton’s consistent production. He is an elite run stuffing 3 tech that is also a great pass rusher. Both Newton and Murphy are as close to “can’t miss” prospects as one will find.

Braden Fiske-DL5T/3T-FSU  
6’4”/292/4.78/26 Reps
NFL Comp: Justin Madubuike/Timmy Jernigan
PFF Grade: 73.9
6 sacks and 9 TFL
Fiske is disruptor that has the combination of power, size and athletic ability to play nearly anywhere on the interior of the line. Justin Madubuike is the blueprint for how to use Fiske at the next level.

Kris Jenkins-DL3T-Michigan 
6’3”/299/29 reps
NFL Comparison: Harrison Phillips/ Jordan Elliott
PFF Grade: 90.8
2.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL
Jenkins is the best run stuffing tackle in this class. He is powerful and quick and plays much bigger than his 299-pound frame. He can handle double teams and is quick enough to be a factor in the pass rush game as well.

Ruke Orhorhoro-DE/DL5T3T-Clemson    
6’4”/294/29 reps/4.89
NFL Comp: Jonathan Bullard/Quinton Jefferson
PFF Grade: 73.5
5 sacks and 8 TFL
Orhorhoro has an incredible combination of power, length and quickness. He is an excellent athlete for an interior lineman. He is still very raw and has the tools to develop into a starter. 

Brandon Dorlus-LDE/DL5T-Oregon
6’3”/283/4.85
NFL Comp: Zach Allen/John-Franklin Myers
PFF Grade: 73.5
3 Year Average
3.3 sacks and 7.7 TFL
Dorlus showed his athletic prowess at the combine posting elite numbers in the 40, 3 cone and both jumps. His versatility is his best tool as he proved he can lineup at many spots along the defensive line. He would be used best as a 5 tech due to his length and speed combination.

Maason Smith-DL3T5T-LSU   
6’5”/306/29 reps/84.68” Wingspan
NFL Comp: Adam Butler/Bilal Nichols
PFF Grade: 65.3
2.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL
Smith has incredible physical tools including a long wingspan and great quickness. Like Butler and Nichols he could develop into a very nice rotational player that can play multiple spots.

Michael Hall-DL3T-Ohio St    
6’3”/290
NFL Comp: DaVon Hamilton/Earl Mitchell
PFF Grade: 65.3
2022 Stats
4.5 sacks and 7.5 TFL
Hall has a nice combination of power and skill. He lacks size to play strictly as a 3 tech but that is where he is best at. Hall should develop into a nice rotational player.

Leonard Taylor-DL3T1T-Miami  
6’4”/303/80.68”
NFL Comp: Daron Payne/ David Onyemata
PFF Grade: 74.8
2022
3.5 sacks and 10.5 TFL
Taylor was among the highest rated players coming out of high school in 2021. He made an instant impact as a Freshman then improved as a Sophomore. Last year he took a big step back in production. He has a massive frame with long arms and is big enough to play nose tackle.

Mekhi Wingo-DL3T-LSU   
6’0”/284/4.85/25 Bench Press
NFL Comp: Maurice Hurst/Shariff Floyd
PFF Grade: 65.3
4.5 sacks and 5 TFL
Wingo was the inside speed rusher on an LSU line that featured Maason Smith and nose tackle Jordan Jefferson. He has a great combination of speed and power that helps may up for his lack of size.

T'Vondre Sweat-DL1T-Texas
6’6”/366
NFL Comp: Terrence Cody/Daniel McCullers
PFF Grade: 91.1
2 sacks and 8 TFL
Sweat is an enormous man that demands double and even triple team blocks on every snap. On pure talent he is a top 20 pick with star potential. However, he comes with a lot of red flags including a recent arrest for DWI. There are also concerns that he will be able to keep this weight down. 

OFF BALL LINEBACKERS

The modern bay linebacker has to be able to tackle, cover and blitz. Players who can do all three will rarely leave the field. Most teams only use two linebackers in their base defense so the value has gone down a bit. However they remain very important in running a defense.

Payton Wilson-LB-NC St 
6’4”/233/4.43
NFL Comp: Sean Lee/Fred Warner
PFF Grade: 89.9
6 sacks, 17.5 TFL and 138 total tackles
Wilson has the perfect combination of elite speed, height and strength. He is versatile as an open field tackler, pass rusher and in coverage. His athletic gifts and length are perfect to match up with modern day tight ends.

Edgerrin Cooper-WLB-TX A&M  
6’2”/230/4.51
NFL Comp: Darius Leonard/CJ Mosely
PFF Grade: 90.8
8 sacks, 17 TFL and 84 total tackles
Cooper is a fast and physical linebacker that is an ideal weakside (Will) linebacker. He changes direction like a running back and is great in pursuit. He graded well in coverage in college and has a chance to be special in the NFL.

Junior Colson-LB-Michigan 
6’2”/238
NFL Comparison: Foyesade Oluokun/Bobby Okereke
PFF Grade: 81.7
Colson is rising up draft boards due to his raw athletic tools. He was a three-year starter for the National Champions. He is a very good run defender that has the tools to be good in coverage. He would fit best as an Mike backer but has the athletic traits to also play the Will spot.  

