2024 NFL All-Breakout Team, Defense: Steelers, Jags each boast two selections; fear Kayvon Thibodeaux!

After amassing 11.5 sacks in his second season, Thibodeaux could become the next elite pass rusher to flourish in the Big Apple. The 6-foot-5, 258-pounder thrives as a speed rusher off the edge — and now he’s in position to really wreak havoc, lining up across the formation from two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. New York’s blockbuster trade acquisition will command most of the attention as the team’s most established edge rusher, leading to more one-on-one opportunities for Thibodeaux. With second-team All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence also wrecking shop inside, Thibodeaux could post monster numbers in Year 3.

The ultra-talented interior D-lineman flashed serious disruptive potential in a rotational role as a rookie, despite playing on a dysfunctional Eagles defense that lacked an identity. With Vic Fangio taking over the unit, Carter could blossom as a featured playmaker at the point of attack. Whether harassing quarterbacks up the gut or punishing runners attacking the middle, Carter could destroy opponents at the line of scrimmage, especially given the defensive architect’s history with interior playmakers — like Christian Wilkins just last season in Miami. Considering Carter totaled six sacks, nine quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a scoop-and-score touchdown despite logging just one start, the Eagles’ young standout could move into the top-five conversation at his position with a strong sophomore campaign.

The Steelers are known for identifying and developing worker bees on the defensive front. Benton appears to be the next young DT poised to give opponents fits. The 6-4, 309-pounder held his own as a part-time starter for a unit specializing in bully ball in the trenches. As an energetic defender with a non-stop motor and active hands, Benton outworks and outlasts blockers to win battles on critical downs. Though it is easier to win when playing alongside T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, Benton’s disruptive talents could help the Steelers get back to playing championship-caliber football.

The appointment of Jeff Hafley as the Packers’ new defensive coordinator could harness the exceptional talents of Van Ness. A prodigious athlete with innate pass-rush capabilities, the sophomore pro has the potential to become one of the top edge players in the NFC if he continues to develop his playmaking skills, following a strong end to his rookie season. From Week 12 through to the playoffs, Van Ness accumulated five sacks and 15 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, showing promising potential as a relentless chaser. Hafley’s “see ball, get ball” strategy could generate impactful plays, providing the 2023 first-round pick the opportunity to thrive as a game-changer.

Stepping into Patrick Queen‘s role isn’t easy, but this former Clemson standout is ready for the challenge as a “hit, run and chase” defender. Simpson’s speed, quickness and acceleration could make him a star on an aggressive unit that always encourages defenders to play in attack mode. Though he heads into the coming campaign with limited experience, the 2023 third-rounder will benefit from playing beside a heat-seeking missile in Roquan Smith. As opponents attempt to avoid running or throwing at the perennial Pro Bowler, Simpson will have plenty of chances to register “bang-bang” hits and timely takeaways against unsuspecting rushers and pass catchers.

The change in the Jaguars’ scheme under new DC Ryan Nielsen could greatly benefit Lloyd. The third-year professional may return to his position as a SAM linebacker, a role that previously earned him recognition in the 2022 draft class. Lloyd, a distinctive playmaker with a keen instinct, awareness, and pass-rushing abilities, can establish himself as a versatile linebacker. He flourished in a similar role at the University of Utah, earning numerous accolades for his standout performances. Despite the Jaguars being somewhat secretive about Lloyd’s anticipated role, it’s easy to imagine the third-year pro excelling as a DPR (designated pass rusher) leveraging his on and off-ball linebacker skills.

The Patriots potentially secured the NFL’s upcoming superstar with their 17th overall pick in the 2023 draft, on the island. Gonzalez displayed exceptional abilities as a large corner (6-1, 205) with ballet dancer-like agility and flexibility in his rookie season which was cut short due to injury. This agile player excels at covering receivers using a variety of tactics to limit the playing field for the passer and receiver. Moreover, Gonzalez shows remarkable ball handling skills and instincts that could turn him into a turnover specialist in a defense system that might employ more zone coverage to keep more eyes on the action. Given the 22-year-old’s skills, characteristics, and technique, it won’t be long before Gonzalez is recognized as one of the top players on the island.

Perhaps the Chiefs were willing to move on from L’Jarius Sneed due to Williams’ potential as a sticky cover corner in a man-heavy scheme. Since his arrival as a fourth-round pick out of Fayetteville State in 2022, Williams’ growth has raised eyebrows around the league, with scouts and executives appreciating the small-school standout’s game. As an instinctive playmaker with exceptional length, Williams has earned rave reviews for his work as a part-time player in Kansas City’s defensive backfield. He is not afraid of the bright lights and big stage, as evidenced by his play as a young defender on the back-to-back Super Bowl champs. With more opportunities to showcase his talents against elite receivers in the AFC, Williams could emerge as a worthy complement to Trent McDuffie on the perimeter.

The professional athlete in his second year is an unexpected candidate for Pro Bowl honors in 2024, following his impressive performance as the top cornerback in Pittsburgh towards the end of the previous season. Porter’s resilience, determination, and skill set make him a challenging opponent for receivers who do not possess the requisite speed and strength to evade him at the scrimmage line. Despite still refining his skills in one-on-one coverage, Porter’s dominant attitude and unwavering self-assurance could lead him to excel, even without a flawless technique.

The ball-hawking safety lived up to his reputation in Year 1. Brown notched a pair of regular-season interceptions and a postseason pick as a part-time starter who was thrown into the fire following Talanoa Hufanga‘s season-ending injury. The INTs showcased his range and ball skills, adding a dimension to a defensive backfield that feasts on tipped passes and overthrown balls down the field. With the 49ers expected to return to a scheme that places a premium on turnovers, the second-year pro could become a household name as a takeaway specialist on an elite defense.

The professional player in his fourth year has the opportunity to rise as a top-tier defender in a new defensive scheme that matches his aptitude as a ballhawk. Cisco has already recorded seven interceptions in the last two seasons, operating as a center fielder in a system heavily reliant on blitz pressure. However, as a key young talent for the Jaguars, there’s potential for his interception count to surge in his new role as the designated deep-middle defender in a strategic system designed to trick quarterbacks into errors. Cisco is a player with a high intelligence quotient and a knack for the ball; his scope and alertness could be instrumental in sparking a defensive resurgence in Jacksonville.