Jeremiah Trotter Jr.-LB-Clemson   
6’0”/228
NFL Comp: Denzel Perrymany/Zaire Franklin
PFF Grade: 85.7
5.5 sacks, 15 TFL and 88 total tackles
Trotter is a bit undersized as an Inside backer but has the perfect combination of speed, power and football IQ. He is an elite run defender but lack of size and range hurts him in coverage

 

HONORABLE MENTION SORTED BY POSITION

  

EDGE	Height	Weight	PFF	Sacks	TFL
Mohamed Kamara-EDGE-Colorado St	6'1"	248	85.9	13	17
Javon Solomon-EDGE-Troy	6'1"	247	90.8	16	18
Gabriel Murphy-EDGE-UCLA	6'2"	247	85.3	8	16
Brennan Jackson-EDGE-WSU	6'4''	264	82.3	8.5	12
Xavier Thomas-EDGE-Clemson	6'2"	244	74.7	3	4
Jalyx Hunt-EDGE-Houston Christian	6'4''	252	83.3	7	11.5
Nelson Ceaser-EDGE-Houston	6'3''	254	73.5	9.5	13.5
Cedric Johnson-EDGE-Ole Miss	6'3''	260	66.7	5.5	6.5
Braiden McGregor-EDGE-Michigan	6'5''	257	74.1	4.5	9.
Javontae Jean Baptiste-EDGE-ND	6'5''	239	82.5	5	10.5
Trajan Jeffcoat-EDGE-Arkansas	6'4"	266	68.3	4	8.5
Khalid Duke-EDGE-Kansas St	6'4''	242	74.2	6	8
Zion Tupuola Fetui-EDGE-WASH	6'3''	244	66.2	3.5	5
Solomon Byrd-EDGE-USC	6'3''	255	81.0	6	11
Eyabi Okie Anoma-EDGE-Charlotte	6'5''	260	71.9	5.5	11.5
Jaylen Harrell-EDGE-Michigan	6'4''	250	77.0	6.5	9
David Ugwoegbu-EDGE-Houston	6'4''	250	65.0	3	6
Grayson Murphy-EDGE-UCLA	6'3"	260	76.6	5	9
Jalen Green-EDGE-James Madison	6'1''	245	84.7	15.5	21

 

INTERIOR	Height	Weight	PFF	Tackles		TFL
Evan Anderson-DL1T-FAU	6'5''	356	79.3	58	5.5
Justin Rogers-DL1T-Auburn	6'3''	330	63.6	17	2
McKinnley Jackson-DL1T-TX A&M	6'2''	326	76.8	27	5.5
Khristian Boyd-DL5T-UNI	6'4''	317	89.0	29	6
Zion Logue-DL3T5T-Georgia	6'6''	314	71.2	17	2.5
Fabien Lovett-DL1T-FSU	6'4''	314	78.0	22	4
Jordan Jefferson-DL3T1T-LSU	6'3''	313	70.5	36	7
Myles Murphy-DL3T1T-UNC	6'4''	309	68.0	24	4.5
DeWayne Carter-DL3T-Duke	6'2"	302	70.0	36	11
Jaden Crumedy-DL3T-Miss St	6'4''	301	68.3	36	3.5
Tyler Davis-DL1T/3T-Clemson	6'2"	301	85.5	34	3.5
Justin Eboigbe-DL5T-Alabama	6'4''	297	78.7	64	11.5
Jowon Briggs-DL3T-Cincinnati	6'2"	297	65.8	44	4.5
Keith Randolph-DL3T-Illinois	6'4''	296	66.2	53	13
Gabe Hall-DL5T-Baylor	6'6''	291	65.4	37	5.5
Marcus Harris-DL3T-Auburn	6'2"	286	82.4	40	11
Logan Lee-DL5T-Iowa	6'5''	291	78.4	54	8
Myles Cole-DL5T/LDE-TX Tech	6'6''	278	64.9	32	6.5
Eric Watts-DL5T-UConn	6'6''	274	76.2	49	10

 

 

 

LINBACKERS	Height	Weight	PFF	Tackles	TFL
Cedric Gray-LB-UNC	6'2''	234	74.0	121	11
Tommy Eichenberg-LB-Ohio St	6'2''	233	61.5	120	12
Marist Liufau-LB-Notre Dame	6'2''	234	74.3	44	6
Ty'Ron Hopper-LB-Mizzou	6'1"	231	51.5	77	13.5
Jaylan Ford-LB-Texas	6'2''	240	67.2	101	10.5
Trevin Wallace-LB-Kentucky	6'1"	237	61.1	80	8.5
Curtis Jacobs-LB-Penn St	6'1"	241	63.9	49	9
Edefuan Ulofoshio-LB-Washington	6'1"	236	79.8	94	8
JD Bertrand-ILB-Notre Dame	6'1"	235	82.4	76	7.5
Nathaniel Watson-LB-Miss St	6'2''	233	72.4	137	13
Tyrice Knight-LB-UTEP	6'1"	233		140	15.5
Jordan Magee-LB-Temple	6'1"	228	87.2	80	14
Michael Barrett-LB-Michigan	5'11''	233	84.3	65	3.5
Jontrey Hunter-LB-Georgia State	6'2''	236	76.9	96	7
Steele Chambers-LB-Ohio St	6'1"	226	63.3	77	6.5
Jackson Sirmon-LB-California	6'2''	235		104	6
Darius Muasau-WLB-UCLA	6'0"	225	81.7	75	10.5
Easton Gibbs-LB-Wyoming	6'0"	232	78.5	121	9
Aaron Casey-LB-Indiana	6'1"	231	63.9	109	20
Omar Speights-LB-LSU	6'1"	235	64.3	70	0
Dallas Gant-LB-Toledo	6'3"	230	87.0	66	116
Eric Gentry-LB-USC	6'6"	215	70.4	46	4